UPS, Dubai Chamber and DP World host the UAE Smart Logistics Challenge

In support of UAE-based start-ups in the logistics industry, UPS hosted the third edition of the Smart Logistics Challenge series at Expo 2020, together with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and DP World.

The GCC logistics industry is evolving rapidly and is expected to grow by 4.3% between 2020 and 2025. The challenge for the industry is how to respond to global supply chain shifts, new customer expectations, and final mile models.

As part of its commitment to supporting the growth of small businesses in the UAE, UPS hosted the challenge to give logistics startups the opportunity to spotlight their latest innovations.

“UPS started with two bicycles and a USD100 loan. That entrepreneurial spirit is still alive in UPS today. As a company, we are passionate about small businesses and being a strategic and trusted partner for them. The smart logistics challenge is a great example of this, as it brings together the best logistics technology start-ups in the country, giving them the opportunity to potentially pilot their solutions with UPS, DP World or Siemens,” said Jean-Francois Condamine, UPS President for Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Africa.

Seven UAE-based start-ups presented their game-changing solutions in response to industry challenges, including real-time visibility, reliability, and predictability, last-mile efficiency, compliance, and others.

Solutions ranged across the logistics value chain and incorporated artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, warehousing, forwarding, and last-mile delivery.

AR Engineering was declared the winner of the challenge and will be fast-tracked to a proof-of-concept (POC) discussion with UPS, DP World or Siemens.

The UAE-based start-up deploys interactive Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR) & Mixed Reality (MR) Technologies to enhance training and operational processes in the logistics industry, among others.

“We are very thankful to have been given this opportunity to present our solutions. To have the judges recognize the value and potential of our solutions is an honour. As a team we are passionate about solving complex problems in the logistics industry by combining both Digital Twins & Extended Reality Technologies together.

“Winning this Smart Logistics Challenge is a proud moment for the entire team. We look forward to further accelerating the growth of our business in the days to come, tapping into the expertise of global leaders such as UPS, DP World and Siemens,” said Akram Amir, Founder & CEO – AR Engineering.

Natalia Sycheva, Sr. Manager of Special Projects and Entrepreneurship at Dubai Chamber of Commerce said the adoption of smart solutions in logistics is key to supporting the sector’s growth and development.

She highlighted the important role that startups are playing in bringing innovative solutions to the market and enhancing its competitiveness on a global level, adding that the competition supports the Chamber’s efforts to engage the startup community across various sectors and encourage their contribution to Dubai’s economy.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World UAE and Jafza commented “Recent supply chain disruptions have led to greater demand from our customers for new solutions to ensure cargo delivery and transparency. Imagination is key to meeting this.

“The Smart Logistics Challenge is a chance for the brightest logistics technology start-ups in the UAE to showcase their solutions to the evolving challenges of our industry.”