What Dnata Logistics does

Dnata Logistics (legal name: Dubai Express L.L.C.) is a Dubai-headquartered international multimodal freight forwarder and logistics provider, wholly owned by dnata — part of the Emirates Group — since February 2019 when dnata acquired the remaining 50% stake from Kanoo Group. The company traces its origins to 1976 and operated as Freightworks until rebranding to dnata logistics in February 2023. It operates eight facilities across the UAE (Al Ramoul headquarters, Dubai South / DWC, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Cargo Village, Mina Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah) and supports over 300 employees with experience in local and international freight forwarding.

The company operates across three transport modes — air freight, sea freight (NVOCC with container freight stations at Jebel Ali Port and Al Ramoul for LCL consolidation), and road transport — supplemented by Third Party Logistics (3PL) warehousing with temperature-controlled facilities and EDI-enabled real-time inventory integration, and Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) supply chain management. Specialized service lines include Aviation Logistics (AOG and aircraft parts), Customs Brokerage (VAT-FTA approved, AEO-certified since 2019), Events and Exhibitions logistics, Fine Art handling, Hotel Logistics, Project Cargo, and Insurance. A dedicated Relocations division covers international, commercial, and domestic moves, plus Pet Relocation, Vehicle Relocations, Crating, Packing Materials, Furniture Installation, Inventory Management, and Document Storage and Shredding.

Revenue is generated through transaction-fee pricing on freight (per shipment, weight/volume, or per container/ton), subscription/recurring warehousing fees, and customized multi-year supply chain contracts priced by quote. Distribution runs through direct enterprise sales via dedicated Service Delivery Teams and account management, channel partners via WACO (UAE member, 90 countries, 400+ locations), IAM (member since 2006, 2,000+ partners across 170+ countries), and IELA (member since 2003), alongside self-serve website quote requests and toll-free customer service for SMB and consumer relocations business. In 2024, the company handled 80,881 shipments (Air Import: 39,227; Air Export: 16,397; Sea Import: 16,615; Sea Export: 8,642).

Name

Dnata Logistics

Legal name

Dubai Express L.L.C.

Website

https://dnatalogistics.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Dnata Logistics is a Dubai-based international multimodal freight forwarder and 3PL/4PL provider, wholly owned by Emirates Group's dnata since 2019, serving enterprise and consumer clients across air, sea, and road freight, warehousing, customs brokerage, relocations, and specialized project cargo.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Logistics Services

NAICS

Freight Transportation Arrangement (488510), Warehousing and Storage (493), Deep Sea Freight Transportation (483111)

SIC

Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Deep Sea Foreign Transportation Of Freight (4412)

akta.pro primary industry

Ocean Import Forwarding (Destination Handling/DO/ISF) (TLACABAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Plants & Process Equipment (EPC/Turnkey Projects) (TLACAIAA)

Keywords

• International freight forwarding
• Warehousing and distribution
• Customs brokerage services
• Commercial relocations
• Project cargo logistics

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Freight Forwarding Services: International multimodal freight forwarding including air freight, sea freight, and road transport services. Charges based on weight/volume for air freight and per container/ton for sea freight
2. Warehousing and Storage: Storage services with temperature-controlled facilities, inventory management, and distribution capabilities. EDI integration for stock management
3. Relocation Services: Commercial and domestic relocation services including packing, transportation, and installation. Also includes fine art handling and specialized vehicle relocations
4. Customs Brokerage: UAE VAT-FTA approved customs clearance services for import and export shipments. Charges include documentation processing, handling, and clearance fees
5. Project Cargo Logistics: Heavy lift and project cargo handling including planning, coordination, and execution for large-scale industrial projects
6. Pet Relocation Services: Specialized pet transport services including door-to-door service, veterinary coordination, and IATA-compliant travel arrangements

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Dnata Logistics is a Dubai-based international multimodal freight forwarder offering air, sea, and road freight forwarding supported by 3PL warehousing with EDI-enabled inventory management and 4PL supply-chain management. The company also delivers customs brokerage, aviation AOG logistics, event and exhibition logistics, fine art handling, hotel logistics, heavy-lift project cargo, and full relocation services including pet and vehicle transport, selling these services primarily to enterprise and mid-market customers via direct sales and global network partners.

