DHL drives innovation and modern logistics in MEA forward

Investments DHL Opens Innovation Center for the MEA Region in Dubai

2025-12-16 From Bernd Maienschein | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Middle East & Africa (MEA) is playing an increasingly important role in DHL's future plans. With the opening of an Innovation Center in Dubai South, the DHL Group is further advancing the development of modern logistics in the region. And that's not all ...

New central hub for joint logistics developments in the MEA region: DHL's new Innovation Center in Dubai South.(Image: DHL) — New central hub for joint logistics developments in the MEA region: DHL's new Innovation Center in Dubai South.
(Image: DHL)

In early December, the DHL Group opened a new Innovation Center in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) for the MEA region (Middle East & Africa), aimed at fostering the joint development of modern logistics solutions with customers, partners, and start-ups— accommodating up to 120 participants. At the same time, DHL Supply Chain is investing $120 million in the construction of a 592,000 square feet multi-user warehouse in the same logistics district, which is intended to support global supply chains and serve as a strategic gateway between East and West. Both facilities, it is said, combine innovation with efficient logistics and strengthen DHL's presence in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With this expansion, the DHL Group reaffirms its long-term commitment to the region and further integrates innovation into the operational business of its customers.

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.

Katja Busch, CCO and Head of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation

As DHL Chief Commercial Officer Katja Busch explains, following the success of the previous mobile Innovation Center, there is now a permanent location, which, as one of four DHL Innovation Centers worldwide, underscores the logistics giant's commitment to the region, the Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates.

Platform for Idea Exchange Created

With its 18,300 square feet, the DHL MEA Innovation Center serves as a platform for idea exchange, bringing together customers, partners, start-ups, and academic institutions "to test new technologies and develop practical solutions for real logistics challenges," as stated.

The Innovation Center showcases and moves around the latest offerings in intralogistics technology.(Image: DHL) — The Innovation Center showcases and moves around the latest offerings in intralogistics technology.
(Image: DHL)

On-site, experts from the regional team of DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation are also working to drive innovations together with partners. As part of DHL's global network of Innovation Centers in Germany, Singapore, and the USA, the location enables cross-regional collaboration, including trend scouting and the development of forward-looking logistics solutions.

Soon Located At the World's Largest Airport

The planned multi-user warehouse for DHL's supply chain division will involve an investment of the previously mentioned $120 million. The investment will go toward a 1,033,000 square feet plot with a long-term lease of 38 years in Dubai South. The multi-user warehouse itself is planned to cover 592,000 square feet and will include additional office spaces—strategically located near the future Al Maktoum International Airport. This airport is set to become nothing less than the largest airport in the world and is scheduled for completion by the summer of 2027.

Rendering: The new warehouse (and also the MEA Innovation Center) is part of a comprehensive growth strategy by DHL in the MEA region. The multi-user warehouse will cover 592,000 square feet.(Image: DHL) — Rendering: The new warehouse (and also the MEA Innovation Center) is part of a comprehensive growth strategy by DHL in the MEA region. The multi-user warehouse will cover 592,000 square feet.
(Image: DHL)

According to DHL, the site will be operated fully CO₂-neutral, enabling customers to actively reduce their emissions and make their supply chains more sustainable. The new logistics center will provide companies from various industries with the highest security and operational standards for the storage and handling of high-value goods. With this investment, DHL reinforces the role of Dubai South as a central logistics hub in the Middle East.

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Investments DHL Opens Innovation Center for the MEA Region in Dubai

Platform for Idea Exchange Created

Soon Located At the World's Largest Airport

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