dnata Deploys $110M to Supercharge Global Cargo Operations Across UAE, Europe, Iraq

Editorial Team

Last updated 16-04-2025

3 min

Dnata is investing $110 million to increase global cargo capacity by 2025.

The Dubai facility will handle 400,000 tonnes annually with future expansion capabilities.

A $70 million Amsterdam hub will process 850,000 tonnes and feature smart tech enhancements.

The $15 million Erbil facility will boost Iraq cargo capacity by 300% by July 2025.

All facilities will use automation and eco-friendly designs for improved efficiency and sustainability.

Dubai-based dnata is gearing up to significantly boost its global cargo capacity with a hefty $110 million investment spanning facilities in the UAE, Netherlands, and Iraq. The ambitious plan aims to ramp up logistics operations and streamline services for its expanding international customer base, with each facility set to be up and running by 2025.

Closest to home, dnata is dropping $27 million on a state-of-the-art, 57,000-square-metre cargo centre at Dubai South. Once operational at the tail end of 2025, it'll have the muscle to handle around 400,000 tonnes of cargo a year. What's more, the facility is being designed for scalability—allowing for future expansion—with features including a specialised temperature-controlled warehouse and infrastructures neatly tailored for easy truck loading and unloading. Let's face it, given how busy Dubai's airspace is getting these days, dnata expanding its presence seems as natural as grabbing a quick shawarma on Sheikh Zayed Road after work.

But that's not all: dnata is going even bigger in Europe, committing more than $70 million to develop an expansive 61,000-square-metre cargo facility at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. This facility dubbed dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, should start operations by July 2025, capable of processing an impressive 850,000 tonnes of cargo annually. A host of smart tech features are planned, including forklift guidance systems and advanced automated measurements to ensure each parcel is properly weighed and sized—precision logistics at its finest.

Elsewhere, the company's looking to make waves in northern Iraq, investing $15 million into a brand-new cargo operational hub in Erbil. Covering 20,000 square metres, this facility will increase dnata's cargo handling capacity in Iraq by a sizeable 300%, bumping annual handling power up to a solid 66,000 tonnes. The new set-up is also due to be ready for business come July 2025.

A particularly notable feature across all three upcoming spaces will be the use of automated systems intended to slash manual handling, bolster efficiency, and give customers better shipment visibility in real-time. The facilities are also set to be environmentally friendly, following dnata's ongoing dedication towards sustainable growth through energy-efficient design.

Discussing the company's ambitious investment, dnata’s CEO – Airport Operations, Clive Sauvé-Hopkins highlighted that their "focus remains firmly on infrastructure that's fit for purpose today but also adaptable enough for tomorrow." He emphasised the importance of these developments in providing robust support for customers as logistics demands continue to transform rapidly.

These bold moves clearly signal dnata's determination not only to strengthen global operations but to also ensure they're future-proofed for what lies ahead. For logistics watchers and industry insiders alike, it'll certainly be one to keep an eye out for. Arageek readers, this might give you ample food for thought—particularly if you're a frequent flyer shipping larger-than-luggage cargo!

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