Market Trends of united arab emirates courier, express, and parcel (cep) Industry
Rising transport infrastructure development leading to economic growth, supported by environmental emission control strategies
- In the first 9 months of 2023, the UAE's economy grew by 3.3%, driven by a 5.9% surge in non-oil GDP, which now makes up 74% of the total GDP. This shift reflects the UAE's effort to diversify away from oil dependency, drawing foreign investment across sectors like transportation. Key sectors such as finance, construction, and transport experienced robust growth, signaling the success of this diversification strategy. Also, in January 2024, Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) signed two MoUs, one exploring the Floc Duo Rail system for efficient transportation, and another investigating a solar-powered rail bus system. These initiatives highlight Dubai's commitment to innovative transportation solutions.
- In 2022, the UAE unveiled plans to invest USD 23 billion in infrastructure development, recognizing the significance of transportation and road infrastructure in driving economic progress. Among these investments is the USD 2.7 billion Sheikh Zayed double-deck road project. Also, unconventional transportation projects like the projected USD 5.9 billion hyperloop plan connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi are in progress.
- The UAE's Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy aims to generate an annual revenue of USD 5.99 billion by 2030 through various means such as reducing transportation costs, carbon emissions, and accidents. This includes reclaiming lost commuting hours and boosting individual productivity. The strategy targets a 44% reduction in transportation expenses, equating to savings of USD 245.01 million annually, and a 12% decrease in environmental pollutants, leading to savings of USD 0.40 billion. Led by Dubai's RTA, the Shindagha Corridor project aims to optimize transportation efficiency and generate an annual economic uplift of USD 4.90 billion by 2030.
Increasing fuel subsidies for low-income households, with USD 7.62 billion allocation to a social support program
- In May 2024, the UAE announced new fuel prices for the month. Super 98 petrol went up to USD 0.909, Special 95 petrol rose to USD 0.876, and E-plus 91 petrol increased to USD 0.857. These prices are determined monthly by the Ministry of Energy, based on the global oil price average and distribution companies' operating costs.
- The UAE's oil production in 2022 was around 2.95 million barrels per day (bpd). The Central Bank expected the oil GDP to rise due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, market recovery post-COVID, and demand/supply factors in the global oil market. Oil prices rose following the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reaching USD 100 per barrel. Brent Crude, the globally accepted standard for 66.67% of the world's oil reserves, stabilized at USD 140 per barrel in 2022, a 36% increase from the beginning of the year. In 2022, the government increased the Social Support Program fuel subsidy for low-income households in the UAE by a significant budget increase. Previously, the total budget of the program was USD 3.81 billion, which was increased to USD 7.62 billion. The Social Support Program will provide an 85% fuel subsidy for lower-income individuals in the UAE.
- As of May 2024, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has increased its crude oil production capacity from 4.65 million bpd to 4.85 million bpd, nearing its goal of reaching 5 million bpd by 2027. This is expected to curtail fuel price hikes. ADNOC, the primary producer and seller of crude oil in the UAE, has been actively investing in upstream activities to enhance capacity. This strategic move is aimed at optimizing its hydrocarbon reserves amidst rising market competition and the shift towards renewable energy sources.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- The male population accounts for the highest share in the UAE due to the increasing number of male expatriates in the workforce
- Initiatives like 10-year economic plan (D33) in Dubai, aimed to drive GDP & economic growth
- The UAE is leading as the 2nd biggest food and beverages market for online food delivery in the MENA region
- UAE aims to increase its re-exports by 100% by 2030 and has approved 24 national initiatives
- UAE’s Logistic Performance Index rank improved to 7th position due to improvement in country's infrastructure
- The UAE aims for 15 million tons of green hydrogen production by 2050, in line with its National Hydrogen Strategy
- The Russia-Ukraine War caused oil prices to increase, touching a peak of USD 100 per barrel in 2022
- The UAE aims to raise the industrial sector's GDP contribution to USD 81.66 billion by 2031
- UAE sets out plan to boost domestic food production and self-reliance amid rising imports
- Developing road and air infrastructure expected to boost overall cargo trade in the country