They are equipped to ensure:

• The safety of operations,
• The protection of your belongings,
• The quality of service you expect from AGS.

We know that uncertainty can be a source of concern for you, your teams, your families, and your activities. Our staff on the ground are ready to answer your questions and support you, with renewed attention to your safety, your peace of mind, and the continuity of your business.

Please see their contact details below.

Understanding the current situation

The region is experiencing a period of instability that requires certain logistical adjustments. As of today:

• Air connections remain open in Dubai and Abu Dhabi,
• while other countries are experiencing temporary suspensions depending on local developments.
• Oman plays a key role as a stable logistics hub, where we have our own warehouse, allowing us to receive, store, and redistribute goods across the Gulf.

We are monitoring the situation very closely to adapt our solutions, always with the objective of providing you with the smoothest possible continuity.

Concrete measures implemented to support you

Strengthening our logistics and storage capacities

• Additional capacity secured in our regional warehouses.
• Temporary storage solutions for families who may need to leave their country of residence quickly.

Continuity of operations & alternative solutions

• Maintenance of all our operations on the ground, including VIRTUAL SURVEYS to assist you quickly, efficiently, and safely.
• Daily monitoring of our teams to provide continuous visibility.
• Activation of alternative plans via Oman when necessary, to ensure the safe transfer of your belongings.

Adapted insurance solutions and enhanced support

• Possibility of subscribing to an additional “war risk” insurance through a dedicated quotation, to strengthen your level of protection according to your situation.
• Possibility for us to handle administrative tasks (for example: lease termination, bank account closure, etc.)

Clear information & reinforced coordination

• Implementation of daily operational reporting to guarantee reliable and up-to-date information.
• Continuous coordination among all our Gulf teams to streamline every step.

We are here to listen and support you

We understand that every person, every family, and every organisation is experiencing this period differently. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual contacts or our local teams: we are here to listen, tailor our solutions to your needs, and support you with care and understanding.

AGS United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai)
Ashley LUFF
+971 52 207 3165
ashley.luff@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Bahrain
Muzamil MOHAMED
+973 3200 1943
muzamil.mohamed@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Kuwait
Faizi ALI
+965 6641 8972
faizi.ali@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Oman
Marcus MAGUIRE
+968 9514 0934
marcus.maguire@ags-globalsolutions.com

AGS Qatar
Walid OMAR
+974 4038 4540
walid.omar@ags-globalsolutions.com

A pillar of support in need of help

The Christine Revell Children’s Home in Athlone, Cape Town, has been a safe haven for children under five for over 60 years. It cares for those who have been abandoned, neglected, or removed from unsafe situations, providing accommodation for up to 50 children, including newborns. Receiving only a small government subsidy per child every month, it relies heavily on donations to cover its operational expenses.

When the Africa Desk team asked how they could help, the home shared a list of its most urgent requirements: baby formula, children’s clothing, food, and toiletries. The team quickly mobilised, personally collecting and donating over 500 kilograms of essential items, children’s books, toys, and baby care products.

The start of an impactful partnership

Having delivered the provisions in person, they stayed to visit the children and their caregivers. Seeing firsthand the dedication required to care for infants and toddlers left a lasting impression. And the Africa Desk team has already planned another donation drive for next year, with the goal of building a long-term, meaningful partnership with the home.

This initiative aligns with AGS’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility, which focuses on providing emergency aid and supporting projects that promote education, early childhood development, and environmental conservation.

To learn more about how AGS offices around the world are supporting their local communities, download the latest sustainability report from AGS’s parent company, the Mobilitas Group.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by AGS WORLDWIDE MOVERS (@agsmovers)

Desiccants and dry-poles

Monsoon weather produces a lot of humidity and condensation. These conditions can cause irreparable damage to your belongings by saturating them with moisture, creating the ideal environment for mould and rot.

By adding desiccant sachets and installing dry-pole bags in enclosed spaces, like secure storage units and shipping containers, a reputable moving company will keep your goods dry.

Additionally, they should regularly inspect their storage facilities for adequate sealing and weatherproofing.

Utilising covered trolleys

Humidity, condensation and driving rain can find a way in through the smallest opening. Therefore, moving trolleys must be covered both when empty and when carrying a load, and containers and boxes must also be adequately sealed.

