DHL Express Expands Oman Gateway: What This Means for Investors and Business Growth Opportunities
MUSCAT, FEBRUARY 25 — DHL Express is intensifying its investments and enhancing air-network connectivity in Oman, aiming to position the Sultanate as a faster gateway to global markets while boosting outbound shipments from local businesses, according to the company’s General Manager.
Alexandr Aboymov, General Manager of DHL Express in Oman, revealed to the Observer that the company inaugurated a state-of-the-art air-side facility last year, representing an investment of approximately €30 million. Since 2021, DHL has maintained near-daily air connectivity between Bahrain and Oman, integrating the country more effectively into its global network. This operational commitment amounts to around $10 million annually.
“We strongly believe Omani businesses deserve the best possible connection to the world,” Aboymov emphasized, highlighting DHL’s focus not only on increasing import volumes but also actively facilitating exports from Oman.
DHL has announced plans for a broader expansion around Muscat International Airport. The company opened a logistics facility there in January 2025 as part of a long-term development initiative, enhancing processing capacity and security standards.
In its 2025 service guide for Oman, DHL Express outlined investments in a new airport facility designed to streamline operations, support daily flights to Muscat, and facilitate quicker clearance of road shipments via a new facility at the Al Wajajah Border. These measures aim to “future-proof” the logistics network.
The Muscat airport facility covers 12,621 square meters, hosting import and export gateway functions and ground operations. It reportedly handles around 2,400 shipments per hour and serves over 4,200 customers. The site also supports environmentally friendly operations, featuring solar panels and efficiency upgrades as part of DHL’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Aboymov stressed that DHL Express operates “as a local organisation” in Oman, with approximately 70% of its workforce being Omani nationals.
This announcement aligns with Oman’s strategic push to develop logistics as a key driver of economic diversification under Oman Vision 2040 and the Logistics Strategy 2040. The government aims to increase throughput across ports, airports, borders, and logistics zones.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology reported that the logistics sector contributed about RO 2.25 billion (approximately 5.9% of GDP) in 2024, with investments totaling around RO 2.3 billion. The sector’s contribution is projected to rise to approximately RO 36 billion by 2040. Additionally, the US International Trade Administration notes Oman’s ambition to rank among the world’s top ten logistics hubs by 2040, leveraging its deep-water ports and strategic location on the Indian Ocean.
Regionally, DHL Group announced in June 2025 plans to invest more than €500 million across the Middle East between 2024 and 2030. This investment is aimed at expanding infrastructure, networks, and capacity to respond to shifts in global trade and the region’s growing export potential.
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
DHL Express’s substantial investment in Oman’s logistics infrastructure signals a strategic pivot to position Oman as a critical global trade hub, aligned with Oman Vision 2040’s ambitions. For businesses, this means enhanced access to international markets and faster, more reliable export channels, unlocking new growth opportunities but also escalating competition. Smart investors and entrepreneurs should now consider leveraging Oman’s expanding logistics ecosystem to capitalize on export-driven ventures and integrated supply chain solutions while staying attuned to evolving trade dynamics in the region.
