February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Dubai Logistics City (DLC) is a purpose-built logistics district located within the Dubai South master development, designed to provide integrated warehousing, freight forwarding, and supply chain management services. The district is strategically positioned between Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, enabling multimodal air-sea-road cargo connectivity. DLC offers built-to-suit warehouse facilities, temperature-controlled storage, e-commerce fulfillment centers, and open yard storage, all operating under Dubai South’s free zone regulatory framework with full foreign ownership and customs facilitation.

UAE Context

DLC fills a critical role in Dubai’s logistics ecosystem by providing a dedicated facility for cargo consolidation, break-bulk operations, and last-mile distribution. The district complements JAFZA’s industrial and trade warehousing by focusing specifically on third-party logistics providers, freight forwarders, and e-commerce operators that require rapid turnaround between air and sea freight modes. As cross-border e-commerce volumes have surged across the Middle East, DLC has attracted major fulfillment operators seeking proximity to both airport cargo terminals and deep-water port facilities.

Key Data

  • Location: Dubai South, between Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port
  • Regulatory framework: Dubai South free zone (100% foreign ownership, customs facilitation)
  • Key facilities: Warehousing, cold storage, e-commerce fulfillment, open yard storage
  • Connectivity: Direct road links to Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum Airport cargo village, Etihad Rail
  • Target sectors: Third-party logistics, freight forwarding, e-commerce, perishable goods

Significance for Vision 2031

Dubai Logistics City supports Vision 2031’s trade and logistics objectives by providing scalable infrastructure for the next phase of growth in regional cargo volumes. As the UAE pursues its target of becoming the world’s top logistics hub, DLC’s integration with the expanding Al Maktoum Airport and the national Etihad Rail network positions it as a key node in the country’s multimodal freight architecture. The district’s e-commerce infrastructure also aligns with the digital economy priorities embedded in the D33 Agenda.