Abu Zabi, United Arab Emirates

Port Overview

Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, is located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf and spans 67,340 km², making it the largest emirate in the country. It ranks as a major regional hub due to its vast oil reserves, advanced infrastructure, and strategic position connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Abu Dhabi’s main port, Khalifa Port, is among the region’s most advanced, with an annual container handling capacity exceeding 5 million TEU, supporting the emirate’s role as a key global trade gateway.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Abu Dhabi's primary port is Khalifa Port, a state-of-the-art deep-water facility featuring semi-automated container terminals with some of the world's largest ship-to-shore cranes. The port includes 22 container berths, 63 general cargo berths, and 6 dry bulk berths with 16-meter depth. Current capacity handles 2.5 million TEUs annually, expanding to 15 million TEUs when complete. Zayed Port serves as the cruise terminal and general cargo hub. Khalifa Port also houses a dedicated automotive terminal and polymer packing plant with extensive storage facilities.

Container Terminals

Abu Dhabi’s main container facility, Khalifa Port, features three container terminals with a combined 28 berths. Current annual capacity exceeds 8.5 million TEU, with expansion plans targeting 15 million TEU. The port is highly automated, employing semi-automated cranes and advanced inventory systems. Major operators include Abu Dhabi Terminals and COSCO Shipping Ports. Khalifa Port accommodates ultra-large container vessels and is a regional leader in port automation and efficiency.

Port Services

• Container handling: Modern container terminals with advanced automation and direct global shipping links
• Cargo operations: General cargo, breakbulk, Ro-Ro, dry bulk, and liquid cargo handling
• Ship services: Marine services, vessel maintenance, repair, and port agency support
• Warehousing: On-site warehousing, storage, and logistics facilities integrated with industrial zones
• Customs: Efficient customs clearance, inspection, and digital trade facilitation systems

Global Connectivity

Abu Dhabi’s ports, led by Khalifa Port, offer direct connectivity to over 70 international destinations via 25 major shipping lines, serving regions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The port cluster supports container, general cargo, Ro-Ro, bulk, and liquid shipments, with multimodal links integrating sea, road, air, and future rail. Key shipping routes connect Abu Dhabi to major global markets, positioning it as a central logistics hub for international trade.

Port Statistics

Port: Abu Dhabi (Khalifa Port), United Arab Emirates

• TEU Throughput (2024/2025): 3.1 million TEU
• World Ranking: Not in the global top 20; Jebel Ali is the UAE’s highest-ranked, with Khalifa Port among the largest in the Middle East
• Number of Berths: 21
• Port Area: 16 square kilometers (land), 100 square kilometers (adjacent industrial zone)
• Shipping Lines: Served by major global carriers including MSC, CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd