Jebel Ali Port, DP World’s flagship Dubai port, has surpassed its nine-year-old record in monthly container throughput, handling 1,400,000 TEUs in July, surpassing the previous high set in 2015. This milestone underscores the UAE’s rapidly growing bilateral trade volumes, catalyzed by a series of free trade agreements. The port’s robust performance in the first half of the year, handling 7.3 million TEUs, a 3.9 percent increase year-on-year, is driven by strong inbound cargo movements, notably from key Asian markets such as China, Japan, and South Korea. DP World attributes this record-breaking performance to the sustained growth of Dubai, aligned with the strategic objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The expansion of Jafza, now home to nearly 10,500 companies, plays a crucial role in boosting container traffic through Jebel Ali Port. This expansion continues to attract major international corporations, enhancing trade volumes and economic diversification. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and CEO of DP World Group, highlighted Jebel Ali’s pivotal role in driving trade and economic growth in Dubai and the broader region for over 45 years. He emphasized the port’s significance as a cornerstone of DP World’s global network, significantly contributing to Dubai’s economic vision and regional trade.
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & managing director of DP World GCC, noted that the new record at Jebel Ali Port underscores DP World’s commitment to excellence in global trade. The port’s consistent ability to break new ground in container handling is a result of strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and the robust trade environment in Jafza and Dubai. DP World anticipates continued growth by leveraging its global network and the promising trade opportunities arising from national trade agreements. The UAE’s proactive efforts to strengthen bilateral trade through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (Cepas) have facilitated increased bilateral trade volumes, benefiting from reduced tariffs, enhanced market access, and strengthened trade ties with global partners.
Recent trade agreements with Chile, Mauritius, Colombia, and South Korea are expected to further boost container traffic through Jebel Ali Port. Additionally, DP World’s strategic focus on expanding its logistics and digital platforms will enhance operational capabilities and elevate customer service offerings, contributing to sustained growth. The performance of Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group is another testament to the UAE’s thriving global trade, following a series of recent trade agreements. AD Ports Group, owned by ADQ, has entered the global top 20 rankings of port operators for the first time, according to a recent industry survey by Drewry.
This achievement underscores the increasing significance of AD Ports Group’s operations, driven by rapid growth due to new operational concessions and the 2023 acquisition of Noatum, which manages 16 terminals in Spain. Currently, AD Ports Group operates 33 terminals across eight countries, including the UAE, Spain, and Pakistan, with 27 terminals already in operation. New terminals are scheduled to open in the UAE, alongside concessions in the Republic of Congo, Egypt, and Angola. The latest Drewry ranking, featured in the 2024/2025 annual industry report, assessed operators based on container throughput—measured by volume—using data from 2022/2023.
