Dubai World Central’s logistics district is expecting to grow over the coming year as Nestlé, Ikea, Landmark Group and Zainal Mohebi Holdings move their regional headquarters to the business park, an official said yesterday.
“These companies that are joining us are partners in this project,” said Mohsen Ahmad, vice president of the logistics district at Dubai World Central.
“They have signed up for 25 years to be part of this thriving business hub. We have excellent links to Jebel Ali Port, Jebel Ali Free Zone and Al Maktoum International Airport, so for import and export there is no better place to be in Dubai.”
The logistics district, which opened five years ago with 60,000 square metres of space, has grown to 600,000 sq metres. The district has dedicated pharmaceutical and healthcare facilities and is looking to add specific areas for perishables, fashion, IT and telecoms.
According to the World Trade Organization, global trade will grow at 3.3 per cent this year, down slightly from its previous forecast of 4 per cent.
“Dubai is driven by trade and cargo,” said John Strickland, the director of JLS Consulting.
“Dubai has become the de facto hub for East and West Africa. With regard to Dubai World Central, there is no immediate need for the facility, but as Dubai International becomes ever more constricted, then [building] DWC and Al Maktoum International makes sense.”
“It is a prudent investment to keep Dubai at the forefront of trade and travel in the region,” he added.
Growing cargo volumes at Al Maktoum International propelled the airport to become one of the world’s 20 busiest international cargo hubs this year.
The growth was driven by Dubai Airports’ decision to relocate all dedicated freighters from Dubai International to Al Maktoum International in May last year.
ascott@thenational.ae
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