The ports export oil, raw materials, and finished goods worldwide as well as import various raw materials for the local consumers . It also re-exports and redistribute trade to other AGCC countries.
The country is served by 15 commercial ports with a total capacity of more than 70 million tons, apart from many small harbours. The UAE also ranks among the top five locations in the world for ship supplies and bunkering.
ABU DHABI:
According to statistics, the modernisation and development of the Abu Dhabi seaports in the nineties has contributed to the huge growth in the country's non-oil foreign trade, particularly through the port Mina Zayed.
It is the main cargo port and is linked to a large number of shipping lines in Europe, Australia, America and Far East, linking the emirate with the rest of the world.
Mina Zayed, established in 1972, has 21 berths and container traffic is growing on average by 10 per cent annually and shipping analysts predict an enormous growth within the next eight years. Thus, to meet the growing demands, a new container terminal will be built with an estimated investment of Dh400 million.
With the expansion of Mina Zayed, more business can be carried out after the construction of four new docks, a fully computerised quality control system and new fuel storage facilities are completed, according to a report.
DUBAI:
According to a shipping expert, ports in Dubai will continue to dominate regional trade and retain their status as regional transshipment hubs.
The ports at Port Rashid in Dubai City and Jebel Ali, with more than 100 berths in total plays a vital role in trade and business in the UAE.
Jebel Ali, the largest man-made port in the world, basically handles bulk cargo and industrial material for Jebel Ali Free Zone.
This year till June, Dubai Ports Authority (DPA) handled a total 2.97 million TEUs (twenty feet equivalent units) and recorded a growth of 23 per cent compared to last year.
Both Port Rashid and Jebel Ali Port have received the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code certificate, according to DPA officials.
Dubai's ports infrastructure facilities are being upgraded and expanded continuously. Apart from that, DPA is all set to complete the new Jebel Ali port expansion master plan to meet the demands from the other markets in the Gulf.
SHARJAH:
Sharjah is the only emirate in the UAE with a port on both coasts, Port Khalid in Sharjah city and Khor Fakkan on the east coast with a combined capacity of 17 berths. Last year, both the ports saw increase in container handling and Khalid ports witnessed rise by 18 per cent due to improvement of the docks, better services and latest equipments installed at the ports.
Port Khalid is one of the easiest port to gain entry in the Gulf with a short approach channel and handles a wide variety of tonnage, passenger ships, bulk cariers, container vessels, as well as smaller vessels.
Khor Fakkan Container Terminal (KCT) is a dedicated container port and is the only natural deepwater port in the region. A modern highway connects KCT with industrial and urban centres on the UAE's Gulf Coast.
KCT is also undergoing expansion and the container stacking area will be increased providing an extra 60,000 TEUs ground slots and 50 additional reefer points will be installed. The container handling fork lifts are also being enlarged.
FUJAIRAH:
The Fujairah port recorded more than 45 per cent increase in the country's foreign trade volume last year and receives 6,000 vessels every year, according to sources. The port handles more than 10 million tonnes of bunker fuel annually and the port will commission a new 820 metre terminal in 2005.
Thus, sea ports are very important as the ports boost sea transport and trade.
Add us to Favorites 
Refer a Friend
