DHL Express, the world’s leading express and logistics provider, has further cemented its presence in the UAE by launching the construction of a new stand alone, logistics hub, at the Abu Dhabi International Airport (ADIA). The 15,000sqm facility, on a 30,000sqm airside/landside plot, located in ADIA’s Future Cargo Area, is being developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority (ADAFZ) – a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports – and Middle East General Enterprises (MGE).
DHL’s new airport facility constitutes the company’s latest investment in strengthening the global trade links of the UAE’s capital and acts as a consolidated hub inclusive of an Import & Export Gateway, Service Center, Logistics Center & Road Network, with an initial head count of 210 employees.
Commenting on this milestone, Geoff Walsh, Country Manager of DHL Express UAE said: “We are proud to be adding yet another solid foothold to our extensive network in the UAE, and specifically in Abu Dhabi which is fast growing as a global trade and e-commerce hub. By establishing our presence at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, we reiterate our commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth plans and aligning to its ambitious 2050 economic vision, while simultaneously providing a primary location to facilitate DHL’s Middle East Road Network operations, connecting the UAE seamlessly across the GCC & Levant countries.”
The new facility features a 10,800sqm built-up area, with future expansion potential to increase capacity by an additional 50%. The facility will be well equipped to handle up to 3,600 inbound and outbound/ transit shipments per hour, amounting to 86,400 shipments a day, with the ability to service customers in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, as well as supporting other countries of DHL network and providing solutions that will improve their efficiency. It will additionally follow the most up to date TAPA security regulations, employing the latest technologies across all of the operation.
Shareef Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: “DHL Express’ new logistics hub is an exciting and welcomed new addition to Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Future Cargo offering which strengthens our presence as a facilitator of global trade and bolsters Abu Dhabi’s position as an important regional and international hub for air freight.
“As a leading logistics provider and one of our valued strategic partners, DHL Express’ new hub is sure to further augment value-added logistics and supply chain services in the emirate and accelerate trade flows moving in and out of the UAE,” added Al Hashmi.
DHL’s Abu Dhabi operations have grown significantly over the years; from a facility at AUH Cargo Village, before moving to a bespoke integrator operation of more than 4,300m² in the Airport Logistics Park. As part of the ongoing investment plan, a 30,000m² plot of land in the Midfield terminal with both airside and landside access has been leased and the new hub is starting construction, with completion expected in late 2022. The development leads the way and aligns fully with the goals of the Abu Dhabi Strategic Logistics Plan to provide enhanced infrastructure and enable express cargo companies to expand their operations at Abu Dhabi Airports.
Saeed Abdulrahman Ghanim – Vice Chairman of Middle East General Enterprises (MGE), added: “As the world relies more heavily on e-commerce and smarter supply chains, Abu Dhabi is becoming a key destination and redistribution hub in the region. DHL’s new facility has been established to cater to this growing trend, helping the UAE to become a connecting point to the entire region and the world. We are proud to be part of a vital project designed to help achieve the UAE’s outstanding 2050 goals.”