Aramex Group CEO Amadou Diallo stated in an interview with Khaleej Times that even if peace returns to the region, freight rates will likely need 6 to 12 months to normalize . "This is our expectation and our obligation," he said when asked whether the company can sustain the double-digit growth achieved in the second quarter of 2026 . Diallo, a logistics veteran with over 30 years of experience, joined Aramex as Group CEO on May 1, 2026 .
Diallo pointed out that the current market faces multiple structural constraints: "Currently, many shipping companies are not coming, many airlines are not coming, and ports are congested" . He stated that until supply chains are rebuilt, the inflationary effects will continue to exist. Previously reported data showed that due to the US-Iran conflict, high oil prices, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and container shortages, freight rates have soared from $2,000 to approximately $12,000 .
Despite the challenging environment, Aramex achieved strong performance in the second quarter of 2026. The company's revenue rose 22% year-over-year to AED 1.83 billion, setting a historical record for quarterly revenue . May and June each set monthly revenue records, driving first-half revenue to AED 3.43 billion, a year-over-year increase of 12% . Net profit surged sevenfold to AED 47 million, while EBIT increased 173% to AED 87 million .
The growth was primarily driven by alternative multimodal transport solutions. Diallo explained that the company maintained European shipments to GCC countries by using Turkish ports combined with land routes, as well as ports such as Sohar, Salalah, and Jeddah . "Establishing alternative routes to provide solutions so that the market can sustain and maintain resilience—this is what we offer" . The freight forwarding division achieved the highest quarterly revenue in the company's history .
Diallo also noted that the conflict has suppressed demand in e-commerce, fashion, and retail sectors due to reduced tourist numbers. The company has imposed surcharges on energy-related last-mile services, but he described the increase as "marginal," emphasizing that "we must ensure that our customers and consumers can afford their products" .
Looking to the future, Diallo believes the global logistics center of gravity is shifting to the Middle East. It was previously concentrated in Singapore and then Shanghai, and now as Asian manufacturers shift production to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco, the industry is experiencing a shift . He particularly noted the importance of infrastructure development in Khorfakkan, Fujairah, Sohar, the planned Oman railway, and port projects in Basra and Turkey .
Under the Accelerate28 strategy, Aramex is using AI for dynamic route optimization and predictive delivery estimates, and deploying sensors instead of scanning for shipment tracking . The company has also received a growing number of requests for regional contract logistics solutions, with warehousing demand particularly strong in the UAE, Jeddah, Turkey, and India . Diallo stated that the trend of enterprises seeking to be closer to customers and avoid rising ocean freight rates began before the conflict but has accelerated .