Rhenus has established a permanent presence at Dubai Humanitarian with the opening of its first dedicated emergency Aid & Relief logistics office at the humanitarian hub. The move places the logistics provider alongside United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), donors and other key stakeholders involved in international humanitarian response.
The office was officially inaugurated on 14 October during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a new milestone in the development of Rhenus’ humanitarian logistics operations. The opening follows the launch of the company’s humanitarian logistics offering in the United Arab Emirates earlier in 2026.
Over the course of the year, Rhenus has progressively expanded its activities in the sector. Its efforts have included establishing operations within Dubai Humanitarian, developing regional and cross-border transport solutions, obtaining a Dubai Humanitarian Free Zone licence and broadening its network of humanitarian partners.
From the new office, the company’s Aid & Relief team will coordinate air, ocean and road freight movements for essential relief supplies. These shipments will include medical products, pharmaceuticals, food aid, shelter materials and equipment required for emergency response operations.
Hassan Alzeer, Managing Director of Rhenus Middle East, highlighted the benefits of operating within a hub that brings together organisations involved in humanitarian assistance.
“Dubai Humanitarian brings together many of the organisations that play a vital role in humanitarian response. Being part of this community allows us to work more closely with our partners and better support their logistics requirements when and where they are needed,” he said.
For Dubai Humanitarian, the presence of additional logistics expertise within the hub is intended to strengthen coordination between humanitarian organisations and the partners responsible for moving critical supplies.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, emphasised the operational importance of proximity in emergency preparedness and response.
“In humanitarian preparedness and response, proximity is more than a logistical advantage as it can be an operational necessity. Rhenus Logistics’ presence within Dubai Humanitarian, reinforces the value of our ecosystem where humanitarian actors and logistics partners work side by side, strengthening coordination, efficiency and the capacity to respond when it matters most,” he said.
The ability to organise shipments quickly and reliably is particularly important in humanitarian operations, where delivery schedules can be tight and transport conditions unpredictable. Rhenus aims to support organisations facing these challenges by combining practical logistics expertise with access to its international transport network.
Sayid Kunhipurayil, Logistics Development Manager for Aid & Relief at Rhenus Middle East, explained the role the team intends to play in these operations.
“Humanitarian shipments often move under intense time pressure and through complex operating environments. Our role is to bring structure, reliability and practical logistics expertise to those moments, helping organisations plan the right route, secure capacity and move essential supplies as efficiently as possible,” he said.
The opening of the Dubai Humanitarian office underlines Rhenus’ long-term commitment to the humanitarian logistics sector. By combining the specialised capabilities of its Aid & Relief department with the reach of its global transport network, the company aims to help humanitarian organisations coordinate the movement of essential supplies and respond more effectively to urgent needs.
