UAE Ports Map 2026: Complete Guide to Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah Ports

Introduction: The UAE as a Global Trade Gateway

The United Arab Emirates sits at the crossroads of three continents, making it one of the most strategically positioned trade hubs on Earth. With over **700 billion AED** in non-oil foreign trade annually and connections to more than **200 ports** worldwide, the UAE's maritime infrastructure is the backbone of regional commerce.

Understanding the UAE's port landscape is essential for **importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and customs brokers**. Each port serves distinct functions — from Jebel Ali's massive container operations to Dubai Creek's traditional dhow trade — and choosing the right port impacts your shipping costs, clearance times, and supply chain efficiency.

This comprehensive 2026 guide covers every major UAE port including location, capacity, free zone connections, customs procedures, and specializations. For an interactive view, visit our UAE Ports Map.

Jebel Ali Port (DP World) — The Middle East's Largest Port

**Jebel Ali Port** is the undisputed flagship of UAE maritime trade and the **largest port in the Middle East**. Operated by **DP World**, it consistently ranks among the top 10 busiest container ports globally.

**Key Facts:** • **Location:** 35 km southwest of Dubai city center • **Annual throughput:** Over **14.5 million TEUs** • **Terminal capacity:** 5 container terminals with **22.4 million TEU** design capacity • **Berth length:** More than **15 kilometers** of quay • **Depth:** Up to **18 meters** draft • **Connections:** Direct routes to over **180 ports** across 6 continents

**Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA):** Directly adjacent to the port, JAFZA hosts over **8,000 companies** from more than **140 countries**. Benefits include 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate tax, full profit repatriation, and direct port-to-warehouse connectivity.

**Customs at Jebel Ali:** Operates through Dubai Trade, the single-window platform. Standard 5% duty on CIF value with free zone exemptions. Average clearance under **4 hours** with correct documentation. Supports pre-arrival processing.

Jebel Ali is optimal for **high-volume container trade, re-export operations**, and free zone-based regional distribution.

Port Rashid — Dubai's City-Center Maritime Hub

**Port Rashid** occupies a prime waterfront position in central Dubai, near Bur Dubai. Once the emirate's primary cargo port, it has transformed into a cruise and specialty cargo hub.

**Key Facts:** • **Location:** Central Dubai, ~5 km from Dubai International Airport • **Primary role:** Cruise terminal hub, general and project cargo • **Cruise capacity:** Over **800,000 cruise passengers** annually — busiest in the Middle East • **Berths:** 35 berths with depths ranging from 8 to 13 meters

**Cargo Operations:** Port Rashid handles general and breakbulk cargo (steel, timber, machinery), project cargo (heavy-lift and oversized equipment), government shipments, and temporary imports for exhibitions.

Customs follows the same Dubai Customs framework as Jebel Ali. Its city-center location offers faster last-mile delivery to Dubai's commercial districts.

Best suited for **cruise operations, project cargo, breakbulk**, and businesses needing proximity to central Dubai.

Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi) — The Capital's Mega-Port

**Khalifa Port** is Abu Dhabi's flagship deep-water port, one of the most modern maritime facilities in the world. Located in Taweelah, it was purpose-built to drive economic diversification.

**Key Facts:** • **Location:** Taweelah, ~50 km north of Abu Dhabi Island • **Container throughput:** Over **3.4 million TEUs** annually and growing • **Semi-automated terminal** with automated stacking cranes • **Depth:** Up to **18 meters**, accommodating Ultra Large Container Vessels • **Total port area:** Over **2.7 square kilometers**

**Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD):** One of the **largest industrial zones in the world** spanning over **410 square kilometers**. 100% foreign ownership, competitive lease rates, direct access to Etihad Rail and Khalifa Port. Over 250 companies operational with ongoing expansion.

**Customs:** Managed through **Abu Dhabi Customs** and the **MAQTA Gateway** digital platform. Standard UAE 5% duty with free zone exemptions.

Ideal for **Abu Dhabi-based businesses, KIZAD tenants, industrial cargo**, and importers seeking alternatives to Dubai's routes.

Port of Fujairah — The East Coast Bunkering Hub

The **Port of Fujairah** holds a unique strategic position as the only major UAE port on the **Gulf of Oman**, outside the Strait of Hormuz.

**Key Facts:** • **Location:** Fujairah Emirate, on the UAE's east coast • **Strategic advantage:** Direct ocean access — no Strait of Hormuz transit required • **Bunkering:** **Second-largest bunkering hub globally** after Singapore, handling over **8 million metric tons** of marine fuel annually • **Oil storage:** More than **14 million cubic meters** of oil storage capacity • **Berths:** Multiple deep-water berths up to **16 meters** depth

Key operations include oil and petroleum products, bulk cargo (aggregates, cement, steel), growing container trade, and ship-to-ship crude oil transfers. Fujairah is also the terminus of the **Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP)**, a 370-km strategic bypass of the Strait of Hormuz.

Customs follows Federal Customs Authority guidelines with standard 5% duty. The Fujairah Free Zone offers warehousing and light manufacturing.

