DP World has achieved a significant milestone in 2024, processing a record 1.3 million vehicles across its Dubai terminals. This figure represents a 53.6% increase from the previous year and stands as the highest volume in the company’s history. The flagship Jebel Ali Port was pivotal in this achievement, managing nearly 960,000 units and reinforcing its status as the region’s premier automotive hub. The remaining vehicles were handled at Mina Al Hamriya and Mina Rashid, further solidifying Dubai’s role as a critical gateway for vehicle imports and exports in the Gulf region.
China emerged as the top trading partner, contributing approximately 25% of the total vehicle volumes. Following China, Japan, Korea, and India were also significant contributors to the vehicle throughput. This surge in vehicle movement underscores the robust growth of the automotive sector and DP World’s strategic role in facilitating global trade.
The global automotive landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with electric vehicles projected to surpass traditional internal combustion engine vehicles by 2036. China’s dominance in manufacturing, producing over half of the world’s EVs, has been a significant factor in this evolution. This shift towards sustainable mobility has prompted global supply chains to adapt, with hybrid vehicles—combining electric power with traditional engines—also gaining increased adoption worldwide.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted Dubai’s growing importance in the automotive supply chain. He stated, “Dubai’s emergence as a global automotive hub offers immense potential for markets in Asia and Europe, with positive ripple effects on our local economy. The automotive industry is a powerful catalyst for economic growth—creating employment, attracting foreign investment, and stimulating local businesses.” Bin Damithan reaffirmed DP World’s commitment to developing the necessary infrastructure to support this growth, emphasizing the role of state-of-the-art logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port and free trade zones such as Jafza, which houses over 930 automotive and spare parts companies.
DP World’s vision aligns with global projections, estimating that passenger vehicle sales will grow from 94.7 million in 2024 to 109 million by 2030. To meet this anticipated demand, Jebel Ali Port boasts a capacity of one million car equivalent units. Additionally, plans are underway to develop the world’s largest and most advanced car market, spanning 20 million square feet. The expansion of Mina Al Hamriya further underscores DP World’s dedication to supporting Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the size of the economy by 2033.
