As Dubai’s warehousing and logistics boom, AKI strengthens its foothold with ambitious expansion plans — and eyes growth into Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Al Khayyat Investments Scales New Heights with 1 Million Sq. Ft. Logistics Hub in Dubai Industrial City
In a powerful move that reflects Dubai’s surging warehousing and logistics market, Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) has unveiled a 1 million square feet state-of-the-art fulfillment center at Dubai Industrial City (DIC) — with plans for even greater expansion both within the UAE and across regional borders.
Already handling over 500,000 units per day, the DIC facility stands as a symbol of AKI’s long-standing commitment to excellence in distribution and logistics. According to Zaid S. Al Khayyat, Managing Director of AKI, the new center will eventually scale operations to manage up to 1.5 million units daily, further cementing AKI’s position at the heart of the UAE’s fast-evolving supply chain ecosystem.
“We’re looking at new plots for another facility in Dubai, whether in Dubai Industrial City itself or elsewhere,” said Al Khayyat. “Saudi Arabia — we’re also looking at that too — and in Oman.”
A Legacy Built on Logistics
While the pandemic spurred a new wave of near-shoring and logistics optimization across the UAE, AKI’s roots in the supply chain business go back decades. The company was one of the first movers into Dubai Investments Park (DIP) around 2008-09, but its history in logistics and distribution dates back to 1982.
“We are a UAE family company. Owning assets in the UAE is important for us,” emphasized Al Khayyat, underscoring the group’s deep local ties even as it explores regional growth.
An In-House Powerhouse — and a Growing 3PL Force
The newly inaugurated DIC center will primarily serve AKI’s own robust operations. Approximately 80%-85% of the facility’s capacity is earmarked for internal use, supporting AKI’s expansive retail and e-commerce portfolio, which already caters to over 30,000 business customers across the UAE.
Additionally, AKI recently launched a third-party logistics (3PL) division, already securing a major contract with a Dubai Government entity to manage full supply chain operations.
“Our 3PL is already a growing business,” said Al Khayyat. “There are a lot of multinationals looking for that service. The tech is there, the infrastructure is there — definitely, there’s huge opportunity.”
Strategic Infrastructure and the Etihad Rail Advantage
Unlike earlier warehousing strategies focused primarily on proximity to airports and seaports, today’s supply chain success factors also include land transport connectivity — and AKI’s new facility is strategically positioned for the future.
“Proximity to Etihad Rail cargo operations also fits with our plans, connecting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the Emirates,” said Al Khayyat. “We are always looking at ways we can utilize the strong infrastructure the UAE has built.”
The Etihad Rail link is a game-changing addition, aligning with AKI’s vision to maximize logistical efficiency across the UAE and beyond.
Logistics — A Sector That Keeps on Giving
AKI’s aggressive growth into warehousing and fulfillment mirrors broader trends seen in the UAE market. Heavy investments from players like Aldar and Brookfield signal that warehousing and logistics real estate is no longer a niche sector, but a core pillar of regional economic strategy.
As consumer demand for faster deliveries and streamlined supply chains continues to surge, companies like Al Khayyat Investments — with their blend of history, ambition, and strategic foresight — are perfectly poised to shape the next era of logistics in the Middle East.
And judging by AKI’s momentum, the journey has only just begun.
