DHL Supply Chain invests EUR 120 million in a new multi-user warehouse in Dubai
DHL Group has opened its new Middle East & Africa (MEA) Innovation Center in Dubai South, further driving the development of modern logistics in the region. At the same time, DHL Supply Chain is investing EUR 120 million in the construction of a new multi-user warehouse within the same logistics district. The site will be operated in a CO₂-neutral manner and is strategically located near the Innovation Center and the Al Maktoum International Airport, which is currently being planned. Both facilities combine innovation with efficient logistics and further strengthen DHL’s presence in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this expansion, DHL Group is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the region and linking innovation even more closely to its customers’ operations.
“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 is one of four DHL Innovation Centers worldwide, underlining our commitment to the region, the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates. In this way, DHL supports customers in navigating the region’s complex logistics landscape 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 Zone not only strengthens our regional presence, but also combines innovation with logistics practice. The state-of-the-art logistics center is designed to support global supply chains and provide customers with shorter delivery times. The site serves as a hub for contract logistics and connects markets between East and West. Our customers benefit from integrated solutions and innovations that strengthen efficiency, sustainability and reliable growth along the entire supply chain.”
Driving innovation at the heart of MEA
With its 1,700 square meters, the DHL MEA Innovation Center is a platform for the exchange of ideas. It brings together customers, partners, start-ups and academic institutions to test new technologies and develop practical solutions to real-world logistics challenges. The center offers special 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 DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation team will also be working on site to drive innovation together with partners. As part of the global network of DHL 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 modern contract logistics gateway for Dubai South
In the Supply Chain business, DHL has signed an investment agreement of USD 120 million, including a long-term lease of 38 years for a 96,000 square metre site in Dubai South. A 55,000 square metre multi-user warehouse and additional office space are planned – strategically located near the future Al Maktoum International Airport, which is to become the largest airport in the world. Construction is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2026, with completion scheduled for summer 2027. The site will be operated in a completely CO₂-neutral manner, enabling customers to actively reduce their emissions and make their supply chains more sustainable. The new logistics center provides companies from various industries with the highest safety and operational standards for the storage and handling of high-value goods. With this investment, DHL is strengthening Dubai South’s role as a central hub for logistics in the Middle East.
The new warehouse and MEA Innovation Center are part of DHL’s comprehensive growth strategy in the region. As part of this strategy, the company has presented a multi-year investment agenda: DHL plans to invest EUR 500 million in the Middle East and a further EUR 300 million in Sub-Saharan Africa – an ambitious plan that is already being implemented with these projects.
