Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone Authority (ADAFZ), a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Airports, has signed an expansive 27-year Musataha Agreement with Middle East General Enterprises (MGE) to facilitate the presence of DHL Express in the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone (ADAFZ).

The long-term relationship between ADAFZ, MGE and DHL represents a milestone achievement in the development of the Express Integrator cluster at the East Midfield Development Zone located in the ADAFZ and is in line with the goals of the Abu Dhabi strategic logistics plan that results from ADAFZ’s commitment to providing world-class infrastructure to enable express cargo companies to expand their operations at AUH and increase their transportation and cargo volumes.DHL Express will serve as a key client within ADAFZ’s Express Integrator cluster, and in close collaboration with MGE combined will invest up to AED 365 million in the new facility. The DHL expansion will cover 30,000 square meters and aims to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2021.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “The signing of this agreement is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s position as an international gateway for trade and commerce throughout the Middle East, as well as the long-standing relationship between Abu Dhabi Airports and DHL. E-commerce is transforming the retail landscape throughout the region and we look forward to playing our role in supporting the growth of this new industry through our world-class infrastructure at Abu Dhabi International Airport.”

Bryan Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “Abu Dhabi International Airport is not only a growing regional hub for business and leisure travellers, but includes cutting-edge cargo and logistics infrastructure designed to facilitate express & e-commerce. We are delighted to be working with DHL as we continue to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as an international transport and logistics centre, in line with our mission of becoming the world’s leading airports group.”

Rowan Michael Kelly, Senior Vice President of Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone, added: “We are pleased to be partnering with DHL Express and MGE to develop a new facility in a designated zone for express cargo companies, with both landside and airside access. Working together with DHL Express and other partners and stakeholders, we are confident that the new logistics facilities at AUH will offer comprehensive and competitive services, contributing to the continued expansion of air cargo traffic through Abu Dhabi and the long-term growth and diversification of the economy of the UAE.”

Nour Suliman, CEO, DHL Express MENA, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Abu Dhabi Airports Free Zone and Middle East General Enterprises to create our brand-new facility in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration reiterates DHL’s strategic mission to strengthen our facilities and key positions across the UAE and the wider Middle East region. In line with our long-term objectives the new facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport is our latest investment to support global trade to and from the capital of the UAE.”

“We are confident that the new facility will meet the increasing demand for a faster and more efficient operational process. We will continue to work closely with our key partners and Customs Authorities to ensure that our customers in the UAE and across the world receive the highest levels of service,” added Mr Suliman.   

DHL’s operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport have grown significantly over the years, starting with a facility at AUH Cargo Village, prior to expanding to more than 4,300 square meters in the Logistics Park, and now to an expansive plot of land with both airside and landside access in a prime location.