United Arab Emirates (UAE) Logistic Automation Market Overview, 2029
The logistics automation market in the UAE has grown rapidly, owing to technical improvements, regulatory changes, and global events. By 2010, the UAE government's Vision 2021 emphasised the importance of technical innovation and infrastructural development, resulting in the widespread adoption of increasingly advanced logistics automation technologies. The Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030 escalated the push for modern logistics systems, with the goal of positioning Dubai as a worldwide logistics hub. The advent of Dubai's Smart City Initiative in 2015 was a watershed moment, with intentions to integrate automation into logistics operations. This program resulted in the introduction of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) in key logistics centres owned by DP World and Emirates Logistics. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the UAE logistics automation business. The crisis highlighted the importance of resilient and adaptive supply networks, resulting in an increased usage of automation technologies. Companies expanded their investments in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) technology to deal with disruptions and fulfil the growth in e-commerce demand. In 2020, the UAE Ministry of Economy issued new recommendations to assist digital transformation in logistics, emphasising the need of automation in improving supply chain resilience. The Dubai Municipality ensures that logistics facilities comply with local legislation governing safety, environmental effect, and operating standards. Additionally, the Federal Transport Authority controls transport and logistics operations, guaranteeing compliance with national regulations and standards.
According to the research report ""UAE Logistics Automation Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the logistics automation market in the UAE is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 590 Million by 2029. The UAE is an important hub for importing and exporting logistics automation technologies. The country imports sophisticated automation systems and components from Europe, the United States, and Asia. Robotics, automated conveyors, and innovative software solutions are some of the most notable imports. In contrast, the UAE sells logistics expertise and automation solutions to other Gulf Cooperation Council countries and beyond, capitalising on its position as a regional logistics leader. The UAE logistics automation industry has a diverse spectrum of foreign and local vendors. SSI Schäfer and Dematic offer advanced automation hardware and software solutions. Honeywell and Bosch provide advanced sensors and control systems required for automation. Local vendors, such as Dubai-based Advanced Logistics Solutions, provide bespoke automation solutions to meet the specific needs of the UAE market. DP World is a prominent operator, operating one of the world's largest port and logistics networks and implementing innovative automation technology throughout its operations. Other significant players include Emirates Logistics and Aramex, which use automation to improve warehousing and distribution processes. Al-Futtaim Logistics and Kuehne + Nagel also make important contributions, providing a variety of automated solutions to boost supply chain efficiency. The Dubai Logistics Summit, held annually, provides a venue for firms to showcase their latest automation technology and solutions. Companies also promote their products and services through trade exhibitions and conferences organised by industry bodies such as the UAE Logistics Association.
Production Logistics, Sales Logistics, Recovery Logistics, and Procurement Logistics are all critical components of the UAE logistics automation industry for optimising supply chain efficiency. Sales Logistics is currently the most popular type in the UAE. The desire for quick, efficient delivery and order fulfilment has led logistics companies to implement cutting-edge automation technology, making sales logistics a top priority for innovation and investment. With rising customer demand for same-day or next-day delivery services, automated fulfilment centres and last-mile delivery systems have become critical to remaining competitive in this fast-paced market. Aramex, Emirates Post, and DP World are at the forefront of sales logistics automation, providing efficient and dependable solutions to satisfy the rising needs of both merchants and customers. The goal of production logistics is to ensure that materials and goods move smoothly throughout the manufacturing process. Companies in the UAE, such as DP World and Al-Futtaim Logistics, have incorporated modern automation systems to streamline manufacturing logistics, including real-time tracking and robotic handling systems. Recovery logistics refers to the flow of items from customers back to manufacturers, either for returns, recycling, or repairs. This is a rising market in the UAE, in large part to increased e-commerce returns and the necessity for sustainable shipping techniques. Robotic sorting systems and data-driven platforms are examples of automated recovery logistics. Companies in the UAE, including oil and gas, industrial, and retail, use automated procurement systems to streamline supplier management and inventory replenishment.
