DP World signs two new development projects with agricultural commodity processors

 DP World UAE has signed two new development projects with multinational agricultural commodity processors, strengthening the food and beverage (F&B) cluster and capabilities within Jebel Ali in Dubai.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the agreements are with Adroit Canada and Al Amir Foods. The new integrated quayside facilities will enhance year-round availability and production of essential grains and pulses.

DP World UAE’s Food and Agriculture Terminal at the Jebel Ali Port has positioned Dubai as a key gateway for global trade in the F&B sector.

Backed by double-digit growth in exports, Dubai’s external foodstuff trade jumped 11 per cent year-on-year to reach Dhs57bn in 2021 compared to Dhs51.4bn in 2020.

With an estimated investment of Dhs200m, the facilities will have a singular eco-system for bulk silo storage and agri-processing.

DP World will also invest in the most versatile and technologically advanced grain and pulses automated material handling and ferrying systems as part of the project.

The facilities, scheduled to commence operations in two years, with be expanded further in phases.

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and MD, DP World UAE and Jafza, said: “DP World has been a key contributor to the growth of the F&B sector. Our vision is always set on achieving the country’s national goals by supporting initiatives such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051. In alignment with this, we look forward to amplifying trade for the UAE and the Middle East by enabling agri-trade and through our new developments in the Jebel Ali Port. Our flagship port has continually reaffirmed its leading position as a strategic trade and logistics hub.

“Once functional, the facilities will certainly take advantage of our capabilities, resulting in sizeable new trade volumes for Dubai and increased investments for the port and the free zone in Jebel Ali. Most importantly, through these projects, we hope to support the “Make it in the Emirates” initiative and Operation 300bn, which aims to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to Dhs300n by 2031.”

Yogesh Raipuria, CEO, Adroit Canada, said: “Our successful collaboration started from our presence in Jafza and continues with our new agri-facility in Jebel Ali. The port’s strategic location, combined with the expertise offered by the company in delivering end-to-end services across the supply chain and our capabilities, will undoubtedly amplify our business.”

Yasin Abdul Majid Ranani, MD, Al Amir Foods, said: “Our new facility in the Jebel Ali Port will serve as a gateway to the world, expanding our reach and preparing us to meet the demands of the rapidly growing pulses market. We look forward to effectively utilising the port’s seamless import and export facilities, extensive logistics network and DP World’s comprehensive digital platforms to expedite our global agri-food and pulse trade, contributing to the F&B trade globally.”

The facilities are expected to account for annual trade of more than Dhs900m, contributing to Dubai’s strategic plan of boosting foreign trade to Dhs2tn. With their presence in the Jebel Ali Port and Jafza, the businesses will benefit significantly from multimodal connectivity, reduced logistics costs, a seamless business environment, and access to over 3.5 billion consumers.

The two facilities will be built over a quayside plot of nearly 100,000 square meters, where the companies have leased an area of 61,000 square meters.

The project consists of an integrated agri-storage and processing unit.