Transforming Industrial Logistics in MEA: DHL’s Strategic Expansion and Growth Plans

In an exclusive conversation with Air Cargo Update, Peter Dudas, Regional Vice President of MEA at DHL Industrial Projects, highlights the company’s specialized logistics solutions across key sectors like oil and gas, mining, and renewables.

With the Middle East and Africa being DHL Global Forwarding’s fastest-growing region, the company is capitalizing on the surge in foreign investments and infrastructure development.

Peter emphasizes DHL’s commitment to innovation through digital platforms like MMS360, which enhances real-time cargo tracking and operational efficiency.

Leveraging strategic hubs like Jebel Ali, DHL ensures seamless project logistics across the region while tackling capacity challenges with the support of expanding port and airport infrastructure.

Sustainability is also a core focus, with initiatives like the GoGreen portfolio and solar-powered warehouses in the UAE.

Despite global supply chain disruptions, Peter credits DHL’s proactive planning and agile decision-making for maintaining resilient and reliable logistics services in complex environments.

In this exclusive interview, Peter sheds light on how the company’s tailored logistics solutions are supporting rapid industrial development in the region.

Could you tell us about DHL Industrial Projects and its vision for the Middle East market?

DHL Industrial Projects is a specialized division within DHL Global Forwarding—the freight forwarding arm of the DHL Group. We operate in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, focusing on meeting the unique logistical needs of industrial clients. Our work spans from supporting daily operations to managing the transportation of heavy materials and equipment to industrial construction sites.

The Middle East is a key region for us, and for good reason. In recent years, in addition to large direct state investments we’ve seen a surge in foreign direct investment across several countries, which is driving rapid economic growth and the development of new manufacturing and industrial capacities. We’re eager to play a role in these large-scale projects, helping to build the infrastructure and industrial base that are shaping the future of the region.

Beyond that, we provide comprehensive, end-to-end logistics solutions, ensuring that our customers across the Middle East receive seamless service for even the most complex logistical challenges.

Can you give us an overview of DHL Industrial Projects in the Middle East and Africa, and which industries are driving the demand for project logistics in the region? 

In the Middle East and Africa, DHL Industrial Projects takes a sector-specific approach, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of various industries. Some of the most prominent sectors we serve include oil and gas, mining, renewables, and new energy projects. Additionally, we play a key role in supporting the development of emerging industries across the region.

One major trend we’re seeing is the rising demand for data centers. As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the need for advanced data infrastructure is growing rapidly. This shift is driving new opportunities in logistics as we help facilitate the construction and expansion of these critical facilities.

Your services support industries like oil and gas, mining, and construction. How do you tailor your logistics solutions to meet the unique challenges these sectors present?

Our customers are specialists in their fields—whether it’s oil and gas production, mineral extraction, or secondary processes like petrochemical manufacturing. We also work closely with construction companies that are building the infrastructure to support these industries. Given the critical nature of their work, our clients maintain exceptionally high standards for health, safety, and environmental compliance, and we make sure our logistics solutions align with those expectations.

A lot of what we handle involves complex and heavy equipment that can’t always be transported through conventional methods. For instance, some cargo is too large or too heavy for standard trucks or regular transport routes. In these cases, we go beyond traditional logistics—sometimes that means removing traffic lights or power lines, or even constructing temporary bypass routes when a bridge can’t support the load. It’s all about finding creative, practical solutions to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

How is DHL using digitalization, AI, and automation to improve efficiency in large-scale projects?

We work closely with our customers and supply chain partners to find new ways to streamline operations and enhance the quality of service we deliver. At DHL, we have a dedicated data and analytics division focused on developing in-house digital solutions. These tools not only make our teams more efficient but also provide better support and transparency for our customers.

In DHL Industrial Projects specifically, we’ve developed a custom material management system called MMS360. It is a robust web-based tool for planning, organizing and controlling all flows of materials from their initial purchase to destination. This platform allows us to connect directly with our customers, manage their purchase orders, and expedite shipments worldwide. No matter where our customers are located, they can track their cargo in real time, giving them full visibility and confidence throughout the entire logistics process.

What are some of the biggest logistical challenges DHL faces in the Middle East, and how do you tackle them?

The challenges can vary depending on the country, but one common issue across the region is capacity.

The Middle East has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, and in some areas, infrastructure is struggling to keep up with increasing demand. This can create bottlenecks, especially when it comes to moving large volumes of cargo efficiently.

However, there are positive developments. Port and airport operators across the region are investing heavily in expanding and upgrading their facilities to meet rising demands. At the same time, airlines are continuously adding new flight routes—sometimes on a weekly basis—creating additional capacity that benefits not only logistics providers like us but also our customers. These improvements are helping us navigate the challenges while ensuring we continue delivering reliable and efficient services.

The UAE is a major logistics hub—how does DHL leverage the country’s infrastructure and strategic location to optimize project logistics?

Anyone familiar with the UAE knows how crucial Jebel Ali is—not just for the Middle East, but for global supply chains. It’s one of the world’s largest and busiest ports, offering unmatched connectivity across the region and beyond.

By utilizing Jebel Ali, we can move goods on the largest vessels, ensuring faster transit times for our customers. The free zone surrounding the port is another key advantage—it supports extensive secondary processing and manufacturing, which benefits businesses across the region.

From Jebel Ali, we don’t just handle shipments within the UAE—we also manage cargo bound for major projects in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman. The port’s strategic location and advanced infrastructure allow us to deliver efficient, seamless logistics solutions across the region.

Sustainability is a major focus across industries. How is DHL incorporating sustainable practices into its operations in the Middle East and Africa?

That’s a crucial topic for us. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core part of our strategy and long-term vision. We’ve made it a priority at every level, and as part of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitment, we’ve linked executive compensation directly to achieving our ESG goals. In simple terms, our top managers worldwide have their performance bonuses tied to meeting these sustainability targets.

One of the key initiatives we offer is our GoGreen product portfolio. This program gives our customers access to a range of innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint across their supply chains. Whether it’s through sustainable aviation fuel, marine fuel, or other eco-friendly logistics options, we’re helping businesses lower their environmental impact across air and ocean freight.

In the UAE, for example, we’ve equipped all our warehouses with solar panels, allowing us to generate carbon-free electricity to power our operations. It’s just one of the many steps we’re taking to lead the way in sustainable logistics and contribute to a greener future.

With global supply chain disruptions—like the IT outage and labor strikes—how does DHL maintain resilience in delivering complex industrial logistics solutions? How do you navigate these challenges?

The past five years have definitely been a wake-up call for the entire industry. If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s the importance of staying vigilant and resilient—and that’s a word I really value.

At DHL, we’ve built robust processes and tools that allow us to plan for a wide range of scenarios, even those that seem unlikely. We also have a team of global experts across our products and solutions who focus specifically on preparing for disruptions—whether they’re expected or completely unexpected.

Also Read: DHL Group and Temu Sign MoU to Support Local Businesses.

Take COVID, for example—no one saw that coming, and it challenged supply chains worldwide. More recently, geopolitical tensions in areas like Bab al-Mandab have added further complexity. But these experiences have taught us how to adapt quickly, make fast decisions, and minimize the impact on our customers. Our ability to stay agile and proactive is what helps us keep things moving, no matter how unpredictable the situation may be.

What are DHL’s growth plans for the Middle East and Africa, and are there any major investments or partnerships on the horizon?

The Middle East and Africa is actually the fastest-growing region for DHL Global Forwarding. With such a large portion of the world’s population living in these areas, the growth potential is huge.