DHL Express this week celebrated the groundbreaking of its 10,000sqm gateway at King FahdInternational Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to expand its capability for customers shipping to
and from the country.The new gateway, part of a $20 million investment in gateways at Dammam and Riyadh airports, isdue to go into service by the end of this year and is expected to add approximately 100 new jobs.The two terminals will support the expansion of trade by increasing connections between SaudiArabia and the UAE, Asia and the United States.
The KFIA groundbreaking ceremony was celebrated by DHL Express CEO Ken Allen, DHL Express MiddleEast and North Africa (MENA) CEO Nour Suliman, DHL Express Saudi Country Manger Geoff Walsh andother managers and employees.
“Since 1976, DHL has blazed the trail for express delivery in Saudi Arabia, andthis investment is further proof that we have no intention of slowing down,” Allen said. “The Saudimarket offers vast opportunities for DHL’s global customer base, and the multi-million dollargateway we are opening today underscores the unwavering commitment of DHL and our longstandingpartners at SNAS to driving further trade between businesses in the Kingdom and their partnersaround the world.”
Suliman added: “The groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction of a 10,000 sqm gateway.The new facility is expected to be operational by end of this year, while other improvements willbe completed by 2014.”
DHL Express said its $20 million investment in the two international airports underscores theimportance of logistics operations in Saudi Arabia to the wider Middle East and reaffirms itslong-term commitment to providing international transport solutions to customers in Saudi Arabiaand throughout the region.
The King Fahd international airport in Dammam will double freight capacities inbound andoutbound from Saudi Arabia, which will open up opportunity for increased commercial trade throughthe Eastern part of the Kingdom with both land trucking and express air cargo clearance in thedeveloping KFIA Cargo Village.
Commenting on the new investment, Geoff Walsh, DHL Express Country Manager Saudi Arabia, said: “The new gateway will allow DHL Express Saudi Arabia to increase its operational capacities in theregion and double our logistics offerings to our customers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and across theGCC region. The new investment marks another significant milestone for us as we continue to focuson serving growing markets and offering world-class levels of services”.
