As the United Arab Emirates gears up to host the UPU’s 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, it is also making strides in positioning itself as a global hub for trade, e-commerce, and digital innovation. In an interview with Union Postale, Abdulla Mohammed Alashram, Deputy Chair of the Congress organizing committee and a representative of UAE’s 7X, discusses the nation’s bold vision for leveraging technology in reshaping postal operations, and how collaboration, facilitated by the upcoming UPU Congress, can drive industry-wide innovation.
Postal services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have undergone a strategic transformation to reflect the country’s expanded ambition of digital transformation and becoming a global trade powerhouse.“The UAE’s commitment to digital transformation is deeply rooted in its ambition to be a global leader in connectivity, trade, and innovation, as outlined in ‘We the UAE 2031’,” explains Alashram. “The postal sector has been a key beneficiary of this vision, leveraging AI, blockchain, and automation to enhance efficiency, security, and transparency.”
He highlights that being ready to embrace the opportunities of emerging technologies will help strengthen UAE’s supply chains, reduce international trade barriers and support local businesses entering the global market. In the past several years, the UAE has streamlined logistics, improved last-mile delivery and secured cross-border e-commerce transactions through the implementation of AI, blockchain and other cutting-edge technologies, from enhancing route planning, reducing transit times, and optimising mail and parcel handling, to minimizing manual errors by implementing digital documentation systems that enable faster processing and reduced paperwork inaccuracies.
“These improvements also tie in with the nation’s broader push for a knowledge-based, sustainable economy, where innovative solutions and smart infrastructure play a pivotal role in enhancing competitiveness,” says Alashram.
Enabling innovation
This national approach to transformation has created a hospitable regulatory environment for postal innovation, overcoming a commonly cited barrier by postal operators seeking to keep pace with evolving technology. Alashram credits strong collaboration between postal operators, regulators, and technology providers for enabling rapid progress, while ensuring that no one is left behind as the postal operator upholds its role as a universal service provider.
“One of the key lessons learned is that digital transformation must be an enabler rather than a disruptor,” says Alashram.
“The successful adoption of technology in the postal sector requires a careful balance between innovation and regulatory frameworks. It is not enough to implement cutting-edge solutions; they must be integrated in a way that ensures accessibility, interoperability, and long-term sustainability,” he adds.
“Through strong collaboration between postal operators, regulatory bodies, and technology providers, the UAE has been able to develop solutions that enhance service quality while keeping pace with evolving global trade and communication needs.”
Protecting people, post and planet
As postal infrastructure changes, so should approaches to protecting customers and the planet.
Global postal industry shifts toward digitization have thrust cybersecurity to the forefront as a top priority. The UAE has taken measures to safeguard digital transactions and critical infrastructure, thereby maintaining trust in e-commerce and cross-border trade.
“A proactive approach to cybersecurity has been adopted, focusing on strengthening digital identity verification, enhancing data protection frameworks, and collaborating with global postal partners and organizations like the UPU,” says Alashram.
He highlights several measures the country has adopted to secure its network and foster customer confidence in cross-border e-commerce services. So far, the UAE has implemented blockchain technology, introduced AI-driven fraud detection, and adheres to international security standards to protect the postal service and its users.
Sustainability is another integral part of the UAE’s economic agenda, with ambitious targets to achieve carbon neutrality. The postal sector plays a critical role in advancing these objectives by reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and integrating environmentally responsible solutions into logistics operations.
“Sustainability is a cornerstone of the UAE’s long-term economic and development strategy,” states Alashram. “The focus is on reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and integrating environmentally responsible solutions into every stage of the postal supply chain.”
The UAE has already adopted electric and alternative fuel delivery vehicles, implemented smart logistics solutions to optimize routes and minimize emissions, and is using sustainable packaging materials to reduce waste.
“By embedding environmental responsibility into its logistics infrastructure, the UAE is reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable trade and transport, while setting new benchmarks for the future of postal services,” he says.
Globalizing collaboration
Looking ahead, Alashram emphasizes the ongoing need for stronger cross-sector collaboration.
