German delivery giant DHL’s move to acquire a stake in Saudi logistics group Ajex last month underscored a paradox at the heart of global trade.
Even as Houthi attacks and rising insurance costs threaten shipping in the Red Sea, some in the logistics industry are doubling down on the Middle East.
The Gulf is emerging as a vital hub connecting Asia, Europe and the US. Sovereign funds and foreign companies are pouring money into ports and free zones, betting the region can keep trade moving despite the turmoil nearby.
For DHL, the tie-up offers access to Saudi Arabia’s booming e-commerce market, which even on cautious forecasts is set to grow around 12 per cent a year.
Yet that optimism jars with recent headlines. Several undersea internet cables near Jeddah were severed weeks ago, disrupting connectivity in countries including the UAE, while missile strikes on Red Sea container ships have left one of the world’s busiest waterways looking increasingly fragile.
The Red Sea, the stretch of water between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, carries about 12 per cent of global trade.
Yet rather than pulling back, some global companies are investing more money into Gulf logistics.
Some firms I work with hope that by sending parts through the Gulf for final assembly, they might lower the duty to the 10 per cent US base tariff instead of paying the much higher levies charged on direct imports from China and other nations.
Goods exported directly from Gulf states to the US generally face the 10 per cent base tariff.
But in reality, US rules of origin demand substantial transformation, not just light assembly, so it is unclear how much they will really gain from this strategy.
That said, we have already seen this pattern elsewhere: Chinese exporters are sending more goods to the US through South-East Asia to get around Trump’s tariff wall. However, imports routed through Gulf hubs have not yet shown the same surge we see in Vietnam or Malaysia. Trade between China and the Gulf is rising fast, but much of it is oil.
Still, non-oil trade within the region itself is expanding, giving logistics groups reason to see wider opportunities. In the second quarter, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rose almost 18 per cent to $23.5 billion. Re-exports – goods passing through the kingdom for sale elsewhere – jumped 46 per cent, pointing to stronger demand for warehousing and distribution.
Logistics groups are betting that free zones in Dubai, Dammam and Abu Dhabi – with their lighter taxes and customs rules – could become safe places to hold, assemble and re-export products bound for markets like the US and Europe.
Investment is flowing in. Dubai-based DP World is putting $2.5 billion into its logistics network this year, including upgrades at Jebel Ali – the region’s biggest port – while Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports reported a 15 per cent rise in second-quarter revenue to $1.3 billion, driven by its ports and free zones.
Both moves reflect a wider push to position the Gulf as more than just a transit point – instead as a hub linking Asia, Europe and the US.
Sovereign wealth funds are helping drive the push. In Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund is investing heavily in Neom’s port and industrial zones. In Abu Dhabi, wealth fund ADQ is the majority owner of AD Ports, which is expanding industrial parks like Kezad that is adding more than 250,000 square metres of warehousing this year.
Not smooth sailing
However, security risks are rising in the region.
The Red Sea is one of the world’s main trade routes, linking Asia to Europe through the Suez Canal. But Houthi attacks on ships and damage to undersea cables near Jeddah have exposed the risks along that corridor. Many vessels are now taking the longer Cape of Good Hope route, adding weeks and costs to journeys.
The impact has been sharp on some Saudi ports: OceanMind data shows ship traffic along the kingdom’s Red Sea coast down about 45 per cent since 2023, with volumes at King Abdullah collapsing by more than 80 per cent in 2024 – and volumes at Jeddah, its biggest Red Sea port, falling by about a third.
Looking ahead, it is not just disruption that is shaping trade. Big new projects are also starting to change the map.
Saudi Arabia is building out the port of Neom – formerly Duba Port – as part of its $500 billion Vision 2030 megacity. There have been hiccups – efforts to bring in foreign logistics partners have stumbled: a planned $10 billion joint venture with Denmark’s DSV was delayed after regulators withheld approval.
There are business risks too. New ports only work if enough cargo passes through them. If volumes fall short, the projects could end up half empty – the “white elephants” analysts warn about.
Even with those risks, the Gulf is pressing ahead. Its logistics push is a long-term bet, with rising tariffs, strong e-commerce and changing supply chains all pointing to more demand for storage and rerouting.
For shippers, the message is to act early: warehouse and fulfilment space will only get tighter and more costly as the region positions itself as a key meeting point for global supply chains.
Carlos Cordon is professor of strategy and supply chain management at IMD
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Countries recognising Palestine
France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Liverpool v Manchester United - 3.30pm
Burnley v West Ham United - 6pm
Crystal Palace v Chelsea - 6pm
Manchester City v Stoke City - 6pm
Swansea City v Huddersfield Town - 6pm
Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth - 6pm
Watford v Arsenal - 8.30pm
Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton - 4.30pm
Southampton v Newcastle United - 7pm
Monday
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion - 11pm
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying or online bullying could take many forms such as sending unkind or rude messages to someone, socially isolating people from groups, sharing embarrassing pictures of them, or spreading rumors about them.
Cyberbullying can take place on various platforms such as messages, on social media, on group chats, or games.
Parents should watch out for behavioural changes in their children.
When children are being bullied they they may be feel embarrassed and isolated, so parents should watch out for signs of signs of depression and anxiety
Napoleon
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Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
The years Ramadan fell in May
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20TV%204K%20(THIRD%20GENERATION)
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Company%20profile
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
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MATCH INFO
Who: France v Italy
When: Friday, 11pm (UAE)
TV: BeIN Sports
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch automatic
Power: 169bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh54,500
On sale: now
SERIES SCHEDULE
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
More on Quran memorisation:
What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof
The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history
Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Neil Thomson – THE BIO
Family: I am happily married to my wife Liz and we have two children together.
Favourite music: Rock music. I started at a young age due to my father’s influence. He played in an Indian rock band The Flintstones who were once asked by Apple Records to fly over to England to perform there.
Favourite book: I constantly find myself reading The Bible.
Favourite film: The Greatest Showman.
Favourite holiday destination: I love visiting Melbourne as I have family there and it’s a wonderful place. New York at Christmas is also magical.
Favourite food: I went to boarding school so I like any cuisine really.
Biog
Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
Favourite superhero: The Hulk original
The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
What%20is%20Dungeons%20%26%20Dragons%3F%20
%3Cp%3EDungeons%20%26amp%3B%20Dragons%20began%20as%20an%20interactive%20game%20which%20would%20be%20set%20up%20on%20a%20table%20in%201974.%20One%20player%20takes%20on%20the%20role%20of%20dungeon%20master%2C%20who%20directs%20the%20game%2C%20while%20the%20other%20players%20each%20portray%20a%20character%2C%20determining%20its%20species%2C%20occupation%20and%20moral%20and%20ethical%20outlook.%20They%20can%20choose%20the%20character%E2%80%99s%20abilities%2C%20such%20as%20strength%2C%20constitution%2C%20dexterity%2C%20intelligence%2C%20wisdom%20and%20charisma.%20In%20layman%E2%80%99s%20terms%2C%20the%20winner%20is%20the%20one%20who%20amasses%20the%20highest%20score.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