This ensures continuous protection from the moment items are packed to the moment they reach their intended destination.

Moving companies properly equipped to deal with monsoon and typhoon weather conditions will have these protocols in place.

Emergency stop protocols

Monsoons can escalate very quickly, and a reputable moving company will have a measurable point at which to halt operations when conditions get too severe, with clear guidelines on the maximum acceptable rainfall, wind speeds, and lightning strikes.

This not only reduces the risk of your belongings being damaged, it also keeps the moving crew safe and extends the lifespan of the moving equipment.

Climate-controlled storage

Climate controlled storage keeps your belongings safe from moisture damage by removing humidity and maintaining a consistent temperature.  Moving companies offering this service will also typically have backup power supply to ensure that, even in the event of a power outage, they can maintain optimal storage conditions.

This is worth keeping in mind if you’re moving during the monsoon, as road closures and infrastructure damage could delay the delivery of your shipment and your belongings would need to be stored until access was restored.

Weather monitoring

Moving companies need a thorough understanding of monsoon weather conditions to ensure their operations run as smoothly as possible. Weather monitoring platforms allow them to plan when a move will begin, end, and pause if necessary.

They can also create contingency plans based on weather patterns, making the move safer for both cargo and crew.

These platforms also help reputable movers manage customer expectations by alerting them to weather-related delays. By sharing updates promptly, they stay transparent and minimise any impact on the customer experience.

Designated drop-off zones

Reputable movers rely on drop-off zones when packing (or delivering) your belongings. The packing crew will “drop off” your furniture and boxes in a designated indoor area for collection by the crew members working outside to load the moving truck.

By working in relay, they ensure your floors stay as dry as possible. Not only does this reduce the risk of damage to your property, it prevents them from slipping and falling on wet floors.

Moving in Monsoon Season? Choose AGS Movers!

Whether you’re moving to or within Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Wuhan, our team of professionals will ensure a stress-free, seamless moving experience for you and your loved ones no matter the weather!

Haiti’s operational environment is unlike any other. In addition to grappling with a prolonged security crisis, the country was recently hit by Hurricane Melissa. The category-five storm caused significant damage in some southern departments, demonstrating the vulnerability of the region.

In these conditions, the AGS Haiti team leverages crisis management skills to ensure operational continuity, not only storing client’s belongings and documents, but guaranteeing their integrity at every stage.

Alain DOUAFLI, Director of AGS Haiti, emphasises:

“Our priority is to ensure that every operation runs as smoothly as possible. We adapt our procedures to the local conditions to ensure the security of goods and data and the satisfaction of our customers.”

Local leadership: a presence that makes a difference

Despite Haiti’s many challenges, AGS has not chosen to withdraw or reduce its operations. On the contrary, Alain Douafli has made his presence even more visible, personally carrying out all surveys and project assessments, even in the most demanding situations. It’s an approach rooted in a clear professional philosophy: “I believe that my place is alongside my team, especially when we visit high-risk areas.”

This demonstration of managerial courage is also an intelligent and effective business strategy. Clients who meet the director on the ground receive a powerful message: AGS’s commitment is more than a written promise, it is demonstrated through action.

For the Haiti team, Alain Douafli’s visibility carries even greater weight. “My presence signals that I’m taking the same risks they are.” This solidarity builds a strong foundation of unity and trust, and a team that trusts its leadership is a team that maintains the highest standards.

Professionalism and a constant commitment to customer service

The Haiti team remains organised, responsive, and committed despite their challenging environment, working to the highest standards to ensure that every survey, every move, every relocation, and every records management operation remains reliable and secure.

Demonstrating courage and determination every day, they ensure that both their local and international clients are satisfied. ‘We do everything we can to be an unfailing partner to our clients, even in trying conditions,’ emphasises Alain DOUAFLI.

Solid expertise and operational excellence

Amid the ongoing challenges, AGS Haiti continues to prioritise professionalism, rigour and security. The staff’s solidarity and dedication, combined with secure facilities, allow the branch to offer uninterrupted service for every customer need.

“I am proud of my team. Our commitment goes beyond the services we provide: it is about trust, responsibility and supporting our clients through every transition,” concludes Alain DOUAFLI.

