DP World’s flagship port, Jebel Ali, handled a record 630,000 tonnes of breakbulk cargo in October 2025, the highest monthly total in nearly two decades.
The recent increase in imports of iron and steel for major projects in the UAE, such as the Dubai Metro Blue Line and the expansion of DWC airport, along with rising sugar exports, have been key factors.
Building on a strong performance in 2024, when breakbulk cargo volumes grew 23% year-on-year to 5.36 million metric tonnes, this new record reflects the continuing momentum across the UAE’s industrial base and its growing role in global trade.
Shahab Al Jassmi, Commercial Director of Ports and Terminals at DP World GCC, stated that “this milestone reflects the confidence businesses place in Jebel Ali as the region’s most reliable cargo gateway. The steady rise in volumes demonstrates how we help customers meet the growing demand for infrastructure, while maintaining the efficiency and resilience of supply chains. As the UAE continues to invest in infrastructure, manufacturing, and logistics, we remain committed to expanding our capacity, technology, and sustainability initiatives to drive long-term growth.”
Breakbulk cargo, which includes heavy materials and oversized items used in large-scale industrial and construction projects, remains a vital part of Jebel Ali’s operations. Backed by the integrated Jafza ecosystem and its end-to-end global logistics capabilities, DP World ensures the smooth transport of complex cargo across regional and international supply chains.
This new milestone coincides with the ongoing transformation of Jebel Ali into one of the world’s most advanced multi-purpose ports. Over the past decade, it has achieved record performance in multiple cargo categories, including containers, Ro-Ro, and bulk cargo.
