“Bahrain’s strategic location in the GCC makes it an ideal logistics hub, providing access to Asia, Europe, and Africa. The country’s seaport, advanced infrastructure, and economic incentives create a business-friendly environment.”
Editor Olivia to Yanal Anz, General Manager of Aramex Bahrain, about competition, trends in the logistics sector, and expansion plans for the coming year.
How does Aramex differentiate itself in the Bahraini logistics sector?
Aramex has been a global leader in logistics and transportation, known for innovation and customized solutions. Listed on the Dubai Financial Market since 2005, we operate in over 600 cities across more than 70 countries with a workforce exceeding 16,000 employees. Our presence in the region spans over 42 years. We started in Bahrain in the early 1980s with a small office in the diplomatic area, later expanding to multiple warehouses and offices. Today, we have over eight outlets, over 20,000 square meters of facilities, a vast fleet covering the Kingdom, and a skilled workforce, with 55% of our employees being Bahraini. We work closely with government entities to ensure alignment with labor programs, supporting local talent and economic growth. Our success is built on four core business products: express courier, freight forwarding, e-commerce solutions, and supply chain management. We provide end-to-end services without outsourcing, ensuring quality and efficiency. Our flagship e-commerce service, Shop & Ship, has been operating for 20 years, enabling customers to shop internationally with a virtual address. In express services, we offer international solutions, including Next-day delivery cross-border shipping. In Domestic we are offering up to 2 hour deliveries across the kingdom with our latest services. Freight forwarding covers air, sea, and land transport, while our supply chain solutions include bonded & Non Non bonded warehousing alongside tailored logistics services. We provide solutions, tailoring our offerings to meet client needs. Our customer-centric approach positions us as a strategic partner rather than just a service provider.
Which industries drive demand for Aramex’s services, and how does Bahrain’s strategic location enhance its logistics operations?
We serve diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, retail, e-commerce, energy, oil and gas, and manufacturing. Our investments in warehousing, technology, and customer experience ensure we align with industry-specific needs. We continue to collaborate with several governmental entities in Bahrain to enhance our footprint, leveraging Bahrain’s flexible trade regulations and efficient processes. Bahrain’s strategic location in the GCC makes it an ideal logistics hub, providing access to Asia, Europe, and Africa. The country’s seaport, advanced infrastructure, and economic incentives create a business-friendly environment. The Kingdom’s proximity to Saudi Arabia, just a 30-minute drive via the King Fahd Causeway, further strengthens its role as a gateway to the region’s largest economies. Bahrain’s investment in transport infrastructure, including road, air, and maritime networks, facilitates seamless movement of goods. Its business-friendly environment, competitive operating costs, and skilled workforce further contribute to the country’s appeal as a logistics hub. Additionally, Bahrain’s role as a regional transshipment center allows companies to streamline supply chains, reducing costs and delivery times. We have observed a steady rise in demand from industries that rely on swift and secure logistics. The pharmaceutical sector requires temperature-controlled storage and fast deliveries, while the e-commerce sector depends on last-mile solutions and seamless customer experiences. Our tailored logistics services cater to these needs, ensuring high reliability and efficiency.
What trends and challenges are shaping Bahrain’s logistics sector?
The logistics industry is evolving with a focus on efficiency and speed. Customers demand faster, more cost-effective shipping, leading to trends like nearshoring and direct injection. Nearshoring involves relocating inventory closer to consumers, reducing transit times. Direct injection consolidates international shipments before distributing them within the region. Both models align with our infrastructure and support Bahrain’s role as a regional distribution center. Challenges include geopolitical factors, sectoral shifts, and market volatility. However, our adaptability and strategic focus have driven sustained growth. We’ve repositioned as an integrated provider of express logistics and freight forwarding, achieving increased volumes and profitability. Our resilience is reinforced by technology investments, such as AI-driven logistics, real-time tracking, and automated warehousing. Bahrain’s commitment to digital transformation and regulatory support for logistics innovation ensures we continue expanding our services despite external challenges. Another key factor influencing logistics trends is consumer behavior. With the rise of digital commerce, customers now expect faster and more transparent deliveries. Real-time tracking, delivery flexibility, and secure transactions are becoming standard. At Aramex, we continue to refine our processes to enhance customer satisfaction, ensuring that our digital solutions and logistics infrastructure evolve in line with market expectations.
How does Aramex integrate technology and innovation into its operations while ensuring sustainability?
We leverage AI, robotics, and automation to enhance efficiency and sustainability. Our collaboration with Google Cloud enables real-time tracking and optimized routing, improving customer experience while reducing carbon emissions. Demand forecasting helps us anticipate peak periods, ensuring seamless operations. Robotics play a key role in our warehouses, particularly in high-volume regions like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, with Bahrain set to follow. We are also exploring autonomous delivery solutions, including drones and last-mile delivery robots, which are undergoing testing in the region. Our goal is to integrate these innovations into Bahrain’s regulatory framework as the market adapts. Sustainability is a core focus, driving investments in energy-efficient logistics and renewable energy. We are optimizing fleet emissions and incorporating solar-powered facilities. Many neighboring countries are adopting solar solutions, and we aim to implement similar initiatives in Bahrain. Future expansion includes increasing market share, enhancing service offerings, and leveraging partnerships for growth. Our strategy involves rebalancing from a B2C to a B2B-focused model, ensuring a seamless, integrated logistics experience. By aligning with Bahrain’s Vision 2030, we are committed to driving long-term economic and environmental sustainability. In addition to improving environmental impact, technology helps us improve service speed and accuracy. We are integrating machine learning algorithms to optimize route planning, reduce fuel consumption, and minimize delays. The automation of warehousing processes, including robotic sorting and AI-based demand predictions, further enhances efficiency.
What are Aramex’s key objectives and expansion plans for the coming year?
Our priorities include expanding our footprint, leveraging technology, and enhancing customer experience. We aim to introduce more AI-driven solutions, autonomous logistics, and sustainability initiatives. Strengthening partnerships and growing our regional presence are also top objectives. We are continuously investing in infrastructure, including warehouse automation, digital tracking, and green logistics. Our goal is to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our operations, from optimizing transportation routes to reducing packaging waste. As Bahrain continues investing in infrastructure and digital transformation, we are excited to be part of this growth, ensuring we remain at the forefront of logistics innovation in the region. We will continue working closely with government and industry partners to expand our service offerings, optimize delivery networks, and ensure we maintain our leadership position in the logistics sector. We are also focusing on expanding our regional presence by establishing new partnerships that complement our logistics solutions. With increasing demand for cross-border shipping and freight forwarding, we are exploring ways to strengthen our presence in key markets across the GCC and beyond. The adoption of electric delivery vehicles and AI-based fleet management systems is another crucial step in ensuring we achieve both operational efficiency and sustainability goals. A crucial part of our 2025 strategy also includes talent development. We are investing in training programs and upskilling initiatives to ensure our workforce is prepared for the future of logistics. The industry is rapidly evolving, and having a highly skilled, tech-savvy workforce is essential for us to remain competitive and continue delivering top-tier services. By fostering innovation and sustainability, we are confident in maintaining our market leadership and contributing to the broader logistics ecosystem in Bahrain and the region.
