Insights
Industry highlights & insights
Analysis of the air passenger market in Dubai during the Gulf conflict.
April 2026
The ongoing conflict in the Gulf has severely disrupted air passenger markets across the Middle East. Airspace restrictions, coupled with route cancellations from Western carriers, are constraining connectivity across hubs in the Gulf. A common uncertainty is whether the disruptions will translate into structural long-term impact or remain as temporary capacity shocks.
Dubai’s aviation system is entering a phase reminiscent of early COVID dynamics: a supply-driven shock, highly dependent on external factors. However, underlying demand fundamentals remain intact, indicating a more resilient recovery path, provided that targeted contingency measures are implemented to reinstate airline and network confidence.
In our latest publication, we explore the scale of the disruption across Dubai’s airport ecosystem, examine similarities with the pandemic downfall and outline potential recovery scenarios.
Muscat Airport as a resilience hub for Middle East Aviation during the current conflict.
March 2026
Regional tensions in the Middle East in March 2026 triggered significant disruption across the Gulf aviation network, forcing airlines and passengers to rapidly adapt their routing strategies. During the first days of the crisis, Muscat International Airport emerged as an important alternative gateway while several major Gulf hubs experienced severe operational disruption.
This analysis examines the aviation dynamics observed during the first days of the conflict. It quantifies the scale of disruption across major Gulf hubs and highlights how Muscat absorbed diverted traffic, temporarily supporting regional aviation connectivity.
Venezuela’s container market: Key challenges and opportunities
January 2026
For many years, Venezuela has not been considered an attractive destination for investment by stakeholders in the maritime sector due to macroeconomic and political instability. Combined with other factors, this situation has negatively affected the performance of container facilities, which now face significant infrastructure, equipment, and operational challenges.
Recent developments, however, could open the door to a shift in this dynamic, creating attractive opportunities for investors with experience in emerging markets and business turnarounds.
Challenges, opportunities and learnings in the set-up of in-house consulting firms
November 2025
Large corporations are increasingly interested in setting up their own in-house consulting firm, as it enables them to internalize the development of strategic projects to ensure confidentiality, capture additional revenue sources when selling to other parties, and keep and nurture unique and niche capabilities.
In October 2023, when we founded Alhambra Advisors as an independent boutique consulting firm, we faced multiple challenges and headwinds. 2 years after, the company is enjoying a robust market position in a challenging and competitive sector, having beaten its most optimistic forecasts, and having acquired crucial learnings in the set-up of consulting firms that we used to help our customers walk the road of creating their own firm.
In this document we share our thoughts on the challenges that corporations setting their own in-house consulting firms expect to face, and the recommendations to ensure a successful process.
Public Transport and PPP’s in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
October 2025
The “Public Transport and PPPs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” report by Alhambra Advisors provides a comprehensive analysis of the Kingdom’s public transport ecosystem and the increasing role of PPPs in advancing it. It reviews the current state of public transport, outlines how PPPs are structured and implemented, identifies potential opportunities for investors, and highlights the key success factors for sustainable partnerships in the sector.
Enabling SAF: Infrastructure, Policy, and Commercial Pathways
September 2025
The paper “Turning Net-Zero Ambitions into Reality” by Alhambra Infrastructure Advisors examines the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as the aviation sector’s most viable near-term lever to reduce emissions. It highlights the urgency for airlines to secure cost-effective supply as mandates accelerate worldwide, while addressing challenges of high costs, supply bottlenecks, and technology uncertainty. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of building robust SAF strategies—mapping regulatory exposure, securing early offtake agreements, and integrating operational systems—to balance climate commitments with financial performance and competitive advantage.
How can port operators materialize their decarbonization targets?
June 2025
This paper provides an in‑depth look at the role ports can play in achieving global net‑zero emissions. Major port operators have already set ambitious decarbonization targets, and a wide range of measures — from equipment electrification to cleaner fuels and enhanced energy efficiency — are available to help them get there. Yet every port is unique, with its own operational, financial, and competitive context.
The paper explores key considerations and actionable strategies for selecting the right mix of measures. It highlights case studies like APM Terminals and guides in creating tailored action plans and decarbonization pathways that meet the set ambitious climate objectives — while safeguarding competitive positioning and financial performance.
Addressing the challenges of Saudi Arabia in general aviation
February 2025
The article «Saudi Arabia: Addressing Challenges in General Aviation» by Alhambra examines key gaps in Saudi Arabia’s general aviation sector and explores potential enablers for growth in line with the Kingdom’s General Aviation Strategy 2030. It highlights the importance of lifting regulatory roadblocks, enhancing airspace access, strengthening MRO capabilities, building a skilled workforce, and developing tailored infrastructure. Additionally, the article underscores the need for future adaptability of general aviation infrastructure and airspace management to accommodate Advanced Air Mobility operations.
Strategic Planning and Design for Rail Freight Stations
April 2025
Railway intermodal facilities are witnessing a remarkable evolution. Once functioning merely as freight handling yards, these facilities are now transforming into sophisticated logistics hubs. They are an essential driver to expand the hinterland reach of seaports and facilitate seamless modal transitions, addressing the rising demand for high-capacity, end-to-end freight corridors.
This article emphasizes the importance of adopting a strategic approach during the planning phase. It highlights the need to balance immediate market requirements with long-term goals while creating opportunities for private sector involvement. This comprehensive approach is crucial to ensuring sustainable growth and operational efficiency in the logistics ecosystem.
Red Sea Crisis – One year of conflict: Impacts, outcomes and the way forward
January 2025
The «Red Sea Crisis – One year of conflict: Impacts, outcomes and the way forward» report by Alhambra provides a description of the impacts of the Red Sea crisis in the supply chain, ports and shipping lines more than one year after its start. This document also tries to describe the future scenarios that will be driven by the change in the USA administration and the peace agreement in Gaza.