Qatar Navigation Q.P.S.C. ("Milaha"), the industry-leading provider of maritime and logistics solutions, has announced the signing of joint strategic memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with both NEXX and KEC (Hong Kong) (“KEC”), marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to digital transformation and operational excellence in logistics, while equipping the company to capitalise on the sizeable growth in cross-border e-commerce.
Mr. Fahad bin Saad Al-Qahtani, GCEO of Milaha, stated, "Our partnerships with NEXX and KEC mark a significant step in Milaha’s transformation journey. By combining NEXX’s advanced AI and automation technologies with KEC’s extensive cross-border e-commerce expertise, we are unlocking powerful synergies that will enhance our logistics capabilities, expand our global reach, and strengthen Qatar’s position as a regional and international logistics hub. These MoUs reflect our commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and supporting the national vision for economic diversification."
The MoU with NEXX focuses on deploying advanced AI-driven automation technologies at Milaha Logistics City (MLC). This partnership will support Milaha’s transition toward semi- and fully automated warehousing operations, particularly in the areas of picking, sorting, forecasting, and order fulfilment. The adoption of NEXX’s mature AI solutions will enhance operational efficiency, predictive inventory planning, order accuracy, and staff productivity, paving the way for a smart, scalable, and future-ready logistics model.
Frankie Choy, Managing Director of KEC, said:"The e-commerce market in the MENA region is experiencing massive growth and the demand for cross-border e-commerce logistics and last-mile delivery is enormous. With KEC’s extensive presence and experience in the cross-border e-commerce market globally, we are well-equipped to tap the growing demand and collaborate with Milaha and NEXX to capitalize on growth in the region. The automation and AI application in our joint solutions will empower us to provide top notch services to our customers”.
The MoU with KEC aims to develop logistics corridors connecting China, Europe, and the MENA region, positioning Qatar as a central hub for fulfilment and cross-border distribution. The collaboration is poised to leverage KEC’s e-commerce expertise and bring on board KEC’s diverse customer base to capture the opportunities in the growing global e-commerce market.
As part of the partnership, Milaha and NEXX will also work toward building a dual supply chain hub linking Doha and Hong Kong, strengthening Qatar’s integration into global e-commerce networks. Key innovations from this collaboration include AI-powered warehouse automation, productivity and safety management systems, and infrastructure enhancements to support bonded, pharmaceutical, and cold storage operations.
Oscar Hui, CEO of NEXX, commented:"The establishment of a smart fulfillment center in Milaha Logistics City is set to transform the technological landscape of the region’s logistics sector. Through this collaboration, we have seamlessly integrated cutting-edge AI, first-class logistics services, and a robust commercial flow from China into a unified solution, ensuring the delivery of premium, customer-centric services.”
By addressing current gaps in automation, optimizing space utilization—particularly in bonded and cold storage areas—and expanding cross-border e-commerce enablement, Milaha continues to diversify its logistics portfolio across high-growth verticals. This approach reinforces its leadership in the sector and aligns with the country’s efforts to support the Belt and Road Initiative and achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.