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The DHL Group has today opened its new Middle East & Africa (MEA) Innovation Center in Dubai South, further advancing the development of modern logistics in the region. At the same time, DHL Supply Chain is investing 120 million euros in the construction of a new multi-user warehouse within the same logistics district.
(Bonn/Dubai) The location in Dubai will operate CO2-neutral and is strategically located near the Innovation Center and the planned Al Maktoum International Airport. Both facilities combine innovation with efficient logistics and further strengthen DHL’s presence in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this expansion, the DHL Group reaffirms its long-term commitment to the region and links innovation even more closely with the operational business of its customers.
“The Middle East and Africa are among the fastest-growing regions, and DHL has long been one of the leading logistics companies with a strong local presence. Following the success of the previous mobile Innovation Center, there is now a permanent location that, as one of four DHL Innovation Centers worldwide, underscores our commitment to the region, the Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates. This supports DHL customers in navigating the complex logistics landscape of the region – through collaboration and modern solutions,” said Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa, added: “Our new multi-user warehouse in the Dubai South Free Trade Zone not only strengthens our regional presence but also connects innovations with logistical practice. The modern logistics center is designed to support global supply chains and enable customers to achieve shorter delivery times. The location serves as a hub for contract logistics, connecting markets between East and West. Our customers benefit from integrated solutions and innovations that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and reliable growth throughout the supply chain.”
Driving Innovation in MEA
The DHL MEA Innovation Center, with its 1,700 square meters, serves as a platform for idea exchange. It brings together customers, partners, startups, and academic institutions to test new technologies and develop practical solutions for real logistics challenges. The center offers dedicated areas for meetings and workshops and is an important point of contact for the further development of logistics in the region. Experts from the regional team of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation also work on-site, driving innovations together with partners. As part of DHL’s global network of Innovation Centers in Germany, Singapore, and the USA, the location enables cooperation across regions, including trend scouting and the development of future-oriented logistics solutions.
New Contract Logistics Center
For the Supply Chain sector, DHL has entered into an investment agreement of 120 million US dollars, including a long-term lease commitment of 38 years for a 96,000 square meter plot in Dubai South. A 55,000 square meter multi-user warehouse is planned, along with additional office space – strategically located near the future Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the largest airport in the world. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with completion expected in summer 2027. The location will operate fully CO2-neutral, allowing customers to actively reduce their emissions and make their supply chains more sustainable. The new logistics center offers companies from various industries the highest security and operational standards for the storage and handling of high-quality goods. With this investment, DHL strengthens the role of Dubai South as a central logistics hub in the Middle East.
Part of a Comprehensive Growth Strategy
The new warehouse and the MEA Innovation Center are part of a comprehensive growth strategy by DHL in the region. As part of this strategy, the company has presented a multi-year investment agenda: DHL plans to invest 500 million euros in the Middle East and an additional 300 million euros in Sub-Saharan Africa – an ambitious plan that is already being concretely realized with these projects.
Photos: © DHL