As a steady, secure, and reliable partner for every customer, AGS Haiti proves that operational excellence and mutual support are core to its values, even in the toughest conditions.

To find out more about our services in Haiti and the Caribbean, contact our local teams!

The initial objective was clear: to dispatch and help install the hotel’s fixtures, furniture and equipment (FF&E). But construction delays, caused by social and political challenges, meant installation had to begin before the building was complete, with multitudes of subcontractors still working on site.

A series of logistical and operational hurdles

Access and handling complications

Another project partner had been assigned to unload the FF&E shipment, which arrived in 50 40-foot shipping containers. But when they unexpectedly withdrew, AGS was asked to complete the job.

The team gladly took on the task to keep the dispatch process moving. However, the absence of fully functional elevators, which were often too small for the larger items, made delivering goods to the staging areas a challenge.

As a workaround, they used the external lifts put in place by the construction crew. But as the building neared completion, these were moved off site, and the team were left to rely on their own strength and endurance to get the job done. This required manoeuvring unwieldy equipment up multiple flights of stairs, with as many as 16 team members assisting with the dispatch of particularly heavy items.

Complex inventory management and coordination

The team then had to move the dispatched inventory multiple times as construction progressed, and work needed to be completed in the staging areas previously assigned.

Damage to the inventory already installed was also a constant concern, and the AGS team diligently applied protective materials wherever and whenever required.

Innovative solutions and operational adaptation

Human resources flexibility

Faced with these exceptional constraints, AGS’s scope of work evolved considerably and as the project progressed.

The team’s original responsibilities had been limited to:

• Dispatch from containers to staging area and onward dispatch to the installation sites of the hotel and office building
• Inventory Management into and out of staging areas
• Installation support
• Basic assembly of office furniture and equipment

Their expanded duties included:

• Unloading of containers and unpacking of shipment
• Handling heavy kitchen and cold room equipment
• Keeping dispatched items secure in a series of staging areas
• Supporting the installation of ceilings and finishing work

Creative and cost-effective solutions

Bringing this project to a successful conclusion required creative and pragmatic solutions.

• To adapt to the additional workload, the AGS project manager immediately made more staff available. Drawing on her strong local relationships, she more than doubled the size of the crew, from 15 people to 35 people on site every day.
• To limit the client’s costs, the AGS team reused as much of the original packaging material as possible, including polystyrene protectors, nylon sheets, corner protectors, to protect already-installed furniture.
• To ensure that installation was completed without a hitch, they implemented a system of double checks to track inventory distribution.

The client was impressed by AGS’s flexibility and the quality of the work provided, acknowledging the team’s exceptional ability to adapt to the challenging circumstances in writing.

This recognition paved the way for a new, similar project in Harare, Zimbabwe with 119 rooms, demonstrating the client’s confidence in AGS’s capabilities.

Entrust your complex hotel projects to our proven expertise. Get your personalised quote today

The first step was to define the project scope. “To guarantee high-quality service, we needed to inventory the works and document their medias and dimensions to understand how best to transport them,” explains Stanislas.

Extraordinary dimensions

The works included numerous paintings, but also sculptures of various sizes. One was particularly impressive, standing two meters tall. “Some of the works didn’t fit in our trucks, so we had to find larger vehicles to transport them safely,” Stanislas points out.

Due to the humidity of the DRC’s climate, the paintings could also not be packed in tissue paper, as is usually the case. “The moisture causes the tissue paper to stick to the surface of the paint, and the risk of damage was too great,” explains the deputy branch manager. The decision was therefore made to use bubble wrap and foam paper, which are more suitable.

A dozen highly trained packers then packed each piece, secured them in crates, loaded them into containers, and cleared them through customs before they were transported by sea to their final destination. “We brought the shipping containers to the customer’s premises for loading,” explains Stanislas. In total, eight shipping crates and three 40-foot containers were needed to transport this extraordinary collection.

Finding the right equipment

“We had to find crates that were suitable for the works,” emphasises Stanislas. “For the largest statue, we devised a system of base reinforcement and straps to keep it stable during transport in the container.” This is the kind of personalised service that AGS strives to provide for each customer.

The teams also used refrigerated containers to maintain stable humidity and temperature levels and thus protect the works during their journey to South Africa.

