DHL eCommerce Expands into Saudi Arabia with Stake in AJEX Logistics

DHL eCommerce, a division of the global logistics giant DHL Group, has announced its acquisition of a stake in AJEX Logistics, a key player in the Middle East’s delivery sector. The move marks a significant step in DHL eCommerce’s expansion strategy beyond its traditional markets in Europe, the U.S., and select Asian countries.

The deal was formalized in a ceremony attended by prominent Saudi officials, including Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, and Deputy Minister and Acting Head of the Transport General Authority, Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih. Key industry executives, including Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, and Ajlan bin Mohammed Al-Ajlan, Executive Director of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, were also present.

Saudi Arabia's logistics sector is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by its ambitious Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to position the kingdom as a global logistics hub. With an increasing demand for efficient delivery services, fueled by the expansion of e-commerce, DHL eCommerce sees Saudi Arabia as a key market for future growth.

Said Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce:

He highlighted AJEX’s commitment to service quality and customer satisfaction as a key factor in the partnership.

Despite being a relatively new entrant in the market (launched in 2021), AJEX has quickly positioned itself as a leading logistics provider in Saudi Arabia. The company currently employs 1,500 staff members, operates a fleet of over 900 vehicles, and runs more than 50 distribution centers across the kingdom.

Ajlan bin Mohammed Al-Ajlan, Executive Director of Ajlan & Bros Holding, emphasized that logistics is a core pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, stating:

“With e-commerce rapidly expanding in the kingdom, demand for reliable delivery services has never been higher. Our partnership with DHL eCommerce will help us meet these demands with innovative, efficient, and sustainable logistics solutions.”

DHL eCommerce has also secured the option to increase its stake in AJEX, potentially gaining majority control in the future. This flexibility reflects DHL’s long-term commitment to the Saudi market, which is attracting growing interest from international logistics firms.

With DHL’s entry into the Saudi market through this acquisition, all four of DHL Group’s business units—Express, Global Forwarding, Supply Chain, and now eCommerce—are now officially present in the kingdom. DHL first entered Saudi Arabia in 1970 and has continued expanding its operations across air, land, and sea logistics.

The partnership between DHL eCommerce and AJEX Logistics signifies a major development in Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector, reinforcing the kingdom’s strategic importance in global trade and e-commerce fulfillment. As demand for faster and more efficient delivery services grows, this collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of logistics in the region.