Power 25 2022: Eng. Abdulrahman, Salim Al Hatmi Group CEO of Asyad Group, Ranks 3

Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi is the Group CEO of ASYAD, Oman’s flagship logistics and supply chain group, offering end-to-end solutions from ports, free zones, maritime shipping and last-mile express delivery.

Al Hatmi is a logistics pioneer and a business-growth leader; building startups, establishing competitive businesses and advancing homegrown companies to become global brands.

Al Hatmi was a key player in the development of Oman’s National Logistics Strategy 2040—now overseeing its implementation and spearheading the sector’s economic growth through his current role.

He led the inception of ASYAD Group, consisting of 16 companies and spanning three major Ports with their associated Freezones, as well as Oman Shipping, Oman Post, Oman Dry Dock and Transport companies including Oman Rail, the latter was established by Al Hatmi to direct and manage the development of the GCC and national rail project in Oman.

Asyad Group has already positioned itself as an integrated logistics solutions provider and a logistics hub in the Middle East and North Africa region, but now, it is investing in research and development in order to employ big data and emerging technologies to develop sustainable solutions and future-proof a more resilient global supply chain.

“We see ourselves as a logistics frontrunner in the region in terms of integrating solutions, whether it be shipping, land, or air solutions, and of course, free zone offerings to provide customer with a unique proposition that serves their purpose,” says Al Hatmi.

Al Hatmi explains that he is taking the lead on the technology front in a hope to offer fit-for-purpose solutions to customers and the economy. “We want to couple technological offerings with a cost benefit analysis to help the economy in terms of employment,” he says, adding how technology can help overcome cultural obstacles.

“For example, working on logistics jobs wasn’t attractive for young people. We then automated the cranes, which are now operated through a control centre. Now, these jobs have become very popular with the locals. It’s a slightly uplifted job that is intellectually challenging. This is a very good example of technology enabling jobs.”

The company is also focusing on employing robotics at fulfilment centres and last mile delivery. “We’re looking at blockchain technology and unified trading solutions where all customers and service providers can access a single platform to meet their needs,” Al Hatmi notes. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area of interest for Asyad Group.

It hopes to use AI to provide commercial information to its teams. “We’re looking at all sorts of technologies that can be put together and hopefully provide a great product, which is a standout solution to our customers and our employees,” he adds.

Apart from technologically enabling itself, Asyad Group is looking to become a global player by first tapping into the Indian subcontinent and Africa. “We need to expand our targeted markets beyond the GCC,” Al Hatmi explains. “We need to tap bigger markets. We all know that logistics is a very tough business with small profit margins. Therefore, we need to deal with larger volumes to scale up the business.”