This new event comes amid intensifying momentum in the region’s air freight and logistics sectors. Middle Eastern carriers recorded a 2.6 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in July 2025, with capacity rising by 5.9 per cent. Meanwhile, available cargo tonne-kilometres across the region climbed 1.5 per cent in mid-2025 despite pressures on trade lanes.
The Middle East & Africa air freight market is forecast to grow to around USD 27.8 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 8.8 per cent from 2024 onward. The GCC air freight transport market alone is estimated at USD 18.06 billion in 2025, with projections pointing to nearly USD 25.9 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.46 per cent. Within that structure, Saudi Arabia commands the largest share among GCC nations.
Saudi Arabia is backing this push with bold infrastructure spending. The Kingdom plans USD 266 billion of investment in transport, logistics and related zones by 2030, including building new airports, ports, rail links, and logistics hubs. The government has announced 18 additional logistics zones, raising the total to 59 by 2030. As of late 2024, more than 200 billion riyals of this spend had already been activated, according to statements from the Transport and Logistics Ministry.
Organisers expect more than 150 exhibitors across 20+ countries, and over 7,000 visitors over the three days. The focus will span freighter aircraft, cargo terminal systems, cold-chain infrastructure, automation, tracking technologies, and customs/air-cargo digital solutions. The event aims to convene decision-makers from airlines, airports, freight forwarders, logistics providers, government agencies, and e-commerce platforms.
The Saudi initiative aligns with broader regional trends: the UAE is currently mapping dedicated air corridors for cargo drones and air taxis. The integration of advanced mobility is being prioritized alongside traditional logistics expansion.
Yet challenges persist. The IATA mid-year forecast anticipates global air cargo volumes will grow only 0.7 per cent in 2025, reflecting weakness in intra-region and Middle East–Europe routes. Political instability, fluctuating fuel prices, and airspace restrictions remain structural risks. Some corridors within the region have shown contractions, even as Asia-Europe links continue to strengthen.
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Saudi Arabia