Seven decades of Evolution

Mohebi Logistics, as an entity, may be less than a month old, but the Mohebi family has been in the UAE logistics industry since 1931.

Iain Gordon, General Manager, Mohebi Logistics

In September 2007, Mohebi Investments, an affiliate of the renowned UAE-based Zainal Mohebi Group, announced the launch of Mohebi Logistics, an Dhirams (Dh) 1 billion investment aimed at creating one of the region’s biggest supply chain companies. As part of this ambitious initiative, Mohebi Logistics will establish an Dh 200 million (m) state-of-the-art regional logistics hub spread over an area of over 51,000 square metres (sq m) in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

This multi-temperature investment facility will be operational by January 2008. General Manger Iain Gordon has extensive experience in the international logistics arena, perhaps beginning in childhood when his father, an independent lorry driver, took him along while making deliveries.

In his professional career spanning over two decades, Gordon has established strategic partnerships in the logistics and supply chain sectors across various markets. His current responsibilities include management and development of Mohebi Logistics, mounting new growth strategies and overseeing the strategic direction and implementation of various initiatives.

Has the Mohebi Group always been in the logistics business?

The Mohebi Group had been engaged in logistics probably even before the term, in its current context, was invented. The Mohebi family started doing business 76 years ago. The UAE as we know it is just 36 years old.

Logistics? Seven decades ago?

The core business of the Group has always been retail and wholesale. Understandably, the way retail was conducted may have been different back then, but the basic logistics principles have been the same – goods were produced, goods had to be stored and then transferred to places where they are to be sold. In all instances, the key is getting what is required to the right place at the right time.

What makes Mohebi Logistics different from other players in the logistics industry?

Obviously, we have the history and heritage of doing business in this part of the world that few, or none, of our competitors can match. We have long-term relationships with more than 70 world-class brands involving more than 7,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs). This provides us with the solid foundation to look at the business from the point of view of our clients. We have always understood, for instance, that our clients require more than the traditional concept of just being given warehouse space and transportation. We provide solutions that allow our clients to concentrate on their business while we take care of all their logistics needs. This involves a partnership approach and the development of tailor-made solutions based on our recommendations as experts in the field.

The Mohebi Group may have been around for a very long time, but Mohebi Logistics is a new entity. Why did it take long to establish a dedicated logistics arm?

The Mohebi Group couldn’t have survived as long if it had been hasty in making crucial decisions. The concept of Mohebi Logistics was thoroughly developed based on our analysis of the market and its requirements. Once we determined that all elements are in place – that we were ready and that Dubai was ready as well – we moved fast.

Other companies may look at establishing businesses based purely on what they may stand to earn. We look at our trade as a way of making it easy for more people to come to Dubai to do business. We want to be instrumental in opening new options apart from traditional ones.

Artist‘s impression of Mohebi‘s Dh 200 million logistics hub

The unprecedented growth that the UAE, particularly Dubai, is experiencing now has brought additional challenges to your business. I’m talking about traffic jams, congestion and the like. For a business that relies on transporting goods from point A to point B, how are you equipped to face this challenge?

This relates to my earlier point of getting all elements in place. The Jebel Ali facility obviously plays a crucial role as the center of our logistics operations. The traffic issue is addressed by the establishment of satellite locations in the other Emirates from where we can conduct multiple executions.

We will make full use of technology in conducting the business. Technology will not just make our operations more efficient. More importantly, it will give our clients full visibility and transparency – essential but sometimes overlooked elements of the relationship between a business and its logistics solutions provider. We already have, and will continue to acquire, the latest technological tools that will grant us and our clients access to real-time information on the status of their goods, be it in transit or storage.

What do you think will drive Mohebi Logistics to be a leading player in the industry, not just in the UAE, but also globally?

Our Chairman, Dr. Zainal Mohebi has always given credit to the support extended to the Group by the rulers of Dubai and the UAE. Our CEO, Mohammed Mohebi, has stated clearly that our vision is one of building successful, long-lasting relationships based on integrity, commitment and responsibility. These, together with the expertise and commitment of our people and our management, drive us to succeed.

Equally important, our biggest reward is to see that we can contribute to the improvement of the margins and the growth of the business of our clients. That is a true demonstration of our value as a business partner.