UAE aims to boost transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in logistics and trade processes
Hosted by Logistics Shakti in Dubai, Logistics Shakti, an Indian think tank dedicated to advancing global logistics and supply chains, the SCM Middle East Conclave & Awards 2025 in Dubai were held over a two-day period 23 and 24 April.
This two-day conclave has emerged as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of global logistics and trade.
With Ram Nath Kovind, the former President of India as Chief Guest and Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy UAE, as the Guest of Honour, the event convened top CEOs, investors, and policymakers from India, the UAE, and across the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
The conclave underscored IMEC’s transformative potential, with projections showing shipments from India to mainland Europe could arrive 40% faster and at 30% lower cost compared to the traditional Suez Canal route.
The event’s agenda included impactful sessions such as ‘Pioneering Connectivity: Unlocking the Potential of the IME Corridor’ and ‘Bharat Mart: Unlocking Global Markets and Strengthening India-UAE Synergies.’ The SCM Awards presented recognize excellence in innovation and leadership within the supply chain sector.
Bridge of prosperity
“The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is more than a trade route—it’s a bridge of prosperity and shared futures. In an interconnected world, such partnerships fuel growth and unity. India, now a global growth engine in tech, diplomacy, and innovation, exemplifies this progress,” affirmed Kovind.
Highlighting the UAE’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive efficiency and sustainability in global trade, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy UAE stated that the UAE is at the heart of a global trade transformation, driven by technology, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
“Our US$ 815bn non-oil foreign trade in 2024 highlights economic strength and our focus on inclusive, tech-enabled growth. Initiatives like the Trade Tech Accelerator, CEPA, and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor are creating faster, greener, and more agile supply chains.
“Powered by AI, blockchain, and automation, we aim to boost transparency, efficiency, and sustainability. In partnership with India, we’re building a smarter trade ecosystem that ensures lasting prosperity for our nations and the region,” he added.
Advancing peace
“Two forces shape our world—those advancing peace and prosperity, and those driven by conflict. The IMEC Corridor embodies the former. Not a rival to the Suez Canal but a vital alternative, it ensures continuity when conventional routes fail,” noted Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, and a speaker at the event.
“Spanning India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and beyond, this multimodal network blends land, sea, and rail to deliver faster, cost-effective, and secure trade. IMEC represents strategic cooperation where economic growth and regional security are intertwined. As India and the UAE deepen ties, this initiative emerges as a global model—powered by both infrastructure and trust—for sustainable growth in a connected, yet fragile world,” she continued.
“This conclave is more than an event, it is a movement to build trust-based, technology-driven supply chains for tomorrow,” observed Kamal Narayan Omer, Co-founder, Logistics Shakti.
A joint initiative by IHW Media and Million Minds Management Consultancy, Logistics Shakti is a transformative initiative committed to revolutionizing India’s logistics sector by enhancing infrastructure, streamlining supply chains, and driving economic growth.
