DHL is investing AED 100 million (€20.8 million) in its largest express ground operations facilityin the Middle East and North Africa at a site within Meydan’s Racecourse district, close to the
centre of Dubai.The new facility will be opened in the third quarter of 2014, in partnership with MGE MiddleEast General Enterprise LLC, and covers 17,000 sqm of land area and includes a 7,000 sqm indoorsorting and loading area, as well as a 4,000 sqm office, which will also serve as DHL’s newregional head office. The latest automated handling equipment and communication technology systemsare expected to increase efficiency and enhance service speed, allowing earlier deliveries andlater pick-up times while reducing transit shipment times for customers importing and exportingwithin the UAE, DHL claimed.
Announcing the official ground breaking ceremony of the site, Frank-Uwe Ungerer, CountryManager for DHL Express UAE, said: “The new DHL Express UAE facility is a logistics milestone inDHL’s Middle East and North Africa network and we are extremely proud to be partnering with Meydanto launch our largest ground operations facility in the region.”
He stressed that the investment also reflected the growth of the UAE economy. “Since DHLfirst began operations in 1976, our growth has mirrored that of the UAE. DHL’s latest investmentwill connect the Middle East to DHL’s global network for at least the next 20 years, ensuringcontinued growth through improved transit times and network reliability. This outstandinginvestment will further cement our leadership position in terms of connections, convenience andcost-effectiveness.”
DHL currently has 261 service centres and service points across 19 countries in the regionemploying over 4,400 staff.
