DP World’s $6 Billion Investment Transforms It into a Global Supply Chain Leader, Says CEO Sultan bin Sulayem
DP World, under the leadership of CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, has invested over $6 billion in its transformation into a comprehensive global supply chain player. Bin Sulayem discussed this evolution during a session titled ‘Trade in a Changing World’ at the 21st Arab Media Forum in Dubai, moderated by Egyptian writer and journalist Imad Eddine Adib.
Highlighting DP World’s shift from a traditional port operator to a prominent player in the global supply chain, Bin Sulayem stated, “In 2016, it became evident to us that factors beyond the confines of ports exerted a notable influence on the punctual delivery of cargo. Faced with this revelation, we made a resolute and forward-thinking decision. Our commitment was unwavering: to provide the most exceptional service to our cargo owners, guaranteeing both timeliness and cost-effectiveness in their operations.”
Consequently, DP World embarked on an ambitious journey to expand its services across the entire supply chain. Bin Sulayem emphasized, “We transformed our role from merely operating ports to becoming a global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, facilitating worldwide trade flows.”
This transformation required a substantial investment of over $6 billion, which encompassed the acquisition of companies worldwide spanning various supply chain segments, from warehousing to transportation. Notably, DP World is now the largest transportation company in India, following the sector’s privatization by the Indian government. The company also owns a major rail network for goods transportation across the country.
Bin Sulayem pointed out that the gradual evolution of the supply chain industry prompted DP World to invest comprehensively in every aspect of the chain. DP World is now renowned for its exceptional efficiency and serves as a benchmark for shipping companies in terms of swift and efficient container loading and unloading.
Regarding the recent agreement reached at the G20 meeting to connect Middle East countries through railways and link them to India via sea ports, Bin Sulayem stressed that the primary objective is to expedite goods delivery and introduce alternative trade routes. “In the supply chain industry, time, speed, quality, and cost are key elements.”
The new corridor will complement the existing shipping route through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, adding flexibility to the global trade system without replacing it, he explained.
DP World’s long-standing investments in Jebel Ali Port, with a capacity of nearly 20 million TEUs annually, position it as the heart of the new trade corridor. The port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) boast world-class infrastructure and connections with shipping lines serving a market of 3.5 billion people across the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
DP World’s operations extend to 73 countries worldwide, including several Arab nations. The company’s initial foray outside the UAE was in Saudi Arabia, where it secured a concession to operate the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port. In 2019, DP World signed a new 30-year concession agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Mawani and is investing over $800 million to expand and modernize the terminal. Additionally, the company is investing $500 million in a new logistics park to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
DP World also has a presence in Egypt, where it has transformed Sokhna’s capabilities since taking over in 2008, with a focus on efficiency and sustainability. In Algeria, DP World has invested nearly $130 million in the ports of Djazair and Djen-Djen since 2009.
Earlier this year, DP World launched the first direct freight service between the UAE and Iraq, significantly reducing the delivery time for goods between the two countries from two weeks to just 36 hours. This achievement showcases DP World’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and connectivity in the region’s logistics and supply chain ecosystem.
