DHL Expands Contract Logistics Services in the UAE
DHL Group has announced the expansion of its contract logistics services to the United Arab Emirates through the transfer of business operations from DHL Global Forwarding. DHL Supply Chain will now provide its full range of services in the UAE, adding to the cross-border transportation, forwarding, and freight services already offered by DHL Global Forwarding.
Strategic Expansion and Operational Transition
As part of this transition, DHL Supply Chain will take over the operation of seven facilities previously managed by DHL Global Forwarding. “DHL Supply Chain will now take over seven facilities from the DHL Global Forwarding portfolio and will directly operate them under their own brand, managing operations with a team of 600 dedicated logistics professionals,” said Amadou Diallo, CEO for DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East and Africa.
The transfer is expected to ensure service continuity for existing customers. Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, confirmed that “the seamless transfer will ensure that existing customer relationships and operations remain uninterrupted, with no major changes in customer interactions.” This latest transfer aims to enhance further DHL’s contract logistics offerings to meet the supply chain demands of multinational and SME customers in the region.
Sector Coverage and Regional Efficiency
The expanded services will cover multiple sectors, including technology, automotive, aviation, energy, engineering, manufacturing, e-commerce, fashion, and luxury goods. Furthermore, the integration of Danzas AEI Emirates into DHL Global Forwarding earlier this year improved service efficiency across the UAE, GCC, and MEA regions.
Leading Supply Chain Figures in the UAE
In 2025, the UAE continues to redefine the future of global supply chains by melding innovation, strategic infrastructure, and digital transformation to emerge not just as a regional hub, but a world-class logistics powerhouse. Here are the key leaders shaping the industry:
- Ahmed Attiya (Group Supply Chain Director GCC, Zahrawi Group): He leads Zahrawi Group’s supply chain strategy across the GCC and specialises in process efficiency and organisational restructuring. Notably, the company opened a new 38,000-square-foot advanced distribution centre in Dubai, equipped with temperature-controlled storage and automation.
- Ashish Sood (Chief Supply Chain Officer, Landmark Group): He is the driving force behind Landmark Group’s supply chain transformation, overseeing a portfolio that spans fashion, home, beauty and lifestyle brands. He played a pivotal role in the development of Landmark’s Omega Distribution Centre in JAFZA, Dubai—one of the region’s most advanced automated logistics hubs.
- Cassie Mackie (Vice President of Procurement and Supply Chain, Etihad Airways): She has positioned Etihad Airways as a trailblazer in procurement and supply chain within aviation. In 2024, her leadership contributed to Etihad achieving its highest-ever profit of $476 million, the result of disciplined cost management and supplier optimisation.
Core Responsibilities of UAE Supply Chain Managers
According to regional standards, Supply Chain Managers oversee logistics, procurement, and distribution strategies to ensure smooth operations and cost-effectiveness. Their key responsibilities include:
- Optimize supply chain processes to improve efficiency.
- Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and logistics partners.
- Manage procurement and inventory control.
- Ensure compliance with UAE logistics regulations.
