UAE EPC firm NMDC, AD Ports form JV to offer offshore surveys and subsea services

Safeen Surveys and Subsea Services, as the new joint venture is to be called, will provide offshore surveys. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 June 2022
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UAE EPC firm NMDC, AD Ports form JV to offer offshore surveys and subsea services

DUBAI: UAE’s National Marine Dredging Group and AD Ports Group have entered into an agreement to establish a joint venture company that will conduct offshore surveys and subsea services in the region. 

Safeen Surveys and Subsea Services, as the new joint venture is to be called, will provide offshore surveys, both geophysical and geotechnical, trenching services, and dredging support in the UAE, across the Gulf Cooperation Council as well as in selected international markets, a press release said.

Aside from providing integrated subsea services, the new company will offer unmanned inspection vessels, remotely operated vehicles, and customized, cost-effective and innovative solutions for offshore oil and gas operations and renewable energy, it said in the press release.

NMDC is one of the leading contractors in the field of engineering, procurement, construction, and marine dredging in the Middle East, while Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange-listed AD Ports handles 10 ports and terminals, and more than 550 square kilometers of economic zones within KIZAD.

AD Ports Group Managing Director and group CEO Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi said: “With this agreement in hand and the new joint company rising to meet the needs of the oil & gas and renewable energy sectors, Safeen Surveys and Subsea Services will deliver exceptional experience and expertise in the marine and diving services for our UAE clients to take advantage of.”

Safeen will operate in the UAE, GCC, and globally where AD Ports Group and NMDC maintain operations. 

“By combining our expertise with our long-term partner, AD Ports Group, the new company will offer the most advanced and innovative offshore surveys and diving solutions to different types of environments and across wider geographies,” National Marine Dredging Group CEO Yasser Zaghloul said.  

The company revealed that it will target google markets such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Taiwan, Sudan, Iraq, Mauritania, Mauritius, Guinea, Pakistan, and Western India.


Islamic banks’ market share in Turkiye rises to 9.2%: Fitch Ratings

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Islamic banks’ market share in Turkiye rises to 9.2%: Fitch Ratings

RIYADH: Islamic banks in Turkiye lifted their asset market share to 9.2 percent in 2025 from 8.1 percent a year earlier, as financing and deposits outpaced the broader banking sector, a new analysis showed. 

In its latest report, Fitch Ratings said financing and deposit market shares rose to 7.9 percent and 10.4 percent, respectively, by the end of 2025, compared with 7.3 percent and 9.4 percent in 2024.

The agency noted that new digital Islamic banks are emerging in the country, with investment from Gulf Cooperation Council countries expected to continue. 

Turkiye’s strong ties with Islamic countries across the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East support the development of its Islamic banking sector, attracting investors and contributing to the industry’s growth.

In its latest report, Fitch stated: “Three recently established private Islamic banks (two digital) grew rapidly in the first nine months of 2025. Investment in digital participation banking from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries underscores the potential for further investment from the region.” 

It added: “Planned establishment of new participation banks, and rapid growth of recently established banks – albeit from small bases – means that the segment landscape may be reshaped in 2026.” 

Dubai Islamic Bank PJSC’s investment in digital bank TOM underscores the potential for further GCC investment. 

Turkish regulators have approved the establishment of Halk Katilim Bankasi A.S. and Adil Katilim Bankasi A.S. (digital), while BIM Birlesik Magazalar A.S.’s application is pending. 

Fitch added that state-owned participation banks may merge or pursue initial public offerings, potentially reshaping the banking landscape. 

The report predicts Islamic banks’ market share will rise further in 2026, supported by strong internal capital generation and growth appetite. However, the non-performing financing ratio may increase moderately due to high inflows. 

“The segment’s non-performing financings ratio deteriorated to 2 percent at end-2025 compared to 1.2 percent in 2024 but remained below the sector average of 2.5 percent,” said Fitch. 

It added: “We expect pressure to persist given still-high financing rates, high but declining inflation, and the sensitivity of unsecured retail (lower share than conventional banks) and SME segments to economic cycles. We forecast a moderate increase in the segment NPF ratio in 2026.”