The Khalifa Port expansion project continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading regional logistics hub in 2026. Since celebrating a major construction milestone, the project has progressed into successive expansion phases that will increase container handling capacity, support growing trade volumes, and accommodate larger vessels. AD Ports Group is also advancing complementary terminal, logistics, and industrial developments around the port, reinforcing Khalifa Port’s long-term role within the UAE’s maritime strategy.
As part of its latest growth plans, AD Ports Group is expanding the CMA CGM terminal at Khalifa Port by an additional 900,000 TEUs, raising terminal capacity to 2.7 million TEUs by early 2028. The expansion forms part of wider investments across Khalifa Port, including LNG and LPG terminal developments and logistics infrastructure that support increasing cargo demand.
Khalifa Port Expansion project supports long-term trade growth
The expansion programme includes additional quay infrastructure, container handling equipment, yard facilities, utility networks, and supporting logistics assets. These investments will improve operational efficiency while accommodating larger container vessels and rising cargo volumes.
Khalifa Port remains integrated with Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD), allowing manufacturers, logistics companies, and exporters direct access to world-class maritime infrastructure. This integration continues attracting industrial investment into Abu Dhabi.
Khalifa Port Expansion project complements UAE maritime strategy
Although the UAE is investing heavily in new Gulf of Oman facilities, Khalifa Port continues serving as the country’s principal container gateway on the Arabian Gulf.
Together, the western and eastern port developments create a more resilient national logistics network. Consequently, the UAE can strengthen international trade while reducing risks associated with regional shipping disruptions.
This strategy builds on the UAE’s continued investment in maritime infrastructure. While the Khalifa Port expansion strengthened Abu Dhabi’s position as a global logistics hub, the country is now planning new ports and oil export hubs along the Gulf of Oman to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and improve supply chain resilience.
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Development of Khalifa Port
Initially, the Khalifa Port‘s development began from a stretch of land that was 4 kilometers out to sea. Currently, the Khalifa Port is a major hub that serves more than 25 container shipping lines. Furthermore, the port boasts direct links to well over 70 international destinations.
Moreover, it ranks amongst the top five of the global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), developed by S&P Global Market Intelligence and the World Bank. Additionally, the port hosts a total of three of the world’s top four shipping operators, COSCO, CMA CGM, CSP, and MSC.
The Chairman of AD Ports Group also spoke during the project’s inauguration ceremony. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi noted that the national project will help support the direction of positioning the UAE at the frontier of global trade. Without a doubt, he continued, the Khalifa Port stands as one of the most advanced deep-water ports, worldwide.
Project Fact Sheet
Project name: Khalifa Port Expansion project
Location: Khalifa Port, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Project type: Port expansion and container terminal development
Estimated investment: $1.1 billion
Current status (2026): Under phased expansion with additional terminal capacity under development
Developer: AD Ports Group
Key partner: CMA CGM
Additional capacity: 900,000 TEUs under current expansion
Planned terminal capacity: 2.7 million TEUs by early 2028
Supporting developments: LNG terminal, LPG terminal, logistics infrastructure, industrial facilities
Primary objective: Increase container handling capacity and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s logistics network
Economic impact: Higher trade capacity, improved port efficiency, increased industrial investment, stronger regional connectivity
Project Team
Project owner: AD Ports Group
Terminal development partner: CMA CGM Group
Port operator: AD Ports Group
Industrial zone partner: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group)
Government authority: Abu Dhabi Government
Marine engineering contractors: Various specialist contractors
Civil works contractors: Multiple contractors (phased packages)
Equipment suppliers: International port equipment manufacturers
Engineering consultants: Appointed by AD Ports Group for various expansion phases
Funding structure: Project-level financing with debt and equity participation through the AD Ports Group–CMA CGM joint venture.
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