Dubai FDI, DHL Launch Fully Automated DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 in Dubai as Part of City Logistics Partnership

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

    
    -- Dubai FDI of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in
       association with DHL Express, the world leading express company, has 
       launched five fully-automated DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 outlets in Dubai 
       as part of a pilot project. Dubai is the first city outside Germany 
       selected to host pilot deployment of this DHL-developed technology
    -- Automated pick-up and drop-off outlets operating 24/7 provide
       consumers, SMEs and other businesses ultimate convenience and 
       flexibility while also reducing carbon footprint

Dubai FDI of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in association with DHL Express, the world leading express company, has launched five fully-automated DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 outlets in Dubai as part of a pilot project. The joint initiative is aimed at elevating Dubai's logistics capacity through the development of innovations that drive efficiencies within the industry sector.

    
    (Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2011/04/12/20110412940503.html )
    (Photo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2011/04/12/20110412929597.html )
    (Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/sa/2010/09/02/20100902467742-l.jpg )

The initiative stems from the City Logistics program developed by DHL's innovation unit, DHL Solutions & Innovations (DSI) in partnership with the DED in 2009. In the launch phase, the DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 can potentially yield a combined carbon reduction of 80 tons per annum. In the expanded phase the reduction in carbon is expected to rise to 280 tons per year.

H.E Sami Al Qamzi, Director General, DED said, "Dubai is an inspiring model for sustainable business growth, a centre for global trade. To further scale up the competencies and competitiveness of Dubai, and to reiterate the city's position as the hub of the Middle East, several concerted efforts are being made to strengthen all aspects of the economy. The logistics sector plays a vital role in growing our economy and the commencement of ground-breaking services such as DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 cements Dubai's position as a pioneer and thought-leader in the region."

"Dubai is the first city outside of Germany to pilot the deployment of DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 and DHL is proud to be leading the introduction of new logistics innovations to our customers in the UAE, in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development," said Frank-Uwe Ungerer, Country Manager, DHL Express United Arab Emirates. "In addition to harnessing the power of technology to improve logistics solutions, DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 offers our customers more flexibility and convenience to help maintain their competitive advantage."

"The logistics sector plays a key role in driving the sustainable growth of Dubai. As the hub for the global logistics, we have already set international best practices in the industry, and DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 highlights how competitive economic activity can be successfully interfaced with sustainability, especially in areas related to Carbon reduction. The deployment of the automated outlets further underscores the commitment of Dubai FDI to promote investments in all key growth sectors and thus strengthen Dubai's competitiveness," said Mr Fahad Al Gergawi, CEO of Dubai FDI.

Created in Germany by DHL, SERVICE POINT 24/7 is a pioneering urban logistics solution in the form of a secure stand-alone outlet that gives customers the convenience and flexibility of collecting and dropping-off their shipments whenever it suits. DHL has been using these service points in Germany since 2001. Today, there are more than 2,500 service points in Germany and around one and half million customers use them frequently.

The DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 pilot is the second initiative of the City Logistics program, targeted at three areas critical to Dubai's growth: reducing congestion, improving convenience and minimizing carbon footprint. This follows the successful initiative led by DED in 2010 in developing the UAE's first carbon neutral warehouse at Dnata Cargo's FreightGate-5 (Note 1).

Dubai FDI of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in association with DHL Express, the world leading express company, has launched five fully-automated DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 outlets in Dubai as part of a pilot project. Dubai is the first city outside Germany selected to host pilot deployment of this DHL-developed technology The introduction of this automated first and last mile delivery concept in the UAE is a breakthrough in logistics technology, designed to offer a simple but sustainable shipping service for individual consumers, SME customers from a wide range of industries, as well as enterprises such as banks, embassies and government offices.

DHL's Frank-Uwe Ungerer added: "Innovations such as the DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 bring to life DHL's strategy to be 'The Logistics Company for the World' by demonstrating our commitment to delivering simplified services and sustainable solutions to our customers."

Beyond offering UAE businesses and individual customers a convenient service that fits into their unique lifestyle or business operation models, DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 is also an environmentally friendly shipment collection and delivery solution. By consolidating shipments at designated locations, the number of courier trips made by vehicles is greatly reduced, which contributes to a reduction in congestion and carbon footprint. Such innovations also help drive efficiencies in the logistics sector and aligns with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015's focus on management growth and development and emphasis on environment, planning and efficient infrastructure.

The five unique DHL SERVICE POINT 24/7 outlets operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing users a greater freedom of choice. The outlets are conveniently located at the Deira City Centre and Khalid Bin Waleed RTA metro stations, DIFC Building 5, Dubai Internet City Block 11 and the Emarat Service Station on Al Wasl Road.

    
     Note 1: In April 2010, the Department of Economic Development (DED) led
             the initiative to transform a Dnata Cargo site - the 
             FreightGate-5 airport cargo terminal - to develop the first 
             carbon neutral warehouse in the UAE. This initiative was part of 
             an agreement between DED and DHL to develop logistics innovation 
             initiatives that drive efficiencies within the logistics sector 
             through better policy management.

    
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DHL - The Logistics company for the world

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 51 billion euros in 2010.

About Department of Economic Development (DED)

The Department of Economic Development (DED) is the government body entrusted to set and drive the economic agenda of the emirate of Dubai, UAE. DED supports the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified, innovative service-based economy that aims to improve the business environment and accelerate productivity growth.

DED and its agencies develop economic plans and policies, identify and support the growth of strategic sectors, and provide services to domestic and international investors and businesses.

About Dubai FDI

The role of Dubai FDI of the Department of Economic Development is to promote investment opportunities in Dubai, support international investors to establish a presence here whilst taking advantage of Dubai's strategic location to access the MENASA region. Dubai FDI assists in the identification of sector specific opportunities, provides connections to a network of both government and non-government partners, and provides support throughout the investment lifecycle from setup to growth.