Ahmed Bin Saeed: Dubai World Central consolidates Dubai's position as a major international logistics hub

Dubai, UAE; February 22, 2012: Mohebi Logistics, the leading distributor of many of the world's top brands throughout the Middle East, has recently announced plans to invest up to AED 350 million to build its new headquarters and logistics facility in Dubai Logistics City (DLC) at Dubai World Central (DWC). The 140 sq. km. Dubai World Central is part of Dubai Government's overall strategy to enhance the emirate's transport and logistics services and capitalize on its geographical location to strengthen Dubai's reputation as an international trading and commercial hub.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, and Mohammed Mohebi, Mohebi Logistics CEO, signed the lease agreement for the 1.5 million square feet plot. The Emirati company now joins the ranks of Aramex, Kuehne + Nagel, Panalpina, Hellmann Caliper, INL, RSA Logistics and other major industry players that are taking full advantage of Dubai World Central's infrastructure, multi-modal transport accessibility, dedicated services and facilities.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed said: "Dubai World Central consolidates Dubai's position as a major international logistics hub. It establishes a strategic link to global markets and plays a crucial role in meeting the present and future needs of Dubai's aviation, tourism, trade and logistics sectors. Moreover, Dubai World Central demonstrates Dubai Government's commitment to support key industry players such as Mohebi Logistics by providing the right combination of world-class infrastructure and value-added services."

Mohammed Mohebi, Mohebi Logistics CEO, said: "We are proud and excited at the prospect of becoming a strategic partner of Dubai World Central and key contributor to Dubai's continued economic growth. It is important that Emirati talent and know-how offered by home-grown companies are developed to support our leadership's vision of creating a knowledge-based economy. Dubai World Central will play a critical role in showcasing both Emirati talent and corporate capabilities, which in my opinion is key in serving our national interests."

Mohebi Logistics, which is part of the Zainal Mohebi Group, will build its state-of-the-art corporate headquarters and facilities comprising approximately 110,000 pallet positions, expanding the company's storage and logistics facilities and almost doubling its capacity to serve its regional and global clientele. The headquarters and temperature-controlled warehousing facilities will be constructed in two phases.

The construction of a new logistics base in DLC is part of AED 1 billion in investments that Mohebi Investments earmarked to establish itself as a major regional player. In order to expand and achieve a lean, efficient retail distribution business, Zainal Mohebi Group will consolidate its FMCG operations in a single location at Dubai World Central.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, said: "Dubai Logistics City supports the growing logistical needs of the region's burgeoning business community. Furthermore, it provides direct access to a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art infrastructure and services and multi-modal transport within a centralized location at Dubai World Central. This creates the perfect environment for the logistics community to synergize and unlock fresh opportunities for business growth."

Rashed Bu Qara'a, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Aviation City Corporation: "Moving forward, Dubai World Central will continue to focus on building strong relations with clients as one of the cornerstones of our growth strategy. We are therefore working closely with Mohebi Logistics to provide dedicated services and facilities that match their business needs and give them greater flexibility to expand their operations in the region. Given the strong value proposition of Dubai World Central, we are also actively in discussion with other major logistics companies and expect to announce additional partnerships in the near future."

-Ends -

About Dubai World Central (DWC):
Dubai World Central (DWC) is a strategic initiative of the government of Dubai that strongly positions the emirate as a leading international trade centre. Recognised as the Middle East's first aerotropolis, Dubai World Central is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind in the world comprising the new Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the world's largest in volume and size upon completion, and the adjacent specialized free zones focused on logistics sectors and aviation industries.

DWC occupies an area of 140 square kilometres in Jebel Ali and is in close proximity to Jebel Ali Sea Port, the sixth largest container terminal in the world. In addition to the dedicated link to Jebel Ali Sea Port, DWC's unique multimodal capabilities are supported by links to all main motorways in the country and the Al Maktoum International Airport, which once complete will handle up to 120 million passengers and 12 million tons of air cargo per year.

For more information visit www.dwc.ae

ABOUT MOHEBI LOGISTICS
An unrelenting commitment to excellence and customer service has made Mohebi Logistics one of the most respected and dynamic supply chain management companies in the MENA region. It is a subsidiary of Mohebi Investments and an affiliate of the Zainal Mohebi Group - ranked as one of Dubai's Top 100 Companies. For over 80 years, the Mohebi name has been associated with the distribution of many of the world's leading brands throughout the Middle East. The Zainal Mohebi Group was established in 1931 and is still a family owned business with an extensive track record in delivering regional distribution solutions to more than 70 multinational brands, with over 7,000 SKUs that include McDonald's, Kimberly Clark, Danone and other leading names. Providing third-party freight management and regional distribution services has given the company unique insight into how Middle Eastern markets operate the best.

For further information, visit www.mohebilogistics.com

For more information, please contact:
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai UAE
Tel: +971 4 3988901
Fax: +971 4 3988941
Email: media@orientplanet.com      
Website: www.orientplanet.com

© Press Release 2012