Interview: Anef Abanomi, President, Saudi Post and Logistics Services Company, on how digitalisation supports growth and ways the sector is addressing sustainability considerations
In what ways are emerging technologies being leveraged to modernise logistics and e-commerce?
ANEF ABANOMI: Technology investment in the postal and logistics sector falls into two categories: data capture and data processing. In capture, the industry is adopting tools such as radio frequency identification, automated dimensioning and weighing systems, and advanced scanning processes. These technologies provide operators with richer, more frequent data points across the value chain, improving visibility from intake to delivery.
On the processing side, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly important role. Operators use structured data to monitor operations, predict volume spikes and dynamically allocate resources. Application programming interface (API) integrations with e-commerce platforms also provide early visibility on shipments, enabling more predictive planning. AI is increasingly used for operational tasks including automated API generation, customer-service support and predictive network analysis.
What steps are being taken to enhance operational efficiency and reduce delivery times?
ABANOMI: Operational efficiency and delivery performance are addressed through three core levers: network optimisation, operational discipline and end-to-end visibility. From a network perspective, this involves refining the national footprint to ensure that sorting and distribution facilities are aligned with demand patterns and service requirements, while maintaining broad geographic coverage. On the operational side, workflows are regularly reviewed to remove non-value-adding steps, strengthen standardisation and enhance processing efficiency, helping reduce handling times while preserving consistent service quality. The third lever is visibility and with strengthened monitoring across operations enables better anticipation of pressure points, more effective resource deployment and earlier identification of any potential bottlenecks.
Which initiatives are in place in order to help support e-commerce growth, and how is timely and reliable last-mile delivery ensured?
ABANOMI: E-commerce growth, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital entrepreneurs, depends on reliable, high-quality, lastmile delivery delivered at competitive price points. Last-mile delivery is treated as a core national capability that supports trust in digital commerce and market participation. To achieve this, the focus is placed on service reliability, consistency and a predictable customer experience, even amid pricing pressures and intense competition across the market. This includes improving operational efficiency, strengthening demand forecasting to align resources ahead of volume peaks and reducing service errors and operational waste. In parallel, SME-focused solutions are supported through accessible retail drop-off points, simplified service tiers and flexible, scaled service options that are designed to meet the various needs of smaller merchants while enabling sustainable growth.
How is the logistics industry addressing sustainability and environmental considerations?
ABANOMI: While there is recognition that more progress is needed, the sector is advancing sustainability initiatives through operational transformation. These include energy management systems, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls across logistics facilities, alongside the early adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and biofuel fleets to assess feasibility and long-term returns through the introduction of EVs in the Kingdom, demonstrating measurable gains in fuel efficiency and operating costs. Some operators are testing alternative materials, including recyclable pallets made from palm tree agricultural by-products, and exploring lighter construction solutions, such as air-supported structures that reduce concrete and steel usage and can be relocated without demolition waste.
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