February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

DP World is a multinational logistics company headquartered in Dubai, specializing in port terminal operations, maritime services, free zones, and integrated supply chain solutions. Originally established as Dubai Ports Authority in 1999, the company has grown into one of the world’s largest port operators, managing a network of over 80 marine and inland terminals across more than 40 countries on six continents. DP World handles approximately 10 percent of global container trade throughput.

UAE Context

DP World is one of the UAE’s most globally recognized corporate brands and a cornerstone of Dubai’s identity as a world trade hub. The company operates Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East and one of the top ten container ports globally, which serves as the logistical backbone of Dubai’s trade-dependent economy. DP World was taken private in 2020 by its majority owner, Port and Free Zone World (a subsidiary of Dubai World), in a transaction that valued the company at approximately USD 16 billion. The company has since expanded aggressively into end-to-end logistics, digital supply chain platforms, and trade finance solutions.

Key Data

  • Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
  • Global footprint: 80+ terminals in 40+ countries across six continents
  • Jebel Ali Port capacity: Over 19 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units)
  • Global throughput: Approximately 10 percent of world container trade
  • Revenue: Over USD 17 billion annually
  • Employees: Approximately 103,000 worldwide

Significance for Vision 2031

DP World is integral to the UAE’s Vision 2031 objective of becoming a global trade and logistics hub. The company’s global network positions the UAE at the center of international supply chains, directly supporting the non-oil trade targets embedded in the 2031 strategy. DP World’s investments in automation, digital logistics platforms, and smart port technology align with the vision’s emphasis on technology-driven economic competitiveness and help the UAE maintain its edge as global trade flows shift and evolve.

  • JAFZA - The Jebel Ali Free Zone adjacent to DP World’s flagship port
  • Non-Oil GDP - The economic metric DP World’s trade volumes support
  • Etihad Rail - National rail network connecting to port infrastructure
  • CEPA - Trade agreements that increase cargo volumes through UAE ports