17th Global Supply Chain & Logistics Summit in Dubai:

Insights. Selected Contributions. Global Perspectives. 

Dubai, 07.11.2024

What others were saying

Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Supply Chain Transformation
Mateusz Borowiecki – CEO, OptiBuy (Poland)

During the first session of the summit, the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on procurement was a key focus. Mateusz Borowiecki emphasized that over 50 leading technology providers, including SAP and AWS, have already integrated AI into their solutions. AI now plays a pivotal role across the value chain – from analyzing vast amounts of data to automating repetitive tasks and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

One of the most remarkable capabilities of AI is its ability to identify suppliers and even negotiate prices. However, strategic purchasing planning, technical procurement, and managing internal stakeholders remain exclusively within the human domain. This synergy between automation and human expertise will be critical in shaping the future of modern procurement strategies.

2025: Year of the Snake – Strategies for Supply Chain Resilience
H.C. Barke – President & CEO, Prudence Insurance Brokers

H.C. Barke referred to 2025 as the “Year of the Snake,” highlighting the symbolic meaning of the snake: renewal, transformation, and healing. These qualities should inspire businesses to rethink and adapt their supply chains.

One of the biggest challenges in 2024 was the rise in cyberattacks, with 14 reported incidents targeting ports in just one year. Sixty percent of C-level executives identified cyber risks as the primary threat, followed closely by political risks. The future of supply chains lies in achieving full end-to-end visibility across all tiers. This includes systematically mapping suppliers and ensuring risk mitigation through insurance. Comprehensive supply chain transparency will become a fundamental requirement for building a resilient and successful procurement strategy.

Why Current Digitalization of the Supply Chain Can Fail
Neel Sharma – Founder & Head of Product Management, SPICE Technology Group, Inc. (Canada)

Neel Sharma analyzed the reasons why supply chain digitalization has so far failed to deliver the desired results. Two key conditions must be met for success: first, full visibility across the entire supply chain, whether in the “Procure-to-Pay” (P2P) or “Order-to-Cash” (O2C) processes; and second, an integrated supply chain management system that controls all operations and stakeholders through a unified platform.

Without these foundational elements, digital initiatives remain ineffective. Sharma emphasized the need for companies to take a holistic approach to their processes, optimizing them to fully realize the benefits of digitalization.

Digitalization of the Supply Chain: Success Factors for Sustainable Implementation
Mohamed AbuHamra – Chief Operating Officer, Digital Technology, DP World GCC

Mohamed AbuHamra presented a visionary perspective on the future of freight transportation. He introduced the concept of developing an AI-based platform that functions like an “Uber” for trucks, a solution that could revolutionize the planning, booking, and optimization of transport operations.

Additionally, he outlined the key stages of an ideal P2P (Procure-to-Pay) process: from order receipt and resource planning (ERP) to transportation, quality control, and warehousing. Such innovations have the potential to significantly enhance efficiency and transparency within the logistics industry.

Automotive Supply Chains in Transition: Challenges from E-Mobility and Sustainability
Kirill Kletsin – General Manager Automotive Logistics, Al-Futtaim Logistics

Kirill Kletsin highlighted the key challenges facing automotive logistics. The industry is being shaped by trends such as the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), alternative fuels, sustainability requirements, and the growing demand for RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) transport. Additionally, geopolitical developments are driving de-globalization, with countries increasingly shifting towards regional production.

The automotive sector is responding with digital innovations, new production and transportation models, and significant investments in sustainability and automation. In 2024, investments in robotics within metal processing and mechanical engineering increased by 45%, with the automotive industry ranking as the second-largest contributor.

Robotics in Logistics: Innovations and Their Impact
Hozefa Saylawala – Director of Sales, Zebra Technologies

Hozefa Saylawala emphasized the importance of digital innovations in logistics. A key step is the implementation of digital IDs for employees, enabling seamless integration into company resources. This initiative lays a strong foundation for the digitalization of internal processes.

Saylawala also highlighted the role of AI in freight logistics, particularly in pricing strategies. The challenge lies in identifying the right timing and strategy for adopting new technologies to secure long-term competitive advantages.

From Supply Chain to Supply Network: The Role of the 5PL Model
Nissrine Elquobai – Founder & Advisor, ENY Consulting

Nissrine Elquobai outlined the evolution of the 5PL (Fifth Party Logistics) model, which signifies the shift from traditional supply chains to interconnected supply networks. A 5PL provider manages these complex networks, requiring specialized expertise in this domain.

Elquobai advocated for the development of tailored training programs in logistics to meet the growing demands of this transformation. The future of the industry lies in the standardization and further advancement of such innovative approaches.

UAE Vision 2040: Focus on Sustainability and International Partnerships
Gurumurthi Shankar – COO, Global Shipping & Logistics LLC

Gurumurthi Shankar highlighted the ambitious plans of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to further expand its logistics and supply chain infrastructure. With Vision 2040, Dubai aims to double its sustainability targets.

The CEPA agreements (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements) with India, Israel, Turkey, Indonesia, and Cambodia signal the beginning of a broad economic expansion into Asia. Additionally, from 2026, the UAE will ban the use of plastic, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.

Integration of ESG and SDGs: The Key to Sustainable Supply Chains
Professor Balan Sundarakani – Professor of Supply Chain Management, University of Wollongong in Dubai

Professor Balan Sundarakani emphasized the importance of integrating ESG principles (Environmental, Social, Governance) and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business strategies. He outlined concrete steps for building sustainable supply chains, including identifying waste hotspots, reusing materials, and implementing closed-loop logistics systems.

These measures not only enhance environmental sustainability but also ensure long-term competitiveness.

L3R Principles and Circular Economy: New Perspectives for Logistics
Andre Verdier – Managing Partner, Innova Supply Chain

Andre Verdier emphasized the importance of the circular economy and the 3R principles (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for the logistics sector. He explained that transitioning from a linear economy to a regenerative circular economy is crucial for the future. While recycling focuses on reducing waste, the circular economy goes a step further by promoting the regeneration of resources.

Verdier stressed that leaders must understand and integrate circular economy principles into their strategies to ensure sustainable growth.