DP World increased its car logistics capability substantially to cater to increased demand at Jebel Ali Port, with the addition of a new 2.6 million square foot car storage facility at Terminal 4.
The increase adds 13,000 CEUs (car equivalent units), and the port capacity now stands at 75,000 CEUs, further solidifying Dubai as the Middle East’s preferred center for automotive trade.
The expansion includes an 800-metre quay with the capacity to handle a maximum of three roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships at the same time.
By transferring RoRo business from Terminal 1 into the new dedicated part of Terminal 4, DP World is enhancing berth capacity, reducing turnaround times and increasing port space in an attempt to meet increasing customer demand and future volumes.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, Managing Director and CEO, DP World GCC, commented: “Dubai is positioning itself as a regional automotive trading hub and this expansion provides car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics operators with quicker, more efficient access to strategic markets throughout the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.”
Shahab Al Jassmi, SVP – Commercial, Ports and Terminals, DP World GCC, said: “This is an investment that’s customer-led. Additional yard capacity, faster service and guaranteed berth availability are all intended to enable the automotive supply chain to expand.”
The announcement follows the period of highest growth in vehicle volumes. Jebel Ali saw 5,45,000 vehicles enter the port during the first half of 2025, a 28% rise over the same first six months of the previous year. Imports made up 65% of the total, all largely from China, Japan, Thailand, India and South Korea.
The expansion is part of DP World’s broader automotive strategy, which includes plans for a 20 million sqft advanced car market in Dubai, set to be the largest in the world. Together, these projects support Dubai’s D33 agenda to double its economy by 2033 and become a global leader in smart logistics.
