Middle East Freight Forwarding Market Size and Share - Growth Analysis Report and Forecast Trends 2026-2030

The Middle East freight forwarding market encompasses air, ocean, and land transportation services connecting the region's major trade gateways to global markets. Within the broader Middle East and Africa logistics sector valued at over $321 billion in 2026, freight forwarding represents a critical service component facilitating cross-border commerce. The market has demonstrated resilience amid global supply chain volatility, with volumes recovering as trade routes stabilize and new handling capacity comes online at key logistics hubs.

• •The Middle East forwarding segment is estimated at $21.81 billion in 2025, with the broader MEA market reaching approximately $23.5 billion in 2026
• •The wider MEA freight and logistics market, including warehousing and transportation, is valued at $321.36 billion in 2026
• •Global freight forwarding reached approximately €208 billion in 2025, with the MEA representing a growing share of worldwide volumes

Economic diversification programs across Gulf Cooperation Council countries are reducing reliance on hydrocarbon exports and stimulating demand for general cargo, consumer goods, and industrial freight forwarding services. The rapid expansion of e-commerce and retail sectors is creating sustained demand for cross-border delivery and last-mile logistics solutions throughout the region. Infrastructure investments in port modernization, airport cargo facilities, and logistics zones are enhancing the region's capacity to handle growing freight volumes efficiently.

• •Non-oil sectors including manufacturing, tourism, and technology are expanding, driving diversified freight demand beyond traditional energy cargo
• •Regional port and airport infrastructure projects are increasing cargo handling capacity and reducing transit times
• •Trade facilitation agreements and customs modernization initiatives are reducing barriers to cross-border movement of goods

The market is segmented by mode of transport, with ocean freight dominating due to the region's strategic position along major global shipping lanes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Air freight holds a significant and growing share driven by high-value goods, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and time-sensitive cargo requirements. Geographically, the Gulf states anchor the largest volume of forwarding activity, while East African and Sub-Saharan corridors are experiencing accelerated growth as intra-Africa trade expands and manufacturing bases develop.

• •Ocean freight constitutes the largest modal share, leveraging the region's position on critical Asia-Europe and intra-Asia trade routes
• •Gulf Cooperation Council markets, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, command the highest forwarding volumes and infrastructure capacity
• •East and Southern Africa represent the fastest-growing sub-regions, supported by infrastructure investment and regional trade integration efforts

Who are the notable companies in the industry?

The Middle East & Africa freight forwarding market is dominated by a core group of integrated players leveraging regional infrastructure and specialized capabilities. DHL Group provides end-to-end global logistics solutions with strong digital platforms and multimodal coordination across key Gulf corridors. Aramex anchors last-mile distribution networks across the Levant and North Africa through owned gateway facilities, enabling efficient e-commerce fulfillment. Almajdouie Logistics and Al-Futtaim Logistics serve as regional powerhouses, offering comprehensive freight forwarding and customs brokerage services underpinned by deep local market integration. Bahri Logistics, backed by Saudi state interests, specializes in maritime freight and port-linked logistics, capitalizing on Vision 2030 port expansions. Kuehne + Nagel leverages its Swiss pharmaceutical certification to dominate temperature-controlled forwarding between Europe and Riyadh, establishing a niche in high-value healthcare logistics. DP World extends its port-centric dominance through Jebel Ali Free Zone integration, controlling end-to-end container flows from vessel to inland depot. Together, these seven players shape the market’s evolution, driven by digital adoption, sustainability mandates, and Red Sea routing shifts, while maintaining distinct competitive edges in air, sea, cold chain, and last-mile logistics.

• •The market shows moderate fragmentation with a mix of global integrated logistics operators, regional specialists, and local forwarding agents
• •Competitive positioning varies between full-service integrated providers offering multimodal solutions and niche players focusing on specific corridors, modes, or cargo categories
• •Capacity and infrastructure concentration is highest in established hubs including major Gulf ports and airports, with secondary gateways across East and North Africa expanding their logistics base

What are the recent trends and outlook?

Digitalization and automation are reshaping operational efficiency across the forwarding sector, with digital booking platforms, real-time shipment visibility, and automated documentation becoming increasingly standard offerings. Sustainability pressures are influencing routing decisions and modal choices as carriers and forwarders adapt to evolving emissions regulations and customer environmental requirements. The market is expected to maintain steady growth through the decade, supported by continued regional economic diversification, infrastructure development, and the ongoing expansion of manufacturing and consumer markets.

• •AI and digital platforms are streamlining operations, reducing documentation friction, and improving supply chain visibility for shippers
• •Environmental sustainability and carbon reduction mandates are shaping carrier selection, route optimization, and modal shift decisions
• •The market is projected to grow from approximately $23.5 billion in 2026 toward $28.6 billion by 2030, reflecting underlying trade expansion