DP World Launches New 36-Hour Maritime Service Connecting Dubai And Iraq

DP World has introduced a maritime service linking Dubai's Mina Rashid with Iraq's Umm Qasr Port. This 36-hour route offers a quicker alternative to overland trucking, accommodating up to 145 trailers per trip. The DP World Express, a RoRo vessel dedicated to this route, was officially welcomed at Mina Rashid. It underwent upgrades at Drydocks World and will start operations in December 2025.

The launch event saw participation from prominent UAE and Iraqi officials. Attendees included Dr. Muzaffar Mustafa Al-Jubouri, Iraq's Ambassador; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman & CEO of DP World; Dr. Abdulla Busenad from Dubai Customs; Brigadier Nabil Mohammed Algergawi of GDRFA; Dr. Emad Ali Al-Azzawi, Iraq's Acting Consul General; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director of DP World GCC; and Shahab Al Jassmi, Chief Commercial Officer – Ports & Terminals at DP World GCC.

The new service is designed to transport non-containerised trailer units with drivers on board, offering a direct door-to-door solution between the UAE and Iraq. This initiative aims to improve reliability and simplify cross-border logistics while facilitating transit to neighbouring countries.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stated, "Our new Dubai-Iraq service will establish a faster and more efficient maritime bridge between Iraq and the UAE to help trade flow across the Middle East. This service gives customers a predictable route that reduces time, cost and complexity and supports long-term economic opportunity on both sides of the corridor."

The introduction of this service addresses strong market demand for quicker trailer movements with fewer handling requirements. It simplifies planning for key trading sectors by providing a controlled environment for transporting goods.

Abdulla Bin Damithan commented on the shift towards accompanied trailers: "The shift to accompanied trailers reflects clear customer demand for faster, more reliable cross-border movement. By offering a direct maritime solution from Mina Rashid, we are enabling businesses to plan with confidence, respond quickly to market needs and streamline how goods move across the region."

Regional Trade Boost

This corridor enhances access to Iraq’s main commercial hubs and strengthens connectivity into Jordan and Syria via established inland routes. On its return journey, DP World Express will carry export cargo from Iraq back to the UAE, supporting two-way trade and improving supply chain efficiency across the region.

The new service also expands DP World's logistics capabilities by increasing direct maritime connectivity for non-containerised cargo. Additionally, it offers sustainability benefits by reducing CO2 emissions compared to other transport options.

With inputs from WAM