Scan Global Logistics sets sail for further expansion in the UAE
As one of the first international companies to take advantage of the no-local sponsor regulation, Scandinavian-based Scan Global Logistics sets up its first wholly-owned business in Dubai, with more offices already in the pipeline.
As one of the first international companies to take advantage of the no-local sponsor regulation, Scan Global Logistics' first wholly-owned business setup in Dubai is now up and running. Plans for additional offices in the UAE are already in the making.
The Copenhagen-headquartered Scan Global Logistics (SGL) has had a commercial representation in Dubai for a number of years. With the new regulations allowing 100% foreign ownership in the UAE, the company grasped the opportunity to set up a full-fledged business platform benefitting both global and local customers with flows to and from the UAE.
Only one month after SGL opened its first office in Dubai, a second office was quickly in the making, with further to come in the near future.
"We have grown much faster than expected and still see exponential growth. To get even closer to our key customers, we will open our next office in Abu Dhabi in a few months, just as we expect to open a third office in Dubai," says Managing Director, UAE, Ayman Kabbara.
Lars Syberg, Regional CEO, EMEA, adds: "The rapid growth has also paved the way for importing global talent from our global network to boost our operations. It enables us to keep offering customers the same level of service and attention that they have come to expect from SGL".
Today, the international team in the Dubai office is represented by no less than nine different nationalities embracing the fact that everyone at SGL is global citizens.
"Our customers will gain direct access to our global network, and not least our best-in-class local know-how and experience," Ayman Kabbara underlines.
Long-term growth strategy
SGL pursues an ambitious global growth strategy that includes plans to further expand across the EMEA region as a whole in a combination of greenfield and local acquisitions.
"Over the past two years, Scan Global Logistics has been active across multiple new markets, amongst others in the UK, Poland, Czech Republic, Cambodia, France, South Africa, Togo, and Benin. With the help of our global legal and mergers and acquisitions teams, my team and I are reviewing all available options for expansion locally and in the region," says Ayman Kabbara, and adds: "We are in it for the long run."
Sustainability and social responsibility
The long-run also goes for SGL's environmental effort. Here, the forward-looking company waves the flag of sustainability. In its latest sustainability report, 2021, SGL outlines new Sustainable Logistics services ranging from CO2 reporting tools to low-emission transport solutions and an end-to-end CO2 reduction concept to help the customers reduce their CO2 emissions regardless of the mode of transport.
"The message to our customers is that we can help them decrease their CO2 emissions. We believe it's better for their business to start preparing, rather than waiting until stricter regulations force them," says Ayman Kabbara.
SGL recently announced a new low-emission solution to all airfreight customers with the potential to reduce their airfreight emissions by up to 80% by using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The initiative is part of a collaboration with Neste, the world's leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel.
Recognizing the critical part airfreight plays in modern supply chains, the flexible solution allows SGL's customers to meet their CO2 reduction targets without compromising transit times, potentially affecting time-sensitive products.
The fast-growing company also uses SAF to reduce its own business travel impact.