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Gulftainer: Why Khorfakkan could become the UAE's most important trade gateway
CEO Farid Belbouab on Khorfakkan's expansion into a 10M+ TEU multimodal trade gateway, connecting maritime, inland logistics and industrial hubs across the UAE and the wider GCC
- PUBLISHED: Tue 4 Aug 2026, 8:30 AM
As regional trade continues to grow and supply chains become increasingly interconnected, ports are evolving far beyond their traditional role as cargo handling facilities. Businesses today are looking for integrated logistics hubs that combine maritime access with inland transport, warehousing, industrial infrastructure and seamless regional connectivity.
Against this backdrop, Gulftainer is undertaking what it describes as the biggest transformation in its nearly 50-year history, expanding beyond port operations to build an integrated trade and logistics ecosystem centred on Khorfakkan. The strategy includes plans to expand Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal's long-term capacity beyond 10 million TEUs while developing 2.3 million TEUs of inland logistics capacity across Al Dhaid and Sajaa logistics parks, strengthening the port's role as a multimodal trade gateway connecting the UAE and wider GCC.
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Strengthening Regional Connectivity
Farid Belbouab, Group CEO of Gulftainer, believes the future of logistics will be defined by connectivity, flexibility and integrated infrastructure that enables cargo to move efficiently across regional markets. He says Khorfakkan's strategic location on the UAE's east coast, combined with its expanding multimodal infrastructure, positions it as an important gateway linking maritime trade with inland logistics networks across the UAE and the wider GCC.
"As trade volumes continue to grow across the region, customers increasingly require logistics solutions that connect ports with inland transport, warehousing and industrial facilities. Our investments are focused on building that integrated ecosystem while supporting long-term regional trade," Belbouab says.
He believes this reinforces the importance of investing in infrastructure well before demand materialises. "Khorfakkan was built more than 30 years ago with exactly that ambition, and today we continue investing to ensure we can meet future demand."
For Gulftainer, resilience extends beyond physical infrastructure. "Ultimately, resilience is not only about infrastructure or technology. It is also about the people behind those operations who ensure the system continues to function when it matters most."
Beyond a Port
While many ports continue expanding berth capacity and container handling capabilities, Gulftainer is taking a broader approach by building an integrated logistics ecosystem around Khorfakkan.
Its developments at Sajaa and Al Dhaid are designed to move cargo beyond the port and closer to customers through warehousing, inland logistics, manufacturing, distribution and multimodal transport.
"The launch of our Sajaa and Al Dhaid facilities is not simply about strengthening our competitive position," says Belbouab. "It is about bringing cargo closer to our customers' doorstep."
He says customers increasingly want a single logistics partner capable of managing every stage of the supply chain rather than dealing with multiple providers.
"We combine port operations, shipping, trucking, contract logistics and dry ports that are connected to industrial and smart cities."
The strategy extends well beyond storage. The facilities are being developed to support manufacturing, assembly, customs clearance, consolidation and re-export, creating industrial activity alongside logistics operations.
Belbouab believes future connectivity through Etihad Rail and eventually the wider GCC rail network will further strengthen the UAE's logistics position. "The next step is expanding those connections across the wider GCC. Saudi Arabia has already made significant progress, while future integration with Qatar, Kuwait and other regional markets will further strengthen the region's logistics network."
Economic Growth
The benefits of stronger logistics infrastructure extend well beyond moving containers. Belbouab says companies are already investing in facilities on the UAE's east coast, establishing operations and relocating parts of their businesses closer to the emerging trade corridor.
"We are already seeing the impact. A growing number of companies are establishing operations, investing in facilities and equipment, and relocating parts of their business to the UAE's East Coast."
He expects that momentum to gather pace over the coming years, bringing "thousands of new jobs, fresh investment and the development of entirely new industrial sectors."
Businesses across the automotive, energy and steel sectors are already exploring opportunities linked to the corridor, he says, while customer expectations are also evolving.
"The conversation is no longer just about speed or cost. Increasingly, businesses are looking for integrated logistics solutions that provide efficiency, flexibility and seamless connectivity across regional markets."
That shift is changing the role ports are expected to play. Rather than simply moving containers, Belbouab says logistics hubs must offer a broader range of services to support modern supply chains.
"Customers increasingly expect integrated logistics ecosystems that bring together storage, assembly, manufacturing, consolidation and regional distribution within a single platform."
The Next Chapter for UAE Ports
Belbouab believes ports are evolving from transport hubs into fully integrated trade gateways.
Gulftainer's recently announced Al Dhaid Multi-Modal Trade Corridor reflects that shift by connecting maritime operations with road, future rail connectivity, warehousing and industrial facilities.
"Traditionally, ports have served primarily as cargo gateways," he says. "As regional supply chains become increasingly sophisticated, businesses require seamless multimodal connectivity that links maritime, road, rail and inland logistics infrastructure."
He says Khorfakkan already offers one of the shortest transit times into the UAE, but customers increasingly require much more than efficient port operations. "They also need inventory management, warehousing and regional distribution capabilities to serve both the UAE and neighbouring markets. That is precisely where Al Dhaid adds value."
The development is planned to support not only container logistics, but also dry bulk cargo, automotive logistics, cold storage, container freight stations and warehousing.
"We believe this represents a highly innovative and potentially disruptive model for a regional logistics market that has historically been concentrated around only a few major hubs," he adds.
As a passionate storyteller and content writer, Kushmita Bose loves weaving narratives that inform, inspire, and entertain. Whether she's unraveling tech revolutions, dissecting industry reports, or bringing a brand’s journey to life, Kushmita thrives on transforming ideas into captivating stories. When she’s not busy crafting content, you’ll probably find her daydreaming about her next travel adventure.