Kanoo Logistics: Powering the GCC's Next-Generation Supply Chains

By Anil Kumar K.C., Country Manager - Kanoo Logistics, UAE & Oman

The United Arab Emirates is setting ambitious goals for its future. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai recently announced plans to grow the country's logistics sector to Dh200 billion ($54.45 billion) annually within seven years. This bold vision, backed by the newly formed Emirates Council for Logistics Integration, aims to strengthen the UAE's position as a global trade powerhouse by improving connections across roads, rail, ports, and customs throughout the region.

As the GCC economy continues its rapid expansion, the demand for sophisticated logistics solutions has never been greater. The region's diverse industries—from petrochemicals and manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods—require supply chain partners who can handle complex operations with precision and reliability. This is where Kanoo Logistics is making its mark.

The Growing Logistics Landscape in the GCC

The GCC region is experiencing remarkable growth in its logistics sector. The market reached $109 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $171 billion by 2033, driven by economic diversification efforts, booming e-commerce, and massive infrastructure investments. Governments invested $1.6 trillion between 2020 and 2025 in transport infrastructure, transforming the region into a truly world-class logistics hub.

Several factors are fueling this expansion. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE's economic plans are reshaping the landscape with new ports, warehouses, and digital customs systems. E-commerce revenues are growing rapidly, with courier and parcel services expected to expand at over 7% annually through 2030. Meanwhile, healthcare, and pharmaceutical logistics are experiencing the fastest growth as countries build more hospitals and medical facilities that require specialized cold-chain capabilities.

The region's strategic location—sitting at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa—makes it a natural gateway for global trade. This geographic advantage, combined with free trade zones, advanced port facilities, and increasingly digital customs processes, positions the GCC as an essential link in international supply chains.

Kanoo Logistics: A Trusted Partner for Complex Supply Chains

With over five decades of experience in the region, Kanoo Logistics has established itself as a leading provider of comprehensive supply chain solutions across the GCC. The company operates facilities in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE (including Dubai, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi), Oman, and Qatar—giving it the regional reach that modern businesses require.

What sets Kanoo Logistics apart is its ability to handle the most challenging aspects of modern supply chains. The company has built specialized capabilities in four critical areas:

• Project Logistics: Large-scale industrial projects require moving oversized equipment, heavy machinery, and specialized components across borders and through difficult terrain. Kanoo Logistics manages these complex movements with careful planning, regulatory expertise, and coordination across multiple transport modes—whether by road, sea, air, or rail.
• Chemical Logistics: The petrochemical industry forms the backbone of the GCC economy, and transporting chemical products demands rigorous safety standards, specialized equipment, and deep regulatory knowledge. Kanoo Logistics brings decades of experience handling hazardous materials, ensuring compliance with international safety protocols while maintaining efficiency.
• Temperature-Controlled Operations: As pharmaceutical and food sectors grow across the region, the need for reliable cold-chain logistics has become critical. Kanoo Logistics operates temperature-controlled warehouses and transportation that maintain precise conditions from origin to destination—essential for medicines, vaccines, fresh food, and other sensitive products that can't tolerate temperature fluctuations.
• Multimodal Solutions: Modern supply chains rarely rely on a single transport method. Kanoo Logistics offers end-to-end solutions that seamlessly combine sea freight, air cargo, road transport, and warehousing. This integrated approach reduces delays, improves visibility, and gives clients a single point of contact for their entire logistics operation.

Meeting the Moment

The timing of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's announcement couldn't be more significant. As the UAE works toward its Dh200 billion logistics goal and the broader region invests billions in infrastructure, companies need logistics partners who understand both local conditions and global standards.

Kanoo Logistics serves key industries including manufacturing, petrochemicals, automotive, chemicals, and fast-moving consumer goods. Its reputation for reliability comes from understanding that in logistics, there's no room for error—a delayed shipment can shut down a production line, a temperature breach can spoil an entire pharmaceutical batch, and poor handling can damage expensive equipment.

The company's loyal network of partners and experienced team enable it to navigate the complexities that define modern supply chains: customs regulations that vary by country, documentation requirements for hazardous materials, coordinating shipments across time zones, managing last-mile delivery in congested cities, and responding quickly when plans change.

Looking Ahead

As the GCC continues its transformation into a global logistics powerhouse, the region needs partners who can support increasingly sophisticated supply chains. The growth of e-commerce, expansion of healthcare systems, development of new industrial zones, and push toward economic diversification all create demand for logistics companies that can handle complex, time-sensitive operations.

Kanoo Logistics is positioned to be part of this growth story. With its regional presence, specialized capabilities, and track record of delivering results, the company offers the kind of reliable, comprehensive service that businesses need as supply chains become more demanding. Whether it's moving project cargo for a new industrial facility, transporting chemicals safely across borders, maintaining cold-chain integrity for pharmaceuticals, or coordinating multimodal shipments across the region, Kanoo Logistics brings the expertise and infrastructure to get it done right.

The UAE's ambitious vision for its logistics sector recognizes a simple truth: in today's connected economy, efficient supply chains are essential to economic success. Companies like Kanoo Logistics—with deep regional roots, proven capabilities, and a commitment to reliability—will play a vital role in turning that vision into reality.