DHL Global Forwarding to open humanitarian logistics hub in Dubai [VIDEO]

DHL Global Forwarding is creating a new center focused specifically on logistics for humanitarian crises around the world. The Global Competence Center for Humanitarian Logistics is to be located in Dubai, strategically positioned between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa.

The facility is also in relative proximity to the already existing International Humanitarian City – a major international humanitarian hub adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), from which nine United Nations agencies and 48 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) currently run logistics, DHL-GF cited.

“Humanitarian logistics requires dedication and coordination with different stakeholders to get critical goods to those in need, gaining trust and working with numerous partners to coordinate shipments in situations, which often require short turnaround times,” said Massar Diop, director of humanitarian logistics at DHL Global Forwarding.

DHL has experience in disaster relief logistics, including the deployment of its disaster response teams to help in natural disaster scenarios and the Get Airports Ready for Disasters (GARD) program, which aims to improve airports’ preparedness for natural disasters.

The new center will be accessible to NGOs, aid agencies and other crucial members in emergency-aid supply chains for the forwarder’s air and ocean freight, customs clearance, warehousing and distribution services.

“The level of preparedness – whether it be expedited customs clearances, readiness to handle dangerous goods like chemicals or medicines, or processes for on-ground collaboration between multiple agencies – directly correlates with the efficiency of humanitarian logistics,” said Fatima Ait Bendawad, who is assuming the role of head of the Global Competence Center.

To learn more, watch DHL’s video, below: