The logistics service provider DHL plans to invest more than 500 million euros in the Middle East. The strategic focus is on the rapidly growing Gulf markets of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This investment, which is set to be made between 2024 and 2030, underscores DHL's commitment to the region and its significance for the future of global trade, according to the company. The DHL Group's Strategy 2030, unveiled in 2024, prioritizes growth regions and leverages geographical potentials - so-called "tailwinds" - that result from changing global trade flows, stated a press release from the DHL Group dated June 11, 2025.
The investment extends across all four DHL divisions – DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL E-Commerce – and aims to strengthen the logistical backbone of the region. According to the company, the DHL Group is expanding its infrastructure, extending networks and capacities, and enhancing its services. In this way, the logistics service provider aims to support companies operating in or trading with the
Middle East.
"The Gulf region is currently developing into a global logistics and innovation hub," said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. "Our investment reflects the increasing strategic importance of this economic area, which connects Asia, Europe, and Africa. We reaffirm our commitment to supporting the Middle East's transformation into a catalyst for regional and global trade. For instance, DHL Express has experienced very dynamic growth and export potential in the e-commerce sector locally, offering opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller companies to expand their offerings to global markets."
Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, says:
"DHL Supply Chain has been actively expanding in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent years. We clearly recognize positive economic development here, the increasing maturity and complexity of supply chain processes in the region, as well as the growing demand for specialized, outsourced logistics support. With a strong focus on the energy sector, life sciences, healthcare, and technology, we are well-positioned and leverage our expertise in contract logistics to meet the
unique needs of our customers and advance innovations in these critical areas."
Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East, and Africa, adds:
"With this investment, we affirm our confidence in the economic development of the Middle East. It also underscores our ongoing commitment to continue taking a leading role in digital innovations and sustainable transport solutions – to the benefit of our customers. We continue to focus on top-notch freight solutions to secure the flow of goods and strengthen the resilience of global supply chains. This helps our customers seize new growth opportunities in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. By expanding our activities, we are able to support our customers in navigating the complexities of international trade and logistics more effectively."
According to the information provided, the DHL Group is capitalizing on growing opportunities in the energy sector. This includes both the traditional oil and gas industry and renewable energies and e-mobility. Furthermore, the company sees additional potential in the life sciences and healthcare markets, as well as in a
dynamically growing e-commerce landscape. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, a strong B2C domestic market is developing, particularly for high-quality consumer goods, which is continuously gaining importance through tourism initiatives and major events.
The investments within DHL's business units focus on the following areas:
- DHL Express: Investments are planned in hub and gateway facilities as well as in expanding air traffic capacities to increase service efficiency and delivery speed.
- DHL Global Forwarding: The division will further expand its overall presence in the region and invest in its fleet – including electric trucks. It is also pursuing joint venture initiatives, such as the recently concluded joint venture with Etihad Rail, to further improve connectivity and logistics capabilities.
- DHL Supply Chain: The contract logistics offering in the UAE and KSA is to be expanded. This means increasing warehouse capacities, modernizing infrastructure, and integrating advanced technologies for process optimization.
- DHL E-Commerce: The acquisition of the delivery provider AJEX in Saudi Arabia aims to enhance DHL's e-commerce offering and enable optimized delivery services in a rapidly growing market.
