ABU DHABI
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
AD Ports Group, a global enabler of integrated trade, industry, and logistics solutions, has announced a partnership between its digital arm, Maqta Technologies, and the UAE business of BigBear.ai, a US-headquartered provider of mission-ready artificial intelligence for national security.
The agreement was unveiled during the World Customs Organization Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi. Under the partnership, the two companies will jointly explore the co-development and delivery of advanced digital platforms for customs and border operations, targeting government authorities and port operators worldwide.
Maqta Technologies and BigBear.ai will collaborate on research, design, development, testing, and deployment of digital solutions supporting customs management, border operations, and cross-border trade. The scope also includes pursuing international commercial opportunities with customs authorities, government agencies, port operators, and global trade stakeholders beyond their respective home markets.
Maqta Technologies contributes a mature portfolio of port community systems, national single window platforms, digital customs clearance systems, and trade facilitation technologies. These capabilities enable more efficient regulatory processes, improved transparency, and stronger performance across global logistics value chains.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said the partnership represents a significant step in advancing AI-driven digital trade and customs solutions. By combining Maqta Technologies’ expertise in trade facilitation and customs ecosystems with BigBear.ai’s advanced AI capabilities, the collaboration is positioned to deliver next-generation platforms that enhance efficiency, transparency, and risk management across global trade and logistics networks.
BigBear.ai brings extensive experience in AI-powered customs applications, including automated image analysis for inspections, integrated risk management and decision-support platforms, and multi-modal border management systems designed to strengthen security and operational performance.
Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai and former Acting Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, said the company is pleased to partner with AD Ports Group, highlighting the group’s leadership in applying advanced AI across ports and logistics. He noted that the collaboration combines BigBear.ai’s domain expertise in AI and customs with AD Ports Group’s global position in ports management, supporting government objectives of improving revenue collection and enhancing security.
