
Study Period | 2021 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 173.27 Billion |
Market Size (2030) | USD 235.84 Billion |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.36 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market Analysis
The Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market size is estimated at USD 173.27 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 235.84 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of greater than 6.36% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
The Middle East is swiftly evolving into a premier integrated logistics hub, poised to take on a pivotal role in international trade. Its strategic positioning, flanked by the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea, ensures robust maritime trade. Spearheaded by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Middle Eastern governments are bolstering their logistics infrastructure. They're not just focusing on ocean and air transport but are also enhancing inland transportation, warehousing, and digital systems. Their collective aim is to solidify the region's standing as a global logistics hub.
In Africa, globalization and technological advancements are opening up avenues for internationalization, bolstering supply chains and overall competitiveness. Notably, Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa, among others, are emerging as pivotal players in the logistics landscape. For instance, Angola's Barra owns and operates key ports like Dande and Lobito, while Nigeria's Lekki and Tanzania's Musoma are gaining significance.
While some Middle Eastern and African nations grapple with political instability, immediate territorial integration seems challenging. The prevailing scenario underscores the dominance of domestic markets, with limited inter-regional interactions leading to a stagnation in international trade.
Saudi Vision 2030 epitomizes the region's pivot away from oil-centric industries. This ambitious blueprint stresses process optimization, market liberalization, privatization drives, infrastructure enhancements, establishment of new economic zones, and governance reforms. Central to Vision 2030's success is the bolstering of Saudi's logistics, laying the groundwork for infrastructural advancements and the creation of diverse economic zones. In Africa, the economy's heavy reliance on mining, constituting a third of the GDP, is evident. While Morocco stands out as a stable partner, Egypt and Algeria lead in production values. However, their limited international engagement and underdeveloped logistics corridors are notable challenges. African logistics firms are extending beyond megacities, aiming to integrate rural communities into regional supply chains.
The Middle East has already made significant strides in its logistics sector, channeling over USD 106.6 billion in investments. This surge in funding has bolstered cargo capacities across land, air, and sea, streamlined import/export operations, and eased logistical restrictions. In 2023, the Saudi Port Authority (SPA) alone directed a substantial USD 4.5 billion investment into maritime and logistics sectors. These funds are earmarked for the development of cutting-edge logistics parks.
Despite recent challenges like falling oil prices and geopolitical tensions, the Middle East and Africa are emerging as hotbeds for automotive and supply chain ventures. Major automakers, including VW, Toyota, GM, Groupe PSA, and Mercedes-Benz, are ramping up their local assembly operations, which is highly expected to drive demand for freight and logistics services. Their investments span from North African nations like Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt to markets in sub-Saharan Africa, such as Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ghana. Noteworthy logistics advancements are also taking shape across the region.
Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market Trends
Development of freight transport segment
- The Middle-East and Africa region is poised for significant growth, particularly in air transport. In 2023, Middle Eastern airlines experienced a notable 33.3% increase in traffic, as reported by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Furthermore, most countries in the region are expected to witness a doubling of cargo volumes. With this surge, both challenges and opportunities emerge. For airports in Africa and the Middle-East, this surge presents a prime opportunity to leverage the growth potential, focusing on the needs of airlines and consumers, all while aligning with national interests.
- In the Middle-East, the push for major airport expansions is primarily fueled by the rising demands of local carriers. For example, in April 2024, Dubai unveiled plans for a "world's largest" airport terminal, boasting 400 gates and five parallel runways, with a hefty price tag of USD 35 billion. The region's strategic geographic location, bridging major markets like the Indian subcontinent and facilitating intercontinental traffic, coupled with a supportive regulatory environment, has propelled the Middle-East into a hub for both passenger and cargo traffic.
- Leading the charge, airports in the Gulf, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, and Jeddah, have poured billions into infrastructure enhancements, emphasizing an elevated passenger experience. This investment is further justified by the symbiotic relationships these airports share with flagship carriers like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Saudi Arabian Airlines. Such collaborations ensure a seamless end-to-end experience, benefiting not just the airlines but also the local economies.
- Following global trends, Middle-Eastern airports are focusing on effective stakeholder collaboration, embracing digitization, revolutionizing airport retail, and exploring non-aeronautical revenue streams. Additionally, they are striving to offer personalized experiences, emphasizing a sense of place while maintaining ample capacity. Green initiatives are also in the spotlight, with Middle-Eastern developers eyeing international green building certifications and ACI carbon accreditation.

E-commerce Driving the Logistics Industry
- The GCC has firmly established itself as a key player in the global e-commerce arena. Despite its smaller size compared to the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the GCC has actively nurtured a robust digital economy, carving out a significant space in the e-commerce domain. In response to the sector's growth, Saudi Arabia recently bolstered its logistics sector with an investment exceeding USD 106.6 billion. This initiative not only expanded the nation's cargo capacities across land, air, and sea but also streamlined import/export processes by eliminating logistical constraints.
