Smart Hub Logistics in Dubai: A new impetus for growth

Netherlands-based Smart Hub Logistics company has embarked on its ambitious plans to develop a logistics triangular corridor connecting Holland, East Africa, and Dubai.

To enable the company pitch its presence in Dubai, Smart Hub has recently signed an agreement with Dubai Global Connect, a business-to-business (B2B) sourcing ecosystem that brings together buyers and sellers, manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers under one roof to trade, exchange ideas and expand internationally.

The agreement, signed by Mr. Paul Boots, the Head of Business Development at Dubai Global Connect and Mr. Frank Bruurs, the Founder and CEO of Smart Hub Logistics, permits SHL to set up its presence at the DGC's Visitor Centre, to showcase its expertise in logistics and warehousing solutions.

The overarching objective aims to boost the DGC customers’ access to the European and African markets and provide a gateway for our European customers into the Dubai market, said Mr. Bruurs.

Accessing Foreign Markets

“The move is part of Smart Hub’s efforts to create the best possible conditions for European firms to export their products to Dubai as we want to make sure that accessing foreign markets via Dubai Global Connect is easier for everyone.”

“Our portal therefore is ready to help businesses to trade beyond the EU’s borders. Our joint and coordinated efforts will help European companies to sustain their growth and to diversify their export markets,” he added.

Smart Hub Logistics is also in the process of developing the first integrated ‘Smart Hub’ logistics and warehousing system in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, that utilises emerging technologies integrated with a track and trace system, to ensure the speedy distribution and efficient storage of food and pharmaceutical supplies across East Africa.

“New technologies in the logistics industry, such as AI and Blockchain, mean that we can now deliver end-to-end seamless services. We have been building a world-class team in The Netherlands, in East Africa and in Dubai, with a vision of positioning Smart Hub Logistics as a world leader in supply chain management,” Mr. Bruurs continued.

Warehousing Solutions

“The agreement with Dubai Global Connect will eventually help us drive towards our objective of connecting our three trade hubs in the Netherlands, East Africa and Dubai. These global trade routes have been strategically configured to meet today’s new challenges. We see this opportunity as our chance to facilitate business and market access to DGC customers looking to expand internationally.”

"We feel privileged to have made an early move by setting up our booth at DGC, while the facility further builds and develops its permanent showrooms where, upon completion, manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers will be able to buy, sell and showcase their products throughout the year. This is an epic concept and vision, and we hope to be part of the ecosystem for many years to come, stated Mr. Bruurs.

“Our presence at the Dubai Global Connect will promote interaction with the trade delegations and visitors at DGC, by responding better to their needs and providing companies with sufficient relevant information,” he added.

Container-Handling Services

In its expansive logistical location in ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands, the Smart Hub Logistics is home to a number of real estate cluster offices and showrooms, built on over 100,000 SQM of ground with around 65,000 SQM logistical real estate developed on several lots. The company rents out its buildings to other entities that trade in logistical activities and container handling services.

In its state-of-the-art warehouse and supply chain handling branch, Smart Hub Logistics boasts over 18,000 SQM in use for storage services for clients and is directly located next to the BCTN (Biggest Inland Container terminal of the Netherlands).

Its stevedoring division employs over 20 employees for loading and unloading containers manually for import and export purposes.?