AD Ports Group reported its strongest quarterly financial performance on record in the second quarter of 2026, with net profit surging 88% year-on-year to AED 836 million, despite significant disruption to regional shipping and port activity caused by the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz.
Group revenue increased 47% to AED 7.08 billion, while EBITDA climbed 49% to AED 1.74 billion. The company said growth across its Maritime & Shipping, Economic Cities & Free Zones and Logistics businesses helped offset weaker volumes at its UAE ports.
The Maritime & Shipping business was a major contributor, with revenue rising 62% to AED 3.82 billion and EBITDA increasing 79% to AED 1.03 billion. Higher freight rates, particularly on Gulf and Indian Subcontinent services, helped compensate for lower container feeder volumes.
The group’s UAE ports business faced considerable pressure during the quarter. Container throughput fell 65% year-on-year to 573,000 TEUs, while bulk and general cargo volumes declined 67% to 3.1 million tonnes as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz affected normal trade flows.
AD Ports responded by rerouting cargo and feeder services through Fujairah Terminals and Khor Fakkan Port, which are located outside the Strait of Hormuz. The company also expanded alternative road, rail and air connections and added warehousing capacity to maintain supply-chain continuity.
During the quarter, the group deployed 27 container vessels and five bulk carriers on alternative trade corridors linking the UAE with India, Pakistan, Oman, the Red Sea and the Upper Arabian Gulf. It also added 400 trucks and increased rail service frequencies with Etihad Rail.
The Economic Cities & Free Zones cluster also delivered strong growth, with revenue jumping 132% to AED 1.29 billion, supported partly by a AED 650 million warehouse sale. Logistics revenue increased 30% to AED 1.47 billion, while its EBITDA rose 154% to AED 94 million.
AD Ports said the results demonstrate the resilience of its diversified business model and its ability to adapt operations during periods of geopolitical and market volatility. The company continues to develop alternative trade routes as regional shipping conditions remain uncertain.
The strong quarterly performance highlights the importance of diversification and multimodal connectivity in maintaining cargo flows during major disruptions, while reinforcing AD Ports Group’s position as a key logistics and maritime operator in the Gulf and wider regional trade network.