As regional market grows
A growing demand for temperature-sensitive goods and expanding healthcare needs are fuelling rapid growth in the cold chain logistics sector across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), with Dubai set to host one of the industry’s largest regional gatherings in September 2025.
The 2nd World Cold Chain Expo is scheduled for September 10-11, 2025, at the Festival Arena in Dubai. Hosted by Dubai-based TAB group, the event will bring together logistics firms, cold storage companies, technology providers, and public sector stakeholders from across the region and beyond.
Organisers say the event coincides with a period of significant transformation for the cold chain industry in the Middle East. With rising populations, shifting consumer habits, and increased demand for pharmaceuticals and fresh produce, the sector is adapting rapidly to meet complex logistics and safety requirements.
According to recent industry data, the cold chain and logistics sector in the Middle East and Africa was valued at $35.93 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 20.6% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increased investment in food security, healthcare infrastructure, and e-commerce.
Dubai, as a logistics hub with strategic links to Asia, Africa, and Europe, is positioning itself at the centre of this growth. The UAE government has prioritised food resilience and pharmaceutical safety, leading to more demand for advanced cold chain technologies.
Extreme heat conditions across much of the Gulf region have created logistical challenges for transporting and storing perishable goods and temperature-sensitive medical supplies. Solutions for maintaining consistent refrigeration during transit, especially over long distances, have become increasingly important.
Participants at the 2025 expo include companies from across the supply chain spectrum, such as Global Shipping & Logistics, TCIL Middle East, Pluss Advanced Technologies, Aeris Dynamics, and Fit Fresh.
UAE government bodies, such as the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, are also expected to be in attendance.
The event will feature an exhibition of products and technologies, as well as a conference addressing regional and global logistics issues. Topics expected to dominate discussions include energy-efficient refrigeration, automated warehouse solutions, and sustainable packaging.
Analysts say the expo comes at a critical time as Gulf states seek to reduce reliance on imports and strengthen local food supply chains. At the same time, the pharmaceutical sector’s continued expansion, particularly in the post-pandemic era, is driving the need for more sophisticated cold storage and transportation systems.
The World Cold Chain Expo is anticipated to provide a platform for policy discussions, investment opportunities, and partnerships as the region adapts to its evolving logistical needs. While still a niche sector globally, cold chain logistics in the Middle East is now seen as essential infrastructure amid climate pressures, health demands, and growing urban consumption.
Dubai’s hosting of the event underscores its position as a logistics hub for the broader Middle East and Africa, as well as a testing ground for emerging cold chain technologies designed to address regional climate and supply chain challenges.
Register here to visit the World Cold Chain Expo: https://www.worldcoldchain.com/registration.html
Middle East News 247 is a Media Partner of the World Cold Chain Expo.
Image: The cold chain and logistics sector in the Middle East and Africa was valued at $35.93 billion in 2024. Credit: Eduardo Soares
