DP World Opens New Jebel Ali–Berbera Trade Route

In a major step to enhance regional connectivity, DP World has launched a new strategic shipping service linking Jebel Ali Port in the UAE with Berbera Port in Somaliland. The new route, operating every nine days, marks a significant milestone in strengthening maritime trade between the Gulf and East Africa.

The Jebel Ali–Berbera service not only enhances DP World’s global network but also reinforces Berbera’s growing position as a key logistics hub for the Horn of Africa. The service includes scheduled stops at Aden and Djibouti, creating a reliable trade corridor and offering businesses faster access to East African markets.

From Berbera, shipments can seamlessly move onwards to inland destinations such as Ethiopia, opening alternative routes to the region’s landlocked economies. This helps reduce reliance on traditional routes through Djibouti and cuts down long overland trucking times. With predictable transit schedules and reduced bottlenecks, the new service is set to bring efficiency and cost advantages to regional traders.

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Berbera Port’s upgraded infrastructure is already driving this transformation. The port features a 1,050-metre quay, including a 400-metre section capable of handling Triple-E vessels, and has become home to one of East Africa’s most modern container terminals. The facility also manages extensive bulk and livestock operations, moving nearly 4 million heads of livestock annually—a trade valued at over $1 billion.

The nearby Berbera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) adds another dimension to this growth, attracting investors and supporting local industrialisation. Backed by major investments from DP World, the UAE, and international partners, the Berbera-Addis Ababa corridor continues to expand with new infrastructure, including upgraded highways and bypass routes that strengthen inland connectivity.

DP World’s wider vision in Africa is reshaping trade across the continent. With nearly $3 billion invested and another $3 billion committed to future projects, the company’s growing network—from the Kigali Logistics Platform in Rwanda to Mozambique’s Maputo Corridor—aims to build sustainable, future-ready trade routes that link Africa more directly to global markets.

Since taking over operations in Berbera in 2017, DP World has led a dramatic transformation. Vessel productivity has risen by 450%, container volumes by 30%, and general cargo throughput by 90%. Today, Berbera handles more than 14 container ships each month, with an annual capacity of 500,000 TEUs—a figure expected to quadruple in the coming years.

The new Jebel Ali–Berbera route is more than just a shipping service; it represents a gateway to East Africa’s future trade growth, connecting regions, empowering economies, and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global logistics leader.