DHL plans to expand its operations at Dubai World Central by more than 300,000 square metres in coming years, involving a multi-million dollar investment. The move was announced during its 30th anniversary celebration in Dubai.

The group also intends to make significant investments in expanding its presence at the new Dubai Logistics City (DLC).

The investments in new facilities are intended to help DHL expand its logistics and express business in the region, as well as boost development and the competitiveness of the whole industry which has been undergoing rapid growth, driven by domestic consumer demand, construction, oil and gas development.

"With high economic growth, the Middle East is one of Deutsche Post World Net's most important regions. It is an emerging market that has the world's attention and as a result it presents a huge opportunity for our business," said chairman and chief executive officer Klaus Zumwinkel.

The expanded facilities build upon the existing footprint of 85,000 square metres at the Jebel Ali Free Zone, which is operated by Danzas AEI Emirates, a company statement said.

The group's logistics entity, which represents the DHL Global Forwarding and Exel Supply Chain business in this region, recently announced two additional signing agreements. The first is on 30,000 square metres at the new Cargo Village Jebel Ali Airport forwarding area with an option for a further 15,000 square metres. It has also secured an additional 155,000 square metres in the DLC's specialised contract logistics area with an option for another 78,000 square metres.

At the same time, DHL Express plans to further invest in a new air integrator hub facility on a 50,000 square metre plot at the new World Central Airport in Jebel Ali. This hub facility will compliment DHL's existing infrastructure network and provide long-term growth capacity to its Middle East air/road distribution model.