CorridorsAnalysis
DHL Global Forwarding to expand eastern UAE network
The company maintains its €500 million Gulf investment commitment, with €120 million in UAE facilities and €130 million in Saudi Arabia facilities announced.
DHL Global Forwarding plans to strengthen its operations in the eastern area of the UAE, according to Tobias Maier, chief executive for the Middle East and Africa at the company. The cargo and freight unit of DHL Group maintains its €500 million commitment for the Gulf region, announced in 2025. The investment includes the launch of facilities in the UAE worth €120 million and in Saudi Arabia worth €130 million.
Eastern UAE network development#
The company is looking to strengthen its position in the east of the UAE, closer to Khor Fakkan and Dibba in Fujairah, Maier stated in an interview with The National. The company's plans for the GCC region remain unchanged, with continued investment planned for the area. DHL Global Forwarding operates cargo and freight services across the Middle East and Africa region. The company will continue to allocate resources to the GCC, Maier said, without providing additional details on the eastern UAE expansion timeline or facility specifications.
Freight operations and market conditions#
The logistics industry would take three to six months to normalise after current regional conditions change, Maier said. Freight rates have increased, which he described as normal given the current market state. Cargo operations involve additional costs when vessels cannot reach intended destinations, requiring unloading at alternative ports such as India or Sri Lanka. The industry faces a shortage in available shipping capacity and longer waiting times for vessels. Logistics costs depend on fuel prices, which have increased, though Maier noted the sector has stabilised after an initial peak. Operations have become largely manageable as routes are now established, Maier said.
Partnership with Etihad Rail#
DHL Global Forwarding has signed a 20-year partnership with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network. The agreement establishes a joint venture as part of the UAE's efforts to strengthen its freighter network. The partnership forms part of the company's broader investment programme in the Gulf region. Etihad Rail operates the UAE's national rail infrastructure, connecting key industrial and logistics zones across the Emirates.
Regional investment programme#
The €500 million Gulf investment commitment was revealed in 2025, followed by facility announcements in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE facility investment totals €120 million, while the Saudi Arabia facility represents €130 million of the total commitment. The company continues to allocate resources to the GCC region, with no changes to its investment plans. DHL Global Forwarding operates as the cargo and freight unit of German logistics company DHL Group, serving the Middle East and Africa region under Maier's leadership.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- thenationalnews.comThe NationalDHL Global Forwarding plans to strengthen operations in eastern UAE, maintains €500 million Gulf investment, €120 million UAE facilities, €130 million Saudi Arabia facilities, partnership with Etihad Rail
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