DP World Sets New Automotive Record In UAE By Handling Over 1.3 Million Vehicles In 2024

DP World set a new record in 2024 by handling 1.3 million vehicles at its Dubai terminals. This represents a 53.6% rise from the previous year, marking the highest volume in the company's history. Jebel Ali Port played a significant role, managing nearly 960,000 units and solidifying its status as the leading automotive hub in the region.

The remaining vehicles were processed at Mina Al Hamriya and Mina Rashid. This achievement highlights DP World's crucial role in facilitating vehicle imports and exports within the Gulf region, reflecting strong growth in the automotive sector.

China emerged as the top trading partner for DP World, contributing almost 25% of vehicle volumes. Japan, Korea, and India followed closely behind. The global automotive industry is experiencing a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), which are expected to outpace traditional internal combustion engine vehicles by 2036.

As China produces over half of the world's EVs, global supply chains are adapting to support this transition to sustainable mobility. Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, stated that Dubai's position as a global automotive hub presents significant opportunities for Asian and European markets.

"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," said bin Damithan. He emphasized that the automotive industry drives economic growth by creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and boosting local businesses.

Bin Damithan also highlighted DP World's commitment to developing infrastructure to support this growth. "Our state-of-the-art logistics hubs like Jebel Ali Port and free trade zones like Jafza – home to more than 930 automotive and spare parts companies – are integral to our global automotive supply chains strategy," he added.

Future Projections

This vision aligns with forecasts for passenger vehicle sales, which are anticipated to increase from 94.7 million in 2024 to 109 million by 2030. Jebel Ali Port's capacity of one million car equivalent units further demonstrates DP World's dedication to meeting rising demand.

The development of the world's largest car market spanning 20 million square feet and Mina Al Hamriya's expansion highlight DP World's efforts to support Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda aimed at doubling the economy's size.

With inputs from WAM