Cainiao, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, has launched a new international express network spanning the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia—enabling e-commerce platforms in the region to deliver parcels in as little as three days.
The move marks another major milestone in Cainiao’s global network expansion, answering the surging demand for faster cross-border and domestic delivery.
Cainiao becomes the first Chinese logistics provider with a unified express network across the Middle East, one of the world’s most dynamic regions for consumer spending and economic activity. Market data show that Middle East e-commerce maintained solid growth between 2020 and 2025 and is projected to reach US $50 billion by 2025.
Leveraging its global infrastructure that already covers 200+ countries and territories, Cainiao is rolling out tiered solutions in the GCC:
- Air freight promises cross-border delivery within 3 days.
- Cost-efficient road freight reaches any GCC city in 6–8 days, priced US $1 per kg below the market average.
William Xiong, Senior Vice President and General Manager of International at Cainiao, commented:
“Building a fast, smart global network is core to Cainiao’s strategy, and the Middle East is a priority market. Establishing this GCC-wide network is a pivotal step in how we serve the region. Looking ahead, we are committed to extending our global reach, listening to local needs, and working closely with partners to deliver better, more efficient logistics solutions worldwide.”
