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DHL Group to Invest more than EUR 500 million in Fast-Growing Markets in the Middle East

DHL Group (“DHL”), the world's leading logistics provider, has announced plans to invest more than EUR 500 million in the Middle East, with a strategic focus on the rapidly expanding Gulf markets of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This investment, set to take place between 2024 and 2030, underscores DHL’s commitment to the region and its importance for the future of global trade. DHL Group’s Strategy 2030, launched in 2024, prioritizes growth regions and geographic tailwinds generated by shifts in global trade. The investment spans all four DHL divisions – DHL Express, DHL Global Forwarding, DHL Supply Chain, and DHL eCommerce – and will significantly strengthen the region’s logistics backbone. By enhancing infrastructure, expanding networks and capacity, and elevating service capabilities, DHL aims to empower businesses operating across and with the Middle East to capitalize on growth opportunities from trade, ensuring support and resilience for customers as they navigate evolving market demands. The company’s divisions provide a broad portfolio of logistics and transportation services to customers in the Middle East, including express parcel delivery, air, ocean and overland freight, warehousing, fulfilment and distribution, customs brokerage and specialized operations for sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, e-commerce and battery logistics. “The region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is rapidly emerging as a global logistics and innovation hub,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “Our investment reflects the region’s increasing strategic importance in connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, and our commitment to supporting its transformation into a catalyst for regional and global trade. DHL Express is seeing dynamic growth and export potential in the region’s e-commerce sector, for example, which is providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and smaller businesses to expand their offering to global markets.” Supporting FDI, exports and building supply chain resilience The Middle East is emerging as a vital trade hub, facilitating commerce between Asia, Europe, and the US while serving as a gateway to Africa. The region is witnessing growth not only due to attracting investments from multinationals expanding their operations but also because Gulf- and Middle East-based businesses are growing and increasing their exports. DHL's services, the local and global expertise of its team, and the flexibility offered by the company’s extensive transportation and warehousing network and digital platforms, automation and technologies help businesses build supply chain resilience at a time of heightened volatility and uncertainty in global trade. Hendrik Venter, CEO of DHL Supply Chain, Europe, Middle East & Africa, added, “DHL Supply Chain has actively expanded in Saudi Arabia and UAE in recent years, recognizing the positive economic development, the increasing maturity and sophistication of supply chain operations in the region and the growing demand for specialized, outsourced logistics support. With a strong focus on the energy sector, life sciences, healthcare, and technology, we are poised to take advantage of our contract logistics expertise to meet the unique needs of our customers and drive innovation in these critical areas.” Amadou Diallo, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding, Middle East & Africa, remarked, “This investment underscores our confidence in the Middle East's economic trajectory and our continued commitment to be ahead of the curve in digital capabilities and sustainable transportation for our customers. We also consistently aim to find entrepreneurial freight forwarding solutions that build supply chain resilience, keep their goods flowing and help them to uncover growth opportunities in a world that is characterized by uncertainty and volatility. By expanding our operations, we will be even better positioned to support our clients in navigating the complexities of international trade and logistics.” DHL Group recognizes the growing opportunities in the energy sector, encompassing traditional oil and gas as well as renewables and electrification. The company also sees potential in the life sciences and healthcare markets, alongside the burgeoning e-commerce landscape. For example, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is experiencing a strong inbound market for B2C, especially with high-end goods, driven by ongoing tourism initiatives and events. Targeted investments in quality, capacity and efficiency The investments will focus on the following areas across DHL's business units: (1) DHL Express: Investments will be made in hub and gateway facilities, as well as enhancing aviation capacity to improve service efficiency and delivery speed. (2) DHL Global Forwarding: The company will expand its overall presence in the region, invest in its fleet – including electric trucks – and pursue joint venture initiatives such as the recent joint venture with Etihad Rail to enhance connectivity and logistics capabilities. (3) DHL Supply Chain: There will be an expansion of the contract logistics offering in both the UAE and KSA, which includes increasing warehousing capacity, upgrading equipment, and integrating advanced technology to optimize operations. (4) DHL eCommerce: The acquisition of the delivery provider AJEX in Saudi Arabia will enhance DHL's e-commerce capabilities, facilitating better last-mile delivery services in a rapidly growing market. DHL is also committed to sustainability, investing in alternative fuel, and electric delivery vehicles, aviation fuels in air freight and biofuels for road and ocean freight, as well as solar energy and clean power for facilities. This commitment ensures that supply chains become more sustainable, and customers achieve their net zero ambitions. This is aligned with the agenda of governments in the region to lead on environmental sustainability. DHL aims to implement best practices in logistics and innovation, strengthening its longstanding position as a leader and investor in the talent and economic potential of the Middle East.

