A New Maritime Gateway: DP World Launches Strategic Route Linking UAE and Somaliland

DP World has unveiled a transformative shipping route connecting Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates with Berbera Port in Somaliland, operating on a consistent nine-day rotation. This new maritime corridor marks a significant leap forward in trade and logistics across the Gulf and East Africa.

The route, which includes stops in Aden and Djibouti, is set to strengthen regional connectivity, streamline supply chains, and reduce dependence on traditional overland transport routes. For landlocked nations like Ethiopia, it offers a faster and more reliable gateway to global markets through the Berbera Corridor — an emerging economic lifeline for the Horn of Africa.

Berbera Port, modernized under DP World’s management, now boasts state-of-the-art facilities and expanded capacity, positioning it as a premier logistics hub. The adjacent Berbera Special Economic Zone (SEZ) complements this growth by attracting investment, fostering manufacturing, and creating jobs that will uplift the broader region.

DP World’s growing presence in East Africa is reshaping regional trade dynamics by offering alternatives to traditional routes through Djibouti and improving market access for landlocked and underserved areas. The company’s strategy aligns with regional aspirations for economic diversification, infrastructure resilience, and trade independence.

Berbera’s rising importance is further reinforced by major investments in inland connectivity, most notably the transport corridor linking to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), recent upgrades — including a 250 km road and the 22.5 km Hargeisa Bypass — are expanding transit capacity and extending the port’s reach deep into regional markets.

By linking Jebel Ali’s global network with Berbera’s strategic location, DP World is not just connecting ports — it is unlocking new trade opportunities, fueling regional development, and reshaping the maritime map of East Africa.

This new route underscores the growing importance of Somaliland as a gateway for international commerce and a pillar of stability and progress in the Horn of Africa.