Why DP World is planning a second UAE gateway beyond the Strait of Hormuz

DP World is planning a new multipurpose port and container terminal in Fujairah, giving the UAE a second strategic maritime gateway outside the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows recent disruptions that reportedly caused container activity at Jebel Ali Port, which handled 15.6 million TEUs in 2025, to fall by as much as 90–95% during the crisis.

The proposed facility, expected to become operational in around 18 months, would allow cargo to arrive on the Gulf of Oman before moving by road to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other UAE logistics hubs. Initial investment is expected to run into hundreds of millions of dollars, while complementary infrastructure—including pipelines, highways and rail links—is also being expanded to strengthen supply chain resilience.

Although the project will require significant capital expenditure, the long-term benefits could outweigh the costs by reducing dependence on a single maritime chokepoint, lowering disruption risks, minimizing cargo delays and protecting trade flows during geopolitical tensions. The strategy also aligns with the UAE's broader ambition to expand foreign trade and strengthen its position as a global logistics hub.

For global shippers, the additional gateway could improve network reliability and supply chain continuity, particularly if geopolitical uncertainty in the Gulf persists over the coming years, including during the current U.S. administration's trade-focused policy environment.