DP World Advances Construction On New Global Headquarters At Expo City Dubai For Future Trade

DP World has initiated the next phase of building its new global headquarters at Expo City Dubai. This eight-storey structure is designed to reflect innovation, sustainability, and the future of global trade. A ceremony was held to mark the completion of the foundations, attended by Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Najeeb Mohammed AlAli, and Eng. Ahmed Al Khatib.

The headquarters will be a significant addition to Expo City, serving as a hub for global connectivity and collaboration. Scheduled for completion in 2027, it aims to set a new standard for sustainable workspace design in the region. The building's most notable feature is a 10.45-metre cantilever, giving it a floating appearance above the landscape.

The facility will cover 301,940 square feet and accommodate 850 staff members while welcoming 2,000 visitors daily. The first two floors will be open to the public, featuring cafes, restaurants, and meeting rooms to encourage interaction and connection. The Flow Pavilion and fountain from Expo 2020 Dubai will remain as a permanent centrepiece.

This design includes the Middle East's first fully automated parking facility of this scale, with space for nearly 1,000 vehicles, including 100 electric vehicles (EVs). "Expo City Dubai was built as a platform for innovation, sustainability, and global connection," said Al Hashimy. "We are delighted to welcome their new headquarters here."

DP World's journey began with Port Rashid in 1972 as Dubai's first commercial seaport. In 1976, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum decreed the construction of Jebel Ali Port. By 1978, Port Rashid expanded rapidly to 35 berths. In 1979, Jebel Ali Port was inaugurated by Sheikh Rashid in Queen Elizabeth II's presence.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone was established in 1985 under an Emiri Decree. The Port Rashid Authority followed in 1990. In 1991, the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) was created to manage both ports from Port Rashid's harbour office. By 1998, Jafza expanded its office buildings significantly.

Evolution of DP World

In 1999, Dubai Ports International was formed to manage overseas operations. DP World emerged in 2005 with its headquarters in Jebel Ali Free Zone. The following year saw DP World acquiring P&O and becoming the world's third-largest port operator. In 2015, Jafza officially integrated into DP World.

In recent years, DP World launched the Flow Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai in 2021. This pavilion attracted over 1.2 million visitors with its iconic fountain feature. By appointing Dynamic Design Studio as architects for its new headquarters in Expo City Dubai in 2023, DP World continues its commitment to innovation.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stated that their headquarters would be where technology meets sustainability and talent shapes trade's future: "Just as Dubai has reinvented itself time and again." He emphasised that DP World evolves beyond ports to deliver smarter supply chains globally.

The new global headquarters is expected to open by 2027 after construction progresses with foundations completed by 2025 and work on the first floor underway.

With inputs from WAM