2:38 pm - September 2, 2025
DHL Global Forwarding signals a rapid Middle East and Africa expansion via GenAI-enabled platforms, a Jubail hydrogen-truck pilot, and a EUR 500 million investment to expand hubs and multimodal capabilities in line with Vision 2030.
DHL’s MEA push accelerates on digital, sustainability and regional infrastructure
DHL Global Forwarding’s momentum in the Middle East and Africa is speeding up on several fronts—digital innovation, emissions reduction, and a swift expansion of regional infrastructure. In a discussion summarized by Cargo Talk GCC, Amadou Diallo, chief executive of DHL Global Forwarding Middle East & Africa, explained how the business is blending AI-enabled route planning, predictive analytics, and the MyDHLi digital freight platform to shorten cargo turnover times and boost cost efficiency. He also highlighted a broader sustainability push, noting that DHL is testing a hydrogen-powered truck in Saudi Arabia as part of a broader test bed for low-emission long-haul transport. The move, Diallo added, fits with DHL Group’s wider plan to invest in the region’s logistics backbone and multimodal capabilities.
A hydrogen-powered future takes shape in Jubail
Collaboration with local partners is driving real-world tests of cleaner freight. DHL Global Forwarding has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hyperview Saudi to pilot hydrogen-powered trucks in the Kingdom, kicking off a three-month proof-of-concept in Jubail. Funded entirely by DHL, the project evaluates the HTO2.1 truck’s operational performance, cost efficiency, and emissions under real operating conditions, with the possibility of broader adoption depending on the hydrogen supply chain. The truck features Level 4 autonomous driving, advanced sensors, and eco-driving features, delivering energy savings and payloads up to 45 tonnes over roughly 450 kilometres per refuel. The pilot supports Saudi Vision 2030 and DHL’s aim to cut logistics emissions as part of its global net-zero targets for 2050.
A EUR 500 million bet on MEA growth
This investment story sits at the core of DHL Group’s regional strategy. In a package of commitments announced in 2025, the group signalled plans to invest more than EUR 500 million in Middle East markets across 2024–2030, with a focus on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The funds are intended to strengthen network capacity and connectivity across Express, Global Forwarding, Supply Chain and eCommerce, including new hubs, expanded aviation and freight capabilities, and the integration of advanced technologies. The plan also envisions new ventures such as Etihad Rail and a broader push into warehousing, electrification and sustainable operations, signaling a deliberate alignment with Strategy 2030 and the Gulf’s evolving role as a regional trade hub.
GenAI and the digital freight ecosystem
Beyond physical infrastructure, DHL is weaving intelligence and automation into its digital platform layer. In 2024, the group introduced GenAI within MyDHLi to improve usability and efficiency across digital logistics. The update brought a GenAI-powered 24/7 virtual assistant, a redesigned shipment list for quicker status checks and exception handling, and faster responses to a variety of queries. Honestly, the intent is to shorten response times, bolster resilience during disruptions, and advance sustainability through carbon intelligence and the GoGreen programme. With more than 20,000 customers and hundreds of thousands of shipments tracked monthly, DHL aims to simplify workflows, boost visibility, and promote greener, data-driven decision-making in international freight. The technology is described as a foundational element of a broader digital freight ecosystem that supports customers worldwide today.
Strategic hubs and local partnerships: ASMO as a keystone
DHL’s Middle East strategy is supported by regional collaborations that extend the reach of its logistics networks. In Saudi Arabia, ASMO—a joint venture between DHL and Aramco—was launched to strengthen procurement and logistics capabilities within energy and industrial sectors. The initiative, rolled out through MoUs and a new headquarters in Dammam, brings together Aramco Digital, SAP and Oracle to digitalise procurement and supply chain operations. The aim is to build a resilient, data-driven local ecosystem that aligns with Vision 2030 and supports on-shore capabilities, skills development and employment. At the same time, DHL Supply Chain and Aramco announced ASMO in 2024 as a dedicated procurement and logistics hub designed to deliver end-to-end services for energy, chemical and industrial clients, with plans to weave automation, AI, data analytics, and blockchain into operations across procurement, warehousing and transport functions.
Implications for regional trade and customer outcomes
Taken together, these developments signal a deliberate shift by DHL toward weaving digital sophistication with bold capital expenditure in the Gulf and nearby markets. The three-pronged approach—ramping up digital tools for customers, piloting low-emission transport modes, and expanding multi-modal connectivity—addresses several long-standing challenges for Middle East and African trade, including hub capacity, supply-chain resilience, and alignment with evolving decarbonisation goals. Industry observers note that the success of hydrogen trials will hinge on the region’s hydrogen infrastructure and energy policy, while GenAI and GoGreen features depend on robust data governance and carrier collaboration to unlock full value for shippers.
As DHL positions itself at the crossroads of technology, infrastructure and sustainability, customers can expect deeper integration of real-time visibility, predictive planning and carbon accounting into everyday freight decisions. The emphasis on rail and warehousing expansion—with Etihad Rail and other regional networks in mind—also points to a future where cross-border movement becomes faster, more cost-efficient and less carbon-intensive. Still, the path remains contingent on enabling technologies and regulatory frameworks, and industry analysts stress that pilots and investments must translate into scalable, long-term improvements for shippers.
