DP World, under the leadership of CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, has undergone a remarkable transformation into a comprehensive supply chain player, investing over $6 billion in this strategic evolution. Bin Sulayem discussed this journey during a session titled ‘Trade in a Changing World’ at the 21st Arab Media Forum in Dubai, moderated by Egyptian writer and journalist Imad Eddine Adib.
Reflecting on DP World’s transition from a traditional port operator to a major global supply chain player, Bin Sulayem emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional service by ensuring timeliness and cost-effectiveness in cargo operations. This commitment led to DP World’s expansion across the entire supply chain, requiring substantial investments.
The $6 billion investment involved acquiring companies worldwide across various supply chain segments, including warehousing and transportation. DP World is now the largest transportation company in India, owning a significant rail network for efficient goods transportation across the country.
Bin Sulayem noted that the slow evolution of the supply chain industry prompted DP World to invest comprehensively in every aspect of the chain. The company has earned a reputation for exceptional efficiency and has become a benchmark for swift and efficient loading and unloading of containers.
Addressing the recent G20 agreement to link Middle Eastern countries by railway and connect them to India through sea ports to expedite energy and trade flow from the Gulf to Europe, Bin Sulayem emphasized the importance of time, speed, quality, and cost in the supply chain industry. The new corridor complements existing shipping routes via the Red Sea and Suez Canal without replacing them.
With Jebel Ali Port’s capacity of nearly 20 million TEUs per year, DP World is set to become a pivotal player in the new trade corridor. The port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) offer world-class infrastructure and connections to serve a market of 3.5 billion people across the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
DP World’s global presence spans 73 countries, including several in the Arab world. In Saudi Arabia, DP World operates the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port and has committed to investing over $800 million to expand and modernize the terminal. The company also invested $500 million in a logistics park to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
In Egypt, DP World has enhanced the capabilities of Sokhna Port since taking over in 2008, focusing on efficiency and sustainability. In Algeria, DP World has invested nearly $130 million in the ports of Djazair and Djen-Djen since 2009.
DP World’s recent initiatives include launching the first direct freight service between the UAE and Iraq, significantly reducing transit times from two weeks to just 36 hours. This achievement underscores DP World’s commitment to optimizing trade routes and facilitating efficient cargo movement.