The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZ), which operates under the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority, has announced the launch of the regional headquarters for AWOT Global Logistics. This strategic move demonstrates the confidence of one of the leading global companies in logistics services and solutions in the dynamic business environment of Dubai, reinforcing its status as an international hub for supply chains and cross-border trade.
The new regional office of AWOT was inaugurated by Aref Al Khoury, Senior Vice President of Client Services at DAFZ, and Chris Yang, General Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at AWOT, along with David Lee, Chief Operating Officer, Kenny Lee, Chief Commercial Officer, Sophia Zheng, Vice President of Foreign Operations, and Kai Chang, Sales Director from AWOT, as well as several officials from DAFZ.
Growing Confidence
Aref Al Khoury stated, “The opening of AWOT’s regional headquarters in DAFZ reflects the increasing confidence that Dubai is gaining from major global companies and emphasizes its ability to provide a comprehensive business environment that supports expansion and sustainable growth.”
This initiative aligns with our efforts to position the emirate as a global logistics and supply chain hub among the top five logistics centers worldwide, connecting it with 400 new global cities through trade corridors, thereby contributing to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economic size and establish it among the world’s top three economic cities.
He added, “At DAFZ, we are dedicated to leveraging our advanced infrastructure and strategic location near Dubai International Airport to assist the global company in managing supply chains efficiently, in line with the accelerated growth of regional and global trade.”
A Pivotal Milestone
Chris Yang, General Manager for the Middle East and North Africa at AWOT, remarked, “The opening of our regional headquarters at Dubai Airport Freezone marks a pivotal milestone and a clear strategic commitment in AWOT’s journey of expansion at both regional and global levels.”
He further explained that establishing a presence in Dubai allows for closer access to clients and growth opportunities, supporting their long-term objectives. Dubai offers an ideal platform to lead and expand integrated logistics solutions, thanks to its advanced logistics infrastructure, ease of doing business, and strategic location connecting major global markets.
Operational Network
AWOT is headquartered in China, employing over 1,500 staff and operating a network of 55 self-operated sites across China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asian countries, along with a strategic presence in North America and Europe, supported by a global partner network with more than 300 agents in over 100 countries.
The company is ranked among the top 10 global air freight companies, holding the ninth position in 2025 according to Armstrong & Associates, with over 1,800 dedicated flights from Asia to the United States, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, totaling approximately 780,000 metric tons of air cargo.
AWOT has built a robust record of collaborations with major global companies in technology and industry sectors, and works closely with elite international airlines and shipping companies.
Integrated System
The new regional headquarters will oversee AWOT’s operations in air, sea, and land freight, specialized shipment services, and project logistics management, while also coordinating regional and international partnerships. Furthermore, DAFZ will support the integration with a cohesive system of logistics services, customs, clearance agents, and distribution partners to enhance operational efficiency and provide flexible, effective solutions.
