DP World accelerates Fujairah port development amid Hormuz disruptions
DP World is accelerating the development of two new port terminals in Fujairah as the United Arab Emirates expands alternative cargo routes to reduce the impact of shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a report by Gulf News, the Dubai-based port operator has brought forward the targeted start of phased operations at the Al Rugaylat and Dibba terminals to within 18–24 months, compared with its previous estimate of 24–30 months. The developments involve an investment of approximately AED 2.5 billion and are intended to provide additional maritime access on the UAE’s eastern coast, outside the Strait of Hormuz.
The revised timetable comes as DP World continues to manage substantial cargo volumes through alternative transport corridors. Between early March and the end of October 2026, the company moved more than one million TEU from eastern ports to Jebel Ali and domestic markets using road and rail connections, Gulf News reported.
Alternative corridors support UAE cargo flows
Speaking during a media briefing cited by Gulf News, Shehab Mohamad Aljasmi, Chief Commercial Officer, Ports and Terminals at DP World GCC, outlined the scale of the logistics network established to maintain cargo movements during the disruption.
DP World has established a trucking network of more than 3,000 vehicles, including approximately 700 company-owned trucks. Around 3,500 TEU are currently moving through the alternative land corridors each day, with additional connections involving Sohar and Duqm in Oman and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
The arrangements allow cargo arriving at ports outside the Strait of Hormuz to move overland to Jebel Ali for customs clearance, storage and onward distribution. Supporting measures include the opening of the Jebel Ali Rail Terminal and the establishment of a 100,000-square-metre empty-container depot in Al Awir.
According to Aljasmi, Jebel Ali Port has remained operational throughout the crisis, with interruptions totalling approximately six hours. The company has also maintained its equipment and operational readiness in preparation for the return of regular shipping services.
DP World expects shipping services and cargo volumes at Jebel Ali to recover within one to three months after safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is restored. Discussions with nine shipping lines in Asia have indicated interest in returning, although the pace of recovery will depend on vessel repositioning and the reorganisation of shipping networks.
Fujairah terminals to expand port capacity
The Fujairah development covers the Al Rugaylat container and multipurpose terminal and the Dibba General Cargo terminal, under a 50-year concession arrangement.
Al Rugaylat is designed to handle approximately 2.5 million TEU annually, together with 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units. The facility will be capable of accommodating ultra-large containerships, while Dibba will provide annual capacity for up to 3.6 million tonnes of general cargo.
Once operational, the facilities are expected to increase DP World’s total UAE container-handling capacity from 19.4 million TEU to almost 22 million TEU. Both terminals will be connected to Jebel Ali and the Jebel Ali Free Zone through the company’s inland logistics network.
The accelerated programme reflects a broader effort to establish additional maritime gateways and strengthen connections between ports, customs facilities and inland distribution centres.
DP World is also continuing its regional investment programme, including the development of its logistics park in Jeddah, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027.
The expansion of Fujairah’s port infrastructure is expected to provide the UAE with greater flexibility in managing cargo flows during future disruptions, while supporting longer-term growth in international trade and logistics activities.
