DP World has signed an agreement in principle with the Fujairah Ports Authority to develop two new port terminals on the UAE’s east coast under a 50-year concession, significantly expanding the country’s maritime infrastructure and strengthening regional supply chain resilience.
The project includes the development of the Al Rugaylat Container and Multi-Purpose Terminal and the Dibba General Cargo Terminal, creating a new deep-water trade gateway outside the Strait of Hormuz and enhancing connectivity across regional and global trade routes.
The Al Rugaylat terminal will be designed to accommodate the latest generation of Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) and will have an annual handling capacity of 2.5 million TEUs, 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo, and 190,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs). The Dibba terminal will add 3.6 million tonnes of annual general cargo handling capacity.
Upon completion, the new facilities will increase DP World’s total container handling capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs, while also expanding its general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) capabilities.
The terminals will be integrated with DP World’s inland logistics network, linking them to Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza). This integrated network will enable more efficient cargo movement between ports, logistics hubs and end markets across the UAE, offering customers greater flexibility and improved supply chain efficiency.
The project will be developed in phases, with construction expected to take 24 to 30 months from commencement.
The development further reinforces Fujairah’s growing importance as a global maritime hub. Located on the Gulf of Oman, the emirate offers direct access to international shipping lanes outside the Strait of Hormuz, making it an increasingly strategic location for global trade and logistics investments.
Sheikh Saleh Bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Ports Authority, described the partnership as a major milestone in Fujairah’s transformation into one of the region’s leading maritime gateways. He said the new terminals would bring world-class operational capabilities, increased capacity and fresh investment while creating long-term benefits for customers, local communities and the UAE economy.
Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World, said the investment reflects the company’s confidence in the UAE’s continued growth as a leading global trade and logistics hub, adding that the project builds on the strengths of Jebel Ali and further enhances the country’s strategic position in international trade.
Yuvraj Narayan, Group Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said the Fujairah development will complement DP World’s integrated logistics platform, providing customers with greater flexibility, additional capacity and enhanced supply chain resilience to support long-term trade growth.
Mousa Murad, Managing Director of Fujairah Ports Authority, said the project will significantly strengthen Fujairah’s port infrastructure by combining the emirate’s strategic location with DP World’s operational expertise, improving connectivity and delivering world-class port services for cargo owners and logistics customers.
