UAE ports

DP World and MOL sign a term sheet for an automotive hub at Jebel Ali

DP World and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines have agreed the framework for a proposed vehicle logistics and processing facility at Jebel Ali Port. What was announced on 7 October 2026, and what is still open.

Term sheet reported on 7 Oct 2026Nearly 1.1 million vehicles at Jebel Ali in 2025Size, cost and timeline not announced

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Published 2026-10-14 · Midtrans Shipping And Services

Reviewed by Khaldoun Al-Khouli, General Manager

What was signed

A term sheet that sets the framework for a proposed facility, not a final agreement.

What the site would do

Vehicle storage, pre-delivery inspection and other services at one port-side location.

What is still open

No size, investment value or construction timeline has been published.

What it means for shippers

Nothing changes for vehicle shipments today; the plan is at an early stage.

The agreement

A term sheet, not yet a final deal

DP World and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) have signed a term sheet that sets out the framework for a proposed new automotive logistics and processing facility at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. The agreement was reported on 7 October 2026.

A term sheet records the main terms both sides intend to negotiate. The companies said they will continue discussions on the proposed development; no final agreement or investment decision has been announced.

Reported on 7 October 2026
Framework only, talks continue
Builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding

The facility

Storage, inspection and services at one port-side site

According to the companies, the facility would bring vehicle storage, pre-delivery inspection (PDI) and other value-added services together at a single location in the port, instead of spreading these steps across separate sites.

The companies said the project is meant to support vehicle flows from Asian manufacturing centres to markets in the Middle East and Africa. They said Jebel Ali Port handled nearly 1.1 million vehicles in 2025.

Open questions

What has not been announced

DP World and MOL have not announced the size of the facility, its investment value or a construction timeline.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 to explore opportunities in vehicle storage, processing and distribution at Jebel Ali. The term sheet is the next step in that relationship.

For shippers

What this means for vehicles moving through Jebel Ali

For now, nothing changes: vehicles continue to move through Jebel Ali under the existing arrangements, and the proposed facility has no start date.

If the project goes ahead, inspection and preparation could take place at the port before vehicles move on, which may reduce handling between sites. MIDTRANS will follow the project and update this page when dates are published.

No change to current vehicle shipments
No opening date announced
Ask us for a current vehicle quote

Sources

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Has the Jebel Ali automotive facility been approved?

Not yet. DP World and MOL signed a term sheet that sets out the framework for a proposed facility. They have not announced a final agreement or investment decision.

When will the facility open?

No timeline has been announced. The companies have not published the size, investment value or construction schedule.

Does this change how I ship a car from Dubai today?

No. Current vehicle shipments are not affected. Send us the vehicle details and we will confirm the route and price.

How many vehicles does Jebel Ali handle?

According to DP World and MOL, Jebel Ali Port handled nearly 1.1 million vehicles in 2025.

Shipping a vehicle from the UAE?

Send us the vehicle details and destination, and our team will confirm the route, documents and price.

Request a freight quote Contact our operations desk