“This was a first for our branch,” emphasises Stanislas. “We often transport works of art, but never in such large numbers and as a collection. It was a great opportunity to showcase our expertise in this specialised service.”

 
Give your artwork the care it deserves. Get your free quote today.

APTERS has been committed to improving access to mobility equipment for Zambian children with disabilities for over 30 years. The nongovernmental organisation (NGO) began as collaboration between three skilled Zambians with physical disabilities and a British physiotherapist. Together, they aimed to create affordable mobility aids such as special chairs and standing frames, as well as splints, wedges, and walkers.

How to make mobility aids from recycled materials

“It can be difficult to find this type of equipment in Zambia,” explained AGS Zambia Deputy Branch Manager, Helene Guidez, “so they build it themselves.” The specialised equipment is made from as many reusable materials as possible, including paper, cardboard, and maize, which acts as a glue.

Three cardboard pieces are glued together for reinforcement, creating a sturdy material that is cut into the frames designed by physiotherapists. To ensure they are water resistant, they are then covered with oil-based paint, and cushions are sewn for added comfort.

This method not only reduces cardboard and paper waste, but also makes the devices cheaper to create. Their cost is then subsidised further through donations and the sale of hand-made toys. This makes the aids more accessible to those who could not otherwise afford them.

“APTERS shares a premises with University Teaching Hospital and works hand-in-hand with hospital staff,” explained AGS Zambia Imports Manager, Bridget Zulu. “When children go to the hospital for physiotherapy, and the doctors see there is a need for special equipment, they contact APTERS.”

The organisation produces between 1200-1500 aids each year. It also provides employment for those with disabilities. Having a disability can lead to disadvantages when looking for work, and many differently abled Zambians work in the APTERS production department.

AGS Zambia re-uses cardboard responsibly

As a removals company, AGS Zambia is a perfect partner for APTERS, so far delivering more than 10m³ of used moving boxes to create equipment. The AGS team is already committed to recycling and reducing waste, always re-using cardboard boxes in their local moves where possible. When they are no longer usable, APTERS can now repurpose the material for an important cause.

At AGS Movers, we believe in making a positive impact beyond just relocation. Support sustainable solutions for a brighter future – request your moving quote today.

The mode of transport

Household goods can be moved by road, air, or sea. When it’s available, road is the best choice if you’re looking for a balance of speed and affordability.

Air transport is faster but more expensive, while sea freight is cheaper but slower. Another consideration when opting for sea freight? Single or shared containers. Shared containers – where shipments from multiple clients are grouped into a single container – are the most economical and environmentally friendly option but also the slowest, as the containers need to fill up before they leave port.

Established movers like AGS also offer flexible transport solutions, including shipping larger items like furniture by road or sea and sending items for immediate use by air. This approach ensures that your employees can settle in quickly and comfortably at their new location.

Insurance coverage

Despite best efforts, belongings do sometimes get damaged in transit. As such moving companies will always advise you to take out insurance to cover your employees’ shipments. But here, too, there are multiple considerations that will influence the final rate.

In addition to standard all-risk insurance, there are optional add-ons:

• Sets-and-pairs coverage replaces entire sets – like dishes or a multi-part coffee machine – if a single part breaks.
• Non-visible damage covers electronic and mechanical equipment that no longer works after transit even though it has suffered no visible damage.
• Mould insurance covers damage from prolonged exposure to moisture, which can happen on moves to or from humid climates.

Whichever insurance you opt for, it’s important to know that it will only be valid if the moving company packs your employees’ belongings, thereby ensuring professional and safe packing.

Moving companies like AGS will handle most of the communication with your employees regarding packing and insurance. But as the employer you should clearly communicate any limits on move value or insurance to avoid confusion.

To make the most of their insurance coverage, it’s important that your employees create detailed inventory lists of the items they are insuring. This is where it pays to be specific, because just a few extra words can make all the difference in case of loss or damage.

It’s also advisable to use the current market value of items in the destination country, as insurers will use this to calculate compensation. Because of the cost implications, there is a temptation to undervalue items to save on fees, but this can backfire if something gets damaged or is lost.

