Dubai Ranks Among World’s Top Five Shipping Hubs

Dubai has secured fifth place worldwide and the top ranking in the Arab world as a leading international shipping centre, according to the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index published by China’s Xinhua News Agency in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange.

The report highlights Dubai’s maritime ecosystem across navigation services, shipbuilding and repair, and an expanding capacity to handle vessel traffic.

Jebel Ali Port was identified as a key driver of Dubai’s role, backed by sustained infrastructure investment. In 2024, Jebel Ali handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units, its highest figure since 2015, representing 18% of the 88.3 million units managed by DP World globally.

Sustainability measures at the port include the use of biofuels for ships, installation of 50,000 square metres of solar panels, and deployment of electric vehicles for container handling, which together reduced annual CO2 emissions by around 2,000 tons.

The study also referenced the Maritime Transport Plan 2030, aligned with the Economic Agenda D33, which aims to expand maritime transport usage, strengthen marine networks, and further develop Maritime City.