Multimodal corridors drive record volumes

Focus in Gulf region is on busiest cargo routes for various products ferried via air and combined channels. Multimodal logistics corridors experience highest volumes. Doha, Dubai and Riyadh hold on as strongest points followed by Istanbul where more destinations have been reported in terms of air carriers.

-Dr. Shehara Fernando

The Middle East and Türkiye serve as vital trade arteries, linking Asia, Europe, and Africa through some of the busiest cargo routes of the world. Türkiye’s location is a bridge between East and West, making it an important player in global supply chains, enhancing trade flows across continents.

Despite disruptions, these air cargo routes have demonstrated exceptional resilience. Investments in smart logistics, AI-powered supply chain management, and green shipping initiatives have strengthened their efficiency. Türkiye’s Middle Corridor project and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 logistics reforms reinforce regional connectivity.

With ongoing digital trade corridors and sustainable shipping advancements, the Middle East and Türkiye continue to drive seamless global trade, ensuring uninterrupted commerce, while embracing innovation and sustainability.

When it comes to multimodal logistics, the UAE plays a pivotal role in international trade positioned as it is on the crossroads of major cargo routes linking Asia, Europe, and Africa. Its advanced multimodal logistics network—integrating air, sea, land, and rail transport—ensures seamless cargo movement thereby enhancing supply chain efficiency.

Key ports such as Jebel Ali (UAE), Jeddah Islamic Port (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) Hamad Port (Qatar), and Türkiye’s Ambarlı and Mersin ports handle massive trade volumes, powered by advanced logistics infrastructure.

With cutting-edge free zones and state-of-the-art airports, the UAE serves as a vital zone for global trade and transshipment. By leveraging smart logistics, sustainability initiatives, and AI solutions, the UAE secures the busiest air cargo corridors and fortifies global trade resilience, reinforcing its status as a leader in logistics and supply chain innovation.

The Middle East region is pivotal in international trade due to its strategic location. The busiest cargo routes, including the Suez Canal and Gulf shipping lanes, serve as essential routes for the movement of goods. These shipping routes ensure timely deliveries and cost-effective transport, thereby boosting economic growth and strengthening trade relationships.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure and highly efficient logistics networks enable seamless and effective cargo movements across the region. This connectivity not only enhances the market access but also fosters business development and innovation, positioning the Middle East region as a significant hub for international commerce. The integration of advanced technologies streamlines operations and improves supply chain resilience.

Major airports in ME dominate in volumes

Abid Hamza, GM, Business Development, Fast Logistics Cargo FZCO

The Middle East is a critical hub for global air cargo, with major airports handling several tonnes annually. Dubai-Frankfurt, Doha-Shanghai, Riyadh-London, and Abu Dhabi-Mumbai are routes for manufacturing and consumer markets. The Jebel Ali Port-DWC corridor in Dubai is the busiest, facilitating seamless sea-to-air cargo transfer. King Abdullah Economic City Port-Riyadh Dry Port and Duqm Special Economic Zone also see more volumes.

Middle East plays vital role in linking continents

Razmal Assen, Executive Director, Scanwell Logistics

The Middle East’s cargo routes play a vital role in linking continents and facilitating the movement of goods. Hamad International Airport in Qatar and Abu Dhabi International Airport contribute leveraging technology to handle vast cargo volumes. Air cargo is dominated by DXB and DWC in the UAE. The Dubai Logistics Corridor integrates air, sea, and land transport, linking Jebel Ali Port with DWC. Projects such as Etihad Rail are all set to strengthen freight transport.

Multimodal corridors have vital role in trade network

Samantak Dasgupta, General Manager, Cozmo Logistics

e-commerce shipments have surged between the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Key routes include Dubai-London, Doha-Frankfurt, and Riyadh-Shanghai, driven by rapid delivery demands. The ME is a logistics hub, with DXB and DWC leading in cargo throughput, followed by DOH and Riyadh airport. These hubs offer advanced infra and seamless connectivity. Multimodal logistics corridors play vital role in the region’s trade network.

Supply chain efficiency aligns with shipper needs

Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA

Doha and Dubai rank among top 20 airports for handling cargo. They are followed by Istanbul. Over the coming years, growth is likely in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh as major national carriers will undergo fleet expansion. The region is situated between Asia, Europe and Africa with linkage to Southwest Pacific and the USA. Supply chain efficiency aligns with shipper needs and balancing speed requires integrated solutions across multiple modes.

Logistics hubs in KSA fortify multimodal ops

A.S. Farhan, Asst. General Manager, Freight & Logistics, Al Rais Cargo Agencies

DXB, DWC, and DOH remain dominant in air cargo volumes, while AUH and RUH also play vital roles in regional handling. Major trade lanes connect the Middle East to Europe, Africa, and Asia, with DXB and DOH serving as crucial transit hubs. The Jebel Ali-DWC corridor are enhancing global connectivity. In KSA, logistics hubs in Dammam and Riyadh are strengthening multimodal operations, by increasing links to Africa and Asia.

Istanbul an emerging hubby linking ME & Europe

Mazhar Marzook, GSA Cargo Manager, UAE, ATTA Cargo & GSA: Ethiopian Airlines & China Airlines

DWC serves as a strategic link between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Riyadh and Jeddah airports manage KSA’s cargo network. Istanbul is an emerging hub by linking Europe and the ME. Perishables, especially from Africa, are a major import commodity. E-commerce shipments from China, Europe, and the USA are in high demand. General cargo and auto parts flow in China-Middle East-Africa corridor, while oil and gas cargo flow into UAE and KSA.