DP World has said it is confident the Strait of Hormuz will eventually reopen. Until then, the UAE logistics group is using its extensive global network and alternative routes to keep goods moving.

Abdullah Al Hashmi, DP World’s global head of economic zones, told the Arab Media Summit in Dubai that it remained unclear when or how the strait would reopen, but said its reopening would be essential for regional trade to return to normal.

He described the Strait of Hormuz as the natural gateway to the region, noting that more than 100 million people live in areas connected to the route. He said the UAE’s geographic location and existing infrastructure had strengthened the country’s ability to manage the current disruption.

Cargo volumes rise outside Jebel Ali

Vessel traffic at Jebel Ali Port has fallen sharply following an escalation in hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz. However, DP World said it handled 6.5 per cent more containers across other parts of its network compared with the same period last year.

Since the start of the year, the company has transported more than 500,000 containers overland from the UAE’s east coast.

DP World plans to establish new terminals in Rugaylat and Dibba to improve connectivity between the east coast and its main Jebel Ali hub. Two additional terminals are also under development in Fujairah.

Global network boosts resilience

Al Hashmi said the geographic diversity of DP World’s assets had enabled the company to mitigate the impact of regional disruption. In addition to ports, the group operates economic zones, maritime services and logistics businesses in countries around the world.

DP World said last month that its revenue rose by 13.1 per cent to $12.7 billion in the first half of 2026.

Company executives believe expanding terminals on the east coast will provide cargo owners with more options and strengthen the UAE’s position as one of the region’s leading trade and logistics hubs.