The Middle East is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic logistics hubs, led by innovation, investment and smart cross-border solutions. At Logistics Leaders MENA 2025 in Dubai, the public and private sectors came together to map out the next phase of the region’s logistics evolution.
The 15th edition of Logistics Leaders MENA 2025 returned to Dubai this week, bringing together industry pioneers, innovators and policymakers to chart the future of logistics across the region. Participants gained insights into how leading companies and government entities are reshaping supply chains to build smarter, greener and more resilient logistics ecosystems.
IRU highlighted the impact of public–private partnerships in driving this transformation. Representing 3.5 million mobility and logistics private-sector companies worldwide and working closely with governments across the Middle East and globally, IRU supports the adoption of international standards and helps countries advance their strategic logistics visions.
During the panel session “Reimagining Mobility for a Smarter, Greener Logistics Network”, IRU Senior Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa Rami Karout outlined how efficient and digital road transport solutions are helping move the region towards a more integrated, sustainable and future-ready logistics landscape.
A key area of IRU’s work is border facilitation. Global tools such as the TIR transit system enable dedicated fast-track lanes, advance cargo data submission, and robust risk-management processes – delivering up to 92% time savings and 50% cost reductions.
“Cross-border logistics facilitation instruments such as TIR are essential for a region like the Middle East, which sits at the centre of global trade flows,” said Rami Karout.
He also stressed the importance of professional excellence in road safety as countries scale up their logistics capacity.
The ADR certification for the transport of dangerous goods, delivered through the IRU Academy, is one example of how harmonised training can raise safety standards in a regulatory environment that is not yet fully aligned.
The session, moderated by Tobias Schönberg (Senior Partner and Managing Director at Roland Berger Middle East), featured Abhishek Kaushal (Chief Logistics Specialist at the Roads & Transport Authority – RTA) and Vikrant Khare (Chief Business Officer at Jeebly).
As the Middle East strengthens its position as a global logistics hub, IRU remains committed to working with public- and private-sector partners to ensure the region fully harnesses the opportunities ahead.
