UAE launches Logistics Integration Council to drive trade growth

Photo:WAM

The United Arab Emirates has taken another big step toward strengthening its global trade position. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, led the first meeting of the UAE Logistics Integration Council at the ministry’s headquarters in Dubai.

This new council has been created to bring together every key player in the country’s logistics sector—airports, seaports, roads, customs, railways, border crossings, and more—under one platform. The aim is to improve teamwork, simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and develop services that make the movement of goods smoother and faster across the UAE.

Why the Council Was Formed

The UAE already plays an important role in world trade, but the government wants to go further. By setting up this council, the country is uniting all major logistics authorities to share one vision. The goal is to strengthen efficiency and make the UAE an even more reliable hub for trade, re-exports, and logistics services worldwide.

The council will also support digital transformation, meaning more smart systems and modern technology will be introduced into the logistics field. This step is essential as supply chains across the world become faster, more connected, and highly dependent on technology.

Key Topics in the First Meeting

During its first meeting, the council discussed:

• The creation of a National Logistics Integration Strategy
• Use of digital platforms and data management to speed up trade services
• Setting up subcommittees to follow up on recommendations and projects
• Plans to cut down bureaucracy in logistics, especially in maritime transport
• The UAE wants to prove that its government services are among the best globally—fast, efficient, and modern.

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Focus on Maritime Development

The council highlighted the National Maritime Navigation Centre, a project that shows the UAE’s forward-looking vision. This centre will manage vessel traffic across the nation and operate a Unified National Maritime Single Window, a system that helps ships and companies process their paperwork quickly and smoothly.

The benefits of this centre are many:

• Greater safety and security for ships
• Better emergency response systems
• Accurate real-time data for decision-makers
• Stronger national security
• More environmentally sustainable operations

All of these improvements will make the UAE’s maritime industry stronger and more advanced, boosting its reputation as a leading global maritime power.

The Role of Air Freight

The General Civil Aviation Authority also gave a presentation during the meeting. It focused on the role of air cargo in supporting the UAE’s economy. Air freight not only speeds up trade but also connects the country to global markets in ways that shipping alone cannot achieve.

Boosting the Economy Through Logistics

Minister Al Mazrouei explained that the UAE wants the logistics sector to contribute even more to the national economy. At present, logistics adds around AED136.7 billion annually, but the target is to raise this figure to over AED200 billion within the next seven years.

This growth plan connects with the We the UAE 2031 vision, which has an ambitious goal: placing the UAE among the top three countries in the world on the Logistics Performance Index.

To achieve this, the government will focus on:

• Building more advanced infrastructure
• Using smart services and digital systems
• Reducing carbon emissions for greener trade solutions
• Expanding partnerships with private companies
• Strengthening Partnerships

The council also stressed the importance of working closely with the private sector. Private companies are considered vital partners in this journey, helping the UAE attract more investment and create new opportunities in logistics.

A Pillar of the National Economy

The logistics sector is not just about moving goods; it is one of the pillars of the UAE’s national economy. It creates thousands of jobs, attracts foreign investors, supports other industries, and increases the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.

In 2023, the UAE ranked 7th globally in logistics performance, reflecting years of investment in infrastructure, road networks, and the adoption of international best practices. The country wants to climb even higher in these rankings.

Looking Toward the Future

Al Mazrouei made it clear that the logistics sector is always evolving. By working together, federal and local authorities, along with the private sector, can cut costs, improve services, and deliver a better experience to businesses and people who rely on these systems.

The UAE’s central location between East and West gives it a unique advantage, and with modern logistics solutions, it will continue to remain at the heart of global trade for decades to come.

The meeting was attended by high-level officials from across the country, representing ports, customs, transport authorities, municipalities, and aviation. Their presence reflects the scale and importance of the logistics sector in shaping the UAE’s economy and global standing.