DP World’s Jebel Ali Port Expansion Drives Automotive Trade Growth

In a bold move to cement Dubai’s status as a global automotive trade hub, DP World has unveiled a transformative expansion of its automotive logistics infrastructure at Jebel Ali Port. The launch of a colossal 2.6 million square foot vehicle yard at Terminal 4 marks a significant milestone in the port’s evolution, boosting its vehicle storage capacity by 13,000 car equivalent units (CEUs). This upgrade elevates the total capacity to an impressive 75,000 CEUs, reflecting a 21% increase. As the Middle East’s automotive trade surges, this strategic investment positions Jebel Ali Port as a pivotal gateway for car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics providers targeting markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Surging Demand Drives Automotive Logistics Growth

The automotive industry in the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented growth, with Jebel Ali Port at the forefront of this transformation. In the first half of 2025, the port recorded a 28% year-on-year increase in roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) volumes, handling a staggering 545,000 vehicles. Imports, which account for 65% of this total, are primarily sourced from automotive powerhouses such as China, Japan, Thailand, India, and South Korea. This surge in demand underscores the need for enhanced infrastructure to accommodate the growing influx of vehicles and ensure seamless operations.

DP World’s response to this demand is both strategic and forward-thinking. By expanding its vehicle yard and relocating RoRo operations from Terminal 1 to a purpose-built zone at Terminal 4, the company is addressing the logistical challenges of a rapidly evolving market. The new 800-metre quay at Terminal 4, capable of handling up to three RoRo vessels simultaneously, is a testament to DP World’s commitment to improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times.

Key Features of the Terminal 4 Expansion

The relocation of RoRo operations to Terminal 4 is a game-changer for Jebel Ali Port. The dedicated automotive zone is designed to streamline operations and enhance the port’s capacity to handle high volumes of vehicles. Key highlights of the expansion include:

• Increased Storage Capacity: The addition of 2.6 million square feet of yard space boosts the port’s storage capacity to 75,000 CEUs, a 21% increase from its previous capacity. This ensures ample space for vehicle storage and efficient inventory management.
• Advanced Quay Infrastructure: The new 800-metre quay at Terminal 4 can accommodate three RoRo vessels at once, significantly improving berth availability and reducing wait times for shipping lines.
• Optimized Operations: By consolidating RoRo operations in a purpose-built zone, DP World has optimized port-wide operations, enabling faster processing and delivery of vehicles to their destinations.
• Customer-Centric Design: The expansion is tailored to meet the needs of car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics providers, offering quicker service and reliable access to key markets.

These enhancements are not just about increasing capacity; they are about creating a more efficient, reliable, and scalable automotive supply chain that can support the region’s growth.

DP World’s Vision for a Global Automotive Hub

DP World’s leadership has been vocal about the strategic importance of this expansion. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, emphasized Dubai’s growing role in global trade: “Dubai is scaling up its position as a global automotive trade hub, and this expansion ensures car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics providers have faster, more reliable access to critical markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.”

This sentiment is echoed by Shahab Al Jassmi, SVP – Commercial, Ports and Terminals, DP World GCC, who highlighted the customer-centric approach of the project: “This is a customer-focused investment. More yard space, quicker service, and reliable berth availability are all designed to help the automotive supply chain grow.”

The expansion is a cornerstone of DP World’s broader automotive strategy, which includes ambitious plans to develop a 20 million square foot advanced car market in Dubai. Set to become the world’s largest, this car market will further solidify Dubai’s position as a global leader in automotive logistics. These developments align seamlessly with Dubai’s D33 agenda, a visionary plan to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and establish it as a global smart logistics hub.

Economic and Strategic Implications

The expansion of Jebel Ali Port’s automotive infrastructure has far-reaching implications for the region’s economy and trade landscape. By increasing its capacity to handle vehicles, the port is poised to attract more business from global car manufacturers and shipping lines, driving economic growth in Dubai and the broader UAE. The enhanced infrastructure also strengthens the Middle East’s position as a key node in the global automotive supply chain, facilitating trade with emerging markets in Africa and Asia.

Moreover, the expansion creates opportunities for local businesses, including logistics providers, dealerships, and aftermarket service providers. The increased efficiency and capacity at Jebel Ali Port translate into faster delivery times, lower costs, and improved reliability for customers, ultimately benefiting consumers across the region.

Why This Matters for Businesses and Consumers

For businesses in the automotive sector, the expansion of Jebel Ali Port offers significant advantages. Car manufacturers and dealers can leverage the increased storage capacity and streamlined operations to meet growing consumer demand in the Middle East and beyond. Logistics providers benefit from reduced turnaround times and improved berth availability, enabling them to optimize their operations and reduce costs.

Consumers, on the other hand, stand to gain from faster delivery times and a wider selection of vehicles. As imports from major automotive markets like China, Japan, and South Korea continue to grow, buyers in the UAE and neighboring regions will have access to the latest models at competitive prices.

Alignment with Dubai’s D33 Agenda

Dubai’s D33 agenda is a bold vision to transform the emirate into one of the world’s top three urban economies by 2033. Central to this plan is the development of advanced logistics infrastructure to support global trade. DP World’s expansion at Jebel Ali Port is a critical step toward achieving this goal, as it enhances Dubai’s capacity to handle high-value trade sectors like automotive logistics.

By investing in state-of-the-art facilities and leveraging cutting-edge technology, DP World is helping Dubai position itself as a global leader in smart logistics. The planned 20 million square foot car market is a further testament to this commitment, promising to create a one-stop hub for automotive trade and innovation.

The Future of Automotive Logistics in the Middle East

As global trade dynamics evolve, the Middle East is emerging as a critical hub for automotive logistics. The region’s strategic location, bridging Asia, Africa, and Europe, makes it an ideal gateway for vehicle imports and exports. DP World’s investment in Jebel Ali Port positions Dubai at the heart of this transformation, enabling the emirate to capture a larger share of the global automotive market.

Looking ahead, the expansion sets the stage for further innovations in logistics technology and supply chain management. From automated vehicle handling systems to real-time tracking and data analytics, DP World is poised to lead the way in creating a smarter, more efficient automotive supply chain.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the expansion brings significant opportunities, it also comes with challenges. The rapid growth in vehicle imports places pressure on port operations, requiring continuous investment in infrastructure and technology to maintain efficiency. Additionally, global supply chain disruptions, such as those caused by geopolitical tensions or economic shifts, could impact the flow of vehicles through Jebel Ali Port.

However, these challenges are outweighed by the opportunities. By positioning itself as a global automotive trade hub, Dubai can attract new investments, create jobs, and drive economic diversification. The expansion also opens the door for partnerships with global car manufacturers and logistics providers, fostering innovation and collaboration.

A Bold Step Toward a Smarter Future

DP World’s expansion of Jebel Ali Port’s automotive logistics infrastructure is a landmark achievement that reinforces Dubai’s position as a global trade powerhouse. With a 2.6 million square foot vehicle yard, a state-of-the-art 800-metre quay, and a customer-centric approach, the port is well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly growing automotive market. As Dubai pursues its D33 agenda, initiatives like this will play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and establishing the emirate as a global smart logistics hub.

For businesses and consumers, the expansion translates into faster, more reliable access to vehicles and automotive services. For the Middle East, it signals a new era of trade and innovation, with Jebel Ali Port at the forefront. As DP World continues to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure and technology, the future of automotive logistics in the region looks brighter than ever.