What this means going forward
- Digital platforms will become the backbone of regional logistics, with MyDHLi and GenAI playing central roles in improving responsiveness, reducing disruption-related delays and supporting sustainable operations through carbon dashboards.
- Hydrogen and other zero-emission solutions are being tested on major corridors, reflecting a strategic preference for green fuels in long-haul freight as Gulf nations pursue ambitious decarbonisation roadmaps.
- Large-scale investments in infrastructure, technology and multi-modal linkages aim to turn the Middle East into a more integrated, demand-facing logistics corridor, capable of supporting diversified sectors and more resilient supply chains.
- Local partnerships and joint ventures, such as ASMO, are critical to embedding DHL’s capabilities within national development plans, aligning corporate strategy with Vision 2030 and related regional ambitions.
In summary, DHL’s Middle East and Africa initiatives reflect a coordinated effort to fuse digital prowess with tangible green infrastructure. By pairing AI-driven operations, hydrogen freight experiments and sizable regional investment with strategic local collaborations, the company is signaling a long-term commitment to shaping a more resilient, efficient and sustainable logistics landscape for a rapidly changing global economy.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.cargotalkgcc.com/post/dhl-speeds-digital-green-logistics-in-middle-east – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html – DHL Global Forwarding has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hyperview Saudi to pilot hydrogen-powered trucks in the Kingdom, launching a three-month PoC in Jubail. Fully funded by DHL, the project evaluates the HTO2.1 truck’s operational performance, cost efficiency and emissions reduction in real-world conditions, with potential for scalable adoption subject to hydrogen infrastructure. The truck features Level 4 autonomous driving, advanced sensors, and eco-driving features, offering energy savings and a payload of up to 45 tonnes over roughly 450 km per refuell. The pilot aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and DHL’s sustainability targets toward net-zero logistics by 2050 globally.
- https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-group-to-invest-more-than-eur500-million-in-fast-growing-markets-in-the-middle-east.html – DHL Group announced plans to invest more than EUR 500 million in Middle East markets, spanning 2024–2030 and focusing on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The investment will enhance infrastructure and networks across all four divisions—Express, Global Forwarding, Supply Chain and eCommerce—creating capacity in hubs and gateways, expanding aviation and freight capabilities, and integrating advanced technology. It also envisages new ventures such as Etihad Rail and expansion of warehousing, electrification, and sustainable operations. The plan underscores Strategy 2030, strengthens regional connectivity, supports resilience for diverse sectors, and positions DHL to exploit Gulf growth amid shifting global trade patterns.
- https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2024/for-increased-usability-and-efficiency-mydhli-meets-genai.html – DHL Global Forwarding unveiled GenAI within its MyDHLi digital platform to boost usability and efficiency across digital logistics. The update introduces a GenAI-powered 24/7 virtual assistant, a redesigned shipment list with quicker access to status and exceptions, and faster responses to diverse queries. New features aim to shorten response times, improve resilience during disruptions, and advance sustainability through carbon intelligence and the GoGreen programme. With over 20,000 customers and hundreds of thousands of shipments tracked monthly, the changes seek to simplify workflows, enhance visibility, and promote greener, data-driven decision making in international freight.
- https://www.dhl.com/global-en/delivered/innovation/mydhli-genai-powered-logistics-and-analyticis.html – MyDHLi’s GenAI-powered, data-driven conversation delivers live, chat-based access to shipment information, enabling rapid responses to disruptions and easier decision-making. The GoGreen analytics and carbon dashboards let users benchmark performance and environmental impact while the GenAI virtual assistant handles common questions 24/7, reducing call volume and delays. The platform presents house bills, statuses, timestamps and locations on a single screen, with the ability to filter by ‘exceptions’ to spot issues quickly. DHL highlights seamless collaboration through Follow + Share features, while AI integration supports visibility, resilience and sustainability across DHL Global Forwarding’s digital freight ecosystem for customers worldwide today.
- https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2024/asmo-strengthens-its-presence-in-saudi-arabia.html – ASMO, a joint venture between DHL and Aramco, strengthens Saudi Arabia’s procurement and logistics footprint by launching 16 MoUs and a new headquarters in Dammam. The agreements span energy, chemicals, refining, industrial and aviation sectors, with partnerships featuring Aramco Digital, SAP and Oracle to digitalise procurement and supply chain operations. The move aligns with Vision 2030 and signals a commitment to sustainable, data-driven, and on‑shore capabilities, aiming to build a more resilient regional logistics hub and enhance local empowerment through technology-enabled services.
