DP World Commences AED550 Million ‘Agri Terminals’ Project to Boost UAE Food Security

DP World, in collaboration with Adroit Overseas Canada and Al Amir Foods, has initiated the construction of a new Agri Terminals facility at Jebel Ali Port. This ambitious project, with an investment of AED550 million (US$150 million), aims to enhance the UAE's food security by specializing in the storage and processing of agricultural products such as pulses, grains, corn, and soybeans. Utilizing DP World’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including pneumatic ship unloaders and advanced conveying equipment, the facility is set to play a crucial role in strengthening the UAE's food supply chain.

The first phase of this landmark project is expected to be completed in early 2025. It aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and aims to cement Dubai's strategic position in the global food trade. Jebel Ali Port, which facilitates approximately 73 percent of the UAE's food and beverage trade by value, is pivotal to the nation's food security program.

The groundbreaking ceremony saw the presence of notable figures such as Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director, DP World GCC; Yogesh Raipuria, Chief Executive Officer, Adroit Overseas Canada; Yasin Abdul Majid Ranani, Managing Director, Al Amir Foods; among other senior officials.

This new facility is anticipated to generate over AED1.2 billion in new international trade and enhance bulk handling by approximately 750,000 metric tonnes annually. Such advancements are expected to significantly influence Dubai's trade dynamics and contribute to its food security efforts.

Bin Sulayem highlighted the project as a critical step towards building resilience into the UAE’s food supply chain and expanding Dubai’s agricultural trade ecosystem. Bin Damithan emphasized the integration of this terminal with existing sugar processing and edible oil facilities to create a comprehensive food and beverage ecosystem. This move demonstrates DP World’s commitment to diversifying offerings and addressing global food security challenges.

Yasin Ranani expressed that this groundbreaking marks a significant moment in their collaboration with DP World, aiming to secure food supply chains and support the UAE's vision for food security. Yogesh Raipuria also shared his enthusiasm for continuing their partnership with DP World on this project, underscoring their commitment to innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

The Agri Terminals facility will span nearly 100,000 sqm at the quayside area and will be Dubai's largest multi-tenant facility for integrated agricultural processing and silo storage. With a total storage capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes developed over two phases and extensive processing and packaging facilities capable of handling up to 500,000 metric tonnes a year, this terminal is designed for efficient commodity transfer directly from ship to facility through an advanced conveyor belt system.

This initiative not only supports national efforts to strengthen food security but also significantly expands Dubai’s flourishing agricultural trade ecosystem. It represents a strategic move towards ensuring a resilient and sustainable food supply chain in the UAE and beyond.

With inputs from WAM