Industry leaders offer glimpse into future of UAE logistics sector

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Deputy Business Editor

Businesses in the UAE are adapting quickly to new trends and technologies that are accelerating change within global logistics, industry experts said during a recent virtual panel discussion hosted by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The panel was organised as part of the 360 Dialogue Series and joined by Mahmood Al Bastaki, Chief Operating Officer of DT World; Harj Dhaliwal Managing Director Middle East & India Virgin Hyperloop; and Yasir Jamal VP Supply Chain, North Africa & Middle East, Unilever, and attended by over 100 participants.

In his welcome remarks, Hassan Al Hashemi, Vice President of International Relations at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained that the virtual event comes at a time when companies from around the world are leveraging Dubai’s strategic geographic position and world-class logistics infrastructure to reposition their businesses as they prepare for a post-Covid recovery.

Despite the unprecedented challenges seen this year in the wake of COVID-19, Dubai has found itself in a strong position, given its strong focus on embracing digital transformation and investing in logistics infrastructure, Al Hashemi said. He also highlighted the important role played Dubai Chamber in ensuring business continuity and improving ease of doing business during COVID-19 through its wide range of e-services and policy advocacy efforts.

The panelists outlined a number of key trends seen within the UAE logistics sector, including the seamless shift to digital services, the transition from land to sea freight and the adoption of advanced technologies, which they said were crucial in helping industry players navigate new challenges.

The pandemic has proven that adaptive and agile supply chains are a competitive edge for successful businesses, the panelists noted, identifying last-mile delivery, increased integration between ports and free zones, closer collaboration among logistics and transportation players and a stronger prevalence of AI and robotics in production facilities as key trends that will reshape the future of the sector.

Having recently reached a milestone after successfully completing its first test drive with human passengers, Virgin Hyperloop’s new technology is expected to change the dynamics of passenger and cargo transportation in the future, the panellists added.

Meanwhile, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a series of 16 Global Business Forum (GBF) virtual roadshows examining new economic opportunities in emerging markets across Africa, Latin America and the ASEAN region.

The series comprises 16 high-level focus groups that will be hosted over the next 6 months and joined by prominent businessmen, trade officials and other stakeholders from a wide range of economic sectors.

Feedback shared during the discussions will be used to shape the agendas of the upcoming GBF events in Dubai that will be held next year in partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai.

Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, noted that the roadshow series comes at a time when countries around the world are witnessing rapid change in the wake of Covid-19, as public and private sector stakeholders adjust to new economic realities and foster global partnerships that can support sustainable growth in the post-pandemic era.

Dubai is an important economic partner for many emerging markets across Africa, Latin America and the ASEAN region,  Buamim explained, adding that the series creates an ideal opportunity for Dubai Chamber to identify existing investment opportunities, explore new avenues of economic cooperation and build bridges between business communities in the UAE and abroad.

The Global Business Forum is Dubai Chamber’s flagship event series providing a platform for high-level dialogue between Dubai and emerging markets that offer business potential. Organised on the side-lines of Expo 2020 Dubai, the upcoming forums will address macroeconomic developments, key challenges and opportunities emerging in the region through thought-provoking discussions and direct dialogue between government and business leaders.

Dubai is a preferred market for Indian retailers looking to expand globally as the emirate’s economy continues to open up and adapt to new market conditions, industry experts said during a recent webinar hosted by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s representative office in Mumbai.

The webinar, organised in cooperation with IMC Chamber of Commerce & Industry, was joined by prominent CEOs representing leading retailers form the UAE and India who shared their insights on the evolving global retail landscape, market predictions and best practices for enhancing the customer experience.