UAE leads global postal transformation as Dubai Strategy adopted at conclusion of 28th Universal Postal Congress

The 28th Universal Postal Congress, hosted in Dubai, concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) 2026–2029 roadmap, known as the “Dubai Strategy.” The new framework presents a shared global vision for an interconnected, innovative, and sustainable postal sector, reinforcing the industry’s critical role in enabling trade, communication, and eCommerce growth.

The UAE will oversee the implementation of the strategy through the “Dubai Business Plan” in its new role as Chair of the UPU Council of Administration (CA) for the 2026–2029 cycle. Comprising 41 elected member states, the CA supervises governance, administration, and legal matters to ensure effective oversight of the postal sector.

In addition, the UAE secured membership in the UPU’s Postal Operations Council (POC) after receiving 144 votes from member nations, underscoring its leadership on the international stage. The POC, composed of 48 member states, is the Union’s technical body responsible for standardisation, quality improvement, and coordination of global postal operations.

H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Chairman of 7X, said:
“The UAE’s election to the UPU Postal Operations Council represents a clear affirmation of our nation’s leadership in shaping the future of postal and logistics services worldwide. Hosting the Congress and spearheading the implementation of the Dubai Strategy demonstrates our commitment to fostering connectivity, sustainability, and efficiency in collaboration with global partners.”

The Congress also re-elected UPU Director General Masahiko Metoki and Deputy Director General Marjan Oswald for a new four-year term. Metoki commended the UAE for hosting the milestone event, stating:
“This Congress has been a moment of transformation, where we confronted global challenges, redefined our role, and reaffirmed the values that unite us. I extend my deepest appreciation to the Government of the UAE for hosting this important assembly.”

The Dubai Strategy, developed through the most extensive consultation in UPU history with over 2,200 participants from 192 countries, sets ambitious objectives for the global postal system. It calls for modernising regulations, strengthening cross-border supply chains, enhancing quality standards, and accelerating innovation through digital services and customer-centric solutions.

Tariq Al Wahedi, Congress Chair and GCEO of 7X, said:
“The Dubai Business Plan represents a transition in the way the global postal sector operates. It will allow member countries to tailor services to national priorities while ensuring collective efforts at a global level. Our focus is on building a sustainable and innovative postal network that drives trade, digital integration, and community development.”

The Congress also saw the signing of multiple MoUs between member states, along with bilateral and multilateral discussions and policy papers on governance, innovation, and sustainability. Guided by its theme, Leading the Change, Creating the Future, the event highlighted the UAE’s role in shaping the next chapter of the global postal sector and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals.