DP World Signs 50-Year Deal to Develop Fujairah's Al Rughayalat and Dibba Ports

Dubai: DP World has signed a 50-year concession agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority to develop and operate Al Rughayalat Port and Dibba Port, a landmark project that will significantly strengthen the UAE's maritime infrastructure and expand the country's logistics capabilities on the east coast. 

The agreement, signed in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, aims to establish a new deep-water commercial gateway on the Arabian Sea, providing businesses with an additional route into the UAE while improving access to regional and global shipping lanes. 

Under the project, Al Rughayalat Port will have the capacity to handle up to 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, along with 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEUs). Dibba Port will add 3.6 million tonnes of annual general cargo capacity, expanding Fujairah's role as a key logistics hub. 

Both ports will be integrated with dedicated logistics zones and connected to Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) through DP World's domestic logistics network. The enhanced connectivity is expected to provide importers, exporters and shipping companies with greater flexibility while strengthening supply chain resilience across the UAE. 

DP World said the development will increase its container-handling capacity in the UAE from 19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs once both terminals become operational. The expansion will also boost the country's capabilities in general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) operations. 

Construction will be carried out in phases and is expected to take 24 to 30 months. The project is anticipated to attract new investment, create employment opportunities and support the continued growth of Fujairah as one of the region's leading maritime and logistics centres. 

Officials from DP World and the Fujairah Ports Authority described the agreement as a major milestone that reinforces the UAE's position as a global trade and logistics hub while supporting long-term economic growth and international connectivity.