Dubai's DP World sees 69% rise in H1-2025 profits despite tariff tensions, Middle East crisis

Dubai ports operator revenues sail past $11 billion

Last updated: August 14, 2025 | 11:09

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

2 MIN READ

DP World's latest number show in-built resilience to global trade shifts, especially those brought on by US tariff changes announced in April last.

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Dubai: The Dubai company DP World sailed through to a 69% gain in profits for the first six months of 2025, totalling $960 million.

This came about even with the heightened tensions in the Middle East during June, when the Israel-Iran crisis broke out, and the uncertainties over US President Trump's sweeping trade tariffs.

Also Read: Trump tariffs: Will more Indian businesses set up in UAE, Saudi Arabia after 50% duty threat?

The latest DP World revenues were higher by 20.4% to $11.2 billion, with a 'strong performance' recorded in its ports and terminals operations as well as through recent acquisitions.

The numbers show the 'resilience of its integrated global trade platform amid ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainty'.

Container volumes handled by DP World increased 5.6% on a like-for-like basis, to 45.4 million TEU (20 equivalent units) across the global portfolio. (The flagship Jebel Ali Port handled 7.7 million TEUs.)

According to Sultan Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman-CEO of DP World, "Ongoing geopolitical tensions, the continued closure of the Red Sea route, and rising uncertainty around global trade tariffs have caused significant disruption across the industry.

"Despite these challenges, our strategy of delivering integrated end-to-end solutions and operating critical infrastructure in key markets has allowed us to continue supporting cargo owners to move their freight and to deliver a strong set of results.”

DP World's keeps spending on expansion

In the first six months, DP World continues to invest in 'strategic growth markets', with $1.08 billion in capex.

The full-year 2025 capex target remains at $2.5 billion and will support expansion in Jebel Ali Port, Drydocks World, Tuna Tekra (India), London Gateway (UK), and Dakar (Senegal), along with DP World Logistics and P&O Maritime Logistics.

"These investments are focused on enhancing terminal capacity, supply chain integration, and digital capabilities to support long-term trade resilience," said a statement.

“Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the medium- to long-term outlook for global trade and logistics,' said Bin Sulayem.

Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.