Doha: The Second Arab Postal Leaders’ Forum 2025, organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), represented by its Regional Office for the Arab Region, commenced in Doha on Tuesday.
According to Qatar News Agency, the event, themed ‘Accelerating Innovation in the Parcel Market to Win in the Age of E-Commerce’, is organized in partnership with Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA). It features participation from representatives of ministries, communications regulatory authorities, and postal leaders across the Arab region.
The two-day forum aims to explore innovative strategies for advancing the postal sector amid the rapid growth of e-commerce. It includes high-level discussions on leveraging technologies to enhance postal efficiency, meet customer satisfaction, and integrate e-commerce services.
Key sessions will focus on transitioning from conventional postal systems to advanced digital platforms, utilizing data analysis to optimize operational efficiency, and employing artificial intelligence technologies to develop delivery processes. Strategies for enhancing customer experience through personalized services and flexible delivery options will also be discussed.
In his opening remarks, President of CRA Eng. Ahmed Abdullah Al Muslimani emphasized the forum as a strategic platform for decision-makers and experts to deliberate on the future of postal services amid global changes. He noted the importance of flexible legislation and regulatory frameworks to preserve consumer rights and improve service efficiency.
Al Muslimani highlighted CRA’s collaboration with the private sector to develop an integrated regulatory system for Qatar’s postal sector. This involves invoking innovation and integration to enhance market competitiveness and incentivize investment in infrastructure and advanced technologies.
He stated that postal services have evolved beyond mere delivery, playing a crucial role in the digital economy by supporting e-commerce, empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, and connecting communities. This aligns with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Al Muslimani emphasized the potential of AI technologies and big data analytics to reduce costs and improve postal network efficiency. He stressed the importance of fostering regional and global partnerships to support digital transformation efforts.
Deputy Director General of UPU Marjan Oswald highlighted the forum’s role in demonstrating the Arab region’s commitment to digital transformation and advancing postal services to meet the new global economy’s demands. Oswald explained that the shift in postal services to an integrated digital economy infrastructure is essential.
He noted that the evolution of e-commerce and changing global consumption patterns require postal institutions to invest in technology, enhance delivery network efficiency, and provide flexible services that meet individual and business needs.
Oswald stated that UPU is aware of challenges faced by institutions, especially in developing countries, and seeks to support digital transformation through programs, capacity-building, and promoting regional integration to ensure service inclusiveness.
He commended Arab nations for adopting digital solutions, updating postal services, and forming partnerships with the private sector, which positions them well for future challenges.
Oswald urged participants to share best practices and experiences to create innovative solutions that advance the sector, promote economic growth, and support digital and social inclusion.
The event highlights regional cooperation as crucial for success through panel discussions and roundtables. It aims to build partnerships that enhance the region’s competitiveness in global markets.
Overall, the forum reviews Arab experiences with AI-powered applications and cutting-edge technologies to optimize postal performance, contributing to faster, more efficient, and reliable services in the dynamic e-commerce environment.