Blackstone & Lunate Launch $5 B GCC Logistics Venture: A New Chapter in Gulf Supply Chains

Global investment giant Blackstone and Abu Dhabi-based Lunate have announced a landmark partnership to launch a $5 billion logistics venture aimed at transforming the Gulf’s infrastructure landscape. The new platform, titled Gulf Logistics Infrastructure Development Enterprise (GLIDE), will invest across the GCC  including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain  focusing on developing and acquiring Grade A logistics and warehouse assets. The move marks a major step in addressing the region’s shortage of modern, high-quality logistics infrastructure amid growing demand from e-commerce, manufacturing, and trade sectors.

The partnership will combine Blackstone’s global experience in logistics real estate  with over 1.2 billion square feet of assets under management  and Lunate’s deep regional expertise and investment capabilities. Together, they aim to capitalize on the rapid economic diversification underway across GCC nations as they shift toward non-oil sectors under initiatives such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE’s industrial strategy. GLIDE’s strategy includes greenfield developments, portfolio acquisitions, and sale-and-leaseback transactions, offering flexibility in asset creation and capital deployment.

Market analysts note that the GCC’s logistics sector is expanding rapidly, driven by rising consumer demand, e-commerce growth, and regional manufacturing ambitions. However, much of the region still relies on outdated facilities lacking automation and sustainability features. GLIDE seeks to bridge this gap by constructing state-of-the-art warehouses equipped with modern specifications, operational efficiency, and green technology standards. The platform will also establish regional teams and collaborate with local partners to streamline execution and regulatory approvals.

The venture’s timing aligns with an increasing flow of global investment into Middle Eastern infrastructure, as investors look to tap stable returns and strong long-term fundamentals. Industry experts see this as a potential catalyst for further development of integrated supply chains in the Gulf, enhancing trade connectivity between Asia, Africa, and Europe. If executed effectively, the partnership could significantly boost the region’s logistics capacity, create jobs, and reinforce the GCC’s position as a key global logistics hub.

While the outlook is promising, challenges remain, including navigating varied regulatory frameworks, managing construction costs, and ensuring steady tenant demand. Yet, with both partners’ experience and scale, GLIDE is poised to become one of the most ambitious logistics investment platforms in the region’s history. The success of this venture could reshape the Gulf’s economic infrastructure and set a new benchmark for logistics development across emerging markets.