German logistics firm, Hasenkamp, announced that it is opening another branch in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia following launches in other Middle East countries such as the UAE and Qatar.
In a statement, it said the decision coincides with Saudi Arabia’s first biennial, where Hasenkamp is the exclusive logistics provider.
"Saudi Arabia is a country in evolution and transition. This is especially true for the arts and culture sector. With the first biennial exhibition for contemporary art, launched in December, the Kingdom is embarking on a new path of openness and publicity. During this development Hasenkamp, a specialist in logistics, is strengthening its presence on the Arabian Peninsula," it said in a statement.
Hasenkamp noted that it has already opened branches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2010 and 2011 – in Dubai and Abu Dhabi – as well in Qatar.
With the new location in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, Hasenkamp – which describes itself as a "logistics specialist for art and cultural goods" said it is serving a high demand for transport, packaging and storage solutions that has recently arisen due to exhibitions and new museum buildings.
"We have been active in Arab countries with our services for many years and look at the new developments in Saudi Arabia with great pleasure ... the development of Saudi Arabia’s first biennale has now prompted us to open a permanent representative office on site," said Thomas Schneider, managing partner of Hasenkamp.
Hasenkamp noted that within the context of the biennial art exhibition, Hasenkamp has been responsible as the exclusive logistics provider for the transport of artworks and their installation from all parts of the country, to the exhibition site on the outskirts of the metropolis Riyadh.