DHL is accelerating its expansion in the Gulf region and has announced plans to invest more than €500 million by 2030. The focus is on Saudi Arabia and the UAE – two markets that are increasingly becoming key logistics hubs in global freight transport.
This investment is part of the Group’s overarching “Strategy 2030”, which targets high-growth regions benefiting from geopolitical shifts and new trade routes. This development opens up new business opportunities for transport and logistics providers active in – or looking to enter – the region, while also intensifying competition.
Hub expansion, electric trucks, joint ventures: What’s planned
The investment spans all four of DHL’s business units – DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL E-Commerce. It covers not only space, warehousing, and air freight capacity, but also technology, sustainability, and industry-specific logistics solutions.
- DHL Express plans to expand its air transport infrastructure with new hub and gateway facilities, enabling shorter transit times and higher frequencies.
- DHL Global Forwarding is focusing on modernising its fleet – including electric trucks – and developing strategic partnerships such as its recently established joint venture with Etihad Rail, which improves the integration of rail and road transport.
- DHL Supply Chain is investing in additional warehouse capacity and automated processes for sectors including energy, life sciences, and technology.
- DHL E-Commerce is expanding its offering through the acquisition of regional provider AJEX – a move aimed at staying competitive in the rapidly growing B2C segment.
“The Gulf States are developing rapidly – not only as sales markets, but also as internationally significant logistics hubs,” says John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express.
Growing online trade in Saudi Arabia and increasing export activity from local companies are making the region ever more attractive to international logistics providers.
Focus on healthcare logistics and local production
In addition to its core freight business, DHL also plans to expand its healthcare logistics activities. A quarter of its global €2 billion healthcare investment programme will be directed towards the Africa/Middle East region.
For the transport and logistics industry, DHL’s extensive expansion in the region sends a clear signal: the Middle East is more than ever an attractive growth market – not just for global players, but also for specialised service providers, subcontractors, technology firms, and infrastructure partners.
