DHL Global Forwarding Launches Regional Facility at Qatar’s Free Zones

Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) and DHL Global Forwarding, the global freight forwarding arm of DHL Group, have officially inaugurated the group’s new logistics facility at Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The inauguration marks an important expansion of DHL’s presence in the State of Qatar and reinforces Qatar’s free zones status as a premier destination for global logistics operators.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the presence H.E. Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani, Chairman of Al Faisal Holding – Shareholder of DHL Global Forwarding Qatar & Chairman of the Qatari Businessmen Association, H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Mr. Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding. The event was also attended by senior officials from both entities and stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.

The new DHL Global Forwarding facility spans more than 1,200 square meters and will serve as a regional distribution warehouse specializing in air freight consolidation services, supporting both regional and global distribution networks. Strategically located within close proximity to Hamad International Airport, the facility is ideally positioned to capitalize on Qatar’s world-class transport infrastructure and streamlined customs processing.

The facility further strengthens Qatar’s appeal as a competitive base for high-value logistics operations. DHL Global Forwarding will offer a suite of services from the new facility, including air, sea and land logistics services, marine shipping agent operations, general warehousing, and customs brokerage.

H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ stated: “The inauguration of DHL Global Forwarding in Ras Bufontas Free Zone reflects a strategic step to reinforce Qatar’s stature as a high-value logistics hub, reducing time to markets and enhancing the supply chain flexibility across the region. As a global logistics leader, DHL will improve the operational capacity, enhance specialized warehousing capabilities, and reinforce multimodal connectivity, benefitting from the proximity to Hamad International Airport, and creating an attractive footprint for partners and suppliers across various economic sectors. This investment will also drive our transition from a transit hub to an integrated solutions platform supported by a flexible regulatory framework and advanced digital infrastructure, ensuring new growth prospects and connecting the region to markets in Africa and Asia.”

Mr. Samer Kaissi, CEO – Gulf Cluster, DHL Global Forwarding, said: “Qatar plays a key role in our regional logistics strategy, particularly as we expand our multimodal capabilities across the GCC. Hamad Port has long been a vital part of our network, supporting east-west trade flows. Thanks to our collaboration with the Qatar Free Zones Authority, we now also benefit from improved connectivity to the Hamad International Airport: With our new facility in Ras Bufontas Free Zone, located close to the airport, we are enhancing our airfreight capabilities, which enables us to deliver even more resilient and scalable logistics solutions, especially for the growing GCC-Africa corridors. This provides us with enhanced flexibility and continuity across critical sectors such as life sciences, energy, and e-commerce.”

Qatar Free Zones Authority remains committed to accelerating Qatar’s logistics growth and enabling strategic investment that aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, positioning the state as a hub for sustainable, innovation-led industrial activity.