Danzas AEI Emirates, part of global logistics group DHL, plans to consolidate its Middle East operations through the opening of its Dh185 million multi-purpose logistics facility in Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).
DHL claims that the 80,000 square metres facility, the equivalent of 11 football pitches, is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and offers "the perfect platform for companies to profitably leverage their supply chains using the new hub as a global gateway".
"An increasing number of companies from diverse industries including life science, automotive and technology have chosen Dubai as an attractive production and logistics location," said Hermann Ude, CEO, DHL Global Forwarding and Freight.
"The Gulf is ideally positioned, with access not just to Europe, Africa and Asia but also to the fast developing Indian subcontinent and its huge manufacturing output. Our global experience of aligning logistics services with trade lanes will be further enhanced by the integrated, innovative services provided at the new Jafza facility. This is combined with the future benefits of operating from the only free zone in the world to be located between an airport and a sea port."
DHL said the new facility, which has a built-up area of 54,000 sq m, is fully air-conditioned and includes 6,700 sq m of office space and an 8,000 sq m temperature-controlled, life sciences distribution centre. The building is equipped with world-class security infrastructure that would be certified under the Technology Asset Protection Association (Tapa) guidelines.
Danzas AEI Emirates is a joint venture between Al Tayer Group, a diversified regional business established in 1979 and headquartered in Dubai, and DHL Management, a subsidiary of German global logistics group Deutsche Post World Net.
The Chairman of Danzas, Ahmed Humaid Al Tayer, said the investment in the new high-tech facility demonstrated an ongoing belief in the significance of Dubai as a global business hub.
"Dubai's visionary development and first class infrastructure offers the business world an opportunity to access the enormous potential of the Middle East and beyond. We will continue to pursue an ambitious plan to facilitate increased trade and market development, both regionally and globally," said Al Tayer.
With the global freight market set to reach $1.4 trillion by 2020, and Gulf imports and exports reaching $320bn at the end of 2007, the new facility is an essential addition to the Danzas service portfolio, according to Enver Moretti, CEO and President, EMA Region, DHL Global Forwarding.
"There is increasing need for innovative logistics solutions that add real value, offer flexibility and maximise margins. Our new facility offers a 'cold-chain' logistics operation dedicated to serving the unique supply chain needs of the pharmaceutical industry; providing additional services, such as good manufacturing practice labelling and kitting, to better serve the growing healthcare market," said Moretti.