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DHL Group has said it will invest more than EUR500m ($540m) in the Middle East through 2030, with a strategic focus on the rapidly expanding economies of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The investment will span all four business divisions — DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce — and is aimed at strengthening logistics infrastructure, expanding capacity, and improving service capabilities across the region.
The commitment forms part of the group’s broader Strategy 2030, launched last year, which prioritises growth markets amid shifting global trade patterns.
“The Gulf Cooperation Council is rapidly emerging as a global logistics and innovation hub,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Our investment reflects the region’s increasing importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our commitment to supporting its transformation into a global trade catalyst.”
Support for trade, supply chain resilience and e-commerce growth
DHL’s expansion in the region aligns with broader global trade flows and the Middle East’s rise as a critical link between Asia, Europe, the U.S., and Africa. The region’s logistics sector has been buoyed by increased foreign direct investment, government-led infrastructure projects, and growing export activity by local businesses.
DHL Group said the new investment will improve services such as express parcel delivery, freight forwarding, warehousing and fulfillment, customs brokerage, and sector-specific logistics for life sciences, healthcare, e-commerce, and energy.
“DHL Supply Chain has actively expanded in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in recent years, recognising the region’s growing logistics maturity and demand for sophisticated, outsourced supply chain solutions,” said Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain for Europe, Middle East & Africa. “With our contract logistics expertise, we aim to drive innovation in key industries such as energy, healthcare, and technology.”
Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa, added: “This investment reinforces our confidence in the region’s economic trajectory. Our goal is to stay ahead in digital capabilities and sustainable transportation, helping customers build resilience and unlock growth in an uncertain world.”
Key focus areas for investment
DHL outlined several strategic initiatives under its EUR500m regional investment plan:
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DHL Express will invest in hub and gateway facilities and expand aviation capacity to enhance delivery speed and network efficiency.
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DHL Global Forwarding will grow its regional presence, expand its fleet — including electric trucks — and pursue joint ventures, including one with Etihad Rail, to enhance multimodal connectivity.
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DHL Supply Chain will increase warehouse capacity, modernize equipment, and integrate automation and advanced technologies in Saudi Arabia and UAE.
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DHL eCommerce will boost its last-mile delivery capabilities, supported by its recent acquisition of AJEX in Saudi Arabia, to meet surging e-commerce demand.
Backing regional sustainability agendas
Aligned with sustainability goals in the UAE and the kingdom, DHL Group said it will allocate a portion of the investment toward green logistics. This includes alternative fuels, electric vehicles, sustainable aviation fuels, and solar-powered logistics facilities.
The company aims to help customers meet net-zero emissions targets while ensuring supply chains are future-proofed.
The investment also aims to support tourism-related logistics, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where high-end B2C inbound demand is accelerating due to the kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy and global event hosting ambitions.
