DHL Express UAE, the leading international express logistics provider and IFZA, one of UAE’s leading global business enablement platforms, have announced a strategic partnership designed to help businesses established in Dubai take the next step in their growth journey – expanding into international markets.
Under the partnership, eligible businesses within the IFZA community will gain access to preferential DHL Express shipping rates, connecting them to customers and commercial opportunities across more than 220 countries and territories.
Beyond logistics, the partnership will focus on addressing one of the key challenges businesses face when looking to expand internationally: understanding how to navigate global trade.
As per the deal, IFZA members will have access to DHL GoTrade, a practical capacity-building programme that equips entrepreneurs and SMEs with the knowledge required to trade across borders more effectively.
Through expert-led training, businesses will gain practical insights into key areas including international trade, logistics, customs, e-commerce and trade finance – helping them better understand the processes behind moving goods internationally and preparing their businesses for expansion into new markets, it stated.
The collaboration creates a natural progression for entrepreneurs using Dubai as a base for growth: from establishing a business and building its foundations to accessing the knowledge, logistics capabilities and global network required to scale internationally.
Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Managing Director, DHL Express UAE, said: "Dubai has established itself as an exceptional environment for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. But establishing a business is only the beginning."
"For many SMEs, the next major opportunity is taking their products and services into international markets – and that is where the right knowledge, connectivity and logistics capabilities can make a real difference," he noted.
"Through our partnership with IFZA, we want to make that next step more accessible. By combining our global network with practical trade education through DHL GoTrade, we can help businesses understand how to navigate cross-border trade, reach new customers and pursue international growth with greater confidence," he added.
The partnership builds on IFZA’s growing business ecosystem and its focus on supporting entrepreneurs beyond company formation. Through its network, business services and wider ecosystem, IFZA provides businesses with an environment designed to support their development and long-term growth.
Jochen Knecht, CEO - IFZA Global, said: "Entrepreneurs and SMEs increasingly choose Dubai not only as a place to establish their businesses, but as a strategic base from which to access opportunities around the world. At IFZA, our role is to support that journey beyond company formation by connecting our business community with the expertise and solutions that enable sustainable growth."
"Our partnership with DHL Express UAE strengthens this proposition by giving businesses access to one of the world’s leading international logistics networks alongside practical knowledge that can help them navigate global trade. Together, we are creating a stronger pathway for businesses to move from ambition to international opportunity," he added.
The collaboration comes as Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a global destination for entrepreneurs and international businesses, supported by its strategic location between Asia, Europe and Africa and its highly connected business environment.
For SMEs, however, entering international markets can bring new complexities – from understanding customs requirements and selecting the right logistics solutions to managing costs and building an effective cross-border strategy.
