GulfLink, a new joint venture between AD Ports Group and KTZ Express, is now operational, aiming to boost multimodal connectivity and east–west trade flows across Central Asia.
AD Ports Group and Kazakhstan Railways have officially launched operations of their new joint venture, GulfLink Ltd., positioning it as a key logistics player in the Middle Corridor. The Abu Dhabi-based group holds a 51% stake, while KTZ Express, the freight arm of Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ), owns 49%.
Multimodal expansion across Central Asia
Headquartered in Kazakhstan, GulfLink will deliver new cargo services across Central Asia, linking regional freight networks to Türkiye, Pakistan, the Arabian Gulf and beyond. The company’s services are designed to move cargo along both well-established and emerging trade corridors.
Kazakhstan plays a central role in these plans. With over 70% of freight in the country moving by rail, GulfLink will benefit from KTZ’s access to key arteries across the region. The country’s 16,000-kilometre rail network connects China to Europe, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
Corridor focus: building a commercial east–west route
Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO at AD Ports Group, stated that GulfLink is part of a broader UAE strategy to transform the Middle Corridor into a commercially viable logistics route between Asia and Europe. “We are pleased to announce the commencement of operations for our GulfLink joint venture with KTZ Express in Kazakhstan, one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing economies,” he said.
According to KTZ Express General Director Damir Kozhakhmetov, the joint venture combines AD Ports Group’s international reach with KTZ’s regional expertise. He said GulfLink would deliver a “new level of unique, end-to-end connectivity for Kazakhstan regionally and globally,” helping to expand trade flows and develop logistics infrastructure.
GulfLink CEO Kamal Huseynov added that the company will offer more than transit services. “We will bring value added to customers through our relationships, the logistics resources of our shareholders, and our commitment to efficiency, innovation, seamless supply chains and optimised trade.”
Broader investment across the region
The joint venture supports AD Ports Group’s broader strategy in Central Asia. In Kazakhstan alone, the company has committed 775 million US dollars in logistics investments. These include plans to develop a grain terminal and a multipurpose terminal at Kuryk Port on the Caspian Sea.
AD Ports has also partnered with KazMorTransFlot to operate shipping services in the Caspian and Black seas, and is developing a logistics and food trading hub in Uzbekistan.
These projects are part of the group’s efforts to strengthen the Middle Corridor as a resilient, multimodal route capable of competing with both northern rail corridors and traditional maritime options.