DHL Group has announced plans to allocate over EUR500 million ($540 million) to the Middle East by 2030, prioritizing the fast-growing markets of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
This investment will cover all four main divisions — DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce. The initiative aims to enhance logistics infrastructure, boost capacity, and elevate service offerings throughout the region.
The initiative is part of DHL’s Strategy 2030, introduced last year, which emphasizes expansion in high-growth markets in response to evolving global trade dynamics.
John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, commented, “The Gulf Cooperation Council is quickly establishing itself as a pivotal logistics and innovation center. Our investment echoes the region’s rising role in bridging Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our dedication to fostering its evolution into a central trade hub.”
Enhancing Trade, Supply Chain Durability, and E-commerce Expansion
DHL’s progress in the region is in sync with global trade trends and the Middle East’s prominence as a crucial connector among Asia, Europe, the USA, and Africa. The logistics landscape in the region has benefitted from increased foreign investments, government-backed infrastructure initiatives, and a surge in export activities by local entities.
With this new commitment, DHL Group aims to refine services such as express package delivery, freight management, warehousing and fulfillment, customs handling, and specialized logistics for sectors like life sciences, healthcare, e-commerce, and energy.
Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain for Europe, Middle East, & Africa, stated, “Our expansion in Saudi Arabia and the UAE acknowledges the region’s growing logistics capabilities and its demand for advanced, outsourced supply chain solutions. Through our expertise in contract logistics, we seek to cultivate innovation in vital sectors such as energy, healthcare, and technology.”
Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa, added, “This investment solidifies our belief in the region’s economic trajectory. We strive to advance in digital services and sustainable transport, empowering our clients to build resilience and capitalize on growth opportunities in an unpredictable global landscape.”
Primary Investment Areas
DHL has highlighted key strategies under its EUR500 million regional investment initiative:
DHL Express will invest in hub infrastructure and expand air transport capacity to improve delivery speed and network efficiency.
DHL Global Forwarding plans to grow its regional footprint, expand its vehicle fleet — including electric trucks — and form partnerships, one being with Etihad Rail, to enhance multimodal connectivity.
DHL Supply Chain is set to increase storage capacity, upgrade technology, and incorporate automation and advanced tech in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
DHL eCommerce aims to bolster its last-mile delivery capabilities, aided by its recent acquisition of AJEX in Saudi Arabia, to cater to the rising e-commerce demand.
Contributing to Regional Sustainability Initiatives
Aligned with environmental objectives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, DHL Group intends to dedicate part of the investment to eco-friendly logistics, including alternatives like sustainable fuels, electric vehicles, and solar-powered logistics operations.
The goal is to assist clients in achieving net-zero emissions targets while ensuring supply chains remain resilient and adaptable to future demands.
Further investment will also focus on supporting tourism-related logistics, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where luxury-oriented B2C demand is rising in line with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy and its aspirations for hosting global events.