Jebel Ali Port — UAE's Global Gateway

World's Largest Man-Made Port & 9th Busiest Container Port

Jebel Ali Port, located 35km southwest of Dubai, is the undisputed hub of Middle East trade. Operated by DP World, this mega-port handles over 14 million TEUs annually and serves as the gateway for cargo moving to and from the UAE, the wider GCC, and re-export markets across Africa and South Asia.

Ship Through Jebel Ali

Port Overview

Jebel Ali Port was inaugurated in 1979 and has grown into one of the world’s most strategically important container terminals. Key facts:

  • Location: 35 km southwest of Dubai city center, at coordinates 25.0°N, 55.1°E
  • Size: 134 square kilometers — the world’s largest man-made harbor
  • Capacity: 22.4 million TEU annual designed capacity
  • Throughput: 14.4 million TEUs handled in 2023
  • Berths: 67 berths with up to 17-meter draft capability for ultra-large vessels
  • Operator: DP World — one of the world’s largest port operators
  • Free Zone: Adjacent to JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) with 9,000+ companies
  • Rail: Connected to Etihad Rail national network

DP World Terminals at Jebel Ali

Container Terminal 1 (CT1) & CT2

The original Jebel Ali terminals, handling the bulk of transshipment and import/export containers. CT1 and CT2 feature deep-water berths capable of accommodating the largest container vessels (24,000+ TEU ships). These terminals use automated stacking cranes and advanced terminal operating systems for fast vessel turnaround.

Container Terminal 3 (CT3)

The newest and most advanced terminal at Jebel Ali, opened in 2014. CT3 features 4.45 km of quay, 19.5-meter draft, and fully automated operations. It handles the world’s largest vessels including the 24,000+ TEU mega-ships deployed by major carriers on the Asia-Europe trade lane.

Transit Times from Jebel Ali to Major Destinations

Shanghai, China

12–16 days via direct Asia-Middle East services

Mumbai, India

4–6 days via feeder or direct service

Singapore

8–11 days via Asia-Middle East Express

Rotterdam, Netherlands

16–20 days via Suez Canal

Felixstowe, UK

18–22 days via Suez Canal

Los Angeles, USA

20–25 days via Suez Canal

Mombasa, Kenya

6–9 days via East Africa services

Colombo, Sri Lanka

4–6 days via South Asia feeder

Services Available via Jebel Ali

Emirates Freight offers the complete range of services through Jebel Ali Port:

  • FCL Ocean Freight: Full container load bookings on all major carrier alliances (Ocean Alliance, THE Alliance, 2M)
  • LCL Consolidation: Weekly LCL sailings to 100+ destinations via trusted NVOCC partners
  • Transshipment: Jebel Ali serves as a hub for cargo bound for Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, and East Africa
  • Break Bulk & Project Cargo: Heavy lift, oversized, and project equipment through dedicated berths
  • Reefer (Refrigerated): Cold chain cargo with temperature-controlled container handling
  • Dangerous Goods (DG): IMO-certified handling for hazardous materials per IMDG code
  • Customs Clearance: On-site Dubai Customs presence for fast import/export processing
  • Free Zone Warehousing: JAFZA warehousing and distribution available for duty-free storage

Ready to Ship Through Jebel Ali?

Emirates Freight is your expert partner for all cargo moving through Jebel Ali Port. Get a quote for FCL, LCL, or project cargo today.

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