DP World, a leading global provider of smart end-to-end supply chain solutions, has revealed a major expansion plan for Mina Al Hamriya Port in Dubai. This ambitious project builds on a significant upgrade completed in 2024 and aims to enhance the port’s capacity, strengthen Dubai’s position as a global maritime hub, and support the UAE’s food security and trade ambitions.
Expansion Details
The latest expansion includes the construction of a 700-metre quay with a 12-metre draft, designed to accommodate larger vessels and increase the port’s operational efficiency. This follows a 2024 upgrade that added 1,150 metres of quay wall, significantly boosting berthing capacity. The project has nearly doubled the port’s storage space, expanding from 3.4 million square feet to nearly 6.4 million square feet. The enhanced infrastructure allows Mina Al Hamriya to handle a wide range of cargo, including steel vessels, breakbulk cargo, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), containers, and traditional wooden dhows, preserving its role as a versatile trade hub.
| Expansion Component | Details |
| New Quay | 700 metres with a 12-metre draft for larger vessels |
| Storage Space | Increased from 3.4 million sq. ft to 6.4 million sq. ft |
| Previous Upgrade (2024) | Added 1,150 metres of quay wall, boosting berthing capacity |
| Cargo Types | Steel vessels, breakbulk, RoRo, containers, traditional wooden dhows |
Capacity Increase
The expansion has already delivered measurable results. In the first half of 2025, vessel calls at Mina Al Hamriya rose by 11% year-on-year, from 2,430 in the first half of 2024 to 2,700. This increase reflects the port’s growing role in regional and international trade. Additionally, the port is projected to handle 1 million head of cattle in 2025, a significant milestone that underscores its importance in supporting the UAE’s food security, particularly for livestock and perishable goods.
Economic Impact
Mina Al Hamriya Port has emerged as a critical component of Dubai’s trade infrastructure. In the first half of 2025, the port facilitated trade worth approximately AED 9.07 billion (about $2.5 billion), highlighting its role in driving Dubai’s import-export growth. The expansion supports the emirate’s rising trade volumes and enhances its ability to serve markets across the Arabian Gulf and beyond. By accommodating diverse cargo types and increasing capacity, the port strengthens Dubai’s position as a global maritime hub and contributes to the UAE’s economic diversification and trade resilience.
The project also aligns with national goals to enhance food security. The port’s ability to handle large volumes of perishables and livestock ensures a stable supply chain for essential goods, supporting both local and regional markets.
Leadership Statements
During a recent visit to the port, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the strategic importance of Dubai’s ports. “Dubai’s ports are not just gateways, but global trade accelerators. We aim to lead, not follow, by setting new standards for connectivity, innovation, and resilience,” he said, underscoring Dubai’s ambition to remain a leader in global trade.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, echoed this vision, stating, “Mina Al Hamriya has been a vital part of Dubai’s trade sector for many decades, and we are committed to investing in the port’s growth while preserving its rich maritime heritage. This new expansion project will ensure Mina Al Hamriya continues to support our national economic vision while strengthening trade and food security across the region.”
Timeline and Future Outlook
The 2024 expansion, which added 1,150 metres of quay wall, laid the foundation for the current project, approved in 2025. While specific completion dates for the new expansion have not been disclosed, the port is already demonstrating significant progress, with increased vessel traffic and trade volumes in 2025. The target of handling 1 million head of cattle by the end of 2025 further highlights the port’s growing capacity and strategic importance.
The expansion of Mina Al Hamriya Port is poised to reinforce Dubai’s role as a global leader in maritime trade. By enhancing infrastructure, increasing capacity, and supporting food security, the project aligns with the UAE’s broader goals of economic diversification and trade resilience. As Dubai continues to invest in its maritime infrastructure, Mina Al Hamriya is set to remain a cornerstone of the emirate’s trade ambitions, connecting markets and driving economic growth.
