DP World accelerates Fujairah terminals as regional logistics network strengthens

The port operator has moved more than a million container units through UAE east coast alternatives while advancing plans for two new Fujairah facilities, signalling confidence in the emirate's strategic role in global trade.

Over nine months of operational continuity, DP World has successfully transported more than one million twenty-foot equivalent units from UAE east coast ports to Jebel Ali and domestic markets, building a comprehensive land and rail logistics network that now moves approximately 3,500 containers daily through customs-controlled corridors.

The achievement reflects a broader strategy to strengthen the emirate’s role as a resilient trade gateway. The operator has constructed a trucking network comprising more than 3,000 vehicles, of which 700 are owned by DP World, while establishing the Jebel Ali Rail Terminal and a 100,000-square-metre container depot in Al Awir to manage operational pressures. Cargo flows extend beyond the UAE through additional corridors via Sohar and Duqm in Oman, as well as connections through Jeddah, offering alternative pathways into the Gulf region.

Most significantly, DP World has accelerated the targeted opening of its two Fujairah terminals, bringing forward the phased commencement from an estimated 24 to 30 months to 18 to 24 months. Al Rugaylat, positioned near Fujairah International Airport, will accommodate approximately 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually alongside 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units. The Dibba General Cargo terminal will contribute up to 3.6 million tonnes of general cargo capacity, substantially expanding roll-on/roll-off capabilities across the emirate’s east coast operations.

The two developments represent an investment of around AED2.5 billion and will ultimately increase DP World’s total container-handling capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million to almost 22 million twenty-foot equivalent units annually. Both facilities will connect to Jebel Ali and Jafza through DP World’s inland logistics network, creating an integrated port system where cargo can route through the gateway best suited to its destination.

Jebel Ali Port itself has maintained operational continuity, with disruption since March limited to six hours. The port remains connected to more than 80 weekly services reaching 150 ports worldwide and handled 15.6 million containers in 2025. Jebel Ali Free Zone continues to flourish, hosting more than 12,000 companies across 57 square kilometres with occupancy exceeding 90 percent across all asset classes and land occupancy reaching 94 percent.

The strategy extends across the region. DP World’s South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port achieved record throughput levels in July and October 2026 following four to five years of expansion investment, with annual capacity now reaching 4 million containers. The operator is also preparing to open its US$250 million Jeddah Logistics Park in the first quarter of 2027, while continuing development of the Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone near the Oman-UAE border to strengthen cross-border connectivity.

Customs collaboration has proven essential to this resilience. Dubai Customs and Oman Customs activated the Green Corridor within 72 hours, allowing sealed containers to move directly to Jebel Ali under customs supervision. Between March and June, this facility facilitated trade flows worth approximately AED34 billion. Rail connectivity through Etihad Rail has further enabled cargo to shift from road to rail where feasible, improving efficiency across the logistics chain.

As reported in coverage of Fujairah’s government service excellence and its historic 7-star rating achievement, the emirate continues to strengthen its institutional frameworks. These infrastructure developments align with the UAE’s broader commitment to establishing world-class public services and seamless trade operations.

DP World has confirmed that no major regional investment projects have been suspended, with ongoing development across its network of ports, logistics services and economic zones to strengthen connectivity and resilience. Future priorities include pre-agreed customs protocols, pre-arrival cargo data exchange and permanent cross-border links to enable faster responses while maintaining secure trade flows.

Source: WAM