Dubai: The World Governments Summit Organisation, in collaboration with PwC Middle East, has unveiled a pivotal strategic report titled “How to Secure the Middle East’s Global Trade and Logistics Advantage.” This report sheds light on regional opportunities and the necessary transformations to solidify the Middle East’s role as a leading logistics hub.
According to Emirates News Agency, the report employs a comprehensive approach that transcends geographical limitations, focusing on key areas where enhanced regional coordination among Middle Eastern governments can create additional economic and logistical value. This coordination is expected to benefit both national economies and societies at large.
The report identifies three main mechanisms aimed at reshaping government efficiency within the logistics sector. These include addressing current challenges threatening the Middle East’s central role in trade and logistics, enhancing the effectiveness of national transformation programmes to meet the rapidly changing demands of the transport and logistics sector, and reinforcing regional cooperation to develop an integrated and sustainable logistics infrastructure.
Concluding with actionable recommendations, the report advocates for advancing cross-border collaboration to support economic integration. It also emphasizes the importance of continued investment in technology to accelerate sectoral transformation, expanding training and skills development programmes to prepare local and international talent for future technologies, and reaffirming the commitment of regional shipping and logistics companies to international sustainability standards.
Mohammed Al Sharhan, Managing Director of the World Governments Summit Organisation, emphasized the timeliness of the report, stating that it arrives amid a period of rapid global transformation in logistics and enabling technologies. This, he suggests, necessitates a reevaluation of regulatory frameworks to activate them as global catalysts for trade and growth.
Dominik Baumeister, Global and Middle East Transport and Logistics Practices Leader at PwC, noted the region’s existing central role in global trade, highlighting that over 13 percent of the world’s air cargo, 15 percent of global maritime trade, and 30 percent of traded oil pass through the Middle East. He pointed out the ongoing momentum of transformation, with Saudi Arabia committing over $250 billion to infrastructure investments and sector reform, the growing GCC rail network, and increasing private sector investments. These efforts are positioning the region to become one of the most connected, agile, and resilient trade hubs globally.
The World Governments Summit is recognized as a global platform dedicated to shaping the future of governance. It aims to set out a vision for the next generation of governments by analyzing future trends, challenges, and opportunities while showcasing innovations and best practices to inspire government innovation in tackling global challenges.
PwC Middle East, with a presence of over 12,000 people across 12 countries in 30 offices, combines deep regional insight with global expertise to assist clients in solving complex problems, driving transformation, and achieving sustained outcomes.