Product overview

Dnata Logistics is a Dubai-based international multimodal freight forwarder and logistics provider offering a comprehensive suite of services. The core offering consists of freight forwarding across three transport modes (Air Freight, Sea Freight, Road Transport) supported by Third Party Logistics (3PL) warehousing and Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) supply chain management. The company provides specialized services including Customs Brokerage, Aviation Logistics, Events & Exhibitions, Fine Art handling, Hotel Logistics, Projects/Project Cargo, and Insurance. Additionally, Dnata Logistics operates a full Relocations division with sub-services covering International Relocations, Commercial Relocations, Domestic Relocations, Pet Relocations, and Vehicle Relocations. Supporting services include Inventory Management, Document Storage & Shredding, Crating, Packing Materials, Furniture Installation, Project Management, and Handyman & Cleaning. The company, formerly known as Freightworks and Dubai Express LLC, operates under Emirates Group ownership and maintains global network membership through WACO, IAM, and IELA organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Air Freight Direct, reliable, and cost-effective air freight service connecting airport to airport, port to port, and door to door with consolidated processes. Air waybill booking is supported through direct integration with Emirates/dnata airline cargo systems.
• Sea Freight NVOCC sea freight services supported by specialized Container Freight Stations (CFS) at Jebel Ali Port and Al Ramoul for LCL consolidation and de-consolidation. Charges are structured per container for FCL and per ton/CBM for LCL.
• Road Transport Secure and rapid trucking service linking businesses with markets and reaching end customers with care across the UAE and GCC corridor.
• Third Party Logistics (3PL) Warehousing Warehousing service for storage, inventory management, and distribution with temperature-controlled facilities and EDI integration enabling clients to update and maintain stock levels in real time. Facilities are located in Dubai South (near Maktoum airport), Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai Cargo Village, and Ajman.
• Fourth Party Logistics (4PL) Supply Chain Management Supply chain management service managing inbound, outbound, and in-plant logistics so principals can focus on their core competencies, delivering customized solutions that reduce costs, increase product speed to shelf, and streamline supply chains.
• Customs Brokerage VAT-FTA approved international freight and customs clearance service ensuring compliance with UAE customs regulations for import and export shipments. AEO certification (UAE Federal Customs Authority, January 2019) delivers faster clearance, inspection prioritization, and reduced post-clearance audits.
• Aviation Logistics (AOG) Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) and aircraft parts logistics service supporting seamless operations for aviation customers, including ship spares logistics for maritime customers operating in the region.
• Events & Exhibitions Logistics Full-service exhibition and event logistics offering a single point of contact for all exhibition and logistical requirements including booth transport, on-site handling, and liaison with exhibition organizers.
• Fine Art Handling Specialized art moving division providing custom packing materials, wooden boxes, and on-site exhibition handling for valuable artworks, antiques, and sculptures by a trained art handling team.
• Hotel Logistics Integrated logistics solutions for hotel chains and resorts covering design, build, materials handling, procurement consultancy, FF&E planning, and installation for new openings.
• Project Cargo Transportation of large, heavy, and high-value equipment including heavy lifts, multi-modal charters (specialized aircraft and ships), and full project logistics execution with experienced project team.
• Relocations Full Dubai-based relocation service covering international, commercial, and domestic moves including packing, transportation, furniture installation, and storage. Operates under the MoveWorks practice and uses AXA insurance for all-risk cover.
• Pet Relocation Door-to-door pet transport service with IATA-standard travel boxes, veterinary coordination, and 24/7 support, positioned as "Your best friend in the best hands."
• Vehicle Relocations Specialized transportation of motorcycles, cars, and vehicles with professional handling and short or long-term storage options.
• Insurance Cargo insurance coverage for goods shipped worldwide including all-risk cover during air, sea, and road transport, delivered through AXA insurance partnership including Combined Liability and Public Liability coverage.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2024 Total Shipments: 80,881 (Air Import: 39,227; Air Export: 16,397; Sea Import: 16,615; Sea Export: 8,642)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Trade TechcoreTechnology or Integration · 13 October 2025Partnership with global logistics platform to provide seamless and secure cargo filing for Maritime Preload Cargo Information (MPCI) regulations for ocean freight imports into UAE. WACO vendor member.
• WACO (World Air Cargo Organisation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDnata logistics serves as the UAE member of WACO, the foremost independent global freight management and logistics network. Provides access to 90 countries, 400+ locations, 1.85M air shipments/year, and combined $4B turnover. Includes global track-and-trace system and preferred airline rates.
• IAM (International Association of Movers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember since 2006. IAM is a global association of movers and forwarders with membership of over 2,000 companies from more than 170 countries and territories. Provides vetted relocation partners globally.
• IELA (International Exhibition Logistics Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember since 2003. Dedicated to enhancing professionalism of transportation logistics and freight handling for the exhibition industry.
• AXA InsurancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDnata logistics uses and recommends AXA insurance for all insurance requirements including Combined Liability Certificate for Employers and Public Liability. Provides all-risk insurance cover for relocations.
• TransguardminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSecurity transportation partner for high-value items requiring secure handling. Part of Emirates Group.
• Thomas Homes RelocationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorReferral partner for relocation services helping multinational companies, families, and individuals plan and implement moves to UAE. Provides property search and settling services.
• The Home TeamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive partner for handyman and cleaning services including AC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, masonry services. Premier home maintenance provider in Dubai.
• Bolloré Transport & LogisticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner through joint venture structure. Dnata logistics serves as Bolloré's regional partner in UAE freight forwarding industry.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• DSV: Danish-headquartered global freight forwarder with air, sea, road, and contract logistics divisions. Competes with Dnata on international multimodal forwarding.
• Yusen Logistics: Japan-headquartered global logistics provider with air/sea forwarding, contract logistics, and supply chain solutions. Similar broad multimodal service portfolio.
• CEVA Logistics: Global 3PL and freight management provider offering contract logistics, freight forwarding, and finished vehicle logistics. Comparable in 3PL warehousing and forwarding capabilities.
• DB Schenker: Global logistics provider offering air/ocean freight, land transport, and contract logistics. Directly comparable in international freight forwarding and project cargo.
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics: Germany-based global logistics company with air, sea, road, and contract logistics. Similar mid-tier global forwarder profile with comparable multimodal offerings.
• Expeditors International: US-based global logistics company specializing in international freight forwarding (air and ocean) and customs brokerage. Highly comparable business model and service mix.
• Agility: Kuwait-headquartered global logistics provider with strong Middle East presence and freight forwarding, contract logistics, and specialty services. Closely comparable given regional anchoring.
• Kuehne+Nagel: Global freight forwarder offering air, sea, road, and contract logistics with comparable multimodal service portfolio. Direct competitor in international freight forwarding and customs brokerage.
• DHL Global Forwarding: Largest global freight forwarder with air, ocean, and road freight plus supply chain solutions. Competes directly with Dnata in multimodal forwarding and customs brokerage.

Regional players

• GAC Group: UAE-headquartered global logistics provider with strong Middle East presence in shipping, freight forwarding, and logistics. Comparable regional footprint and customer base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/dnatalogistics

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dnata Logistics