Centre Point Logistics, Dubai's leading provider of logistics, warehousing, and storage, has expanded its operations in the GCC after a deal was signed with SOHAR Port and Freezone in the Sultanate of Oman.

The agreement will see CPL manage a 50,000sqm plot of land on the Freezone, and represents the first phase of expansion into KSA. It is also a significant coup for the Omani port authority, as UAE firms seek to take advantage of competitive energy and land rates, and transport links to KSA from outside the Strait of Hormuz.

Centre Point Logistics, with its pioneering Open Architecture model currently operates from several locations in UAE. CPL Logistics Hub in Jebel Al Free Zone, spanning over 200,000sqm, provides various value-added services to the logistics and supply chain sector and boasts an impressive range of local and global customers.

Saleh Saeed Lootah, Chairman of Centre Point Logistics, commented: With our local and regional growth and changing dynamics of UAE logistics and supply chain market, there has arisen a more challenging business environment that needs ˜out-of-the-box' thinking in order to provide more tailored solutions that meet the changing needs of customers. From the time business negotiations began, CPL has received a welcoming response from SOHAR Freezone and we're excited to start operations.

We are glad that we have found what we consider the best possible solution for our customers, who have businesses in UAE and Oman. We believe that SOHAR Freezone will be a step towards CPL KSA expansion and serving both markets with our unique Open Architecture model, he added.

With its strategic location and road network linking UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, the agreement with SOHAR Freezone was described as a milestone expansion for CPL and will enable the company to offer its clients the most efficient and cost effective services. The road distance between Dubai and Sohar, via Al Ain, is just 243 kilometers and the drive time is two hours and 36 minutes. The business benefits are also comprehensive.

CPL plans to have its Oman Logistics Hub ready at the beginning of first-quarter of 2015, and will offer its services to local as well as to international companies. CPL also plans to grow its operations in Oman, from the initial with 50,000sqm of land, with the option to strengthen its footprint in the country in the near future.

As in Dubai, CPL will dispatch a highly skilled operational team to SOHAR Freezone, where it will serve the company's Oman-based customers with added-value services that cater to new and existing customers.