UAE Hosts 28th Universal Postal Congress to Shape Global Postal Future

Photo:WAM

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the launch of the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai. The event is themed “Leading Change, Creating the Future” and will continue until 19 September 2025.

The Congress brings together delegates from all 192 member countries of the Universal Postal Union (UPU). It is jointly organized by the UPU and 7X, the UAE’s official representative to the Union. This global event serves as a platform for discussions on postal services, logistics, e-commerce, and digital transformation worldwide.

During the opening, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed visited the UAE Pavilion, which features a postal museum displaying the UAE’s journey from traditional handwritten letters and stamps to today’s advanced digital postal systems. The Pavilion also showcased innovations from technology companies, logistics providers, and e-commerce businesses, alongside a special section for stamp collectors.

As part of the ceremony, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed signed the first official stamp issued to mark the UAE hosting the Congress. The stamp celebrates the UAE’s role as a global hub for postal and logistics services, highlighting its commitment to digital technology, e-commerce, and smart services. The stamp was designed by Emirati artist Yasmin Al Mulla, combining the country’s past, present, and future in a creative and cultural way.

The opening session was led by Badr Al-Olama, Honorary Chair of the Congress and Chairman of 7X, in the presence of ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials from the UAE and UPU member states. During this session, Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi, Group CEO of 7X, was elected as Chair of the 28th Congress. He will guide the event’s discussions and ensure all sessions follow the UPU’s constitution and procedures.

The first day of the Congress saw the approval of the agenda and work programme, and the confirmation of specialised Congress bodies. This set the stage for detailed discussions on global postal strategies, operational development projects, and new policies. Over 2,200 participants attended in person and virtually, demonstrating the event’s global importance and the UAE’s ability to host a seamless hybrid event promoting wide digital participation.

A special session called the “UPU Global Leaders Summit” brought together ministers, regulatory heads, postal leaders, and logistics experts. They exchanged ideas to develop shared strategies for the future of postal and logistics services, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Badr Al-Olama said, “This Congress is an opportunity to shape the next era of postal services. The UAE is committed to building partnerships and ensuring the progress we create today benefits future generations globally.”

Masahiko Metoki, Director General of the Universal Postal Union, added, “This Congress shows that we can work together globally, despite differences, to strengthen postal networks and uphold the values of solidarity and universality that have guided the UPU for over 150 years.”

During the Congress, delegates will adopt the UPU’s new strategy for 2026-2029, named the “Dubai Strategy”. It focuses on four main pillars:

1. Improving service quality

2. Promoting inclusivity

3. Driving digital transformation

4. Supporting sustainability

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Updates will also be made to postal exchange regulations, fee structures, and remuneration frameworks. Elections will be held for the UPU Director General, Deputy Director General, and members of key administrative councils.

The discussions are expected to bring new postal products, improved fee systems, and enhanced cooperation between postal operators and logistics partners. The Congress will also address financial inclusion, green energy adoption, cybersecurity, and the growth of e-commerce, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Tariq Ahmed Al Wahedi said, “Our goal is to accelerate the digital transformation of global postal networks through three pillars: modern digital governance, smart infrastructure with AI and analytics, and partnerships that deliver inclusive services. We aim to improve customer experience, strengthen postal networks, and create sustainable innovation for the future.”

By hosting the 28th Universal Postal Congress, the UAE strengthens its position as a global leader in postal and logistics services, showing its commitment to innovation, technology, and sustainable development while fostering international collaboration.