DHL Express will set up a €30 million ‘world-class’ facility in a free trade zone next to Qatar International Airport under an agreement signed yesterday with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, further expanding its Middle East network.
DHL and the authority expect the facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, adjacent to Hamad International Airport, to be operational later this year, in good time to handle express logistics flows for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Doha, hosted by H.E. Ahmad Al Sayed, Minister of State and Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA), the leading regulatory body for businesses in Qatar Free Zones.
The DHL Express facility will incorporate 17 delivery bays over a plot size of more than 19,000 sqm and occupy a prime logistical position directly adjacent to Hamad International Airport and within Qatar Free Zones, allowing DHL free movement of personnel, customers, suppliers and shipments into and out of the facility.
In particular, the facility will open up a new product offering of Break Bulk Express (BBC), which has applications across the retail, ICT and eCommerce sectors. It will also offer a dedicated medical supply division storage area.
Overall, the facility will be a state-of-the-art operation utilizing world-class automated sorting, ULD processing, screening systems and advanced IP-based CCTV. DHL will also add all required supportive administration in Ras Bufontas. The facility will be developed to DHL Express global specifications and TAPA Certification and will conform to all local regulatory requirements.
Nour Suliman, CEO DHL Express MENA, said: “DHL Express is committed to growth; investing in QFZ is part of our expansion plans which guarantee that we always stay on top of our market demands.”
He continued: “Qatar is on track towards becoming a logistics hub to the world, offering world class services that are in harmony with our plans for our network. DHL will start its operation at QFZ in the second half of this year.”
H.E. Ahmad Al Sayed, Minister of State and Chairman of QFZA said: “We are delighted to welcome another leading company in the free zones. We are excited to partner with DHL to strengthen QFZA’s value proposition to our tenants, investors and partners, both locally and globally, and look forward to working closely with them as we enhance our logistics offering.
“This new facility, one of the landmark buildings in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, will offer cutting-edge logistics solutions, opening up new product areas and supporting the activities of all businesses in Qatar Free Zones, as well as the Qatar market more broadly.”
