- The first dedicated Aid & Relief department based in Dubai positions Rhenus at the centre of faster, more coordinated crisis logistics worldwide
The Rhenus Group has launched its first dedicated Aid & Relief department in the United Arab Emirates, establishing a strategic humanitarian logistics hub designed to mobilise life-saving aid.
The initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the role of Rhenus in crisis logistics, at a time when humanitarian organisations face growing pressure to respond more rapidly to escalating geopolitical conflicts, climate-related disasters and persistent supply chain disruptions.
Located within Dubai Humanitarian, the world’s largest humanitarian hub, Rhenus is now also member of this ecosystem, strengthening its ability to operate alongside UN agencies, NGOs and global partners, enabling real-time collaboration and faster deployment of critical supplies worldwide.
From left to right: Dirk Goedhart, Managing Director Africa / Middle East at Rhenus Logistics; Habeeb Kunhipurayil, Regional Manager Middle East – Air & Ocean at Rhenus Logistics; Cameron-Scott Hughes, Financial Manager Africa / Middle East at Rhenus Logistics; Sayid Kunhipurayil, Logistics Development Manager, Aid & Relief – Middle East at Rhenus Logistics; Lubna Hashem, Supply Chain Expert at Dubai Humanitarian; Patrick Adler, Logistics Specialist / Dubai warehouse manager at UNICEF Supply Division; Riyas Kizhakkayil, Operations Manager, Aid & Relief – Middle East at Rhenus Logistics. Credits: Rhenus Group
A new benchmark for rapid-response logistics:
The UAE-based department introduces a structured rapid-response model designed to bring speed, predictability and full visibility to emergency logistics.
This integrated approach will accelerate the delivery of essential goods, from medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to food aid, hygiene kits and shelter materials, into high-risk and crisis environments.
“Humanitarian logistics is becoming increasingly complex and time-critical,” said Sayid Kunhipurayil, Logistics Development Manager – Middle East at Rhenus. “This dedicated structure enables more efficient coordination while ensuring full visibility and compliance across the supply chain.”
Dubai as a global gateway for emergency logistics:
By anchoring Aid & Relief operations in the UAE, the setup leverages one of the world’s most connected logistics gateways, enabling rapid dispatch across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.
The hub combines:
- Air charter capabilities for urgent response
- Ocean freight for sustained relief supply chains
- Road transport for rapid regional and last-mile delivery
This end-to-end integration across the global Rhenus network provides humanitarian partners with a single, scalable platform for crisis response.
On-site activities of the Rhenus Aid & Relief Department. Credits: Rhenus Group
Responding to rising global demand:
The launch comes as demand for humanitarian logistics intensifies due to overlapping crises and constrained supply chains. A centralised control tower in Dubai provides a more reliable and agile solution in environments where delays can have critical consequences.
Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian said: “We warmly welcome Rhenus to Dubai Humanitarian and our growing community. We look forward to seeing more meaningful and impactful partnerships that emerge when private sector leaders engage directly with the humanitarian world.”
“The presence in the UAE and within Dubai Humanitarian strengthens the ability to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential supplies,” commented Hassan Alzeer, Managing Director Middle East at Rhenus. “The focus remains on supporting humanitarian partners with speed, reliability and operational excellence in the most challenging conditions.”
This launch reinforces the position of Rhenus as a key enabler of global humanitarian supply chains, combining operational scale with specialised expertise to meet the evolving demands of crisis response logistics.
About Rhenus:
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.
