Logistics - WORLDEF

Keeta Resumes Drone Delivery in Dubai: E-Commerce Orders Take to the Skies

The era of autonomous delivery is gaining momentum again in Dubai. Keeta has resumed its drone delivery operations following the necessary regulatory approvals, integrating the system into the everyday ordering experience. The new model aims to make food, retail, and, in the future, e-commerce deliveries faster and more autonomous.

Autonomous delivery services are once again gaining momentum in Dubai. Keeta Drone has resumed its drone delivery operations following regulatory approvals from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). In the initial phase, the system will operate from Silicon Central Mall, connecting users in eligible nearby areas with restaurant and beverage brands through an autonomous delivery network.

Orders with Keeta Will Be Placed Directly Through the App

Customers will be able to place orders from participating brands through the app and select the drone delivery option. Orders can be collected from dedicated lockers located at RIT in Dubai Silicon Oasis or at Emirates Building near Foodings Cafe. In certain areas, a courier partnership model will also make it possible for orders to be delivered directly to customers’ homes.

The service will cover a range of categories, from coffee, boba, and specialty beverages to shawarma, desserts, and Italian and Indian cuisine. Keeta Drone General Manager Junwei Yang stated that Dubai is a priority market in the company’s international expansion and that the resumed operations are part of its progress toward building a scalable drone delivery network.

Drone Delivery Is Being Integrated into the Retail Experience

The new model places autonomous delivery within the existing digital ordering experience rather than treating it as a separate technology experiment. Users can select products in the Keeta app, complete payment, track their orders, and receive them by drone. The company is positioning local, regional, and international food and beverage brands at Silicon Central Mall among the system’s first retail partners.

AI-Powered System Is Also Preparing for E-Commerce

The company’s technology infrastructure brings together its self-developed drones, automated stations, and an AI-powered operations platform. Keeta Drone also uses intelligent route management, real-time data tracking, autonomous planning, and rerouting technologies. On the company’s official platform, food and medical deliveries are listed among its current use cases, while e-commerce delivery is shown as a “coming soon” service.

The operations relaunched in Dubai are planned to expand to more areas beyond Silicon Central Mall. The system is being developed to bring drone-based deliveries into everyday consumer use across e-commerce, retail, and last-mile logistics.

Keeta Completed Its Nationwide Launch Across the UAE

Dubai Air Cargo Transactions Surge 53% as E-Commerce Shipments Accelerate

Dubai’s air cargo sector recorded strong growth in the first half of 2026, reflecting the accelerating pace of e-commerce and cross-border trade across the emirate.

Dubai Customs processed 18.2 million customs transactions through its Air Cargo Centers during H1 2026, representing a 53% increase compared with the same period last year. Shipment volumes also rose significantly, reaching approximately 1.3 million tonnes, up from around 886,000 tonnes in H1 2025 – an increase of nearly 47%.

The growth highlights Dubai’s expanding role as a regional logistics and e-commerce hub, where high volumes of smaller shipments require increasingly fast customs and delivery processes.

E-Commerce Drives Shipment Growth

The strongest increase was recorded within the Free Zone Department of Dubai Customs’ air cargo sector. The department completed around 17.7 million customs transactions during the first six months of 2026, compared with approximately 10.9 million during H1 2025 – a 62% rise.

Dubai’s air cargo infrastructure also handled more than 6.2 million postal parcels during the period, underlining the growing contribution of cross-border e-commerce to air freight demand.

As online retail continues to generate large numbers of smaller shipments, customs efficiency has become increasingly important to the wider digital commerce ecosystem. Faster clearance can directly influence delivery times, logistics costs and the overall customer experience.

Dubai Raises E-Commerce Customs Threshold

Dubai Customs has also introduced measures aimed at facilitating cross-border e-commerce.

Effective August 3, 2026, the customs duty exemption threshold for eligible goods within cross-border e-commerce shipments was increased to Dh1,000. The measure is intended to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency for companies involved in digital trade.

