US$110B GCC logistics investments reshape project cargo market
Dubai strengthens its position as a global maritime hub as GCC nations expand transport and logistics networks
UAE – Governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council deployed an estimated $110 billion in investments in 2024, with major allocations toward infrastructure, special economic zones, and logistics-linked connectivity.
The UAE and Saudi Arabia are driving the region’s transformation in transport and trade, boosting demand for project cargo and heavy-lift logistics.
These developments will be central at the 10th edition of Breakbulk Middle East 2026 in Dubai this February.
Driving Global Trade Through Infrastructure
Breakbulk Middle East will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on February 4 to 5, bringing together companies responsible for moving complex cargo across energy, infrastructure, renewables, industrial manufacturing, and mining.
The event gathers project owners, EPCs, freight forwarders, carriers, ports, and terminals at the intersection of capital deployment, route selection, and operational capability.
“Breakbulk Middle East serves as an essential forum connecting stakeholders across the UAE’s infrastructure, logistics and energy sectors, reflecting our national agenda to enhance the UAE’s role as a global trade and project cargo hub,” said Eng.
Mohammed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE. “This event supports our drive to advance more efficient, digitally enabled and sustainable supply chains that contribute to long-term economic growth and the achievement of our net-zero by 2050 goals.”
Saudi Arabia has committed more than US$74 billion to transport and logistics investments, while the UAE aims to increase the sector’s contribution to GDP from US$37.2 billion in 2024 to US$54.5 billion, reinforcing its role as a connector for East–West and South–South trade corridors.
Dubai ranks among the world’s top five global maritime hubs and first in the Arab region in the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index, highlighting the city’s growing trade and connectivity footprint.
Opportunities for Project Cargo Providers
DP World has announced several strategic investments and operational upgrades across its global network, including a new 36-hour maritime service linking Dubai’s Mina Rashid and Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port. Multi-billion-dollar logistics and infrastructure programs are also underway in key markets such as India.
“Breakbulk Middle East has become a key platform for companies looking to tap into the opportunities created by the UAE’s continued rise as a global logistics hub,” said Shahab Al Jassmi, Chief Commercial Officer – Ports & Terminals, DP World GCC. “DP World is proud to support an event that attracts the full breadth of the project cargo community and connects our ports and partners with fast-growing markets across the Middle East, Africa and beyond.”
The event’s Main Stage will explore the sectors shaping project cargo demand, including GCC giga-projects, emerging trade corridors into Iraq, and Africa’s growing role in critical minerals and port development.
Discussions will also cover fleet capacity, alternative fuels, crew availability, and energy transition logistics across oil, gas, LNG, renewables, and emerging nuclear. AI and digital tools for project execution and efficiency will also feature.
“Sponsoring the Main Stage allows us to support the conversations that matter as the region moves through rapid industrial and economic growth,” said Arnoud Dekkers, Head of Business Development, DHL Industrial Projects Middle East and Africa.
“The agenda at Breakbulk Middle East aligns with DHL’s investment plan, including over US$550 million for the Middle East and another US$330 million earmarked specifically for Africa. This includes major investments in Saudi Arabia’s Special Integrated Logistics Zone and a new US$132 million carbon-neutral multi-user facility in Dubai South.”
Ben Blamire, Event Director for Breakbulk Middle East, added: “The growth of this event has been phenomenal, and we’re focused on ensuring it continues to develop alongside the region’s expanding project cargo landscape. We want more industry players to participate in the transformation underway across the region.”
As GCC nations continue to invest in logistics, trade infrastructure, and industrial development, Breakbulk Middle East positions itself as a key platform for the global project cargo community, offering insights on emerging trade corridors, investment pipelines, and evolving operational risks shaping cross-border project delivery.
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