Quick advancements in technology and supply-chain transformations have led organisations around the world to restructure their operations to increase agility and move with the times. The Gulf region is no exception. And while we have witnessed fast growth in infrastructure to meet the demands of the logistics sectors, there is more that can be done. There are, after all, opportunities to create a significant impact given the Gulf’s location and global business ties.
According to research published by Marmore Mena Intelligence in 2022, industrials and logistics have been identified as core drivers of economic diversification in the Gulf region, which has taken on a pivotal role in the circulation of commodities around the globe. The report also noted that more than 60 per cent of the total expenditure on ports in the Middle East is in the GCC.
The GCC region has the strategic advantage of being a bridge between Europe and Asia, and it offers modern cities that have grown into international business hubs, with both seaports and airports that are continually improving their offerings based on growing demand and interest. Further, governments have been investing heavily in infrastructure and technology to support regional and global trade.
The highly anticipated GCC railway project is moving forward under the leadership of the GCC Rail Authority, a body that was established last year and will be responsible for the rail network starting operations over the coming years.
The region has also made great strides in sustainability and renewable energy, and can grow green logistics, especially with solar power, considering the abundance of sunlight our nations receive.
We must strike while the iron is hot and use our existing and upcoming infrastructures. According to Statista, an online platform that specialises in data gathering, the global logistics industry was valued at $10.4 trillion in 2022 and is expected to grow to $14 trillion in 2028.
Projected industry growth, paired with strategic geographical advantages, and ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and adapt technologies set the stage for logistics sectors in the GCC to be key drivers for economic growth in the future.
The adoption of artificial intelligence is also increasing within the region, which will no doubt transform the logistics sector through advanced data collection and analyses that will help develop better customer experiences, efficient management of resources, optimal use of resources and automation in warehouses and processes in general.
Logistics is a dynamic area. There are several trends and technological advancements that could redefine the industry and its operations, including cloud-based systems, autonomous vehicles, 3D-printing, real-time tracking and analytics, blockchain, machine learning and robotics.
The world is moving rapidly and in order to keep up and continue to attract foreign direct investment, the GCC region must stay abreast of these trends.
There are many opportunities for aspiring and established entrepreneurs across the region to enter and expand into the logistics sector, actively engage with existing industry players, employ synergistic and innovative approaches, and help the development of the logistics sectors to reach its full potential.
One of the most profitable areas in this industry is third-party logistics, with cost to entry being a significant barrier for entrepreneurs. Regional banks can exploit interest in the area and support entry and expansion into third-party services through incentivised borrowing rates.
Further, governments and leaders in the areas of transport, logistics and technology must collaborate to form cross-border consortiums and strategic international partnerships to enhance the region’s position as a global centre for trade.
More from Mohammed Alardhi
The GCC region will also benefit from widespread campaigns that engage with the youth and educate them about the crucial role of the logistics sector in economic development, opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and mentorship that help pave the path towards growth and stability in coming years.
While the logistics sectors in the GCC have the potential to play an important role in positioning the region as a hub for innovation, we cannot forget that advancements and the adoption of the newest trends and technologies will also support various industries locally. Transport and logistics can be the deciding factors in the success or failure of a business, so they are extremely important areas of focus going forward.
GCC nations have a number of strengths, opportunities and projects in the pipeline that could unlock a new era of economic growth, where the transport and logistics sectors are instrumental in concreting the region’s position as a uniquely equipped, dynamic centre for global trade. Now it is in the hands of citizens, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and governments to remain united in this vision for synergistic results that would lead our nations into a more secure and prosperous future.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
DUBAI SEVENS 2018 DRAW
Gulf Men’s League
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Sports City Eagles
Pool B – Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf Men’s Open
Pool A – Bahrain Firbolgs, Arabian Knights, Yalla Rugby, Muscat
Pool B – Amman Citadel, APB Dubai Sharks, Jebel Ali Dragons 2, Saudi Rugby
Pool C – Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2, Roberts Construction, Dubai Exiles 2
Pool D – Dubai Tigers, UAE Shaheen, Sharjah Wanderers, Amman Citadel 2
Gulf U19 Boys
Pool A – Deira International School, Dubai Hurricanes, British School Al Khubairat, Jumeirah English Speaking School B
Pool B – Dubai English Speaking College 2, Jumeirah College, Dubai College A, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 2
Pool C – Bahrain Colts, Al Yasmina School, DESC, DC B
Pool D – Al Ain Amblers, Repton Royals, Dubai Exiles, Gems World Academy Dubai
Pool E – JESS A, Abu Dhabi Sharks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins 1, EC
Gulf Women
Pool A – Kuwait Scorpions, Black Ruggers, Dubai Sports City Eagles, Dubai Hurricanes 2
Pool B – Emirates Firebirds, Sharjah Wanderers, RAK Rides, Beirut Aconites
Pool C – Dubai Hurricanes, Emirates Firebirds 2, Abu Dhabi Saracens, Transforma Panthers
Pool D – AUC Wolves, Dubai Hawks, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Al Ain Amblers
Gulf U19 Girls
Pool A – Dubai Exiles, BSAK, DESC, Al Maha
Pool B – Arabian Knights, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Kibsons%20Cares
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERecycling%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3EAny%20time%20you%20receive%20a%20Kibsons%20order%2C%20you%20can%20return%20your%20cardboard%20box%20to%20the%20drivers.%20They%E2%80%99ll%20be%20happy%20to%20take%20it%20off%20your%20hands%20and%20ensure%20it%20gets%20reused%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EKind%20to%20health%20and%20planet%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESolar%20%E2%80%93%2025-50%25%20of%20electricity%20saved%3Cbr%3EWater%20%E2%80%93%2075%25%20of%20water%20reused%3Cbr%3EBiofuel%20%E2%80%93%20Kibsons%20fleet%20to%20get%2020%25%20more%20mileage%20per%20litre%20with%20biofuel%20additives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESustainable%20grocery%20shopping%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENo%20antibiotics%3Cbr%3ENo%20added%20hormones%3Cbr%3ENo%20GMO%3Cbr%3ENo%20preservatives%3Cbr%3EMSG%20free%3Cbr%3E100%25%20natural%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
65
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EScott%20Beck%2C%20Bryan%20Woods%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAdam%20Driver%2C%20Ariana%20Greenblatt%2C%20Chloe%20Coleman%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Read more about the coronavirus
The years Ramadan fell in May
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
More from Neighbourhood Watch
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The five pillars of Islam
More coverage from the Future Forum
Zayed Sustainability Prize
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
More on animal trafficking
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
More on Quran memorisation:
Five personal finance podcasts from The National
To help you get started, tune into these Pocketful of Dirham episodes
·
Balance is essential to happiness, health and wealth
·
What is a portfolio stress test?
·
What are NFTs and why are auction houses interested?
·
How gamers are getting rich by earning cryptocurrencies
·
Should you buy or rent a home in the UAE?
The years Ramadan fell in May
Last 10 NBA champions
2017: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-1
2016: Cleveland bt Golden State 4-3
2015: Golden State bt Cleveland 4-2
2014: San Antonio bt Miami 4-1
2013: Miami bt San Antonio 4-3
2012: Miami bt Oklahoma City 4-1
2011: Dallas bt Miami 4-2
2010: Los Angeles Lakers bt Boston 4-3
2009: Los Angeles Lakers bt Orlando 4-1
2008: Boston bt Los Angeles Lakers 4-2
The view from The National
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
