DP World has reached a preliminary agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority to build two new port terminals on the east coast of the UAE. This expansion aims to enhance capacity at a key gateway located outside the Strait of Hormuz, providing regional shippers with more flexibility and resilience in their supply chains.
The agreement, set as a 50-year concession, includes the development of the Al Rugaylat container and multi-purpose terminal, as well as the Dibba General Cargo terminal. Together, these projects are expected to create a new deep-water trade gateway on the Gulf of Oman and strengthen connections with DP World’s existing logistics network at Jebel Ali.
Once completed, the Al Rugaylat terminal will be able to handle up to 2.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) each year, along with 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEUs). The Dibba terminal will add the capacity to manage up to 3.6 million tonnes of general cargo annually.
This expansion will raise DP World’s total container capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million TEUs to almost 22 million TEUs and will also boost its capabilities for general cargo and roll-on/roll-off services.
Fujairah, located on the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait of Hormuz, is already one of the world's largest bunkering hubs and plays an important role as a logistics gateway. The new terminals are expected to enhance its significance in regional and international trade by increasing its capacity for container, general cargo, and vehicle traffic.
The terminals will connect to Jebel Ali and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) via DP World’s inland logistics network, enabling cargo movement between ports, logistics centers, and inland markets as part of an integrated supply chain. Construction will be rolled out in phases and is projected to take between 24 and 30 months from the start of work.
H.H. Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Ports Authority, stated, “The partnership with DP World is a significant step forward in Fujairah’s growth as one of the region's key maritime gateways. The Al Rugaylat and Dibba terminals will deliver world-class operations, increased capacity, and new investments to the emirate.”
DP World Chairman Essa Kazim emphasized that the investment demonstrates the company’s long-term confidence in the UAE’s position as a global trade and logistics hub.
Kazim mentioned, “The UAE has been central to DP World’s journey for over four decades, and this investment underscores our belief in its future as a leading global trade and logistics center.”
Yuvraj Narayan, CEO of DP World Group, noted that the new facilities will complement Jebel Ali, which is currently operating at a high capacity, providing customers with additional options and more flexibility.
Narayan stated, “Fujairah enhances what Jebel Ali already offers — a cohesive, global platform for transporting goods throughout global supply chains, both within the UAE and beyond. With Jebel Ali reaching high utilization, this development will provide extra capacity to support future growth.”
Capt. Mousa Murad, Managing Director of Fujairah Ports Authority, added that the project will improve the emirate’s port infrastructure and enhance services for cargo owners and logistics providers by leveraging Fujairah's strategic position and DP World’s operational expertise.