Photo Crdit : WAM
DP World has signed a 50-year concession agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority to develop two new multipurpose port terminals, a major project set to expand the UAE’s maritime and logistics capacity while reinforcing Fujairah’s role as a global trade gateway.
The agreement was signed in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, along with Essa Kazim, Chairman of DP World, and Capt. Mousa Murad, Managing Director of Fujairah Ports Authority.
Under the long-term concession, DP World will develop the Al Rugaylat Container Terminal and Dibba Al Fujairah Port, significantly increasing container, general cargo and vehicle handling capacity in the emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed described the agreement as a strategic milestone aligned with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global maritime and logistics hub.
He said the project would enhance Fujairah’s economic infrastructure, attract high-value investments, improve supply chain efficiency, create employment opportunities and support the UAE’s long-term sustainable development goals while boosting its global trade competitiveness.
Capacity expansion
The Al Rugaylat terminal is designed 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 will add capacity to process up to 3.6 million tonnes of general cargo each year.
Once operational, the two terminals will increase DP World’s total container handling capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs, while substantially expanding its general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) capabilities.
Integrated logistics network
The new facilities will be connected to Jebel Ali Port through DP World’s inland logistics network and integrated with Jafza, creating a seamless supply chain that allows cargo to move more efficiently between ports, logistics centres and end markets across the UAE.
Construction will be carried out in phases and is expected to take between 24 and 30 months from the start of development.
Leadership comments
H.H. Sheikh Saleh bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Ports Authority, said the partnership represents another important step in Fujairah’s evolution as one of the region’s key maritime gateways.
He said the Al Rugaylat and Dibba terminals would introduce world-class operating standards, increase capacity and attract fresh investment that would benefit customers, local communities and the wider UAE economy.
DP World Chairman Essa Kazim said the investment reflects the company’s long-standing confidence in the UAE, where it has operated for more than four decades.
He added that the expansion builds on the success of Jebel Ali Port while reinforcing the UAE’s strategic importance in global trade and logistics.
Capt. Mousa Murad, Managing Director of Fujairah Ports Authority, said the development would strengthen Fujairah’s port infrastructure by combining the emirate’s strategic location with DP World’s operational expertise to deliver efficient, internationally competitive terminals.
Yuvraj Narayan, Group Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said the Fujairah expansion complements Jebel Ali by providing additional capacity to meet growing trade demand.
He noted that the new terminals will offer cargo owners greater flexibility, more routing options and improved supply chain resilience across the UAE and international markets.
