DHL Express inaugurates new logistics hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport


DHL Express has announced the construction of a new logistics hub at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The 15,000 sq m facility, on a 30,000 sq m airside/landside plot, located in ADIA’s Future Cargo Area, is being developed in partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports and Middle East General Enterprises. DHL’s new airport facility constitutes the company’s latest investment in strengthening the global trade links of the UAE’s capital and acts as a consolidated hub inclusive of an Import & Export Gateway, Service Center, Logistics Center & Road Network, with an initial headcount of 210 employees.

The new facility features a 10,800 sq m built-up area, with expansion potential to increase capacity by an additional 50%. The facility will be well equipped to handle up to 3,600 inbound and outbound/ transit shipments per hour, amounting to 86,400 shipments a day, with the ability to service customers in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, as well as supporting other countries of DHL network.

DHL’s Abu Dhabi operations have grown significantly over the years, from a facility at AUH Cargo Village before moving to a bespoke integrator operation of more than 4,300 sq m in the Airport Logistics Park. As part of the ongoing investment plan, a 30,000 sq m plot of land in the Midfield terminal with both airside and landside access has been leased, and the completion of the new hub is expected in late 2022. The development aligns with the Abu Dhabi Strategic Logistics Plan goals to provide enhanced infrastructure and enable express cargo companies to expand their operations at Abu Dhabi Airports.

Commenting on this milestone, Geoff Walsh, Country Manager of DHL Express UAE, said: “We are proud to be adding yet another solid foothold to our extensive network in the UAE, and specifically in Abu Dhabi, which is fast growing as a global trade and e-commerce hub. We reiterate our commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi’s growth plans and aligning to its ambitious 2050 economic vision while simultaneously providing a primary location to facilitate DHL’s Middle East Road Network operations, connecting the UAE with the GCC & Levant countries.”

Saeed Abdulrahman Ghanim, Vice Chairman of Middle East General Enterprises, added: “As the world relies more heavily on e-commerce and smarter supply chains, Abu Dhabi is becoming a key destination and redistribution hub in the region. DHL’s new facility has been established to cater to this growing trend, helping the UAE to become a connecting point to the entire region and the world.”

Source: Logistics Middle East