Khorfakkan: Gulftainer today unveiled a new US$2 billion strategy to transform into a global trade infrastructure company, integrating ports, maritime shipping, inland logistics, industrial ecosystems, and AI-powered supply chains into a single connected platform serving some of the world's fastest-growing trade corridors.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during a press conference following a field visit to Khorfakkan Port. The strategy also confirms the continuation of expansion works at the port, aiming to increase its annual handling capacity from 3.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 5 million TEUs, with a long-term master plan targeting more than 10 million TEUs.
The company stated that future integration with Etihad Rail will enhance Khorfakkan Port's role as a fully multimodal gateway linking sea, road, and rail transport. Gulftainer added that Al Dhaid Logistics Park and Sajaa Logistics Park will collectively offer 2.3 million TEUs of annual inland logistics capacity, reinforcing the company's position at the intersection of infrastructure, trade connectivity, and digital intelligence. This initiative aims to enable businesses to build more resilient supply chains while supporting the UAE's ambition to become a leading trade and logistics hub.
Farid Belbouab, Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulftainer, described the transformation as more than an expansion of operations, marking the beginning of a new chapter following nearly five decades of connecting ports. He emphasized that the next 50 years will focus on connecting economies as global trade undergoes fundamental change, highlighting the shift from isolated logistics services to integrated, intelligent, and resilient supply chain solutions.
Belbouab noted that Gulftainer is driving the next phase of global trade by transforming government-to-government trade corridors into practical logistics solutions. As a key enabler of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the UAE's role in China's Belt and Road Initiative, the company aims to link ports, shipping services, inland logistics networks, and digital platforms to facilitate faster, more efficient cargo movement across major global trade routes.
He explained that the transformation is being implemented under the "New Gulftainer" strategy, which restructures the company's operations into four integrated business platforms: world-class container terminals and maritime gateways, inland logistics and multimodal transport, logistics parks and industrial ecosystems, and regional maritime services connecting strategic trade corridors.
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Raisi, Director of Ports and Border Points Affairs at the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, commented on the evolving nature of global trade and the importance of resilient supply chains in changing how port performance is measured. He emphasized that success is now defined by a port's ability to function as an integrated ecosystem combining advanced infrastructure, intelligent logistics solutions, and effective strategic partnerships.
Al Raisi added that Sharjah's competitive advantage stems from its integrated maritime network spanning both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, providing partners and investors with operational flexibility and multiple logistics options. This strengthens the readiness of both the emirate and the UAE to respond to changes in the global economy.
He concluded that the Authority's strategic partnership with Gulftainer exemplifies a successful model for enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the competitiveness of Khorfakkan Port. This aligns with global best practices, supporting the development of an integrated, future-ready logistics ecosystem that creates sustainable value for investors and advances the UAE's position as a leading global trade and logistics hub.