Abu Dhabi’s logistics ecosystem drives cargo growth
Sonia Sali
Positioning itself as a key gateway between global markets, Abu Dhabi is strengthening its cargo capabilities through infrastructure, connectivity, and innovation. In an interview with CargoTalk Middle East, Jubran AlBreiki, CEO of Velora, reflects on the emirate’s growth trajectory and future opportunities.
What sets Abu Dhabi apart from other regional cargo hubs, and what is its biggest competitive advantage?
Abu Dhabi’s greatest advantage is the depth and integration of its logistics ecosystem. The supply chain does not operate in isolation and air cargo is no exception. The cargo terminal at Zayed International Airport enables seamless connectivity between the emirate’s ports, road network, emerging rail capability and industrial zones, giving customers genuine multimodal choice and resilient access to regional and global markets.
Zayed International Airport is the only cargo hub in the UAE that offers dedicated freighter stands, a multimodal connectivity and the ability for airlines to interline onto multiple passenger or freighter operators, all in the same airport.
For Velora, differentiation is ultimately about reliable execution. We combine specialised infrastructure with experienced teams capable of handling the belly-hold and freighter cargo across a variety of products covering pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals and out-of-gauge shipments. Our focus is to move high volumes safely, quickly and with minimal dwell time.
The East Midfield Cargo Terminal will take this proposition further. With advanced automation, expanded cool-chain capability and annual capacity of up to 1.5 million tonnes, it will provide the scale, flexibility and service quality needed to support Abu Dhabi’s next phase as a global cargo gateway. The USP of a cargo hub is speed and efficiency and we pride ourselves that we are able to handle high volumes, connecting freight with minimal dwell times.
Do you think cargo hubs in the Gulf are competing with each other, or are they creating a stronger regional logistics network together?
It is both. Healthy competition encourages investment, innovation and higher service standards. At the same time, recent disruptions have reinforced that regional resilience depends on cooperation. When established trade routes are affected, cargo must be redirected quickly across airports, ports and road networks. A more connected Gulf logistics ecosystem therefore benefits every hub and, most importantly, gives customers greater choice, continuity and confidence.
How is digitalisation changing the way cargo moves through Abu Dhabi?
Digitalisation is making cargo movement faster, more transparent and more predictable. Velora helped introduce the Advanced Trade and Logistics Platform into Abu Dhabi’s air-cargo environment, digitising processes and improving coordination among stakeholders. This reduced process and waiting times by approximately 80%.
Within our operations, end-to-end performance tracking enables us to identify emerging delays and intervene earlier. Looking ahead, AI, connected devices and predictive analytics will further improve resource allocation, disruption management and real-time customer visibility. Our objective is not technology for its own sake, but a simpler, faster and more dependable cargo journey.
Which cargo segments will drive Abu Dhabi’s next phase of growth?
Abu Dhabi’s strength is its diversified cargo base. General cargo, which represents 60% of our current tonnage, will remain the foundation, while pharmaceuticals, perishables, express, e-commerce and high-tech cargo offer significant growth potential.
Pharmaceuticals are particularly important. Velora already operates a CEIV Pharma-certified facility, and the East Midfield Cargo Terminal will add 16,000 square meters of cool-chain infrastructure for pharmaceutical and perishable products. We also see strong opportunity from Asia, particularly China, supporting e-commerce and technology flows. Our priority is to pair growth with the specialised capability each segment requires.
How does Abu Dhabi’s location strengthen supply chain diversification and market access?
Abu Dhabi is strategically positioned between major markets across Asia, Europe and Africa, but geography only becomes an advantage when it is supported by connectivity and execution. From Abu Dhabi, cargo can move onward by air, road, sea and, increasingly, rail.
Our Road Feeder Services operate approximately 65 truck trips each day to other UAE cargo hubs, giving customers flexible routing options and access to broader networks. That agility is especially valuable during disruption, when businesses need credible alternatives rather than dependence on a single gateway. Etihad Rail will strengthen this proposition further by adding a high-capacity land-freight option.
What cargo growth does Abu Dhabi expect over the next five years, and what will drive it?
We expect Abu Dhabi’s cargo volumes to continue on a positive trajectory over the next five years. Having handled close to 900,000 tonnes of cargo in 2026, the forecast is to be close to the 1-million-tonne mark by end of this year. Over the next five years, we will cross the 1million tonne mark and expect to be close to the 1,300,000-tonne mark.
The principal contributors will be Etihad Cargo’s continued expansion, stronger Asian trade flows, growth in specialised products and Abu Dhabi’s industrial development. The East Midfield Cargo Terminal will be a critical enabler, ensuring capacity and capability remain ahead of demand.
How is Abu Dhabi attracting cargo services and strengthening global connectivity?
Airlines and logistics partners expand where they see sustainable demand, dependable infrastructure and consistently strong operational performance. Abu Dhabi is strengthening all three through long-term investment and an integrated air, sea, road, rail and industrial ecosystem.
At Velora, we support more than 30 airlines and the wider freight-forwarding community. Every safe, reliable and efficient movement strengthens confidence in Abu Dhabi as a gateway. Combined with the reach of Etihad Cargo and growing trade links with Asia, Europe and Africa, this creates a compelling platform for new services.
Our role is to convert Abu Dhabi’s strategic advantages into a consistently excellent customer experience, one that offers greater choice, resilience and confidence in how cargo moves through the region.
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