The Ports in the United Arab Emirates are one of the world’s most efficient maritime networks. Strategically located between Europe, Asia, and Africa, the UAE’s gateways handle hub-and-spoke transshipment as well as import/export for the GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf). Some of the UAE ports are among the world’s 100 biggest seaports. Where are the biggest ports in the United Arab Emirates?
The biggest UAE ports – map
Below is a map showing major UAE ports.
Largest seaports in the UAE
5. Port of Fujairah (Fujairah Terminals), AEFJR
- Operator: AD Ports Group (Fujairah Terminals)
- Location: Fujairah, Gulf of Oman
Port of Fujairah has been operating since 1983 and constantly gets upgrades to keep its competitive edge. Since it is the only multi-purpose maritime facility on the east coast of the UAE, it serves as an important link between Asia and Europe. The majority of cargo consists of a mix of containers alongside bulk, Ro-Ro, and general cargo.
4. Sharjah Container Terminal / Port Khalid (Sharjah), AESHJ
- Operator: Gulftainer
- Location: Sharjah (west coast), Arabian Gulf
Port Khalid, also known as Sharjah Container Terminal (SCT), is the flagship deepwater port in the region. It was also the first UAE port with a container terminal, Ro-Ro terminal, and free trade terminal. Port Khalid handles mainly general import/export containers.
3. Khor Fakkan Container Terminal (Sharjah), AEKLF
- Operator: Gulftainer (for Sharjah Ports, Customs & Free Zones Authority)
- Location: Sharjah (Emirate of Sharjah), on the Gulf of Oman (outside Strait of Hormuz)
Khor Fakkan is strategically located with easy access to the UAE hinterland, as well as offers carriers a Strait-of-Hormuz-bypass location and fast vessel turnarounds. It handles mostly high-velocity transshipment and UAE imports/exports, excelling in handling reefer cargo.
2. Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi), AEKHL
- Operator: AD Ports Group
- Location: Abu Dhabi, adjacent to the KEZAD industrial zone
- Throughput 2024: 5,421,201 teu
- Growth rate 2023/2024: up 10.4% (2023: 4,910,000 teu)
Khalifa Port was officially inaugurated on 12.12.2012. It is a multi-purpose port with deep-water access. Khallifa Port handles general consumer goods, metals, petrochemicals, and project cargo.
The biggest UAE container port, Port of Jebel Ali (Dubai), AEJEA
- Operator: DP World
- Location: Dubai, Arabian Gulf
- Throughput 2024: 15,536,000 teu
- Growth rate 2023/2024: up 7.4% (2023: 14,472,000 teu)
Jebel Ali is the biggest UAE container port. It boasts extensive free zone synergies (JAFZA), and deep inland connectivity. It handles mostly all kinds of containerized commodities, including FMCG, retail, automotive, industrials, and electronics.
Check other posts about the biggest ports all over the world.