Choose Fujairah for **oil and bunkering operations, east-coast deliveries**, and Strait of Hormuz bypass.

Sharjah Ports — Hamriyah Free Zone & Port Khalid

Sharjah operates two significant ports as cost-effective alternatives to Dubai's larger facilities.

**Hamriyah Port & Free Zone:** • **Location:** Northern coast of Sharjah, ~25 km from city center • **Free zone area:** Over **22 square kilometers** • **Specializations:** Oil and gas equipment, metals recycling, building materials • **Companies:** More than **6,500 companies** from over **160 countries** • **Benefits:** 100% foreign ownership, 0% taxes, 25-year renewable leases

**Port Khalid:** • **Location:** Central Sharjah, adjacent to Al Majaz waterfront • **Role:** General cargo, container operations, and ro-ro services • **Throughput:** ~**400,000 TEUs** annually • **Operator:** **Gulftainer**, one of the largest private terminal operators • **Advantage:** Lower handling charges than Dubai ports

Sharjah Customs manages clearance for both ports with standard 5% duty. Goods entering the Hamriyah Free Zone are duty-exempt until leaving for the mainland.

Ideal for **cost-conscious importers, SMEs, construction materials**, and Northern Emirates businesses.

Comparing UAE Ports — Capacity, Free Zones & Specializations

Choosing the right port depends on cargo type, destination, budget, and free zone requirements.

**Container Throughput:** • **Jebel Ali:** 14.5+ million TEUs — the dominant player • **Khalifa Port:** 3.4+ million TEUs — rapidly growing • **Port Khalid (Sharjah):** ~400,000 TEUs • **Fujairah:** ~200,000 TEUs — growing • **Port Rashid:** Limited containers — shifting to cruise

**Connected Free Zones:** • **Jebel Ali** -> JAFZA — 8,000+ companies, regional distribution hub • **Khalifa Port** -> KIZAD — 410 sq km industrial mega-zone • **Fujairah** -> Fujairah Free Zone — oil, industrial • **Hamriyah** -> Hamriyah Free Zone — 6,500+ companies • **Port Khalid** -> SAIF Zone accessible nearby

**Cost Considerations:** • **Jebel Ali** charges premium rates but offers fastest clearance • **Sharjah ports** typically **15-25% lower** handling and storage fees • **Khalifa Port** offers competitive promotional rates • **Fujairah** is cost-effective for oil-related operations

The best port balances **shipping line availability, warehouse proximity, free zone benefits, and total landed cost**.

Customs Clearance at UAE Ports — Process & Documents

Customs clearance follows a consistent framework governed by **Federal Customs Authority** regulations.

**Standard Import Clearance Process:** • **Step 1:** Submit Import Declaration through the relevant customs platform • **Step 2:** Attach all required documents digitally • **Step 3:** Customs routes to green channel (automatic release), yellow (document review), or red (physical inspection) • **Step 4:** Pay applicable duties and fees • **Step 5:** Receive delivery order and arrange cargo collection

**Required Documents:** • Commercial Invoice with HS codes • Packing List • Bill of Lading or Airway Bill • Certificate of Origin • Import Permit (for regulated goods) • Customs Declaration (flat file)

**Duty Rates:** • **Standard:** 5% on CIF value • **Tobacco:** 100% excise tax • **Alcohol:** 50% excise tax • **GCC-origin goods:** 0% with Certificate of Origin • **Free zone goods:** 0% while within free zone; duty applies on mainland transfer

**Pro tip:** Accurate HS code classification is the single most important factor in smooth clearance at any UAE port.

Frequently Asked Questions About UAE Ports

**Which is the largest port in the UAE?** Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is the largest, handling over 14.5 million TEUs annually with connections to 180+ ports worldwide.

**How long does customs clearance take?** With complete documentation, clearance takes **2 to 4 hours** at major ports. Physical inspection (red channel) may take **1 to 3 business days**.

**What is the customs duty rate?** Standard rate is **5% of CIF value** across all UAE ports. Tobacco attracts 100%, alcohol 50%. GCC-origin goods may qualify for 0%.

**Can I avoid duty through a free zone?** Yes, goods in free zones are duty-exempt while they remain there. Duty applies when goods transfer to the UAE mainland.

**Which port is best for oil operations?** The **Port of Fujairah** — second-largest bunkering hub globally with 8+ million metric tons of bunker fuel annually.

Conclusion: Navigate UAE Ports with Confidence

The UAE's port network is one of the most sophisticated in the world. Each port serves a distinct purpose in the country's trade ecosystem.

**Key takeaways:** • **Jebel Ali** is the default for high-volume containerized trade and re-exports through JAFZA • **Khalifa Port** offers a modern alternative with KIZAD integration for Abu Dhabi operations • **Fujairah** dominates oil, bunkering, and east-coast logistics • **Sharjah ports** deliver cost savings for SMEs • **Accurate HS codes and complete documentation** are keys to fast clearance at any port

Explore our **Interactive UAE Ports Map** to visualize every port location, review facility details, and identify the best port for your cargo.