Abu Dhabi Airports has announced a strategic joint venture with Jingdong Property (JDP), the infrastructure arm of global e-commerce leader JD, to develop and operate advanced logistics facilities within the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone.

The strategic partnership will see the construction of two state-of-the-art warehouses, bonded and non-bonded, spanning a total gross floor area of over 70,000 sqm at the ADAFZ Logistics Park, marking JDP’s first development project in the UAE. 

The infrastructure investment is set to enhance cross-border e-commerce capabilities and strengthen e-commerce and specialised cargo logistics throughout the GCC and broader Mena region, it stated.

Elena Sorlini, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "This joint venture aligns seamlessly with Abu Dhabi's vision of becoming a global trade and logistics hub. By combining JDP's expertise in cutting-edge logistics infrastructure with our strategic location and capabilities, we are creating a dynamic ecosystem that will attract investment, create growth opportunities, and reinforce Abu Dhabi's role in global supply chains."

JD.com, ranked 47th on the Fortune Global 500 and listed on Nasdaq, has rapidly become a major player in global e-commerce. 

JD Property, established in 2012, is JD.com's dedicated infrastructure arm, with a portfolio of over 50 infrastructure projects across nine countries outside of China.

"We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports to jointly develop high-standard warehouse projects at the ADAFZ Logistics Park," remarked Cao Dong, the Chief Executive Officer of JDP.

"This signing marks an important milestone for both sides, and we highly value the trust and support from our partner. We have great respect for the UAE market and are committed to bringing our expertise and resources to support the country’s logistics infrastructure development and e-commerce capabilities," he stated. 

"Looking ahead, we are eager to deepen our collaboration, increase our investment, and work together towards long-term, mutually beneficial growth," he added.

Abu Dhabi Airports said the new facility will leverage the strategic proximity to airport facilities and transport infrastructure to support multimodal logistics, boosting the region’s remarkable expansion in the e-commerce industry.

As a muti-sector free zone, ADAFZ offers a tailored-made commercial environment that attracts diversified private-sector investments. 

The joint venture is expected to drive significant mutual benefits, advancing Abu Dhabi's logistics sector and the Emirate’s broader economic diversification ambitions, it added.-