 |
| DP World |
DP World leverages the strength of its global network to ensure the flow of goods
DP World (DP World) affirmed that Jebel Ali Port remains a cornerstone of its operations and the backbone of its trade and logistics network, noting that approximately 80% of domestic shipments in the UAE pass through it. DP World explained to Emirates Today its operational mechanisms and the role it plays in ensuring the current flow of goods and the continuity of shipping for UAE companies. The company also highlighted its reliance on the broader regional network upon which its operations are built, and the modifications made to shipping routes through the use of customs-restricted and green lanes towards Jebel Ali.
The group revealed plans to expand the capacity of refrigerated trucks, deploy mobile power units for refrigerated containers, including solar panels and generators in busy yards, and accelerate shipping operations to Jebel Ali using pre-clearance procedures and simplified documentation.
green corridors
In detail, Ahmed Yousef Al Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World in the GCC, told Emirates Today that “to ensure the continuity of shipping for Emirati companies, DP World relies on the broader regional network on which its operations system is built, in light of the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”
He stressed that “ports such as Fujairah, Khor Fakkan, Sohar and Jeddah can accommodate the diverted volumes,” noting that DP World’s role is to support these ports and ensure the smooth flow of shipping to the UAE.
He added that “DP World is managing the current situation, through the use of customs-restricted lanes towards Jebel Ali, and with the support of 24-hour truck traffic across Dubai’s road network, and with the permission of the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police.”
Al-Hassan explained: “Approximately $3.5 billion worth of trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz daily, so any partial disruption has cascading effects. However, the region has rallied together, with rapid coordination between the ports, the Ports Authority, customs, the free zone, and other regional authorities, which has reduced the bureaucratic complexities that you might find elsewhere.”
Regarding the modifications to shipping routes, Al-Hassan said that “DP World moved quickly to support the system outside the scope of its stations, by expanding the capacity of refrigerated containers and providing mobile power units to protect shipments of food and medicine.”
He confirmed that “the work was carried out in cooperation with the ports of Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, and Sohar to activate internal customs-restricted corridors that transport goods to Jebel Ali for expedited clearance, while increasing the pace of land transport to more than 1,500 trucks daily, with thousands of trips already completed, supported by official procedures from the relevant authorities.” He added, “These green corridors are based on official procedures from Dubai Customs and the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.”
Jebel Ali Port
Regarding the importance of Jebel Ali Port in relieving pressure and redistributing goods throughout the region, Al Hassan said that Jebel Ali Port remains a pillar of the system and the backbone of trade and logistics.
He added: “About 80% of local shipments in the UAE pass through it, and last year alone we handled about 750,000 standard containers of basic goods, mostly food, animal feed and medicines.”
Al-Hassan continued: “Even when shipments enter through alternative ports, they still need customs clearance, distribution, and integration into the UAE economy. This is where the pivotal role of Jebel Ali Port comes in, transforming these individual ports into an integrated logistics network.”
Goods priority
In response to a question regarding which categories of goods are prioritized, and how the arrival of essential supplies to the market is ensured without delay, Al Hassan said: “Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE’s needs for essential goods have been identified, and demand has been unified based on local consumption patterns,” noting that “essential shipments are given priority at every stage, at berth, in cargo yard operations, during customs clearance, and in land transport, to minimize their time in congested areas as much as possible.”
He continued: “We expanded the capacity of refrigerated trucks, deployed mobile power units for refrigerated containers including solar panels and generators in busy yards, invested in additional power outlets on existing routes, and accelerated shipping operations to (Jebel Ali) using pre-clearance procedures and simplified documentation. We also worked with shipping lines to allocate loading capacity for these priority goods, based on a detailed study approved by the authorities.”
He added: “As for food and beverages alone, India and Pakistan together account for about 30% of our imports through (Jebel Ali),” noting that DP World’s regional shipping services from India and Pakistan are crucial to maintaining the stability of this flow.
Al-Hassan continued: “We also support the UAE government in identifying a second category of essential goods, particularly local manufacturing inputs, to ensure the continuation of local production.”
Cost pressures
Regarding the pressures on costs in the shipping, storage and delivery sectors, and how they are being dealt with, Al-Hassan said: “There are escalating pressures, mainly driven by global factors such as war risk insurance, changing ship routes, and capacity adjustments, in addition to increased demand for land transport, higher fuel costs, more complex multimodal transport solutions, longer land transport distances, and capacity constraints in the land transport sector,” noting that “these factors combined contribute to creating a more costly operating environment for trade and logistics companies.”
He added: “Our focus at DP World locally is on reducing costs that we can control by improving delivery times and avoiding unnecessary delays,” noting that the UAE is taking measures to protect consumers, and there is close coordination with the sector to mitigate the impact on them.
60 ports and terminals... and a presence in 80 countries
In response to a question about DP World’s wider network and how it is being used to redirect or stabilize supply chains linked to the UAE, Ahmed Yousef Al Hassan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World in the GCC, said: “One of DP World’s greatest strengths is the size of its extensive network. The group operates more than 60 ports and terminals around the world and has a presence in more than 80 countries, with over 300 shipping offices, giving it great flexibility.”
He added: “In Saudi Arabia, approximately $1 billion has been invested in upgrading the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port and developing the adjacent Jeddah Logistics Complex. In India, the network includes container terminals extending from Nhwa Sheva Port to Mundra Port, Chennai, and Kochi. In Pakistan, the group operates Port Qasim in Karachi.”
He continued: “We use our ports in the region as consolidation points for shipments, supporting alternative routes to the UAE,” noting that “at times like these, we can leverage DP World’s extensive network, in addition to inland connectivity services and land-based solutions, to ensure the continuity of supply chains.”
Protecting the flow of goods
The CEO and Managing Director of DP World in the GCC, Ahmed Yousef Al Hassan, affirmed that DP World’s top priorities are protecting the flow of essential goods: food, medicine, and vital raw materials for manufacturers, supporting the stability of the wider regional logistics system, including alternative ports and transport networks, as well as enhancing coordination and transparency among all stakeholders, including ports, customs, shipping lines, and land transport operators, to ensure that all decisions are based on shared data
AD Ports Group leverages integrated logistics network to ensure trade resilience, strengthen regional supply chains#WamNews https://t.co/v7c0BOo1lF pic.twitter.com/K0ne5tKEnu
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) April 16, 2026
6 Comments
Relying so heavily on Jebel Ali Port could pose a significant risk if any major disruption occurs.
ReplyDeleteWhile Jebel Ali Port handles a large share of shipments, the strategy clearly shows diversification through multiple regional ports and inland corridors, which helps reduce risk and ensure continuity even during disruptions.
DeleteIt’s impressive how DP World is leveraging its regional network and green corridors to maintain the smooth flow of goods despite ongoing challenges.
ReplyDeleteThe critical role of Jebel Ali Port in handling 80% of UAE shipments really highlights its importance in keeping supply chains stable and efficient.
ReplyDeleteRising logistics and transportation costs remain a concern, and despite efforts by DP World, these increases may ultimately impact consumers.
ReplyDeleteRising costs are a global challenge, but DP World is actively working to minimize the impact by improving efficiency, speeding up clearance processes, and coordinating closely with authorities to protect end consumers as much as possible.
Delete