A report produced by Visual Capitalist in partnership with DP World details the UAE's food import composition based on IHS Markit data. Frozen meat leads import value at 17.9%, followed by fruits and nuts at 16.7% and packaged food at 13.5%. Four categories requiring temperature-controlled logistics account for 46.9% of total food import value.
UAE state-backed investments across Egyptian energy and port infrastructure are serving as a strategic hedge against transit disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Dubai's real GDP contracted 2.3% year-on-year in the first half of the year due to drops in trade and transport. The UAE continues building alternative maritime corridors through domestic pipelines, Khorfakkan, and Mediterranean ports in Egypt.
DP World has signed a preliminary 50-year concession deal with the Fujairah Ports Authority to build the Al Rugaylat and Dibba cargo terminals on the UAE's east coast. The facilities bypass the Strait of Hormuz and will expand DP World's UAE container capacity by roughly 13% to nearly 22 million TEUs. According to Moody's Ratings, the alternative maritime gateway will help relieve pressure on Jebel Ali Port and shield regional re-export trade from waterway disruptions.
DP World stated that its planned terminals in Fujairah could reduce sailing times on Indian Ocean services by up to five days. Located on the UAE's east coast outside the Strait of Hormuz, the facility provides cargo owners with an alternative shipping corridor. The project follows an agreement in principle for a 50-year concession covering two dedicated terminals.
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