“In an era where e-commerce and digital trade are rapidly reshaping cross-border logistics, strong partnerships between postal operators, logistics providers, and e-commerce platforms are critical to enhancing efficiency, interoperability, and sustainability,” he says.
The UAE is already working with partners worldwide on common technology frameworks, ensuring interoperability in digital trade and contributing to international discussions on regulatory best practices.
The country actively participates in global dialogue on these issues via the UPU, where it serves as a member of both the Council of Administration and the Postal Operations Council. While the UPU already provides an invaluable space for countries to exchange ideas and experiences, Alashram suggests ways the UPU and its members can foster more rapid digital transformation across the industry.
“Although the UPU has been effective in promoting collaboration and standardization, the shifting global economy needs more flexible frameworks and increased public-private-partnerships to meet the increasing demands of e-commerce, fintech-driven postal services, and cross-border trade facilitation,” he says. “Accelerating digital adoption while making sure that regulatory frameworks continue to be inclusive and flexible enough to accommodate a range of market conditions should remain a top priority.”
He reiterates the country’s drive to lead these discussions whenever possible.
“The UAE remains committed to modernizing the industry and enhancing the contribution of postal networks to economic growth in collaboration with the UPU and its members.”
Countdown to Dubai
The UAE will have the chance to take the spotlight as a catalyst for international postal cooperation and innovation as the host of the 28th Universal Postal Congress, which will take place in Dubai this coming September. The quadrennial decision-making body of the UPU is set to draw thousands of representatives from postal operators, government ministries, postal regulators and wider postal sector players from across its 192 member countries.
“The UAE’s decision to host the 28th Universal Postal Congress is a reflection of its longstanding commitment to global collaboration, innovation, and trade facilitation,” asserts Alashram, who is overseeing UAE’s plans as host as Deputy Chair of the Congress Organizing Committee.
“As a key logistics hub, the UAE is in a unique position to advance conversations about modernizing the world’s postal industry,” he says.
According to Alashram, the meeting provides a muchwelcomed opportunity to discuss regulatory and policy changes that support cross-sector partnerships and give postal operators enough flexibility to innovate.
“Through this Congress, we hope to create a postal ecosystem that is digitally integrated, commercially successful, and in line with the changing demands of the global economy,” says Alashram. “More importantly, the UAE regards this as a chance to strengthen multilateral collaboration and make certain that postal networks continue to be a critical pillar of economic resilience and cross-border connectivity.”
Movement on sustainability issues, including international climate commitments, as well as strengthened partnerships between the public and private sectors are also on the UAE’s list of priority topics for discussion at the September meeting.
“As we look ahead, let us remember that our strength lies in collaboration. Through our shared commitment and collective action, we can ensure that postal systems worldwide continue to evolve, connecting people, businesses, and possibilities in ways that are both profound and enduring,” he adds.
Speaking about his role as Deputy Chair, Alashram commits to taking a pragmatic approach to discussions during the Congress.
“My primary objective will be to make sure that policy discussions result in practical solutions that are beneficial for all member states, while also promoting innovation-driven strategies, regulatory flexibility, and digitalization as ways to future-proof postal networks,” he says.
“The 28th Universal Postal Congress represents an opportunity to drive systemic change, with the UAE committed to ensuring that the platform delivers long-term, impactful solutions for the global postal ecosystem.”
While the UAE has pledged to ensure that the 2025 Congress sets a new benchmark for the global postal sector, Alashram describes the dedication the Emirati team has shown to provide a world-class platform for meaningful dialogue, progressive strategies and innovative solutions that will drive the sector’s transformation.
“Hosting an event of this scale requires meticulous planning and unwavering commitment. Every detail is being carefully curated, from securing accommodation and seamless event logistics to ensuring efficient connectivity and a productive environment for all attendees.”
He adds, “And, of course, we eagerly look forward to welcoming the UPU’s members with renowned Emirati hospitality, offering a glimpse into the unique harmony of tradition and modernity that defines our nation.”
This article first appeared in Union Postale Spring 2025.