Under the Patronage of H.E. Al-Jasser, DHL eCommerce Signs Agreement to Acquire a Stake in AJEX Logistics Services

2025-02-24

As logistics services represent a key pillar in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, DHL eCommerce and AJEX look forward to keeping pace with the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s delivery services market, which continues to expand at an accelerated rate.

Riyadh, 24 February 2025: In the presence of His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority, and His Excellency Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Acting President of the Transport General Authority, DHL eCommerce, the e-commerce logistics specialist of DHL Group, announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a stake in AJEX Logistics Services, one of the leading logistics companies in the Middle East.

This step reflects the strong attractiveness of Saudi Arabia’s logistics sector, which is witnessing accelerated growth in line with the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. It also represents a strategic expansion of DHL eCommerce’s footprint beyond its established markets in Europe, the United States, and selected Asian countries.

The acquisition ceremony was attended by Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Dubaikhi, Assistant Minister of Investment; Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Ajlan, Vice Chairman of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group; Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce; Ajlan bin Mohammed Al Ajlan, Group Managing Director of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group; and Yin Zou, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at DHL Group.

Although AJEX commenced operations only in 2021, it has successfully established a strong position in the domestic delivery services market. The Saudi logistics sector is currently experiencing unprecedented advancements in operational efficiency and attracting major global logistics players.

Commenting on the partnership, Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce, stated:
“Our corporate strategy for 2030, ‘Accelerate Sustainable Growth,’ focuses on fast-growing markets with promising investment opportunities, including Saudi Arabia. We believe that AJEX, with its commitment to quality and customer focus, supported by Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, represents an ideal partner to expand our e-commerce delivery operations in this dynamic market. Through our global expertise in delivery management, we will provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable shipping solutions.”

For his part, Ajlan bin Mohammed Al Ajlan, Group Managing Director of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group, emphasized that Saudi Arabia continues to advance its economic growth and sector diversification in line with Vision 2030 objectives, with logistics serving as a key pillar of this transformation. He highlighted the sector’s remarkable development according to global benchmarks and noted the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which is driving increased demand for delivery services. He added:
“Through our partnership with DHL eCommerce, which brings extensive global expertise in this field, we will strengthen our ability to meet growing demand and deliver advanced logistics solutions that serve the evolving needs of the region.”

AJEX employs approximately 1,500 staff members and operates an extensive distribution network of more than 50 facilities, supported by a fleet of over 900 vehicles. AJEX will continue to lead its operational activities while benefiting from DHL eCommerce’s global expertise, including representation at the board level. DHL eCommerce has also retained the option to increase its stake to a majority share in the future.

With DHL eCommerce’s entry into the Saudi market, all four divisions of DHL Group are now represented in the Kingdom. DHL began operations in Saudi Arabia in 1970 through DHL Express, and its other divisions provide specialized services in contract logistics, as well as air, ocean, and road freight.