Also unveils an advanced contract logistics warehouse
The DHL Group recently officially opened 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 tandem, DHL Supply Chain is investing EUR120mn 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 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.
Innovation Center
“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,” stated Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
“Our new multi-user warehouse in Dubai South’s free zone strengthens our regional presence by bringing innovation and operations even closer together. Our customers will benefit from integrated solutions and innovation that drive efficiency, sustainability, and growth across their entire supply chains,” noted Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO, DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa.
Driving Innovation
Spanning 1,700sqm, 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.
“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,” emphasized Irina Albanese, Head of Innovation Middle East and Africa, DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
“By combining global expertise and local innovation, we are creating opportunities that strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading hub for logistics and innovation.” Observed 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 an EUR 120mn landmark agreement, including leasehold commitments, for a 38-year term on a 96,000sqm land plot in Dubai South. The development will include a 55,000sqm 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.
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.
Maintenance hangar
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 € 500mn for the Middle East and € 300mn for Sub-Saharan Africa, an ambitious plan already being translated into action.
