Muscat - DHL Express recently celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony of its new state-of-the-art gateway facility at the Muscat International Airport. The ceremony was held under the esteemed patronage of Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transportation, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT).
Omar bin Hamdan bin Hamoud al Ismaili, executive president of the Transportation Regulatory Authority (TRA); Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed al Hosani, CEO, of Oman Airports, Nour Suliman, CEO, of DHL Express MENA, and Moustafa Osman, Country Manager, of DHL Oman, were also also present.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to strengthening its footprint and service offerings in Oman.
The new facility, representing an investment of more than 30 million euros over 20 years, will serve as a comprehensive logistics hub encompassing a service center, gateway for import and export shipments, customs clearance capabilities, and a dedicated country office for DHL Express Oman.
“This groundbreaking ceremony represents a new chapter in our commitment to the Sultanate,” said Nour Suliman, CEO of DHL Express MENA. “Our new, ultramodern facility signifies our unwavering confidence in Oman’s economic potential and our dedication to providing world-class logistics solutions that will empower businesses of all sizes in the country to flourish in the global marketplace.”
Spanning a plot size of 12,621 square meters and featuring an expansive built-up area of 8,074 square meters, the new gateway will cater to the growing needs of over 4,200 DHL customers in Oman. It will boast a processing capacity of 2,400 shipments per hour, ensuring fast and efficient handling of both domestic and international shipments. Furthermore, the Oman Country Office housed within the facility will provide a workplace for over 200 employees, with the potential for future expansion to accommodate a growing team.
The new DHL Express Gateway will have several cutting-edge features to ascertain efficient operations. At its core lies an intelligent countrywide distribution center featuring an intelligent bi-directional conveyor system that can seamlessly process up to 3,000 shipments per hour. In-house customs clearance, bonded storage, and a direct vehicle loading facility will streamline processing, while a logistics fulfillment and storage center will offer tailored solutions for select customers.
The new gateway has been designed with a keen focus on sustainability. As highlighted by CEO Nour Suliman, “The new gateway will incorporate sustainable features like solar power generation, energy-efficient lighting, and state-of-the-art climate control systems. This reflects our dedication to environmental responsibility and positions us as a leader in sustainable logistics.”
The CEO further emphasized that “Security is paramount. The facility will be installed with sophisticated TAPA-certified equipment, including strategically placed CCTV cameras monitored from the central control room. Additionally, advanced X-ray machines will ensure safe and secure handling of all shipments.”
The DHL Express gateway in the Muscat International Airport will deliver seamless connectivity to regional and international markets. With its advanced technology, efficient processes, and commitment to sustainability, the new facility is poised to become a key logistics hub in Oman, enabling businesses to connect with the world and unlock new growth opportunities.
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