DP World’s first-half results for 2026 highlight the scale of disruption affecting its UAE operations, with container volumes at its flagship Jebel Ali terminals down 90.1% year-on-year in the second quarter.
Jebel Ali handled 374,000 TEU between April and June, compared with 3.8 million TEU in the same period in 2025.
The sharp fall follows a 30.5% year-on-year drop in throughput at Jebel Ali in the first quarter, highlighting the continuing toll of lower vessel traffic thru the Strait of Hormuz.
The disruption has also taken a significant toll on DP World’s container business as a whole. The Group’s global container throughput decreased by 22.0% on a like-for-like basis during the first half of the year.
The figures also underline the significance of Jebel Ali to DP World’s global network. Excluding the UAE terminal, the group’s like-for-like throughput actually grew 3.6% in the first half.
Jebel Ali remains open
DP World said its flagship UAE port was fully operational and had not suffered any physical damage during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, although volumes had fallen dramatically.
The main problem has been the disruption of sea traffic thru the Strait of Hormuz, which has greatly reduced the number of ships entering and leaving the Gulf.
The subsequent decline in vessel calls has translated into a straightforward loss of container throughput at Jebel Ali.
More money but less profit
The volume shock has been translated in DP World’s financial performance as well.
The group’s profit fell 39.1% in the first half of 2026 to $585 million.
Revenue was up 13.1% year-on-year to $12.7 billion but the decline came despite this.
The results highlight the financial impact of the disruption, with the sharp fall in activity at one of DP World’s most important terminals having a heavy impact on overall profitability.
DP World will keep an eye on Jebel Ali for clues as to how it is coping with the ongoing effects of less shipping thru the Strait of Hormuz and the general uncertainty surrounding maritime trade in the Gulf.
