Top 10 Major Ports in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), located near the Strait of Hormuz, is a nation in the Middle East renowned for its vast petroleum and natural gas reserves. With a well-developed infrastructure and strategic location, the UAE plays a crucial role in global trade. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the top 10 major ports in Dubai and the UAE.

Port Khalifa (AEKHL) – Abu Dhabi:

Port Khalifa is a massive deepwater harbor and part of the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). Currently under construction and set to be completed by 2030, Port Khalifa aims to replace cargo operations from Mina Zayed with its advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technology.

Mina Zayed (AEMZD) – Abu Dhabi:

A significant deep-water seaport in Abu Dhabi operational since 1972. While container handling was transferred to Port Khalifa, Mina Zayed remains essential for general cargo, breakbulk, and specialized storage.

Musaffah Port (AEAMF) – Abu Dhabi:

Located in the Musaffah Industrial Zone, this deep-water harbor primarily serves industries and factories with extensive facilities for cargo handling and distribution.

Port Jebel Ali (AEJEA) – Dubai:

One of the busiest ports globally handling over 15 million TEUs annually. Jebel Ali is renowned for its modern infrastructure, free port zones, and connectivity to various destinations worldwide.

Mina Rashid (AEDXB) – Dubai:

Originally a commercial port now gradually transforming into a passenger and cruise port with extensive real estate development planned along the waterfront.

Mina Al Hamriyah (AEHAM) – Dubai:

Located on mainland Dubai catering to passenger and cargo traffic playing a crucial role in handling livestock fish and fresh foods.

Port of Fujairah (AEFJR) – Fujairah:

The largest port on the Eastern Coast of the UAE is a deep-water harbor with essential oil terminals and advanced bunkering facilities.

Port of Ras Al Khaimah (AERKT) – Ras Al Khaimah:

Comprising several smaller ports including Mina Saqr and Mina Al Jazeera is a major trading post particularly for construction materials.

Port of Khor Al Fakkan (AEKLF) – Sharjah:

Strategically located on the Indian Ocean coast is a vital cargo hub and one of the world’s largest transshipment harbors.

Port Khalid (AEKHL) – Sharjah:

Mina Khalid along with Mina Hamriyah and Khor Fakkan is operated under the Department of Seaports and Customs handling diverse cargo types offering extensive storage and repair facilities.

These major ports in Dubai and the UAE contribute significantly to the country’s trade and economic growth making them vital players in the global shipping industry.