DP World said it plans to relocate its headquarters to Expo City Dubai, marking the latest milestone in the ports operator’s 50-year journey, as it continues to expand its global supply chain solutions.
The move to Expo City is part of the company’s journey from a local port operator in 1972 to a global supply chain solutions provider, transforming how the world trades.
The company’s current head office is in Jebel Ali, at the heart of its port and free zone operations since its establishment under its current name in September 2005.
“DP World’s relocation to Expo City Dubai is not an isolated project; it is one of many within our overall transformation to become the leading global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions,” said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World.
“We are confident that our new state-of-the-art home will not only facilitate our continued growth but also serve as a testament to our dedication to excellence and environmental stewardship.”
The new head office, which is nine storeys and boasts 37,300 square metres of space, provides a platform for clients and partners to engage directly with DP World’s portfolio – across ports and terminals, marine services, logistics and technology. It will accommodate approximately 800 dedicated staff.
The building includes an automated parking area, which not only maximises plot use but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional parking facilities. It also provides surface car parking facilities that are equipped with electric car charging facilities.
The first two floors are dedicated to engaging external stakeholders and visitors – with space for casual meetings and dining in the highest-level VIP meeting rooms and facilities. The building was designed by Dubai-based DEC Dynamic Design Studio.
DP World’s growth journey
Meanwhile, DP World invested more than $6bn to evolve into a comprehensive supply chain player, as the company capitalised on the slow evolution of the supply chain industry to invest in every aspect of the chain, Sulayem said at the 21st Arab Media Forum in September.
The state-owned firm has undertaken substantial investments spanning multiple countries across the globe, with a commitment to pursue this strategy wherever viable opportunities arise.
Earlier this year, DP World launched the first direct freight service between the UAE and Iraq to make the flow of goods between the two countries faster, safer and more efficient.
In August DP World signed a concession agreement with the Deendayal Port Authority to develop, operate and maintain a new 2.19 million TEU per annum mega-container terminal at Kandla in Gujarat on India’s western coast.
The company’s half-year revenues surged by 13.9 per cent to $9.03bn while its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 7 per cent to $2.6bn with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.9 per cent.
