Hundreds lose jobs in DP World port takeover

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Nearly 800 employees of Mina Zayed including 270 UAE nationals, have been fired following a management takeover by Dubai Ports World, sources told Gulf News.

DP World, the world's third largest port operator, took over the management of Mina Zayed on April 1, its second major acquisition in the UAE following the takeover of Fujairah port last year.

"On April 12 approximately 800 employees received their termination letters," a top Mina Zayed official who was moved out said.

"Many senior people have been replaced including the under-secretary and assistant under-secretary and some have resigned from their posts," the ex-official said.

Ahmad Al Calily, managing director of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, the new entity created to oversee development of the emirate's port infrastructure, confirmed to Gulf News that 270 nationals and about 300 expatriate workers will no longer be employed at Mina Zayed under a restructuring plan.

But he insisted that all UAE nationals and some expatriates will absorbed in other government jobs.

Al Calily said the move followed an evaluation of personnel by a committee comprising members of the old and new management, including DP World consultants.

But DP World distanced itself from the job cuts. "We are only responsible for managing the port. It is not a concession agreement," DP World's deputy managing director Anwar Wajdi said.