Fujairah and DP World Strengthen Trade Capacity with 50-Year Concession for Two New Ports
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, recently oversaw the signing of a pivotal agreement between DP World and the Fujairah Ports Authority. This agreement, which establishes a 50-year concession for the development of two multi-purpose ports—Al Rughailat Container Port and Dibba Al Fujairah Port—marks a significant advancement in the UAE’s maritime infrastructure.
Strategic Vision for Fujairah
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World Group, and Mousa Murad, Director of Fujairah Port. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that this agreement is a strategic initiative that aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah. The aim is to bolster the emirate’s status as a global maritime and logistics hub.
Sheikh Mohammed articulated that the project is expected to enhance Fujairah’s economic infrastructure, attract high-quality investments, improve supply chain efficiency, and create new employment opportunities. Additionally, it aims to support sustainable development goals and strengthen the UAE’s competitive edge as a major center for global trade.
Enhancing Logistical Flexibility
The development of Al Rughailat and Dibba Al Fujairah ports is anticipated to significantly enhance logistical flexibility throughout the UAE. The new ports will provide increased capacity, broader trade options, and improved connectivity with both regional and international shipping routes.
The project will establish a new deep-water trade gateway for Fujairah, designed to accommodate the latest generation of large container vessels. Al Rughailat Port is projected to handle up to 2.5 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually, alongside 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEUs). Meanwhile, Dibba Al Fujairah Port is set to add an annual handling capacity of 3.6 million tonnes for general cargo.
Integration with Logistics Ecosystem
DP World and the Fujairah Ports Authority plan to integrate each port with dedicated logistics zones, thereby creating a comprehensive trade and logistics ecosystem along the Arabian Sea. This integration is expected to enhance Fujairah’s role in global maritime trade, leveraging its strategic location and direct access to key international shipping routes.
Once operational, the two ports will elevate DP World’s total container handling capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs. This expansion will also significantly boost capacity for general cargo and roll-on/roll-off vessel operations.
The ports will be interconnected with Jebel Ali through DP World’s logistics network and will be integrated with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). This connectivity will facilitate more efficient movement of goods between ports, logistics hubs, and end markets.
Phased Implementation and Economic Impact
The project will be executed in phases, with construction expected to take between 24 and 30 months from the commencement date. Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Department of Industry and Economy in Fujairah and Chairman of the Fujairah Ports Authority, stated that the initiative will accelerate growth in the trade and logistics sectors, thereby supporting the broader UAE economy.
He noted that the Al Rughailat and Dibba ports would offer world-class operational capabilities, expand capacity, and attract new investments to the emirate.
Essa Kazim remarked that the UAE’s status as a global trade and logistics hub has underpinned DP World’s success over the past four decades. He added that the new investment reflects confidence in the country’s future growth. Kazim emphasized that this project extends the significant advantages of Jebel Ali Port, one of the largest container ports globally, reaffirming a commitment to strengthening the UAE’s strategic role in global trade.
Transformative Development in Maritime Operations
Mousa Murad described the partnership as a transformative development that will enhance flexibility in maritime trade operations and support a modern economic ecosystem within the emirate.
Yuvraj Narayan, CEO of DP World Group, stated that Fujairah Port and Jebel Ali Port complement each other in providing an integrated supply chain for the movement of goods both within and beyond the UAE. He noted that this project will add capacity to support long-term growth and enhance supply chain resilience across DP World’s network in the country. This will provide traders with greater flexibility, wider choices, and a stronger logistics network for moving goods across the UAE and to global markets.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-07-22 18:09:00 • By the Editorial Desk
