Today in Riga, at the premises of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA), a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Abu Dhabi-based, listed global ports and logistics company AD Ports Group and the Freeport of Riga Authority. This marks a new phase of cooperation in port development, logistics, industrial projects, and digital solutions. AD Ports Group is one of the fastest-growing infrastructure operators in the Middle East with a significant international presence.
Minister of Economics, Viktors Valainis:
"I am pleased that my visit to the United Arab Emirates in the autumn and the meeting with the management of AD Ports Group are already yielding practical results. At that time, we discussed in detail the development potential of the Port of Riga, investment opportunities, and Latvia's role in regional logistics chains. Today’s signed memorandum confirms that this dialogue has evolved into a concrete cooperation framework."
The signing ceremony was attended by the Minister of Economics of the Republic of Latvia, Viktors Valainis, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, as well as representatives from the Freeport of Riga Authority, LIAA, port companies, management teams from both sides, and representatives of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates.
Economic Cooperation with a Global Infrastructure Company
AD Ports Group is one of the leading port and logistics companies in the Middle East, having expanded rapidly on an international scale in recent years to become an integrated infrastructure operator. The company is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), operates in more than 50 countries, and manages ports, industrial zones, logistics networks, and digital solutions within a unified system.
According to AD Ports Group's 2025 financial results, the company's revenue reached €4.8 billion per year, while total assets reached approximately €16 billion, demonstrating its significant investment capacity and vital role in global supply chains.
Abdulaziz Zayed Al Shamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group:
"The signed Memorandum of Understanding with the Freeport of Riga Authority marks a significant step in evaluating opportunities in the Baltic region, which serves as a strategically important trade gateway to Northern Europe. Latvia's strong position in the maritime industry, ambitious industrial development plans, and increasingly close economic cooperation with the United Arab Emirates provide a solid foundation for a long-term partnership. Within this cooperation, we will assess how AD Ports Group’s integrated competencies and experience can help develop efficient, future-ready trade and logistics infrastructure, creating sustainable added value for both parties."
During their visit to Latvia, company representatives were briefed on the development projects of the Port of Riga, the potential of the port’s territories, and opportunities for long-term cooperation in the development of industrial and logistics projects.
Cooperation Focused on Practical Development Projects
The signed memorandum provides for joint work on specific development directions within the Port of Riga territory, including:
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Cooperation, investment, and port infrastructure development, including the progress of a new Ro-Ro and cruise ship passenger terminal project;
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Promotion of the Kundziņsala industrial zone and the development of a wind technology manufacturing complex;
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Development of the potential of the Spilve Industrial Park territory;
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Modernization of port digital systems and implementation of unified data solutions, including cooperation on Port Community Systems, Maritime Single Window, and digital customs solutions;
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Identification and feasibility studies of new investment projects.
The MoU stipulates the establishment of a joint working group and the involvement of experts who will further work on the development directions, technical research, and evaluation of investment models for these projects.
Sandis Šteins, Chairman of the Board of the Freeport of Riga:
"We highly value the global experience and knowledge AD Ports Group has gained in port management, special economic zone logistics, digitalization, and project management, as well as their work within the sea cruise segment. We see significant potential for growth and knowledge transfer in this cooperation, which will help the Port of Riga attract new investments, strengthen services, increase the number of vessels and passengers entering the port, and enhance our overall position in the region."
In recent years, the Port of Riga has been purposefully changing its business model. Moving from classic port management toward an integrated logistics and investment development platform, the Port of Riga is working on the development of industrial territories with high value-added services. This cooperation aligns with the port's overall development course, increasing its competitiveness and investment attractiveness.
An Investment Signal for the Region
Laura Štrovalde, Deputy Director of LIAA for Investment Attraction and Business Development:
"Cooperation of this level means significantly more for Latvia than just the start of a single project. It is a clear signal to the international investor community that Latvia is capable of attracting global-scale companies with substantial investment capacity and developing long-term partnerships with them. The commencement of talks regarding development projects in Riga by AD Ports Group—an international player with multi-billion euro annual revenues—significantly strengthens our investment environment. LIAA is working purposefully to ensure such collaborations turn into concrete investment projects that promote national economic growth, create new jobs, and increase Latvia's competitiveness in the region."
As part of the visit to Latvia, the AD Ports Group management team also met today with Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, visited the Port of Riga, and familiarized themselves with its industrial development plans in Kundziņsala and Spilve, as well as the upcoming passenger terminal project in Eksportosta.
Photo Gallery: Representatives of the Port of Abu Dhabi in Riga
