- Tell us about yourself, your business journey, and your contribution to the UAE.
My name is Syed Mohammad Iliyas, originally from India, with over 25 years of experience in cargo logistics, freight forwarding and transportation. I established LOTUS CARGO FZCO in the UAE in 2019, with a vision to provide reliable, efficient and competitive logistics solutions.
The UAE has given me tremendous opportunities to grow professionally and personally. I believe my contribution is reflected through creating employment, serving customers professionally, building trusted business relationships and following ethical and responsible business practices.
I am proud to be part of a country where people from more than 200 nationalities live and work together. The UAE welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to build my business, and I remain committed to contributing to its continued economic growth and success.
- What does receiving the 9th Golden Excellence Award under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan mean to you?
Receiving the 9th Golden Excellence Award under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan is a great honour and a proud milestone in my professional journey.
For me, this recognition represents years of hard work, dedication and perseverance. It is also a recognition of the trust and support of my customers, business partners and team.
I see this award not only as a personal achievement but also as a tribute to everyone who has supported me. It motivates me to aim higher, continue delivering excellence and contribute positively to the UAE. With this honour comes a greater responsibility to move forward with humility, integrity and commitment.
- How do you view the role of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in shaping UAE society?
The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence plays an important role in strengthening the UAE’s social identity. In a country where people from diverse cultures and religions live together, promoting tolerance, respect, dialogue and coexistence is essential.
The Ministry also helps instil these values among younger generations through educational and community initiatives. Its work reinforces tolerance not only as a personal value but as an important part of the UAE’s national identity.
I believe its greatest impact is reflected in everyday life — in workplaces, schools, communities and relationships between people of different backgrounds.
- What opportunities do you see emerging in the logistics industry?
I see major opportunities in AI and digitalisation, sustainable logistics, automation and supply-chain resilience.
AI can improve route planning, forecasting, tracking and warehouse operations, while automation and IoT can increase efficiency and accuracy. Sustainable transportation and energy-efficient warehouses will also become increasingly important.
The biggest opportunity, in my view, is to move beyond traditional freight forwarding and become a technology-enabled supply-chain partner offering visibility, efficiency and sustainable solutions.
- What are your company’s key plans and growth priorities?
Our priorities are to expand our international logistics network, strengthen warehousing and fulfilment capabilities, and invest in technology.
We aim to grow across key markets in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, while improving digital tracking, inventory management and real-time shipment visibility.
Our long-term vision is to become an integrated logistics and supply-chain partner, using Dubai as a strategic gateway connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
