Sheikh Mohammed reviews major expansion at Mina Al Hamriya port

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited Mina Al Hamriya on Monday to assess the progress of the port’s ongoing development and its growing significance in bolstering regional and global trade.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised Dubai’s vision to transform its ports into dynamic, future-ready gateways.

“We’re transforming our ports into gateways that not only connect the world and accelerate the flow of goods but also drive innovation and opportunity. Our aim isn’t merely to compete — but to lead global trade with a bold vision and new benchmarks,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed received a detailed briefing on Mina Al Hamriya’s strategic importance in ensuring food security and facilitating the movement of goods — especially perishables and livestock — across the Arabian Gulf. Officials from DP World also outlined future infrastructure plans designed to meet increasing regional demand.

Among the key announcements was Sheikh Mohammed’s approval of a major new project: the construction of a 700-metre quay with a 12-metre draft, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels and significantly increase its cargo-handling capacity.

This follows the port’s 2024 expansion, which added 1,150 metres of quay wall, boosting berthing space and operational efficiency. Mina Al Hamriya now handles an expanding mix of cargo types, including steel vessels, breakbulk cargo, RoRo, containers, and traditional wooden dhows — preserving its heritage while embracing advanced logistics systems.

Storage capacity has nearly doubled, increasing from 3.4 million to 6.4 million sq. ft, supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a leading global trade hub.

The port continues to be a crucial entry point for essential imports. In 2025, livestock imports are expected to reach 1 million head of cattle. It remains a vital trade gateway for fresh produce, particularly fruits and vegetables, serving markets in neighbouring countries.

Mina Al Hamriya also saw an 11% increase in vessel traffic, with ship calls rising from 2,430 in H1 2024 to 2,700 in H1 2025. The port handled trade worth approximately AED 9.07 billion in the first half of 2025 alone.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “Mina Al Hamriya has been an integral part of Dubai’s trade landscape for decades. This expansion ensures the port continues to support the UAE’s economic vision while preserving its maritime legacy.”

The expansion of the port underlines Dubai’s continued investment in agile and future-ready infrastructure to enhance trade resilience and strengthen its position as a global maritime hub.