Khalifa Port Leaps 5 Places as World’s Fastest-Growing Major Hub
Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port handled 6.6 million TEUs in 2025, marking a 21.6% year-on-year surge and the steepest climb.
Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port has emerged as the fastest-growing major container hub in the world, surging five places to 34th in Lloyd’s List’s 2026 global rankings after handling 6.6 million TEUs in 2025, a 21.6% increase that outpaced every other top-40 port.
The port’s performance in 2025 was driven by a combination of factors, including increased terminal utilisation, robust market demand, and the addition of new capacity. A key contributor was CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, which handled more than 1.3 million TEUs during its first full year of operation after opening in January 2025. The terminal’s success reflects the broader strategy of AD Ports Group to diversify and expand Khalifa Port’s capabilities through long-term partnerships with industry leaders like CMA CGM, COSCO, and MSC.
Khalifa Port’s three container terminals, Abu Dhabi Terminalss with MSC, CSP Abu Dhabi Terminals with COSCO, and CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, now provide customers with extensive connectivity to major international markets.
COSCO Shipping Holdings
The port’s rise is not merely a recent phenomenon. Since first entering the global rankings in 2019 at 95th place, Khalifa Port has advanced 61 positions, a trajectory that highlights AD Ports Group’s sustained investment in infrastructure, technology, and operational efficiency.
What’s Next for Khalifa Port?
The port’s expansion shows no signs of slowing. The ongoing development of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port is set to increase its annual handling capacity by nearly 50%, from 1.8 million TEUs to 2.7 million TEUs. Once completed, Khalifa Port’s total annual capacity will reach 10.5 million TEUs, cementing its status as a world-class gateway for trade.
Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, attributed the port’s success to a combination of vision, investment, and collaboration. In a statement, he said:
“Khalifa Port’s rise to 34th in the Lloyd’s List ranking reflects the strength of our long-term vision and our continued commitment to operational excellence. A 21.6% increase in container throughput, alongside a five-place rise in the global ranking, demonstrates the progress achieved through sustained investment in infrastructure, capacity, technology and connectivity.
This achievement is also a testament to the dedication of our teams, the confidence of our customers and the value of our strategic partnerships. We will continue investing in capacity, connectivity, and innovative solutions that strengthen our role as a world-class gateway for trade, and reinforce the UAE’s position within global supply chains.”
Saif Al Mazrouei·Chief Executive Officer, Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group
The port’s growth has broader implications for the UAE’s trade and logistics sector. As global supply chains continue to evolve, Khalifa Port’s ability to handle larger volumes of cargo efficiently positions it as a key player in the region’s economic future. The port’s connectivity to major shipping routes and its integration with inland logistics networks make it an attractive option for carriers and shippers looking to optimise their operations in the Middle East.
Looking ahead, the completion of the CMA Terminals expansion will be a critical milestone. The port’s continued growth will also support the UAE’s ambition to become a leading logistics hub, connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa through a seamless network of maritime and inland transport links.
As Khalifa Port continues to climb the global rankings, its success story offers a blueprint for how ports can leverage infrastructure, technology, and partnerships to drive growth. For Abu Dhabi, the port’s achievements are not just a matter of prestige, they are a cornerstone of the emirate’s economic strategy, reinforcing its role as a vital link in the global supply chain.
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