- The GCC has witnessed a surge in online buyers, with projections nearing a 60% penetration rate, underscoring the region's swift digital adoption and consumer engagement. With its favorable e-commerce landscape and a growing consumer base, the GCC is poised for continued e-commerce expansion. The UAE, in particular, experienced a remarkable 53% surge in online sales, hitting a record-breaking USD 673.9 billion, accounting for about 10% of total retail sales. This spike is largely attributed to the global pandemic's push towards online shopping.
- Several factors have propelled the UAE's e-commerce growth, including the rise of social commerce and substantial investments in infrastructure, notably efficient fulfillment centers. Collaborations like the one between Noon.com and eBay, alongside initiatives from entities like the Dubai Free Zones Council, highlight concerted efforts to leverage the expanding e-commerce landscape, painting a promising future for the sector in the UAE and the broader GCC region.
- E-commerce in Africa has long been hailed as the continent's next high-growth market. The optimism stems from various factors, including Africa's sizable, tech-savvy, and youthful population, increasing mobile internet penetration, a burgeoning middle class, and rising disposable incomes. Homegrown platforms like Jumia (Nigeria), Takealot (South Africa), and Kilimall (Kenya) have emerged, while global giants such as Amazon, Alibaba, Shein, and even Facebook are eyeing Africa's e-commerce potential, positioning themselves to tap into this burgeoning market.

Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Industry Overview
The market is fragmented with the presence of many International and Local road freight companies. The market is dominated by major international players like DHL, FedEx, and UPS. The market is expected to grow during the forecast period due to growing e-commerce and growing infrastructure in the region. In the case of rail freight, the government-owned railway companies have occupied the major market share. As the demand for freight transportation is growing rapidly across the region, companies are becoming more competitive to capture the huge opportunity. Major players in the market are also turning towards sustainable transportation solutions to meet the industry’s evolving demand and comply with stringent environmental safety regulations.
Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market Leaders
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Ceva Logistics
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Aramex
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Agility Logistics
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DHL
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RAK Logistics
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market News
- May 2023: Saudi Logistics Services (SAL) and Lufthansa Technik Logistik Services (LTLS) have signed an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the logistics activities of LTLS within Saudi Arabia. Under this MoU, SAL will provide freight forwarding, transportation, and customs brokerage services to support LTLS' maintenance logistics operations for their key customers around Saudi Arabia. As a result, LTLS would subsequently strengthen its logistics services coverage within Saudi Arabia.
- April 2023: Saudi Arabia's Almajdouie Logistics expanded its fleet size by adding 30 new Hyundai Xcient trucks. The engine produces 440 horsepower, making the Hyundai Xcient one of the most powerful heavy-duty trucks globally.
Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Industry Segmentation
Logistics is a part of supply chain management that deals with the efficient forward and reverse flow of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption according to the needs of customers.
The Middle East and Africa Logistics Market is Segmented by function, by end-user, by country. By function the market is segmented by freight transport, freight forwarding, warehousing, and value-added services and other services by end user the market is segmented by manufacturing and automotive, oil and gas, mining, and quarrying, agriculture, fishing, and forestry, construction, distributive trade, healthcare and pharmaceutical, and other end users by country the market is segmented by United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, and Rest of Middle-East and Africa. The report offers market sizes and forecasts for the market in value (USD) for all the segments.
By Function | Freight Transport | Road |
Water | ||
Air | ||
Rail | ||
Freight Forwarding | ||
Warehousing | ||
Value-added Services and Other Functions | ||
By End User | Manufacturing and Automotive | |
Oil and Gas, Mining, and Quarrying | ||
Agriculture, Fishing, and Forestry | ||
Construction | ||
Distributive Trade (Wholesale and Retail Segments - FMCG Included) | ||
Other End Users (Telecommunications and Pharmaceuticals) | ||
By Country | United Arab Emirates | |
Saudi Arabia | ||
South Africa | ||
Rest of Middle-East and Africa |
Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market Research FAQs
How big is the Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market?
The Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market size is expected to reach USD 173.27 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of greater than 6.36% to reach USD 235.84 billion by 2030.
What is the current Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market size?
In 2025, the Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market size is expected to reach USD 173.27 billion.
Who are the key players in Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market?
Ceva Logistics, Aramex, Agility Logistics, DHL and RAK Logistics are the major companies operating in the Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market.
What years does this Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market size was estimated at USD 162.25 billion. The report covers the Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market historical market size for years: 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
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Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Middle East And Africa Freight & Logistics analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.