Aramex CEO Amadu Diallo stated that the company expects double-digit revenue growth in 2026 and 2027, but forecasts that freight rate normalization will only occur six to twelve months after peace is restored in the region.
When asked about maintaining the double-digit growth achieved in the second quarter of 2026, Diallo responded that this is their aspiration and obligation. The company, whose shares are listed in Dubai, reported group revenue of 1.83 billion dirhams for the second quarter of 2026, which was 22% higher compared to the same period last year and marked the highest quarterly figure in its history. Monthly records were set in May and June, boosting first-half revenue to 3.43 billion dirhams, an increase of 12%. Net profit rose sevenfold to 47 million dirhams, supported by demand for cargo forwarding and tighter cost control.
He specified that much of the recent growth was driven by multimodal solutions created to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of European goods to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These solutions utilize Turkish ports connected to land routes into the region, as well as hubs such as Sohar, Salalah, and Jeddah. Diallo emphasized that the company offers alternative routes to maintain market resilience.
Diallo, who has over 30 years of experience in the logistics and supply chain industry, joined Aramex as Group CEO on May 1, 2026. Responding to the question about a possible decrease in freight rates, he noted that he cannot predict the date of the conflict's end but believes that conditions should stabilize within six to twelve months after peace is restored and supply chains are replenished.
He added that there is currently a shortage of vessels and airlines, as well as port congestion. Inflationary pressure will persist until supply chains are restored. Although Aramex applies surcharges to energy-intensive last-mile services, Diallo called this increase minor, as the company must ensure product availability for customers and consumers.
As previously reported by Khaleej Times, the cost of sea freight has risen from $2,000 to approximately $12,000 due to the war between the US and Iran, high oil prices, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and container shortages. Diallo also mentioned that the company has been affected by rising fuel prices, port congestion, and the departure of some expatriates. He noted that its status as a local organization with local staff helped the company maintain trade even when many ports were blocked.
Furthermore, he stated that the conflict has led to a decline in tourism, weakening demand in e-commerce, fashion, and retail sectors. Diallo asserted that peace is always better for doing business, and 'a better tomorrow is impossible without peace.'
Diallo reported that Aramex has received numerous requests for contract logistics solutions in the region. This trend began before the conflict but accelerated as businesses seek to be closer to customers and avoid rising ocean freight costs. Demand for warehousing is high in the UAE, Jeddah, Turkey, and India.
The company has been testing drone deliveries since 2022 and started a pilot project in Abu Dhabi last year. Diallo explained that last-mile delivery to consumers proved difficult in densely populated urban areas, so drone trials are now underway for heavier loads between stations. He noted that drones are faster, avoid traffic during same-day delivery, and are safer in hazardous environments, such as the oil and gas industry. However, he added that appropriate regulations are needed for wider regional use, and did not specify any timelines.
Aramex operates in several locations across the UAE, including Khorfakkan, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, and will collaborate with other major companies to create multimodal solutions as infrastructure develops. He highlighted the importance of developing Khorfakkan, Fujairah, and Sohar, the planned railway line from Oman, as well as port projects in Basra and Turkey.
Diallo believes that the logistics center is shifting to the Middle East, after previously being focused in Singapore and then Shanghai, as Asian manufacturers relocate production to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco. Under the Accelerate28 strategy, Aramex uses artificial intelligence for dynamic route optimization and delivery time forecasting. The company also employs sensors instead of scanning for cargo tracking and integrates AI into finance, recruitment, and sales so that employees can focus on customers rather than routine tasks. Aramex is expanding in Saudi Arabia, Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. Diallo declined to disclose the investment amount but stated it was 'not small'. Finally, he noted that Aramex also focuses on employee engagement and corporate social responsibility, emphasizing the importance of contributing to society beyond purely business matters.
