AD Ports Group has agreed a partnership between Maqta Technologies, its digital arm, and the UAE business of BigBear.ai, a US-based AI company specialising in national security and border operations.
The agreement was signed at the World Customs Organization Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi.
It sets out a framework for the joint development and delivery of digital platforms for customs and border authorities, as well as port operators, across international markets.
The two companies will work together on research, design, testing and deployment of systems covering customs management, border control and cross-border trade.
The partnership also targets commercial opportunities beyond the UAE and the US, working with governments, customs agencies, ports and trade stakeholders worldwide.
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Maqta Technologies brings a mature suite of port community systems, national single window platforms, digital customs clearance tools and trade facilitation technologies already used by authorities to streamline regulation, improve transparency and raise performance across logistics networks.
BigBear.ai contributes AI capabilities focused on customs and border operations, including automated image analysis for inspections, integrated risk and decision-support systems, and multi-modal border management solutions.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said the partnership reflects a clear focus on practical outcomes: “By combining Maqta’s experience in customs and trade systems with BigBear.ai’s AI capabilities, we can build platforms that materially improve efficiency, transparency and risk management for authorities operating at scale.”
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Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai and former Acting US Secretary of Homeland Security, stated: “AD Ports Group understands how to apply AI where it actually counts. This partnership brings together deep operational knowledge of ports and trade with AI built for real-world customs and border challenges. It is designed to help governments strengthen security while moving goods faster and more transparently.”
By integrating AI into established digital trade infrastructure, the partnership is aimed at reducing processing times, improving operational performance and supporting more secure, resilient and sustainable global trade flows.
For more information:
AD Ports Group – https://www.adportsgroup.com/en
