DHL Group (“DHL”), the world’s leading logistics provider, has announced plans to invest more than EUR 500 million in the Middle East between 2024 and 2030. This strategic investment, with a primary focus on Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reaffirms DHL’s long-term commitment to the region and highlights its importance in the future of global trade.
The investment aligns with DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, which prioritizes growth markets and responds to shifting global trade dynamics. The initiative spans all four of DHL’s business divisions — DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce — and is designed to strengthen the logistics infrastructure across the region.
The funding will be used to expand operational capacity, enhance infrastructure, and elevate service capabilities, empowering regional and international businesses to leverage Middle East trade opportunities more effectively. DHL offers a comprehensive portfolio of logistics services in the region, including express parcel delivery, freight forwarding, warehousing, fulfillment, distribution, customs brokerage, and specialized logistics for industries such as life sciences, healthcare, e-commerce, and energy.
“The region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a global logistics and innovation hub,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Our investment reflects the region’s increasing strategic importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our commitment to supporting its transformation into a catalyst for regional and global trade. DHL Express is seeing dynamic growth and export potential in the region’s e-commerce sector, for example, which is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses to expand their offering to global markets.”
Driving Growth, Exports, and Supply Chain Resilience
As the Middle East evolves into a key global trade hub, connecting Asia, Europe, the U.S., and serving as a gateway to Africa, it is witnessing a surge in foreign direct investment (FDI) and export activity. DHL’s expansive network, global expertise, and advanced digital technologies help companies build resilient supply chains amidst global volatility.
Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, Europe, Middle East & Africa, stated: “DHL Supply Chain has actively expanded in Saudi Arabia and UAE in recent years, recognizing the positive economic development, the increasing maturity and sophistication of supply chain operations in the region and the growing demand for specialized, outsourced logistics support. With a strong focus on the energy sector, life sciences, healthcare, and technology, we are poised to take advantage of our contract logistics expertise to meet the unique needs of our customers and drive innovation in these critical areas.”
Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa, added: “This investment underscores our confidence in the Middle East’s economic trajectory and our continued commitment to be ahead of the curve in digital capabilities and sustainable transportation for our customers. We also consistently aim to find entrepreneurial freight forwarding solutions that build supply chain resilience, keep their goods flowing and help them to uncover growth opportunities in a world that is characterized by uncertainty and volatility. By expanding our operations, we will be even better positioned to support our clients in navigating the complexities of international trade and logistics.”
Key Investment Areas
DHL’s regional investments will focus on expanding capacity, improving efficiency, and ensuring sustainability across its business units:
- DHL Express: Investment in hub and gateway infrastructure, and enhanced aviation capacity to boost delivery speed and efficiency.
- DHL Global Forwarding: Expansion of regional presence, fleet upgrades including electric trucks, and strategic partnerships such as a joint venture with Etihad Rail to boost regional connectivity.
- DHL Supply Chain: Increased warehousing space, technology upgrades, and operational optimization in the UAE and KSA to meet the rising demand for contract logistics.
- DHL eCommerce: Strengthened last-mile delivery through the acquisition of AJEX in Saudi Arabia, improving service in the fast-growing e-commerce market.
Sustainability at the Core
DHL remains committed to sustainable logistics, investing in alternative fuels, electric vehicles, sustainable aviation fuel, and clean energy for facilities. These initiatives support customers’ efforts to decarbonize supply chains and align with the environmental sustainability goals of regional governments.
As DHL continues to invest in the economic and human capital of the Middle East, it aims to bring best-in-class logistics innovation and talent development to the forefront, reinforcing its leadership and commitment to the region.
