AD Ports Group has signed a partnership agreement between its digital arm, Maqta Technologies, and the UAE business of BigBear.ai (BBAI), a US-based provider of mission-ready AI for national security.
Announced at the World Customs Organization Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, the collaboration will see the two companies co-develop and deliver advanced digital solutions for customs and border operations to government authorities and port operators worldwide.
Maqta Technologies and BigBear.ai will collaborate on the research, design, development, testing and deployment of digital platforms supporting customs management, border operations and cross-border trade. The partnership also targets international commercial opportunities with customs authorities, government agencies, port operators and global trade stakeholders beyond their home markets.
Through the collaboration, Maqta Technologies contributes its established portfolio of port community systems, national single window platforms, digital customs clearance solutions and trade facilitation technologies, driving greater efficiency, transparency and performance across global logistics value chains.
BigBear.ai contributes deep expertise in AI-driven customs capabilities, including automated image analysis for inspections, integrated risk management and decision-support platforms, and multi-modal border management solutions that enhance security, efficiency and decision-making.
With the integration of artificial intelligence with established digital trade infrastructure, the partnership aims to support customs authorities and trade ecosystems in improving operational efficiency, strengthening border security, reducing processing times, and enabling smarter, more sustainable trade flows.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi MD and Group CEO – AD Ports Group
“Our partnership with BigBear.ai represents a significant step in advancing our AI-driven digital trade and customs solutions. By combining Maqta Technologies’ deep expertise in trade facilitation, port community systems, and customs ecosystems with BigBear.ai’s advanced capabilities in AI and customs, we would be well positioned to deliver next-generation platforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and risk management across global trade and logistics networks.”
Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai and former acting Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said that, “BigBear.ai is delighted to partner with AD Ports Group. They understand the catalytic power of AI from the very top of the organization. They are driving hard to be the market leader in the application of the most advanced AI to support their operators and enhance global trade-flows. This partnership combines BigBear.ai’s extensive domain expertise in AI and customs with AD Ports Group’s global leadership in ports management and logistics. It’s tailor-made to help governments pursue the twin objectives of increasing collections and enhancing security at pace.”
The collaboration aligns with broader objectives to accelerate digital transformation across global trade and logistics networks, enabling greater efficiency, resilience and sustainability in cross-border operations.
