New Doraleh terminal officially opens

Chairman Highlights Visionary Partnership, Lasting Model

Doraleh, Djibouti, 7 February 2009: - Global marine terminal operator DP World today underlined its commitment to supporting the continued growth of Djibouti with the opening of the new state-of-the-art Doraleh Container Terminal. The President of Djibouti, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Dubai World and DP World Chairman H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem officiated at a quayside ceremony with special guest H.E. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to unveil a plaque to commemorate the opening of the new terminal. The ceremony was attended by more than 400 local and foreign dignitaries.

In 2000, DP World and the Djibouti Government established a joint venture together, with DP World awarded a 20 year concession to operate the Port of Djibouti. That successful partnership led to the joint venture investing in building the nearby Doraleh container terminal. DP World’s ultimate parent Dubai World has also invested substantially in Djibouti through its other companies, including in a hotel, a free zone and customs operations.

Dubai World and DP World Chairman H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “Doraleh Container Terminal is testament to a vision shared by the President of Djibouti, H.E. Ismail Omar Guelleh, DP World and Dubai World, and is a lasting model for large-scale public-private partnerships in Africa.

“We have invested both financial and human resources in Djibouti over the past nine years as part of our long term commitment to our partnership here. That investment in efficient infrastructure has helped stimulate the economy and supported trade, which in turn has benefited our business. But importantly, it has created jobs, created wealth and created opportunities for young Djiboutians.”

Doraleh terminal has capacity to handle 1.2 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) annually, the largest and most modern terminal in East Africa. Its 18 metre draft and 1050 metre quay easily accommodate the largest ships in service, including the 10-15,000 TEU “Super-Post-Panamax” vessels. Capacity at the terminal is set to grow in line with market demand to around 3m TEU over time.

In a model that emphasises the development of local talent, DP World has used Djiboutian trainees to help ramp up operations at the company’s other African terminals, such as Dakar, Senegal. Following the official opening of the Doraleh Container Terminal, H.E. Sultan Bin Sulayem launched the newest wing of the Kempinksi Djibouti Palace Hotel, a Nakheel Hotels project.

About DP World
DP World is one of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, with 49 terminals(1) and 12 new developments across 31 countries(2). Its dedicated, experienced and professional team of nearly 30,000 people serves customers in some of the most dynamic economies in the world.

DP World aims to enhance customers’ supply chain efficiency by effectively managing container, bulk and other terminal cargo. The company constantly invests in terminal infrastructure, facilities and people, working closely with customers and business partners to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when and where customers need them. In taking this customer-centric approach, DP World is building on the established relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in Dubai, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 14 consecutive years.

In 2008, DP World handled more than 46.8 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent container units) across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia – an increase of 8% on 2007. With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 95 million TEU over the next ten years.

______________________________
(1) 2 terminals in Algeria will join the portfolio in the first half of 2009.
(2) As of Feb 2009.

DP World