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DP World and the Fujairah Ports Authority signed a joint agreement on Wednesday to establish two multipurpose container terminals along the Arabian Sea, under a 50-year investment concession covering the Al Righailat Container Terminal and Dibba Port Fujairah, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM).

This step comes within the framework of ongoing efforts to develop port infrastructure and strengthen the country's position as a leading regional and global center in the transport and maritime shipping sector.

The agency explained that Al Righailat Port is planned to accommodate 2.5 million standard containers annually, in addition to 1.7 million tons of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEU), while Dibba Port will add an annual general cargo capacity of up to 3.6 million tons.

DP World Group and Fujairah Ports Authority plan to integrate each port with its own logistics zone, which will form an integrated system for trade and logistics services on the Arabian Sea for the UAE, according to the agency.

The two new terminals will be linked to Jebel Ali via DP World Group's internal logistics services network, and will be integrated with the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), expanding the scope of DP World's integrated supply chain in the UAE, and enabling customers to move goods more efficiently between ports, logistics centers, and end markets.

The project is scheduled to be completed in successive phases, with the construction period estimated between 24 and 30 months from the actual start date of work.

Sheikh Saleh bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Department of Industry and Economy in Fujairah and Chairman of the Fujairah Ports Authority, said: 'We look forward to working with DP World to complete a project that contributes to doubling the growth of trade and logistics sectors, and the UAE economy in general. This new development project is one of the most important maritime gateways in the UAE and in Fujairah specifically; Al Righailat and Dibba ports will provide world-class operational capabilities, expand capacity, and attract new investments to Fujairah.'

Captain Mousa Murad, Director General of the Fujairah Ports Authority, stressed that 'the new partnership between DP World and the port is a qualitative leap and a distinguished vision for the future that will allow more flexibility in maritime commercial operations,' noting that 'Fujairah's attractive investment location and flexible economic laws will contribute to providing a modern economic system and a fruitful partnership.'

For his part, Issa Kazim, Chairman of DP World Group, said: 'The unique status that the UAE enjoys on the international stage is the solid foundation from which the group launched its successful journey for more than four decades, and the new investment reflects the group’s confidence in the promising future in which the UAE strengthens its role as one of the most important trade and logistics centers in the world.'

He added: 'Building on the great advantages of Jebel Ali Port among the most important and largest container ports in the world, this project confirms our commitment to enhancing the strategic role of the UAE at the heart of global trade as one of its most important axes.'

Yuvraj Narayan, CEO of DP World Group, said: 'Both Fujairah Port and Jebel Ali Port complement each other in providing an integrated supply chain for the transportation of goods within and outside the UAE. This project, together with Jebel Ali Port operating at full capacity, will provide additional capacity to support long-term growth and enhance supply chain resilience through DP World's network in the country, which will mean for trade sectors greater flexibility, wider options, and a stronger network for transporting goods in the UAE and to various regions of the world.'

This vital project crowns a long journey of continuous development in the UAE’s logistics sector, benefiting from DP World’s accumulated expertise and the strategic location of the Emirate of Fujairah. It is expected that linking the two new terminals to the Jebel Ali network will create smoother and more flexible trade corridors, supporting the flow of goods with high efficiency locally and regionally. This long-term investment reflects the commitment of the relevant authorities to expand economic horizons and diversify income sources, meeting the requirements of future international trade movement and responding to the accelerating growth in global markets.