DP World to Develop Two New Port Terminals in Fujairah Under 50-Year Agreement
By Heba
DP World and Fujairah Ports Authority have reached an agreement in principle to develop two new terminals on the UAE’s east coast, strengthening Fujairah’s position as a major maritime and logistics hub.
The project will include new facilities at **Al Rugaylat** and **Dibba**, expanding the UAE’s container, general cargo and vehicle-handling capacity while giving businesses greater access to global shipping routes through the Arabian Sea. ([DP World](https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/dp-world-to-expand-uae-gateway-network-with-new-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DP WORLD TO EXPAND UAE GATEWAY NETWORK ..."))
## What has been announced?
DP World and Fujairah Ports Authority have agreed in principle to a **50-year concession** covering the development and operation of two new terminals.
The project is designed to create a deep-water trade gateway on the UAE’s eastern coastline. The facilities will be capable of serving modern cargo vessels, including the latest generation of large container ships. ([Dubai Eye 103.8](https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/dp-world-fujairah-ports-authority-sign-50-year-deal-for-new-arabian-sea-terminals/ "DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority sign 50-year deal for new Arabian Sea terminals - Dubai Eye 103.8 - News, Talk & Sports"))
## Where will the terminals be located?
The development will include:
- **Al Rugaylat Container and Multipurpose Terminal** - **Dibba General Cargo Terminal**
Each facility is expected to be connected to a dedicated logistics zone, creating an integrated trade and cargo-handling network in Fujairah. ([DP World](https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/dp-world-to-expand-uae-gateway-network-with-new-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DP WORLD TO EXPAND UAE GATEWAY NETWORK ..."))
## What capacity will Al Rugaylat Terminal have?
The planned Al Rugaylat terminal will be designed to handle up to:
- **2.5 million TEUs of containers annually** - **1.7 million tonnes of general cargo annually** - **190,000 car-equivalent units annually**
A TEU is the standard measurement used for a 20-foot shipping container, while car-equivalent units measure vehicle-handling capacity. ([Dubai Eye 103.8](https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/dp-world-fujairah-ports-authority-sign-50-year-deal-for-new-arabian-sea-terminals/ "DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority sign 50-year deal for new Arabian Sea terminals - Dubai Eye 103.8 - News, Talk & Sports"))
## What will the Dibba terminal handle?
The Dibba General Cargo Terminal is expected to add up to **3.6 million tonnes of annual general cargo capacity**.
This will support the movement of goods that may not be transported in standard containers, including heavy equipment, construction materials and other bulk or break-bulk cargo. ([Dubai Eye 103.8](https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/dp-world-fujairah-ports-authority-sign-50-year-deal-for-new-arabian-sea-terminals/ "DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority sign 50-year deal for new Arabian Sea terminals - Dubai Eye 103.8 - News, Talk & Sports"))
## How will the project affect DP World’s UAE capacity?
Once the two terminals become operational, DP World’s total container-handling capacity in the UAE is expected to rise from approximately **19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs annually**.
The expansion will also significantly increase the company’s capacity for general cargo and roll-on/roll-off operations, which are commonly used for cars, trucks and wheeled machinery. ([Dubai Eye 103.8](https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/dp-world-fujairah-ports-authority-sign-50-year-deal-for-new-arabian-sea-terminals/ "DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority sign 50-year deal for new Arabian Sea terminals - Dubai Eye 103.8 - News, Talk & Sports"))
## Will the Fujairah terminals connect with Jebel Ali?
Yes. DP World plans to link the two terminals with Jebel Ali Port through its inland logistics network.
The development will also be integrated with the Jebel Ali Free Zone, allowing cargo to move more efficiently between Fujairah, Jebel Ali, logistics hubs and final markets across the UAE. ([Dubai Eye 103.8](https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/dp-world-fujairah-ports-authority-sign-50-year-deal-for-new-arabian-sea-terminals/ "DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority sign 50-year deal for new Arabian Sea terminals - Dubai Eye 103.8 - News, Talk & Sports"))
## Why is Fujairah strategically important?
Fujairah is located on the UAE’s eastern coast, facing the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Its location gives vessels access to international shipping routes outside the Strait of Hormuz. Developing additional capacity in the emirate will give shipping companies and traders more options while strengthening the resilience of the UAE’s logistics network. ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/dp-world-build-two-new-terminals-uaes-eastern-coast-reducing-hormuz-reliance-2026-07-22/ "DP World to build two new terminals on UAE's eastern coast, reducing Hormuz reliance | Reuters"))
## When will construction begin?
An exact construction start date has not yet been announced.
DP World said the development would be completed in phases, with construction expected to take approximately **24 to 30 months from the start of work**. Financial details of the investment were also not disclosed. ([Dubai Eye 103.8](https://www.dubaieye1038.com/news/local/dp-world-fujairah-ports-authority-sign-50-year-deal-for-new-arabian-sea-terminals/ "DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority sign 50-year deal for new Arabian Sea terminals - Dubai Eye 103.8 - News, Talk & Sports"))
## What economic benefits could the project bring?
The two terminals are expected to support:
- New investment in Fujairah - Additional logistics and maritime jobs - Greater cargo-handling capacity - Improved access to international trade routes - Growth in supporting industries and logistics zones - Stronger connections between the UAE’s east and west coast ports
The project is also expected to strengthen Fujairah’s long-term development as a regional maritime gateway. ([DP World](https://www.dpworld.com/en/news/dp-world-to-expand-uae-gateway-network-with-new-fujairah-terminals?utm_source=chatgpt.com "DP WORLD TO EXPAND UAE GATEWAY NETWORK ..."))
## Why this matters
The development gives the UAE additional deep-water port capacity outside the Strait of Hormuz while complementing DP World’s operations at Jebel Ali.
For businesses, the terminals could offer more flexibility in moving containers, vehicles and general cargo. For Fujairah, the project could attract investment, create employment opportunities and increase the emirate’s role in regional and global trade.
## FAQs
### What terminals will DP World develop in Fujairah?
DP World plans to develop the Al Rugaylat Container and Multipurpose Terminal and the Dibba General Cargo Terminal.
### How long is the agreement?
The agreement in principle covers a **50-year concession** between DP World and Fujairah Ports Authority.
### How much container capacity will Al Rugaylat have?
The terminal is designed to handle up to **2.5 million TEUs annually**.
### What will the Dibba terminal handle?
It will focus on general cargo and is expected to add up to **3.6 million tonnes of annual capacity**.
### When will the terminals open?
No opening date has been announced. Construction is expected to take between 24 and 30 months from the date work begins.
### Will the terminals be connected to Jebel Ali?
Yes. They are expected to connect with Jebel Ali Port and JAFZA through DP World’s inland logistics network.
## Source Credits
Information source/resource owners: DP World, Fujairah Ports Authority, Dubai Media Office, Emirates News Agency, Reuters and ARN News.
## Image Credits
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at **[concerns@whatmatters.ae](mailto:concerns@whatmatters.ae)**.