DHL Group officially opens its newly expanded Middle East & Africa (MEA) Innovation Center in Dubai South, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in shaping the future of logistics across the region. In parallel, DHL Supply Chain is investing €120 million in a new multi-user warehouse within the same logistics district. The facility will operate carbon-neutral and is strategically located near the Innovation Center and the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport. Together, these developments will create a powerful hub where innovation and operations converge, expanding DHL’s footprint in Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This strategic expansion reinforces DHL Group’s long-term commitment to the region and builds on its longstanding pioneering history, delivering closer integration of innovation and operations for customers.
“The Middle East and Africa is one of our most vibrant regions, and DHL was among the first logistics companies to establish a strong presence here. Building on the success of its previous mobile setup, the new Innovation Center is now a permanent hub, showcasing our commitment to MEA and the UAE as one of only four DHL Innovation Centers worldwide. It helps customers navigate the region’s dynamic logistics landscape through collaboration and cutting-edge innovation,” said Katja Busch, Chief Commercial Officer, DHL and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation.
Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO at DHL Supply Chain Middle East & Africa, added: “Our new multi-user warehouse in Dubai South’s free zone strengthens our regional presence by bringing innovation and operations even closer together. Shaping the future of trade, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to power global supply chains and will enhance DHL’s ability to serve customers seeking shorter lead times. The site will serve as a contract logistics gateway, acting as a vital bridge between East and West. Our customers will benefit from integrated solutions and innovation that drive efficiency, sustainability, and growth across their entire supply chains.”
Driving Innovation in the Heart of MEA
Spanning 1,700 square meters, the DHL MEA Innovation Center is designed as a collaborative platform and brings customers, partners, startups, and academic institutions to foster exchange and explore emerging technologies, test scalable solutions, and co-create innovations that address real-world logistics challenges. It features dedicated meeting and workshop spaces, and serves as a regional lighthouse for logistics transformation. The center also hosts experts from DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation’s regional team, driving thought leadership and practical innovation. As part of DHL’s global network of Innovation Centers in Cologne, Singapore, and Chicago, it enables cross-regional collaboration, trend scouting, and the scalable development of next-generation logistics solutions.
New modern contract-logistics gateway to power logistics in Dubai South
DHL Supply Chain has signed a €120 million landmark agreement, including leasehold commitments, for a 38-year term on a 96,000 square meter land plot in Dubai South. The development will include a 55,000 square meter multi-user warehouse plus additional office space, strategically located near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world’s largest airport. Construction is scheduled to break ground in Q1 2026, with completion planned for summer 2027. DHL Supply Chain is committed to 100% net zero-carbon warehousing operations, enabling customers to significantly reduce their own carbon footprints by pursuing greener supply chains. Designed to serve customers across multiple sectors, the facility will handle high-value goods under stringent security and operational standards. This long-term investment underscores DHL’s renewed commitment to Dubai South as a key logistics hub for the Middle East.
The new warehouse and the launch of DHL’s MEA Innovation Center are complemented by significant infrastructure investments that reinforce the company’s regional growth strategy. Earlier this year, DHL recently unveiled its multi-year investment agenda, allocating €500 million for the Middle East and €300 million for Sub-Saharan Africa, an ambitious plan already being translated into action.