- https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2024/dhl-supply-chain-and-aramco-launch-asmo.html – DHL Supply Chain and Aramco announced ASMO in 2024 as a dedicated procurement and logistics hub in Saudi Arabia, designed to deliver end-to-end services for energy, chemical and industrial sectors. The venture aims to improve efficiency, resilience and sustainability by combining DHL’s logistics expertise with Aramco’s energy ecosystem. The release highlights plans to integrate automation, AI, data analytics and blockchain across procurement, warehousing and transport functions, while pursuing local employment and capability-building in line with Vision 2030, positioning ASMO to become a regional trade hub with advanced digital capabilities.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
✅ The narrative is based on very recent corporate announcements and press materials: DHL Group investment announcement (06 Jun 2025) and a DHL Saudi press release on the Hyperview MoU (28 May 2025), plus the myDHLi GenAI update (16 May 2024). ([group.dhl.com](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-group-to-invest-more-than-eur500-million-in-fast-growing-markets-in-the-middle-east.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ⚠️ Much of the Cargo Talk GCC piece appears to summarise or republish these press materials rather than publish exclusive reporting (i.e. recycled corporate content). 🕰️ These primary items were published well before today (some by months), so the narrative is not breaking: highlight that similar material was available >7 days earlier. ‼️ Several outlets republished the investment announcement (e.g. WSJ coverage) indicating wide syndication of the same press content. ([wsj.com](https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/dhl-to-invest-over-570-million-in-fast-growing-middle-east-markets-38c14bbd?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Note: because the narrative largely stems from corporate press releases, freshness is high for accuracy of announced commitments but lower for originality.
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
⚠️ Direct quotes and attributions in the narrative (e.g. Amadou Diallo remarks) match wording used in DHL corporate communications and the regional DHL press page, suggesting reuse of quoted material rather than independent, exclusive interview content. ([group.dhl.com](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-group-to-invest-more-than-eur500-million-in-fast-growing-markets-in-the-middle-east.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ✅ No evidence of fabricated quotes was found; identical phrasing appears in official releases, so the quotes are verifiable but not original reporting. If Cargo Talk had unique verbatim quotes not present in DHL materials, no matches were found — but in this case the phrasing aligns with the corporate releases.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
✅ The core claims trace to DHL Group and DHL Saudi press communications and other reputable outlets summarising the same announcements (DHL corporate PR pages and coverage such as WSJ). ([group.dhl.com](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2025/dhl-group-to-invest-more-than-eur500-million-in-fast-growing-markets-in-the-middle-east.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [wsj.com](https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/dhl-to-invest-over-570-million-in-fast-growing-middle-east-markets-38c14bbd?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ✅ DHL is a well-known, verifiable multinational; Hyperview Saudi and ASMO (the DHL–Aramco JV) are also documented in official releases. ([dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [group.dhl.com](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2024/dhl-supply-chain-and-aramco-launch-asmo.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ⚠️ Because the narrative is PR-driven, there is limited independent verification of operational claims (e.g. real-world performance of the HTO2.1 in Saudi conditions) beyond the announced pilot — treat operational performance and timelines as claims pending PoC results.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
✅ The main elements are plausible and consistent with known initiatives: GenAI integration into myDHLi (May 2024) and a EUR 500m+ regional investment plan (announced 11 Jun 2025). ([group.dhl.com](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2024/for-increased-usability-and-efficiency-mydhli-meets-genai.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ✅ The hydrogen-truck pilot in Jubail, vehicle range and payload figures, and Level 4 capabilities match the May 2025 DHL regional release; these are presented as a PoC and not proven production deployments, which is consistent and plausible. ([dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ⚠️ Flags: (a) the narrative sometimes presents pilot attributes (range, autonomous level, energy savings) in a way that could be read as established performance rather than PoC targets — this should be clarified; (b) wider scaling depends on hydrogen supply infrastructure and policy — a material caveat noted in the narrative and still unresolved in public records. If any surprising claim (e.g. immediate fleet roll-out or definitive emissions reductions) were presented as proven, that would be suspicious because only a pilot has been announced.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
✅ The narrative accurately summarises recent DHL corporate communications and public announcements (myDHLi GenAI launch, the EUR 500m+ Middle East investment announced 11 Jun 2025, and the DHL–Hyperview hydrogen-truck MoU announced 28 May 2025). ([group.dhl.com](https://group.dhl.com/en/media-relations/press-releases/2024/for-increased-usability-and-efficiency-mydhli-meets-genai.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). ⚠️ Major risks: the piece is largely PR-driven and appears to recycle official releases rather than offering exclusive reporting (🕰️ published earlier by DHL and republished by other outlets); some claims describe pilot specifications and potential savings that remain unproven until PoC results are published (‼️ hydrogen rollout depends on supply infrastructure). ([dhl.com](https://www.dhl.com/sa-en/home/press/press-archive/2025/dhl-and-hyperview-sign-mou-to-pilot-hydrogen-powered-truck-in-saudi-arabia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)). Overall, PASS because claims are corroborated by official materials from the principal parties, but assign MEDIUM confidence due to reliance on corporate releases (possible promotional framing), the recycled nature of the content (>7 days old), and the absence of independent operational verification of pilot outcomes. ⚠️ Recommended action for editors: label the piece as PR-sourced or press-release based when publishing, seek PoC performance data or independent commentary for stronger verification, and monitor follow-up reporting for actual pilot results.