The authority has additionally introduced an exemption for certain returned goods imported by companies for personal use, provided the relevant customs duties were previously paid and the goods are returned within 60 days.

Cargo Volumes Continue to Rise

The increase in activity has also been reflected in cargo volumes moving through Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Imported goods cleared through Cargo Village at Dubai International Airport and the Air Cargo Center at Al Maktoum International Airport reached 48.26 million kilograms in May, compared with approximately 26.56 million kilograms in January – an increase of nearly 82%. Maximum daily volumes also climbed from 1.24 million kilograms in January to 2.11 million kilograms in May.

Smart Customs and AI Support Faster Trade

Dubai Customs is increasingly focusing on technology to manage growing shipment volumes while reducing clearance times.

The authority said its air cargo centres are being equipped with smart technologies, devices and artificial intelligence applications to improve inspection and examination processes.

The shift reflects a broader evolution in the role of customs, from simply processing shipments to becoming an important component of trade competitiveness.

For e-commerce businesses, faster customs clearance can help shorten the time between an order arriving at a logistics hub and reaching the end customer. This is particularly important as consumers and retailers increasingly expect rapid cross-border fulfilment.

What This Means for E-Commerce

Dubai’s latest figures point to a wider transformation in the region’s logistics landscape. As e-commerce continues to generate higher shipment volumes, the competitiveness of digital commerce increasingly depends on the efficiency of the infrastructure supporting it.

With rising air cargo volumes, expanded customs thresholds and greater use of AI-powered processing, Dubai is positioning its logistics ecosystem to accommodate the next phase of cross-border e-commerce growth.

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Maersk Partners with ShippyPro to Expand E-Commerce Logistics Ecosystem

Maersk has partnered with shipping management platform ShippyPro to integrate its e-commerce parcel delivery services into ShippyPro’s multi-carrier logistics platform, giving online retailers easier access to international shipping and fulfillment solutions.

The partnership is designed to simplify logistics operations for e-commerce businesses expanding across borders. Through the integration, ShippyPro customers can access Maersk E-Commerce services directly within their existing shipping workflows, without requiring an additional technology integration.

Simplifying Cross-Border E-Commerce

As online retailers expand into new markets, managing multiple carriers, international shipments, customs requirements and returns can add significant operational complexity.

The integration between Maersk and ShippyPro aims to address these challenges by bringing Maersk’s e-commerce delivery capabilities into a single multi-carrier environment.

Merchants can manage Maersk services alongside other carriers through the ShippyPro platform, creating a more unified approach to shipping operations.

The integration supports key processes across the parcel journey, including shipment booking, labeling, tracking and returns management. This enables retailers to maintain existing workflows while gaining access to Maersk’s international parcel delivery network.

Expanding Access to Maersk E-Commerce Services

Maersk has been expanding its e-commerce logistics capabilities as retailers increasingly require flexible delivery solutions across domestic and international markets.

Its E-Commerce offering is designed to manage parcel deliveries from warehouse to customer, including domestic delivery, international shipping and returns. The service also connects merchants with a multi-partner carrier network through a single API.

By integrating these capabilities with ShippyPro, Maersk is positioning its e-commerce services within an established digital shipping ecosystem used by merchants to manage multiple carriers.

For retailers, this can reduce the need to maintain separate logistics processes and technology connections as they scale into new markets.

A More Connected Logistics Model

The partnership reflects a broader shift in e-commerce logistics toward connected platforms that bring different transportation and delivery services into unified digital workflows.

For growing online businesses, carrier flexibility is becoming increasingly important as they operate across multiple markets and delivery networks. A multi-carrier approach can allow merchants to select and manage different delivery options without significantly changing their existing operational infrastructure.

Maersk’s collaboration with ShippyPro therefore extends beyond adding another carrier option. It strengthens the connection between global logistics infrastructure and the digital platforms used by e-commerce businesses to manage fulfillment.

As cross-border e-commerce continues to grow, integrations such as this could play a greater role in helping merchants simplify logistics, improve visibility and scale their operations internationally.

