Business

Strategic Expansion Targets UAE and Saudi Arabia as DHL Bolsters Regional Trade, Infrastructure, and E-Commerce Capabilities

DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, has announced a major investment of more than EUR 500 million in the Middle East over the next five years. This investment will primarily focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia, in alignment with DHL’s Strategy 2030, which emphasizes growth markets and evolving trade routes.

The investment spans all four business divisions of DHL—Express, Global Forwarding, Supply Chain, and eCommerce—and is aimed at boosting infrastructure, expanding logistics networks, and delivering high-performance service to customers amid shifting global trade dynamics.

“The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is fast becoming a global logistics and innovation hub,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Our investment reflects the region’s growing role in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and supports the booming e-commerce sector and SMEs with global ambitions.”

Key Investment Priorities Across Divisions

• DHL Express: Expansion of hub and gateway facilities, as well as increased aviation capacity for improved service efficiency and faster delivery.

• DHL Global Forwarding: Enhanced fleet (including electric trucks), broader regional presence, and collaborative initiatives such as the joint venture with Etihad Rail to strengthen intermodal logistics.

• DHL Supply Chain: Increased warehousing capacity and deployment of automation and smart technologies to support contract logistics growth in sectors like energy, healthcare, and technology.

• DHL eCommerce: Acquisition of AJEX in Saudi Arabia to scale up last-mile delivery services, supporting the country’s rising B2C market fueled by tourism and premium consumer demand.

Support for FDI and Resilient Supply Chains

As Gulf economies open up and diversify, DHL’s robust logistics ecosystem is expected to aid foreign direct investment (FDI) and export-driven growth. The region serves as a critical hub linking Asia, Europe, the US, and Africa—making it a vital node in DHL’s global network.

“With the region’s increasing maturity in logistics and demand for outsourced solutions, DHL Supply Chain is expanding to meet specialized needs,” said Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain for Europe, Middle East & Africa.

Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding for the Middle East & Africa, added: “Our expansion reflects our long-term confidence in the region. We’re integrating sustainability, digitization, and entrepreneurial freight solutions to future-proof our clients’ supply chains.”

Sustainability & Innovation at the Core

DHL’s investment also aligns with the region’s green growth agenda. The group will fund:

• Electric delivery vehicles and trucks

• Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

• Biofuels for road and sea transport

• Solar and clean power for logistics hubs

This ensures the group’s operations not only support commercial growth but also help customers achieve net-zero emissions goals.

Outlook: A Long-Term Commitment to the Middle East

With increasing demand from sectors such as life sciences, renewable energy, and e-commerce, DHL’s investment signals confidence in the Middle East’s economic trajectory and its potential to serve as a logistics powerhouse of the future. The Group also remains committed to local talent development and innovation, reinforcing its leadership position in the region.

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