David Beckham and G Bear Light Up Macao Celebrating the Official Launch of Londoner Grand

Londoner Grand, redefining luxury at scale, welcomed over a hundred celebrities and influencers over the weekend with dazzling parties hosted by Sands Global Ambassador David Beckham and his charismatic friend, G Bear, The Londoner’s No.1 Ambassador and Chief Experience Officer. The star-studded event delivered an evening of world-class entertainment, culinary artistry, and unforgettable moments. More than a party, the event heralded Londoner Grand’s transformation from whispered anticipation to legendary reality – unfolding a bold new chapter in Macao’s luxury hospitality landscape. Highlights included the Whispers Cocktail at Shakespeare Hall and the Whispers Gala at Hampton Court, featuring a curated menu by the acclaimed Chef Edward Lee of Culinary Class Wars fame, alongside signature dishes from The Huaiyang Garden (two-Michelin-starred) and The Mews (Michelin Selected) at The Londoner® Macao. (From left to right) Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and President, Sands China Ltd.; David Beckham, Sands Global Ambassador; Dr. Wilfred Wong, Executive Vice Chairman, Sands China Ltd. and; Dave Sun, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Sands China Ltd. Sands Global Ambassador David Beckham Acclaimed Chef Edward Lee The evening also offered show-stopping performances, interactive experiences and Instagrammable moments, all designed to wow the A-list audience. Beckham’s presence, along with G Bear’s playful yet debonair personality, created a perfect blend of glamour and charm. Guests left the evening inspired by the unique experiential offerings of Londoner Grand and eagerly anticipating the opening of G Bear Cafe on June 9, 2025.

Dusit makes a graceful debut in Sichuan with new luxury retreat in Chengdu

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has expanded its presence in China with the opening of Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu – a luxurious new retreat set amidst the scenic surrounds of Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park in Xinjin, Chengdu. Marking Dusit’s eighth property in China – and its first in Sichuan Province – the hotel brings the warmth and elegance of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality to one of the country’s most picturesque and ecologically rich destinations. The result is a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and contemporary comfort. Surrounded by verdant tea gardens and organic farms just 30 minutes from downtown Chengdu and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport – and only 20 minutes from Xinjin High-Speed Railway Station – the hotel features 241 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and seven private luxury villas. Each space has been crafted to provide a peaceful sanctuary where relaxation, well-being, and cultural immersion take centre stage. Among the hotel’s premium facilities are Harvest, an all-day dining restaurant with a farm-to-table focus; The View, a speciality barbecue restaurant; a refined Chinese restaurant with eight private dining rooms; a stylish lobby lounge; an indoor swimming pool; a fully equipped gym; mahjong rooms; a dedicated kids’ club; and a pillarless, multi-functional conference hall with three versatile meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy a wealth of enriching experiences, including guided nature walks, hands-on craft workshops, and educational visits to the Tianfu Agricultural Expo Main Pavilion and the Rural Revitalisation Demonstration Zone – all contributing to the resort’s appeal as an ideal destination for couples, families, and eco-conscious business and leisure travellers seeking meaningful escapes. “This new hotel embodies Dusit’s commitment to gracious hospitality rooted in Thai values, while embracing the cultural richness and natural beauty of Sichuan,” said Mr Luke Lu, General Manager, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu. “We’ve created a unique sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, experience local traditions, and enjoy meaningful moments with family – all within a tranquil and inspiring setting. We look forward to welcoming our guests and helping them create lasting memories throughout their stay.” To celebrate its grand opening, Dusit Hotel AG Park, Chengdu will host a Thai Food Festival from now through 30 June 2025, featuring signature dishes prepared by visiting Thai culinary talent, including Chef Vorapoj ‘Christian’ Caluwaert, Assistant Director of Culinary at Dusit International, and Chef Watcharapon ‘Ja’ Yongbanthom, Head Chef of Benjarong Restaurant at Dusit Thani Manila. Festival highlights include Green Curry Chicken, Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup), Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles), Mango Sticky Rice, and more. Guests can enjoy à la carte Thai favourites from Sunday to Friday or savour a Thai-themed buffet dinner on Saturdays for CNY188 per person. The hotel has also introduced the‘Dusit Experience’package, available for bookings and stays from now through 31 August 2025, with rates starting at CNY 799. The offer includes one night’s accommodation in a Deluxe Room, daily breakfast for two, complimentary in-room beverages and snacks on the first night, and admission to Tianfu Agricultural Museum for two adults and one child. For bookings and enquiries, please visit https://www.dusit.com/dusit-hotel-ag-park