In the UAE logistics automation market, organisations of various sizes, including Large Enterprises and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), play important roles in the sector's growth and technological adoption. Large organisations are currently driving the UAE logistics automation market due to their ability to invest in innovative technology on a broad scale. Large UAE companies like as DP World, Aramex, and Emirates Logistics have been pioneers in implementing cutting-edge logistics automation systems. These organisations have wide supply chains and handle massive amounts of commodities, necessitating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and competitiveness. Because of their vast size, these organisations may invest extensively in technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and predictive analytics to improve operations. SMEs in the UAE logistics sector, which include a diverse spectrum of local suppliers and distributors such as Transworld Group and Sharaf Logistics, have also adopted automation, but at a slower pace than large corporations. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often choose more economical and scalable automation technologies, such as cloud-based logistics platforms, mobile fleet management software, and basic WMS solutions. Despite their limited resources, SMEs benefit from the growing availability of adaptable, subscription-based software solutions and modular automation systems that may be scaled as the company grows. Domestic technology suppliers and system integrators in the UAE provide customised solutions to assist SMEs in gradually implementing automation, addressing specific pain spots such as inventory tracking, transportation management, and order processing.
In the UAE logistics automation industry, the effectiveness of supply chain operations is dependent on two key functions: inventory and storage management and transportation logistics. Inventory and Storage Management currently dominates the UAE logistics automation market, owing to the increasing importance of warehousing efficiency in a fast-paced, e-commerce-driven industry. With the increased demand for speedy and correct order fulfilment, businesses prioritise automated systems to optimise storage utilisation, expedite picking and packaging processes, and eliminate errors. Companies in the UAE are progressively using technologies such as Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and robotic sorting systems to provide effective inventory control. Domestic suppliers such as Acme Intralog and Swisslog Middle East offer cutting-edge warehouse automation solutions. Transportation logistics refers to the transfer of commodities between different sites, including local distribution and worldwide shipping. Transportation automation focusses on route optimisation, fleet management, real-time tracking, and delivery time reduction. Transportation Management Systems (TMS), AI-powered route planning, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices have transformed transportation logistics in the UAE. Companies such as Aramex and Emirates Logistics use these solutions to streamline their delivery services, assuring real-time visibility and efficiency. Domestic suppliers such as LogistiPoint and Maqta Gateway provide comprehensive transportation automation services, including software solutions that assist businesses optimise their fleets.
In the UAE logistics automation market, numerous components such as hardware, software, transportation management systems (TMS), and various services (value-added services, maintenance, consulting, deployment and integration, support and maintenance) comprise the backbone of contemporary logistics operations. Software presently dominates the UAE logistics automation business. This dominance stems from an increased reliance on digital systems that integrate multiple logistics activities, allowing businesses to manage their supply chains more efficiently. Companies like Infor and SAP offer software solutions targeted to the UAE industry, allowing businesses to improve their supply chain processes by merging hardware and data-driven capabilities. Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), conveyor belts, robotic arms, and scanning systems are all examples of hardware components. These are critical in warehouse automation, which automates physical processes like picking, sorting, and transferring products to increase productivity and eliminate human error. Domestic suppliers such as Acme Intralog and Swisslog Middle East provide high-end hardware solutions for automated warehousing operations in a variety of industries. TMS solutions are critical for managing and optimising the transportation of goods. These solutions streamline route planning, fleet management, shipment tracking, and freight billing. Domestic vendors such as LogistiPoint provide TMS technologies to help streamline transportation logistics.
Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029
Aspects covered in this report
• Logistic Automation market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation
By Activity
• On-farm Sales
• By Logistics Type
• Production Logistics
• Sales Logistics
• Recovery Logistics
• Procurement Logistics
By End User
• Retail and E-Commerce
• Manufacturing
• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
• Food and Beverage
• Automotive
• Logistics and Transportation
• Others (chemicals, aerospace)
By Organization Size
• Large Enterprises
• Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
By Function
• Inventory and Storage Management
• Transportation Logistics
By Component
• Hardware (AMRs, AGVs, AS/RS, Automated Sorting and Conveyor Systems, De-Palletizing/Palletizing Systems, AIDC, Order Picking Systems)
• Software(Warehouse Management System (WMS), Transportation Management System (TMS))
• Services (VAS, Maintenance, Consulting, Deployment and Integration, Support and Maintenance)
The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.
Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Logistic Automation industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.