Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has partnered with DHL Express UAE to strengthen support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing businesses with enhanced access to international markets, export training, and trade expertise.
The strategic collaboration aims to help SMEs operating within the DWTC Free Zone scale globally by improving business capabilities, strengthening operational resilience, and facilitating cross-border growth opportunities.
A key component of the partnership is DHL’s GoTrade program, a global initiative focused on SME development through capacity building and knowledge transfer. In addition to offering preferential shipping rates for DWTC Free Zone members, the program will provide structured training to export-ready businesses, equipping them with practical tools and insights to navigate international trade.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the DHL Express UAE Dubai office by Mahmoud Haj Hussein, Managing Director of DHL Express UAE, and Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone.
DWTC Free Zone will provide its community of more than 2,500 companies across over 40 industries with access to the DHL GoTrade program.
Operating from prime commercial locations in Dubai’s Central Business District, these businesses will benefit from free, expert-led training delivered by a global logistics and trade specialist, helping them strengthen export capabilities, navigate international markets more effectively, and identify new opportunities for cross-border growth and expansion.
Under the program, SMEs will receive tailored guidance through 14 interactive modules covering logistics operations, international trade frameworks, e-commerce, customs procedures, customer experience, and financial planning.
The partnership also establishes a framework for ongoing knowledge exchange between DWTC Free Zone and DHL, supporting the development of future SME-focused initiatives and programs. The collaboration aligns with DWTC Free Zone’s broader strategy to create a future-ready business environment that supports entrepreneurs and SMEs in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Abdalla Al Banna Vice President – Free Zone Operations – DWTC
“Dubai’s SME sector is a critical engine of economic growth and a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. At DWTC Free Zone, we are focused on enabling businesses to scale beyond borders by providing access to the right infrastructure, networks, and expertise. Our partnership with DHL Express brings a tangible, high-impact resource to our ecosystem through the GoTrade program, equipping companies with the practical capabilities required to navigate international trade and accelerate their global expansion. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a competitive, future-ready business environment where enterprises can grow, innovate, and contribute to Dubai’s long-term economic ambitions.”
Mahmoud Haj Hussain, Managing Director DHL Express UAE remarked that, “International trade has never been more accessible, but for many SMEs, navigating global expansion still comes with significant complexity. At DHL Express, our role goes beyond logistics. We see ourselves as an enabler of international growth, helping businesses connect to global opportunities through both our worldwide network and our trade expertise.
The MD added that, “Through the DHL GoTrade program, we are equipping entrepreneurs and SMEs with practical knowledge across key areas such as international shipping, customs, e-commerce, and cross-border operations, enabling them to build the confidence and capabilities needed to compete and grow internationally. Our collaboration with DWTC Free Zone reflects a shared commitment to creating an ecosystem where ambitious businesses are empowered to scale beyond borders.”
The DHL agreement is the latest in a series of partnerships aimed at enhancing the DWTC Free Zone ecosystem for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and established businesses. DWTC Free Zone offers 100 percent foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and more than 1,200 licensed business activities, positioning it among the region’s leading destinations for companies seeking to establish and expand their international presence.
