DP World’s flagship Dubai port, Jebel Ali Port, broke its nine-year-old record in monthly container throughput in July by handling 1,400,000 TEUs, topping its previous high set in 2015. The port’s record-breaking performance reflects the UAE’s fast-increasing bilateral trade volumes, driven by strong inbound cargo movement from key Asian markets. The growth of Jebel Ali Port is a testament to Dubai’s economic vision and regional trade goals, highlighted by the ongoing expansion of Jafza, which hosts nearly 10,500 companies and attracts leading international corporations. DP World’s Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, emphasized Jebel Ali’s contribution to Dubai’s economy and global trade hub status, expressing a commitment to innovation and further growth.
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & managing director of DP World GCC, highlighted the port’s commitment to excellence in global trade, attributing its success to strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and the robust trade environment in Jafza and Dubai. The record-breaking performance at Jebel Ali Port is a result of DP World’s dedication to leveraging global opportunities and national trade agreements. The UAE’s proactive efforts to enhance bilateral trade through Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (Cepas) have further boosted trade volumes, with recent agreements expected to increase container traffic through Jebel Ali Port. DP World’s strategic focus on expanding logistics and digital platforms will elevate operational capabilities and customer service offerings, contributing to continued growth globally.
DP World’s success extends beyond Jebel Ali Port, with total consolidated throughput for the group reaching 42,580,000 TEUs, up 6.8% compared to the same period in 2023. The company’s strategic focus on enhancing operational capabilities and customer service offerings will leverage national trade agreements and drive continued growth in global trade. AD Ports Group, owned by ADQ, has also experienced rapid growth, reaching the global top 20 rankings of port operators for the first time according to a recent industry survey by Drewry. The company’s expansion includes new operational concessions and the 2023 acquisition of Noatum, which manages 16 terminals in Spain, contributing to its increasing significance in global trade.
AD Ports Group currently operates 33 terminals across eight countries, with plans to open new terminals in the UAE and concessions in other countries, highlighting its continued growth trajectory. The recent recognition by Drewry in the 2024/2025 annual industry report assesses operators based on container throughput volume, showcasing the increasing significance of AD Ports Group’s operations. As the UAE continues to strengthen bilateral trade through trade agreements, the success of Jebel Ali Port and AD Ports Group’s operations underscore the country’s position as a key player in global trade. With strategic investments in technology, infrastructure, and operational capabilities, both DP World and AD Ports Group are poised for continued success in the global maritime industry.
