BigBear.ai, a leading provider of mission-ready AI for national security, through its United Arab Emirates business, today announced a strategic partnership with Maqta Technologies, the digital arm of AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of integrated trade, industry, and logistics solutions. The partnership will explore co-development and delivery of advanced customs and border operations solutions to government authorities and port operators worldwide.

Seaborne trade accounts for 70 percent of global commerce by value — roughly $17 trillion annually — requiring ports to handle tens of trillions of dollars in cargo movements each year. With volumes of cargo and travelers moving through ports and across land borders increasing, the new partnership seeks to be a force-multiplier for governments and commercial entities operating in this arena.

Together, the companies aim to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI to reduce friction in global commerce by increasing the speed and accuracy of how goods are processed by operators at ports of entry, in turn enhancing efficiencies and ROI for commercial entities. The goal is to increase efficiency dramatically, improve collections by governments and enhance the rapid and precise detection of human trafficking, narcotics, arms, and other contraband. The parties envision the partnership extending beyond seaborne trade flows, encompassing the evaluation and delivery of innovative solutions for border crossings and other critical cargo movement hubs.

“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,” said Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai.

Mr. McAleenan, who formerly served as Customs and Border Protection Commissioner and acting Secretary of Homeland Security for the U.S. government, continued, “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. After my nearly two decades in U.S. government applying cutting edge technology to facilitate the fast and transparent movement of goods through the global economy, I believe we are on the verge of some game-changing breakthroughs and the UAE is pushing forwards, fast.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: “Our partnership with BigBear.ai represents a significant step in advancing our AI-driven digital trade and customs solutions. By combining the Group’s 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.”

Executives announced the partnership during the World Customs Organization Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The news follows BigBear.ai announcing on December 8, 2025, at the Global AI Show, that it has opened its first regional office in Abu Dhabi and established partnerships in the region with Vigilix and Easy Lease, both owned by International Holding Company. On January 20, 2026, BigBear.ai signed a memorandum of understanding with EDGE Group to evaluate business opportunities regarding AI driven platform solutions to support defense, infrastructure, and national security systems.

Source: BUSINESS WIRE