Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone has signed a strategic partnership with DHL Express to help small and medium-sized enterprises expand into international markets, marking a significant step in the zone's efforts to build a globally competitive business ecosystem.
The agreement, formalised at a signing ceremony at the DHL Express UAE Dubai Office, was signed by Mahamoud Haj Hussein, Managing Director of DHL Express UAE, and Abdalla Al Banna, VP of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone.
At the heart of the collaboration is DHL's GoTrade programme, a global initiative that provides SMEs with structured, expert-led training across 14 interactive modules. The curriculum covers international shipping, customs procedures, e-commerce, cross-border operations, financial planning, and customer experience, giving businesses the practical tools to navigate global trade with confidence.
More than 2,500 companies from over 40 industries operating within the DWTC Free Zone will have access to the programme at no cost, removing a key barrier for businesses looking to scale beyond the UAE.
Al Banna described the partnership as a direct response to the needs of Dubai's SME sector, which he called a critical pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He said the collaboration brings tangible, high-impact resources to the free zone community and reflects DWTC's commitment to building a future-ready business environment.
Hussein added that DHL's role extends beyond logistics, positioning the company as an enabler of international growth that connects businesses to global opportunities through both its network and trade expertise.
The partnership also establishes a framework for ongoing knowledge exchange between both organisations, supporting the continuous development of SME-focused programmes within the free zone.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