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Amazon Expands Bulk Storage Service Across Europe

Amazon is expanding its Amazon Warehousing & Distribution (AWD) service to Europe, giving sellers a new way to store inventory in bulk and replenish Amazon Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) centres based on demand.

The service will launch across Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom from 20 August 2026. The move expands Amazon’s logistics offering and gives sellers an alternative to sending all inventory directly to FBA fulfilment centres.

Bulk storage and automated replenishment

Under AWD, sellers can hold larger quantities of inventory in Amazon’s distribution network for extended periods. Instead of maintaining all stock at FBA fulfilment centres, inventory can be stored upstream and replenished automatically as demand requires.

This model is designed to help sellers manage inventory more efficiently, particularly when dealing with seasonal demand, changing sales volumes or limitations on FBA storage capacity.

Amazon says AWD provides flat-rate, long-term bulk storage and automated replenishment to FBA fulfilment centres across Europe.

The expansion could be particularly relevant for brands operating across multiple European marketplaces. By consolidating inventory within Amazon’s logistics network, sellers can reduce the need to continuously move smaller shipments into individual fulfilment centres.

Strengthening Amazon’s European logistics network

The launch represents another step in Amazon’s broader expansion beyond traditional marketplace and fulfilment services. The company has increasingly opened its logistics infrastructure to businesses, allowing merchants to use parts of the network for storage, transportation and delivery.

Earlier this year, Amazon introduced Amazon Supply Chain Services, making its logistics capabilities available to businesses beyond sellers operating exclusively on its marketplace.

AWD adds another layer to this strategy by positioning Amazon’s distribution network as a larger-scale inventory management solution.

For European sellers, the service could simplify supply chain planning by creating a bulk-storage layer between suppliers and FBA fulfilment centres. Inventory can remain in storage until Amazon’s systems determine that additional stock is required at fulfilment locations.

Implications for European sellers

The European rollout comes as e-commerce businesses continue to look for ways to balance inventory availability with storage and fulfilment costs.

For sellers with predictable demand and significant inventory volumes, bulk storage could provide greater flexibility than relying solely on FBA storage. It may also help businesses prepare inventory ahead of peak shopping periods while avoiding the need to move the entire stock volume into fulfilment centres at once.

However, the effectiveness of AWD will depend on individual sellers’ inventory profiles, product demand and logistics requirements.

With Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK included in the initial European rollout, Amazon is establishing AWD across some of the continent’s largest e-commerce markets.

The expansion further integrates storage, fulfilment and replenishment within Amazon’s ecosystem, potentially giving sellers a more streamlined approach to managing inventory across European markets.

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Dubai Customs Introduces AED 1,000 Duty Exemption for Cross-Border E-Commerce

Dubai Customs has changed its customs procedures for cross-border e-commerce transactions. Under the regulation that entered into force on August 3, 2026, products and shipments with a value not exceeding AED 1,000 ($272) will be exempt from customs duties. The new measure aims to reduce costs in the e-commerce sector, improve the efficiency of commercial transactions, and support the competitiveness of Dubai’s business environment.

Dubai Customs Raises the Exemption Threshold to AED 1,000

The change announced by Dubai Customs was implemented under Customs Notice No. 16 of 2026. Accordingly, products imported for personal purposes through companies, cargo operators, or cross-border e-commerce channels and valued at AED 1,000 or less will not be subject to customs duties. Companies wishing to benefit from the regulation must align their registration and operational processes with the new provisions.

Tobacco, Electronic Cigarettes, and Alcoholic Products Excluded

Dubai Customs’ duty exemption will not apply to all product categories. Tobacco and tobacco derivatives, electronic cigarette devices and accessories, nicotine-containing liquids, alcoholic beverages, and food products containing alcohol have been excluded from the new regulation. Existing customs duties and related import provisions will continue to apply to these categories.

