• DHL Supply Chain commits EUR120 million to develop a 55,000 square-meter multi-user warehouse designed to power global supply chains and serve as a strategic gateway connecting East and West
  • These developments further expand DHL’s operational footprint in the region, building on recent announcements of new facilities in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

Dubai: DHL Group today officially opens its newly expanded Middle East & Africa (MEA) Innovation Center, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in shaping the future of logistics across the region. In parallel, DHL Supply Chain is investing EUR120 million to develop a new multi-user warehouse in Dubai South: The facility will operate carbon-neutral and is strategically located near the Innovation Center and the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport. Together, these developments will create a powerful hub where innovation and operations converge, expanding DHL’s footprint in Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This strategic expansion reinforces DHL Group’s long-term commitment to the region and builds on its longstanding pioneering history, delivering closer integration of innovation and operations for customers.

“The Middle East and Africa is one of our most vibrant regions, and DHL was among the first logistics companies to establish a strong presence here. Building on the success of its previous mobile setup, the new Innovation Center is now a permanent hub, showcasing our commitment to MEA and the UAE as one of only four DHL Innovation Centers worldwide. It helps customers navigate the region’s dynamic logistics landscape through collaboration and cutting-edge innovation,” said Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.

Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO at DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa, added: “Our new multi-user warehouse in Dubai South’s free zone strengthens our regional presence by bringing innovation and operations even closer together. Shaping the future of trade, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to power global supply chains and will enhance DHL’s ability to serve customers seeking shorter lead times. The site will serve as a contract logistics gateway, acting as a vital bridge between East and West. Our customers will benefit from integrated solutions and innovation that drive efficiency, sustainability, and growth across their entire supply chains.”

Driving Innovation in the Heart of MEA

Spanning 1,700 square meters, the DHL MEA Innovation Center is designed as a collaborative platform and brings customers, partners, startups, and academic institutions to foster exchange and explore emerging technologies, test scalable solutions, and co-create innovations that address real-world logistics challenges. It features dedicated meeting and workshop spaces, and serves as a regional lighthouse for logistics transformation. The center also hosts experts from DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation’s regional team, driving thought leadership and practical innovation. As part of DHL’s global network of Innovation Centers in Cologne, Singapore, and Chicago, it enables cross-regional collaboration, trend scouting, and the scalable development of next-generation logistics solutions.

Irina Albanese, Head of Innovation Middle East and Africa, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, added: “The Innovation Center in Dubai stands as a flagship example of these investments in action, bringing DHL’s innovation strategy to life in one of the region’s most dynamic logistics hubs. Collaboration is at the heart of innovation; by working closely with customers and partners, we combine diverse expertise to tackle complex challenges and turn emerging trends into practical solutions. This approach ensures supply chains are not only stronger today but ready for the demands of tomorrow.”

As a key partner of the Innovation Center, Dubai South plays an important role in creating a connected ecosystem that links innovation with operational excellence, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub.

“Our collaboration with DHL underscores Dubai South’s commitment to building a connected ecosystem that accelerates progress in logistics. By combining global expertise and local innovation, we are creating opportunities that strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading hub for logistics and innovation.” said Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District at Dubai South.

New modern contract-logistics gateway to power logistics in Dubai South

DHL Supply Chain has signed a EUR120 million landmark agreement, including leasehold commitments, for a 38-year term on a 96,000 square meter land plot in Dubai South. The development will include a 55,000 square meter multi-user warehouse plus additional office space, strategically located near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world’s largest airport. Construction is scheduled to break ground in Q1 2026, with completion planned for summer 2027. DHL Supply Chain is committed to 100% net zero-carbon warehousing operations, enabling customers to significantly reduce their own carbon footprints by pursuing greener supply chains. Designed to serve customers across multiple sectors, the facility will handle high-value goods under stringent security and operational standards. This long-term investment underscores DHL’s renewed commitment to Dubai South as a key logistics hub for the Middle East.

The new warehouse and the launch of DHL’s MEA Innovation Center are complemented by significant infrastructure investments that reinforce the company’s regional growth strategy. These include a DHL Supply Chain multi-user facility within the Special Integrated Logistics Zone (SILZ) near King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, designed to streamline customs processes and accelerate cross-border trade in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, DHL Express is establishing its first regional aircraft maintenance hangar at Bahrain International Airport, a world-class facility that will enhance line maintenance capabilities and support the company’s expanding fleet, ensuring faster turnaround times and improved operational reliability. Together, these projects underscore DHL’s commitment to setting new benchmarks for connectivity and operational excellence across the Middle East and Africa. Reflecting this ambition, the company recently unveiled its multi-year investment agenda, allocating €500 million for the Middle East and €300 million for Sub-Saharan Africa, an ambitious plan already being translated into action.

For more information about the DHL MEA Innovation Center, please visit: DHL Middle East and Africa Innovation Center - DHL - Germany

Media Contact:
DHL Group     
Media Relations MENA 
Ragah Dorenkamp         
E-mail: ragah.dorenkamp@dhl.com
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

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About DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.