DP World has opened a new vehicle storage yard at Jebel Ali Port, expanding its automotive logistics capacity by nearly 21% as demand for car shipments continues to grow.
Yard upgrade at Terminal 4
The new 2.6 million square foot yard at Terminal 4 adds space for 13,000 car equivalent units (CEUs), increasing total storage capacity at the port to 75,000 CEUs. The area includes an 800-metre quay capable of handling three roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels at the same time.
DP World has also shifted RoRo operations from Terminal 1 to the upgraded facility at Terminal 4. The move is intended to improve berth availability, reduce turnaround times, and increase overall port efficiency.
Growth in vehicle volumes
In the first half of 2025, Jebel Ali Port handled 545,000 vehicles, a 28% rise compared to the same period last year. Imports made up 65% of the total volume, mainly from China, Japan, Thailand, India and South Korea.
“Dubai is scaling up its role as a global automotive trade hub and this expansion gives car manufacturers, dealers, and logistics providers faster, more reliable access to key markets across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC.
The yard expansion is part of DP World’s broader automotive logistics strategy, which also includes plans for a 20 million square foot advanced car market in Dubai—expected to be the largest of its kind globally.
“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,” said Shahab Al Jassmi, SVP – Commercial, Ports and Terminals, DP World GCC.
These developments align with Dubai’s D33 agenda, which aims to double the city’s economy by 2033 and enhance its role in global logistics.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