60-Day Requirement for Returned Products

Products purchased for personal purposes and returned after being sent abroad through companies will also be exempt from duties under certain conditions. It will be necessary to document that customs duties were previously paid for the product and that the shipment was returned within 60 days of the export date. If these conditions are not met, standard customs procedures will apply.

Company Registrations to Be Handled by the Customer Happiness Department

Under the new measure, the addition of companies to the customer registration system, the recording of their activities, and their inclusion on the platform will be handled by the Customer Happiness Department. Any disputes that may arise during the implementation of the regulation will fall under the responsibility of the Legal Affairs Department.

Dubai Customs stated that the change forms part of its approach to attracting investment, facilitating cross-border digital trade, and reducing the operating costs of e-commerce companies. The authority called on companies seeking to benefit from the regulation to take the necessary steps to comply with the new rules.

The new tax exemption for cross-border e-commerce came into effect on August 3, 2026, as one of the updated practices within the cross-border e-commerce infrastructure developed by Dubai Customs.

Mondi Introduces Laser-Marked Packaging Concept for E-Commerce

Global packaging and paper manufacturer Mondi has developed a new concept for e-commerce and bag-in-box applications that combines a corrugated outer box with recyclable, laser-marked flexible packaging. Applicable to different flexible packaging formats, the solution aims to accelerate personalization and design changes while reducing traditional decorative printing processes.

Mondi Eliminates Printing Plates with Laser Marking

With the new technology, visual designs are applied directly onto the flexible packaging by laser during the converting process. This eliminates the need for traditional decorative printing, printing plates, and certain related production stages. The system enables product-specific designs, rapid updates to visuals, and allows brands to respond more quickly to changing consumer demands.

The new solution offers customers shorter lead times, a more agile supply chain, and greater flexibility in bringing new products and designs to market. By combining its production capabilities in corrugated and flexible packaging, Mondi aims to enable customers to source bag-in-box solutions from a single supplier.

Can Be Used in StripPouch and FlexiBag Formats

The technology can be adapted to various formats, including reel materials, pre-made re/cycle StripPouch packaging, and larger re/cycle FlexiBag bags. By simplifying the packaging structure and reducing decorative elements, the solution is intended to support recycling processes. Depending on the requirements of the application, bio-based raw materials or post-consumer recycled content may also be used.

According to the company’s internal Product Impact Assessment, the bio-based and laser-marked StripPouch can deliver a reduction of more than 50% in carbon dioxide emissions compared with fossil-based, printed, and laminated stand-up pouches. Commercial applications of the solution are being explored for pet food, home and personal care products, and various e-commerce packaging formats.

Sustainability Achievement at the German Packaging Award

The new concept was honored in the Sustainability category of the 2026 German Packaging Award. The jury stated that the solution combines decarbonization, design for recycling, and economic efficiency, while providing advantages for a wide range of product variants in small production runs.

Jens Koesters, Manager of Technical Services, R&D and Innovation at Mondi Consumer Flexibles, stated that customers are under pressure to manage complex product portfolios and changing consumer demands while meeting their sustainability targets. Koesters said that the concept brings together bio-based materials and design flexibility in a single solution, helping brands respond more quickly to market requirements.

E-Commerce and Logistics Demand Is Driving the Packaging Tape Market

DP World to Establish a 222-Hectare Special Economic Zone in Kenya

DP World has signed an agreement with Kenya-based investment and development group GulfCap Africa to develop the Mombasa Industrial Park. The project, which will be developed with Special Economic Zone status, aims to strengthen Kenya’s position as a trade and logistics hub in East Africa by bringing manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and foreign trade activities together within the same infrastructure.

DP World to Be Located Near the Port of Mombasa

The industrial park, which will be developed in phases across a total area of 222 hectares, will cover 40 hectares in its first phase. The facility will be located less than 20 kilometers from the Port of Mombasa. This is expected to provide companies operating in the park with faster access to regional and international markets.

