Qatar Free Zones: DHL Express enhances operations with major logistics facility
With an investment of 120 million Qatari Riyals, there will be a world-class courier express logistics facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone set up by DHL. This will be done in cooperation with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, aiming for the facility to be fully operational in time for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
As the world’s largest express network, DHL Express signed an agreement with Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZA) to help accommodate the international express logistics requirements in anticipation for the year 2022. The signing ceremony was hosted by HE the Minister of State and QFZA chairman Ahmad al-Sayed at Sharq Village & Spa Hotel, Doha. Among the other signatories were QFZA deputy CEO Abdulla al-Misnad and DHL Express Middle East and North Africa CEO Nour Suliman.
At Ras Bufontas Free Zone adjacent to Hamad International Airport (HIA), the ceremony proceeded with a tour of DHL facilities. “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,” HE al-Sayed said. “Qatar Free Zones offer a wide range of benefits and such partnerships are a testament to our ongoing commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global hub for trade.”
DHL’s deputy vice president of operations for the Mena, Bachi Spiga, also attended the event.
“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,” DHL Express Mena CEO Nour Suliman said. “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.”
The facility will commence its operations in the second half of this year at QFZ. There will be state-of-the-art operation systems with world-class automated sorting, screening systems, as well as ULD processing, and advanced IP based CCTV.
“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 (QFZ), as well as the Qatar market more broadly,” said the Minister.
Over a plot size of more than 19,000sq m, the world-class facility will incorporate 17 delivery bays as well as occupy a prime logistical position within Qatar Free Zones. There will also be a new product offering of Break Bulk Express (BBC) as well as a dedicated medical supply division storage area.
DHL Express global specifications and TAPA Certification for the facility will ensure that all required supportive administration is present in Ras Bufontas. The operations of the logistics will conform to local regulatory requirements accordingly. Other major international corporations establishing their operations in the free zones include Thales Group (France), Gaussin (France), China Harbour Engineering Company (China), Volkswagen (Germany), Unistrong (China), WASCO (Malaysia) Inventus Power (US), and Trade shift (US).
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