Business, Freight News, Logistics


Now is the time to rethink Middle East strategy, says Aramex

[ September 19, 2025   //   ]

UAE-owned logistics specialist Aramex is urged businesses to evaluate their Middle East supply chains as the UK edges closer to free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The deal, which has taken nearly three years to come to fruition, is projected to be worth up to £1.6 billion annually, with expectations that this figure could increase by a further £8.6 billion each year by 2035.

Aramex says that exporters and importers should review their logistics operations, customs procedures, and last-mile delivery capabilities to ensure they are equipped to take full advantage of the GCC deal as soon as it is signed.

Aramex UK national freight manager, Haissam Badr,  said: “A free trade agreement with the GCC will ultimately unlock greater market access for British firms largely through reducing tariffs and simplify customs procedures – but businesses must be ready to move quickly if they are to benefit. That means as a starting point, reviewing the most cost effective and efficient shipping routes, while also ensuring they have the correct customs documentation is in place and all the information is accurate will be critical.”

He says that tapping into this potential will require more than just a willingness to sell into the region: “It’s important to be aware though that infrastructure across the GCC differs significantly, as do import regulations and consumer expectations so having that regional insight within each country is critical, especially for those which will look to export into region for the very first time.

“To put it into perspective from a consumer angle, Saudi Arabia, for instance, has a large national population, whereas the UAE is home to around 10 million people, approximately 90% of whom are expats. As a result, buying habits, distribution models, and even marketing approaches will vary significantly between each country.

“A single uniform strategy to enter the region as a whole, will fundamentally not be successful. Therefore, success in these markets will quite literally depend on a logistics strategy that is tailored to the nuances of each country.”

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