Blue Ocean Global connects international brands and the fast-growing Middle East markets
Blue Ocean Global was founded in 2013 with a vision to bridge the gap between global brands and the fast-growing Middle East market. Since our inception, the company has evolved into a leading e-commerce enabler and B2B distributor, powering supply chains for some of the world’s most recognized brands.
What began as a regional distribution company has expanded into a 40+ country network across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, the UK, and the EU. Today, Blue Ocean Global partners with top-tier global brands, ensuring their products reach both consumers and businesses efficiently and securely.
Blue Ocean Global has its headquarters in Dubai UAE, and an office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It has brand sales and distribution rights for globally renowned brands such as NEC, Mitel, Toshiba, Godrej and many more. It operates in E-commerce and business-to-business distribution. It caters to over 40 countries in the Middle East, Africa, South-East Asia, the Indian subcontinent and Australasia.
LogisticsGulf.com recently conducted an exclusive interview with Shahzad Ahmed, Chairman, Blue Ocean Global. The following are transcripts of the interview.
LogisticsGulf.com (LG): Apart from e-Commerce, Blue Ocean Global also doubles as a B2B distributor. The company holds sales and distribution rights for globally recognized brands such as Black + Decker, NEC, Mitel, Philips, Kodak, and more. Please throw more light on this side of your business.
Shahzad Ahmed (SA): Our B2B distribution network is the backbone of Blue Ocean Global’s overall business activities. We hold exclusive sales and distribution rights for globally trusted brands, supplying consumer electronics, office automation, security solutions, and industrial products to major retailers, resellers, and corporate clients.
In a nutshell what we do is, we take the brands to the customers through our strong distribution network. So, if you are the owner of a brand and want to enter this market, we take care of your business.
Our partners rely on us for end-to-end logistics, warehousing, and last-mile distribution, ensuring their products are delivered on time, in perfect condition, and at competitive market rates. This segment continues to be a key growth driver, complementing our strong presence in the e-commerce sector.
LG: In your current position as Chairman, you are at the helm of Blue Ocean Global. How would you summarise or characterise your stewardship at the company?
SA: As Chairman, my focus has always been on innovation, market expansion, and operational excellence. I believe in creating long-term, sustainable business growth by embracing technology, strengthening our supply chain capabilities, and building strong partnerships with global brands.
My leadership philosophy revolves around staying ahead of industry trends, solving real market challenges, and ensuring that Blue Ocean Global remains a trusted name in e-commerce and distribution.
LG: What, in your opinion, sets the Blue Ocean Global apart? What are your core brand strengths and how are you leveraging these capabilities to increase your market share in the region?
SA: Three key strengths differentiate us: a deep-rooted distribution network, an AI-driven supply chain, and strong global partnerships. Unlike traditional distributors, we offer full-service logistics solutions, allowing brands to scale efficiently in the UAE and beyond. We also focus on quality assurance, ensuring that only authentic, defect-free products reach end consumers.
Our agility in adapting to market changes and leveraging data-driven decision-making has positioned us as a preferred partner for e-commerce platforms and global manufacturers.
LG: How significant is the UAE for the Blue Ocean Global?
SA: The UAE is a strategic hub for global trade and e-commerce, and for Blue Ocean Global, it serves as our primary base for operations. The UAE’s e-commerce market is expected to reach AED 78 billion by 2025, and as a key distributor in this space, we are deeply invested in its growth. The country’s business-friendly policies, advanced logistics infrastructure and rising digital adoption make it the perfect market for us to continue expanding.
LG: How wide is your current network in the region?
SA: Blue Ocean Global operates across 40+ countries, with a strong presence in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and parts of Europe. Our distribution channels cover major e-commerce platforms, retail chains, wholesalers, and corporate clients, making us one of the most comprehensive supply chain providers in the region.
LG: What is the extent of your portfolio and brand representations?
SA: We represent over 50 globally recognised brands, across consumer electronics, office solutions, security systems, and smart home devices. Our partnerships include Black & Decker NEC, Mitel, Philips, Kodak, Toshiba, and many more, making us a trusted distributor in multiple sectors.
LG: Do you plan to increase your brand portfolio and other offerings?
SA: Yes, expansion is a priority. We are actively seeking to onboard more international brands looking to enter the Middle East and African markets. Additionally, we are investing in logistics technology and fulfillment services to enhance our distribution capabilities.
LG: How important are the logistics and supply chain operations at Blue Ocean Global?
SA: They are the core of our business. We use AI-powered inventory management, predictive analytics, and smart warehousing solutions to optimize distribution. Our real-time tracking systems ensure smooth product flow, reducing delivery times and operational costs.
What is your assessment of the future of e-Commerce side of the business for Blue Ocean Global and how are new retail trends in the Middle East and digital transformation reshaping the industry?
E-commerce is becoming increasingly experience-driven, with customers expecting fast, transparent, and seamless deliveries. Digital transformation, AI-powered logistics, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models are reshaping retail. We are aligning with these trends to stay ahead.
LG: A recent report reveals Blue Ocean Global has revolutionized e-Commerce and you have amplified your brand presence across major platforms. Explain.
SA: We have revolutionised e-commerce by ensuring quality assurance, cutting down fulfillment times, and integrating AI-driven logistics solutions. Our presence across Amazon, Noon, Carrefour, and other platforms has strengthened trust between brands and consumers, making online shopping more reliable.
LG: How did Blue Ocean Global fare in 2024 and what is the outlook for the remainder of this year 2025 going forward?
SA: The year 2024 was a strong year, with double-digit growth in both e-commerce and B2B sales. In 2025, we plan to expand our network, onboard new brands, and enhance our logistics technology to stay ahead of market trends
LG: What are your expansion plans for the region and beyond?
SA: We are expanding our operations into North Africa, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe, targeting high-growth e-commerce markets.
LG: What is driving e-Commerce growth for Blue Ocean Global?
SA: Three factors: rising online consumer demand, improved last-mile logistics, and our strong brand partnerships. For us, the last one is the most important area – our strong brand partnership and relationship with the retail and e-commerce platforms that ensure a seamless distribution and logistics experience so that the end-users receive their products on time, with the best quality.
LG: How is Blue Ocean Global meeting the demands of changing consumer behaviour and driving e-commerce growth across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia?
SA: By investing in market research, Artificial Intelligence, consumer data analytics and changing our business model to suit the demand and offering faster deliveries, quality assurance, and a tech-driven supply chain, ensuring customer satisfaction and trust.
LG: What are you initiating in terms of Innovations in customer engagement and experience and how are these impacting your business?
SA: We are implementing real-time order tracking, AI-driven product recommendations, and personalized customer support solutions.
LG: What are the opportunities and challenges for Blue Ocean Global going forward?
SA: Opportunities: Growing digital adoption, expansion into new markets, and increased demand for quality-controlled products.
Challenges comprise counterfeit products, supply chain disruptions, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
LG: What is your wider vision for Blue Ocean Global for the short- and long-term futures?
SA: Our vision is to be the leading e-commerce enabler and distribution partner in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, ensuring global brands can thrive in the region through best-in-class logistics, technology, and quality assurance.
