DHL opens Dubai EV centre for battery recycling

As part of the recent media visit to DHL Dubai new Electric Vehicle (EV) Centre of Excellence, Value Chain Asia sat down with the CEO of DHL Supply Chain Europe, Middle East and Africa region, Hendrik Venter to understand DHL's strategic initiatives servicing the EV sector.

The facility is the first global site focused on providing logistics services to companies looking to carry out battery recycling and circular economy solutions in the Middle East.

​​According to Venter, while Asia remains the powerhouse of EV production and innovation, the Middle East, particularly the UAE, is becoming an attractive ground for expansion. This is most especially for aftermarket services like battery recycling. He explained that “the UAE government’s focus on digital transformation, AI, and renewable energy makes it a lucrative investment opportunity for Asian companies to produce EVs and batteries here.”

Although it is undeniable that Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have set ambitious targets to increase the adoption of EVs, transitioning their car populations to EV models, there are still big challenges.

As Venter pointed out, the necessary charging infrastructure must be established before widespread consumer adoption can occur. It’s not just about manufacturers increasing battery range, it’s on accessible and reliable charging networks. This is critical to user confidence.

What is clear is this, the DHL Group is investing ahead of the curve. Case in point, the media visitors stood in front of a fully racked and ready EV battery caged section dedicated to the handling of EV batteries, but it was empty.

While EV adoption among passenger vehicles is beginning to gain traction in some Middle Eastern markets, it still lags behind countries in Southeast Asia. For example, Thailand currently leads the region with the highest number of EVs, while Singapore reports that one in three newly registered vehicles in recent months of 2025 is an EV.

Addressing whether the model from their first EV hub in Dubai could be replicated in Asia, where countries like Thailand and Singapore have already achieved significant EV penetration, Venter emphasized DHL’s global design ethos. However, he cautioned that local regulations on battery transport and storage would still need to be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

During the warehouse walkabout, DHL also showcased how well-prepared its facilities are to receive and handle EV batteries. The infrastructure is specifically designed to meet the stringent requirements for managing such cargo, which is classified as a Dangerous Good (DG) due to its flammability and hazardous nature in logistics processes.

Venter noted that “Regulations and specifications are critical for storing and shipping EV batteries safely, especially given the potential dangers of damaged or malfunctioning batteries,” but DHL’s job is to ensure safe, regulation-compliant logistics for these potentially hazardous components.

When asked about DHL’s broader role in enabling the Middle East’s transition to EVs, Venter highlighted partnerships with both private firms and governments. “We partner with companies and governments to build this infrastructure, providing logistics for construction and maintenance,” he said.

Drawing comparisons to Asia, he remarked that “government investments in infrastructure are crucial for supporting EV adoption, as seen in Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore.”

In fact, DHL is already actively involved in transporting EV-related infrastructure into the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Venter mentioned, “DHL works with various companies now, we facilitate the logistics and flow of goods and infrastructure, including repair, data management, and visibility services.”

DHL’s strategy spans both domestic and international players. “DHL supports infrastructure projects not only in the UAE but also in Saudi Arabia, particularly those related to renewable energy and industrial projects,” Venter explained.

DHL’s unique positioning enables it to act as a bridge between ambitious Middle Eastern development plans and the technical know-how of Asia’s EV giants.

The interview with Hendrik Venter highlights DHL’s strategic foresight in betting early on battery recycling and EV circular logistics in the Middle East. With no customers yet using the Dubai EV facility, DHL’s infrastructure investment reflects their long-term vision and a readiness to enable the sector before it scales. As governments and industries shift toward cleaner transport, DHL is not only preparing for tomorrow but helping build it.