10 fantastic facts about the logistics industry

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Despite the downturn of the last twelve months, the regional logistics sector has certainly come a long way since the dredging of Dubai Creek began in 1959.

The number of trucks on the region’s roads has doubled in just a few years and large sums continue to be invested in developments like Jebel Ali, Khalifa Bin Salman Port and Abu Dhabi Logistics Park. With the regional economy now seemingly on the up again, rapid growth in the logistics industry is sure to follow.

In celebration of the logistics industry’s success, and with the first SITL Dubai just a few weeks away, here are ten facts that remind us why the regional logistics industry remains so strong.

AED 25 billion
Projected development budget of the UAE’s planned national railway. The 1100 km line will primarily be used for freight transportation.

1380 metres
Length of new jetty under construction at Port of Sohar. The port will become one of only a few capable of receiving very large ore carriers. 

US $6.80 billion
Amount of revenue generated by Kuwait-based Agility in 2008, making it the world’s tenth largest 3PL, according to Armstrong & Associates.

SR 300 million
Amount of money that Wared Logistics, KSA’s newest 3PL, says it has earmarked for investment in its expansion.

153,000
TEU capacity of United Arab Shipping Company in August, a 17% year on year rise that puts it in the world’s top 20 container shipping lines.

Click here for five more fantastic facts about the GCC’s logistics industry.

3.0%
Year on year increase in freight traffic at Middle Eastern airports in August. Globally, traffic declined 9.6%, according to IATA.

US $500 million
Projected development cost of Bahrain Investment Gateway, a planned warehousing complex adjacent to Bahrain’s new Khalifa bin Salman Port.

6.013 million
Number of scheduled freight tonne kilometers (FTKs) flown by Emirates in 2008, making it the world’s seventh largest cargo airline.

20%
Proportion of GAC’s worldwide revenue generated by its Jafza operations.

AED 50 million
Aramex’s net profit for the quarter ending June 30, a year on year increase of 30%. This was despite the global downturn dragging revenue down 10% year on year in the quarter.