The project is expected to provide modern industrial spaces, integrated supply chain services, and market access opportunities for manufacturers, logistics operators, exporters, and technology companies. Local sources reported that the value of the investment exceeds $100 million and that numerous companies have expressed interest in operating in the zone.

Port, Logistics, and Industrial Ecosystems to Be Integrated

DP World Group CEO Yuvraj Narayan stated that Kenya is an important market for the company and a key gateway for East African trade. Narayan said that the project reflects the company’s investment approach toward integrated trade infrastructure that connects ports, logistics services, and industrial ecosystems.

Narayan also stated that they aim to create an environment where businesses can manage their manufacturing, distribution, and access to global markets more efficiently.

Thousands of Jobs Expected to Be Created

DP World Africa CEO and Managing Director Mohammed Akoojee stated that the project would strengthen regional trade and supply chain connections. Akoojee explained that the initiative aims to attract new investments, create thousands of employment opportunities, and contribute to Kenya’s socioeconomic development.

The Mombasa Industrial Park is also planned to host logistics infrastructure that will support the warehousing, order fulfillment, distribution, and cross-border delivery operations of e-commerce and retail companies.

Trust is the Real Currency of Kenya’s Digital Economy

DP World Opens First Multi-Client Logistics Warehouse in Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Supply Chain Network

DP World has expanded its logistics footprint in Saudi Arabia with the launch of its first multi-client third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse in Riyadh, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly growing supply chain sector and Vision 2030 objectives.

The newly inaugurated facility is located in Riyadh’s Al Mashael Logistics Hub and is designed to provide flexible warehousing and distribution services for businesses across multiple industries. The investment reflects the increasing demand for modern logistics infrastructure as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a regional trade and logistics hub.

A Strategic Logistics Hub for Saudi Arabia

The new warehouse spans 15,250 square metres and offers capacity for more than 17,000 pallet positions. It provides integrated logistics services, including storage, inventory management, import consolidation, order fulfilment, palletisation, and nationwide distribution.

Operating as a non-bonded warehouse, the facility enables customs-cleared goods to move efficiently into Saudi Arabia’s domestic market, allowing businesses to reduce delivery times, improve inventory availability, and simplify supply chain operations.

Its strategic location within Riyadh’s Al Mashael Logistics Hub offers convenient access to major transport corridors connecting businesses across the Kingdom and neighbouring Gulf markets.

Supporting Vision 2030 and Growing Demand

Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in logistics infrastructure as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy. Rising demand from sectors such as retail, e-commerce, manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, healthcare, and technology has accelerated the need for advanced warehousing and fulfilment capabilities.

DP World’s latest investment is designed to meet these evolving market requirements by providing scalable logistics solutions for companies seeking efficient nationwide distribution and supply chain management.

Mohammad Alshaikh, CEO of DP World Saudi Arabia, said the facility will enable customers to benefit from greater flexibility, operational efficiency, and reliable logistics services while supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a leading global logistics centre.

Raveen Guliani, Chief Operating Officer of Logistics at DP World GCC, described Saudi Arabia as one of the company’s fastest-growing logistics markets, noting that the new warehouse strengthens DP World’s integrated supply chain offering across the Kingdom.

Expanding DP World’s Saudi Logistics Network

The Riyadh warehouse complements DP World’s existing logistics operations in Dammam and forms part of the company’s broader investment strategy in Saudi Arabia.

Among its largest ongoing projects is the $250 million Jeddah Logistics Park, a 415,000-square-metre integrated logistics facility located near Jeddah Islamic Port. DP World is also investing in the expansion and modernization of the Jeddah South Container Terminal, increasing capacity and improving cargo handling efficiency.

Together, these investments create an integrated logistics ecosystem connecting ports, warehouses, inland transport, and distribution centres across Saudi Arabia.

Strengthening Regional Supply Chains

The launch of the multi-client warehouse highlights DP World’s strategy of providing end-to-end logistics solutions that support businesses operating in one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies.

As Saudi Arabia continues to attract manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce investments, modern logistics infrastructure will play an increasingly important role in improving supply chain resilience, reducing operational costs, and enhancing trade connectivity.

