DP World has set a new benchmark in the automotive logistics industry, handling an unprecedented 1.3 million vehicles across its Dubai terminals in 2024. This milestone represents a staggering 53.6% surge from the previous year, marking the highest vehicle throughput in the company’s history.
At the heart of this record-breaking achievement is Jebel Ali Port, which managed nearly 960,000 units, solidifying its status as the leading automotive trade hub in the region. The remaining volume was efficiently processed through Mina Al Hamriya and Mina Rashid, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global gateway for vehicle imports and exports.
Driving Growth in the Automotive Industry
This surge in vehicle handling reflects the rapid expansion of the global automotive sector, with Dubai playing a crucial role in facilitating trade between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. China emerged as the dominant trading partner, contributing approximately 25% of total vehicle volumes, followed by Japan, South Korea, and India.
As the automotive landscape undergoes a transformative shift, electric vehicles (EVs) are expected to overtake traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2036. With China producing over half of the world’s EVs, supply chains are evolving to accommodate the rise of sustainable mobility.
DP World’s Vision for the Future
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, emphasized Dubai’s growing prominence as a global automotive hub and its positive economic impact.
“The automotive sector is a major driver of economic growth, fueling job creation, attracting foreign investment, and supporting local industries. Our strategic initiatives aim to strengthen Dubai’s position at the center of global trade,” bin Damithan stated.
DP World is making significant investments in infrastructure to support this growth. Jebel Ali Port, with a capacity of one million car equivalent units, remains a critical logistics hub. Meanwhile, the expansion of Mina Al Hamriya and the development of the world’s largest automotive marketplace—spanning 20 million square feet—are key components of DP World’s strategy to meet rising demand.
Accelerating Dubai’s Economic Vision
These developments align with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the size of the city’s economy. With passenger vehicle sales projected to climb from 94.7 million in 2024 to 109 million by 2030, DP World is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the future of the global automotive trade.