DP World has unveiled a new expansion at its Jebel Ali Port, covering an area of 2.6 million square feet in Terminal 4, aimed at enhancing its logistics capabilities within the automotive sector. This development will add capacity for 13,000 vehicles, bringing the total storage capacity of the port to 75,000 vehicles, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s position as a key hub for automotive trade in the region.
The expansion features an 800-meter-long dock that can accommodate up to three roll-on/roll-off ships simultaneously. By relocating roll-on/roll-off operations from Terminal 1 to the newly designated area in Terminal 4, DP World aims to improve dock availability, reduce response times, and expand the port’s area to meet the growing demand from customers while preparing for future shipments.
Abdullah Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World, UAE and Middle East, stated, “Dubai focuses on strengthening its role as a global automotive trading center. This expansion allows automakers, traders, and logistics providers to connect more quickly and reliably with key markets in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.”
Shihab Al Jassmi, Senior Vice President of Ports and Terminals at DP World, noted, “This expansion represents a significant investment in customer service. The larger space, quicker service, and reliable dock availability are designed to support the growth of automotive supply chains.”
The increase in automotive capacity follows strong growth in vehicle handling volumes, with Jebel Ali Port receiving 545,000 vehicles in the first half of 2025, marking a 28% increase year-on-year. Imports accounted for 65% of the total rolling cargo at the port, primarily from countries such as China, Japan, Thailand, India, and South Korea.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy by DP World for the automotive sector, which includes plans to establish an advanced automotive market in Dubai that will span 20 million square feet, anticipated to be the largest of its kind in the world. These initiatives collectively support Dubai’s economic agenda, “D33,” aimed at doubling the size of the economy by 2033 and achieving global leadership in smart logistics services.