Customs and Tax

Depending on the destination country, it’s likely your employees will be charged customs duties on their shipment of household goods, although certain countries do offer a customs exemption for corporate moves. Your moving company should be able to advise you which costs to anticipate. These can vary widely depending on the contents of the shipment.

To ensure smooth customs clearance and therefore avoid incurring extra customs storage costs, they will also prepare all relevant documents, like copies of inventory lists and passports, on your behalf. This will smooth the way for clearing your employees’ shipments through customs as quickly as possible.

Based on your priorities and budget, your moving company will advise you in detail on each of the cost considerations mentioned in this article. They will also be up to date on any current events, local or international, that could affect move costs, like container shortages or port congestion. With their input, you will be able to form a realistic idea of where to set your employees’ move allowance value.

Ready to send your employees overseas? Contact us today for a free moving quote!

“Since opening our doors in Dubai in 2011, our objective has been to establish a robust presence in the Gulf peninsula, and we eagerly anticipate fostering enduring partnerships within the Kuwaiti business community in the years to come,” commented Mobilitas CEO Cedric Castro.

Leading operations for AGS Kuwait is seasoned removals expert Suman Prasai, who brings over 15 years of industry experience gained in Kuwait and Qatar, ensuring a seamless customer experience tailored to the region’s unique needs.

Alongside mobility services, Mobilitas aims to utilise its presence to help conserve Kuwait’s many cultural and architectural treasures. “Kuwait possesses a rich and tangible heritage spanning millennia. It would be a privilege for us to help conserve this legacy for future generations through our heritage solutions,” Castro said.

The country joins Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar as the sixth Gulf nation and the 103^rd country worldwide to welcome the Mobilitas Group. Plans are underway to launch operations in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

About Mobilitas

Founded in 1974 and now managed by the third generation of the Taïeb and Castro families, the MOBILITAS Group is a mid-sized company specialising in the removal and relocation services, physical and digital records management, and the digital preservation of heritage.

The group, which is present in 103 countries and employs more than 5,500 people, relies on its own network on the one hand and its exclusive agents on the other hand to offer its customers unparalleled service in all its sectors of activity.

The group’s long-term vision reflects its philosophy and culture that guide its major entrepreneurial and investment decisions. Decisions that regularly shape and strengthen the group leading it towards new processes, new businesses, new horizons.

Press Contact
MOBILITAS Group
press@mobilitas.org

Spearheaded by AGS Kenya and Bamburi Cement, the initiative had the partners meet at Haller Park on the outskirts of the bustling metro of Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. An old limestone quarry from the 1950s, the park is a product of Bamburi Cement’s efforts, since 1971, to convert their disused pits into vibrant and diverse ecosystems of forest, grasslands and ponds.

The day began with informative presentations on the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable practices, and corporate citizenship. The group then moved outside for the main event. But with Seedballs Kenya as their partner, they weren’t about to start digging holes in the ground.

The AGS and eManage Africa teams had a go at ‘seed bombing’, launching seedballs into hard-to-reach areas of the park with nothing less than handheld catapaults.

The science of seedballs

At the heart of each seedball is a seed coated with ‘biochar’ – charcoal dust mixed with nutritious binders. This coating protects the seed from birds, rodents, and insects, as well as from extreme temperatures, so it is safe and ready for when rains arrive. Once they do, the ball is soaked and can retain the moisture for a prolonged period, encouraging germination.

Seedballs Kenya provided 50,000 balls for the event. These included an array of indigenous species such as Sesbania sesban, Acacia nilotica, Acacia polyacantha, and a mix of grasses.

This novel method of tree planting, developed by Seedballs Kenya, enables the large-scale reintroduction of trees and grass species in degraded areas. It is also cost effective, as biochar is made predominantly from charcoal waste, a resource that is abundant in a country where charcoal and firewood have been the primary energy sources for centuries. This results in a circular economy which not only helps restore deforested areas but also re-uses leftover waste from wood-intensive industries.

Rehabilitating forests worldwide

Thibault Malezieux, Managing Director of AGS Kenya and eManage Africa, emphasised his teams’ dedication to integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations: “As part of the Mobilitas Group, we have long supported reforestation efforts through the international NGO Planète Urgence, but since we are part of the Kenyan community, it is only natural for us to want to extend these efforts to our own backyard. What better way to do so than with an approach pioneered in Kenya.”