More than 2,500 businesses operating in the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Free Zone will gain access to free export training and international trade support through a new partnership with DHL Express, an initiative designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) enter global markets.

The program is implemented through DHL Express’s global GoTrade initiative, providing businesses with expert guidance on international shipping, customs procedures, e-commerce, logistics operations, and cross-border trade.

The DWTC Free Zone signed this strategic partnership to strengthen its support for SMEs. The agreement was formalised during a ceremony at the DHL Express UAE office in Dubai between Mahmoud Haj Hussein, CEO of DHL Express UAE, and Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone.

The collaboration aims to provide practical support to companies within the free zone ecosystem, helping them enhance operational resilience, increase export readiness, and access international markets.

In addition to preferential rates for DWTC Free Zone members, companies can participate in the GoTrade program, a global initiative focused on capacity building and knowledge transfer for SMEs.

The program includes 14 interactive training modules covering topics such as logistics operations, international trade frameworks, e-commerce, customs processes, customer experience, and financial planning.

These training sessions aim to provide entrepreneurs and business managers with practical skills and commercial knowledge to better prepare them for entering foreign markets.

The DWTC Free Zone will provide access to the DHL GoTrade program for its business community, which includes more than 2,500 companies across over 40 industries operating within Dubai’s Central Business District.

Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Regulatory Operations at DWTC Free Zone, stated that Dubai’s SME sector is a vital engine of economic growth and a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

He added that the DWTC Free Zone focuses on empowering businesses to grow beyond borders by providing access to the right infrastructure, networks, and expertise. He noted that the partnership with DHL Express through the GoTrade program adds a practical and impactful resource to the free zone’s ecosystem, equipping companies with the necessary capabilities for international trade.

Al Banna emphasised that this partnership reflects the DWTC Free Zone’s ongoing commitment to creating a competitive and future-ready environment where companies can grow, innovate, and contribute to Dubai’s long-term economic goals.

Mahmoud Haj Hussein, CEO of DHL Express UAE, said that while international trade has never been more accessible, global expansion remains significantly complex for many SMEs.

He stated that DHL Express’s role extends beyond logistics, positioning itself as an enabler of international growth that connects businesses to global opportunities through its worldwide network and trade expertise.

He added that the DHL GoTrade program equips entrepreneurs and SMEs with practical knowledge in areas such as international shipping, customs, e-commerce, and cross-border operations, giving them the confidence and ability to compete globally.

The partnership also establishes a framework for continuous knowledge exchange and engagement between the DWTC Free Zone and DHL, supporting the development of future SME-focused programs and initiatives.

The DWTC Free Zone offers 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and more than 1,200 licensed business activities, making it one of the region’s most attractive destinations for businesses looking to establish, develop, and expand their international presence.