With its newest facility in Riyadh, DP World further strengthens its position as a key logistics partner supporting the Kingdom’s transformation into a global logistics and trade hub.

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A New Roadmap from Türkiye and Iraq to Accelerate Customs Procedures

Türkiye and Iraq reaffirmed their goal of increasing bilateral trade volume to $30 billion in the medium term. During the meetings held in Ankara, the harmonization of customs procedures, the facilitation of transit trade, mutual investments, and the steps to be taken within the scope of the Development Road Project were discussed. The integration of the Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing into Iraq’s automated customs system, ASYCUDA, is intended to reduce uncertainty at border crossings and accelerate commercial transactions.

A New Era of Digital Integration at the Customs Gate

Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat said that connecting the Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing to the ASYCUDA system as soon as possible would make a significant contribution to the $30 billion trade target. The integration is expected to strengthen cooperation between the customs administrations of the two countries and make transit transportation processes more organized.

Türkiye is Iraq’s fifth-largest trading partner. The current trade volume between the two countries stands at approximately $17 billion. This figure had risen to as much as $24 billion during the post-pandemic period and when energy prices increased.

The Development Road Will Be Supported by Logistics Centers

The meetings also addressed the Development Road Project, which is planned to begin at Al-Faw Port in the Persian Gulf and extend to Europe via Türkiye. Within the scope of the project, new logistics centers and cities are planned to be established, road and railway connections are to be developed, and transit trade channels to Gulf countries are to be expanded. The new customs and logistics infrastructure is expected to contribute to the development of cross-border e-commerce, retail supply chains, warehousing, distribution, and delivery operations.

A New Trade Roadmap Will Be Prepared

The third meeting of the Türkiye-Iraq Joint Economic and Trade Committee is planned to be held in Türkiye in the final quarter of 2026. A new roadmap for the $30 billion target will be prepared at the meeting.

Turkish contracting companies have completed 1,157 projects in Iraq to date, with a total value of $40 billion. In addition to trade, the parties aim to expand cooperation in investment, transportation, energy, logistics, and contracting.

Talal to Build a 32,000-Square-Metre Distribution Centre in Dubai

Talal Group has begun construction of a new central distribution facility in Dubai Industrial City with an investment of $40.8 million (AED 150 million). The project, the company’s largest investment to date, will bring together logistics, retail, e-commerce, and corporate operations on a single campus. The centre is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2027.

E-Commerce Operations to Be Carried Out at the Talal Centre

Designed to be fully temperature-controlled, the facility will have 32,500 square metres (350,000 square feet) of enclosed space. The centre will include a dedicated 2,300-square-metre (25,000-square-foot) cold-chain storage area, 43 loading bays, and a dedicated operations centre for e-commerce activities.

The facility will also house Talal Group’s corporate headquarters, a cash-and-carry store operating under a wholesale model, and a customer service centre. This will enable the company’s logistics, retail, customer service, and management units to operate from the same site.

Approximately 600 Jobs to Be Created

Once the new distribution centre becomes operational, it is expected to create approximately 600 jobs. The project will support Talal Group’s regional growth strategy while also increasing the company’s warehousing, distribution, and supply chain capacity.

Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, said the facility reflects the UAE’s and Dubai’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. Alshawareb stated that Dubai Industrial City enables companies to improve efficiency and scale into international markets through its integrated business ecosystem, advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and multimodal transport connections. He also noted that the project is aligned with the objectives of Operation 300bn and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Cold-Chain Capacity to Be Expanded

Mahmood Haji Baliyil, Co-Chairman of Talal Group, said the expanded cold-chain capacity would strengthen regional food supply chains. Baliyil stated that the company aims to continue its expansion in the region by benefiting from Dubai Industrial City’s connectivity and industrial ecosystem, while pursuing its long-term growth objectives.

Dubai CommerCity Unites E-Commerce Logistics and Customs Processes in a Single Ecosystem