Rhenus Group plans to open a new Abu Dhabi office to help strengthen its presence in the Gulf region and launch an air-ocean product
The Rhenus Group will open a new office in Abu Dhabi to expand its operational footprint in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and improve service delivery across the Gulf region, and is also preparing to launch a new air-ocean product.
The move reflects a shift from a limited setup to a more integrated presence in the local market, said Rhenus Group.
The Group said the new air-ocean product would help connect Rhenus' business in the Far East with Europe and the Americas, with the UAE serving as a strategic transhipment point.
Hassan Alzeer, general manager at Rhenus Logistics UAE, told Air Cargo News: “The Ocean-Air product in the Middle East represents one of the most compelling opportunities in global logistics. As a new solution introduced by Rhenus, ocean-air combines the cost efficiency of ocean freight with the speed of air freight, offering customers a smart balance between price and transit time.
"In practice, this means cargo will first move by sea/ocean into a Rhenus hub in the Middle East, where our teams handle customs clearance, deconsolidation and transfer to the airport. From there, shipments continue by air to their final destination, creating a seamless process that bridges continents while maximizing both connectivity and efficiency.
"Rhenus is proud to add this new Ocean–Air offer to its portfolio as part of its commitment to offering diversified, customer-focused solutions. While supply chain pressures and shifting trade dynamics present challenges, the growing demand for flexible, multimodal options, the surge in e-commerce, and the strategic focus on high-value industries make sea/ocean–air a powerful alternative.
"With investments in multimodal hubs and streamlined operations, the Middle East is set to become the world’s leading gateway for sea–air logistics and Rhenus is excited to be at the forefront, delivering smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions worldwide.”
Expansion in the UAE follows nearly a decade of activity in the country. However, the company said its growth strategy is focused on the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) area, including high-potential markets such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The UAE continues to serve as a strategic logistics hub for trade between Europe, Asia and Africa, stressed Rhenus. The company's expansion in the UAE is designed to leverage this position while offering more direct and flexible services to clients operating in and beyond the Emirates.
“Our expansion in the UAE marks a pivotal step in our commitment to sustainable global growth and regional empowerment. The Gulf’s logistics landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, and we see immense potential in contributing to its evolution," stated Jan Harnisch, member of the board – air & ocean.
“By strengthening our presence here, Rhenus is not only enhancing supply chain resilience but also reinforcing our long-term vision of creating value through local partnerships and innovation-driven logistics solutions.”
