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Khorfakkan port to handle over 10 million TEUs in new expansion plan
The Sharjah-based port, operated by Gulftainer, is currently the only fully operational terminal in the country that is located outside the Strait of Hormuz
- PUBLISHED: Tue 7 Jul 2026, 1:32 PM UPDATED: Tue 7 Jul 2026, 7:32 PM
Khorfakkan port will undergo major expansion plans, capable of handling more than 10 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), Gulftainer announced on Tuesday.
It will also be able to handle 2.3 million TEUs of inland logistics capacity across Sajaa Logistics Park and Al Dhaid Logistics Park, the latter of which is expected to measure 1.5 million square meters in the first phase of the development.
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Prior to the regional war, Khorfakkan Port handled around 8,000 TEUs per week, and is now able to move 65,000 after expanding during the onset of the war, Gulftainer’s CEO, Farid Belbouab, told Khaleej Times.
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The Sharjah-based ports and logistics operator increased its logistical capacity from 100 trucks per day to now 8,500 trucks, the CEO said, a testament to the port’s quick response to the Hormuz crisis.
“We estimate today that we are covering 80 to 90 per cent of the UAE demands when it comes to the continental supply chain,” Belbouab said.
“The network of dry ports (Sajaa and Al Dhaid) enabled the ships to berth (and) discharge cargo, but you need to move, otherwise you create congestion,” he explained. “So when you don't have space because you're surrounded by mountains and Khorfakkan is a beautiful scenery city to visit, but we are surrounded by mountains. You cannot, you cannot move mountains physically, but we were able to move mountains somewhat.”
The new expansion will feature 17-meter-deep berths for vessels to anchor, as well as 21 high performance ship-to-shore cranes. During the announcement, Belbouab said that the port will extend beyond the GCC market, which it currently serves, and move towards East Africa, the wider Middle East region, and the Indian Ocean.
The port is currently the only fully operational terminal in the country that is located outside the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the most important gateway terminals. The UAE's Fujairah port also operates outside Hormuz, though in a smaller capacity.
The Strait is a narrow passageway wedged between neighbouring Oman and Iran, which has seen major disruptions due to vessel attacks by Iran after the military conflict with the US and Israel, disrupting global supply chain and sending global energy prices higher.
While a 60-day interim ceasefire agreement was signed by both parties, the US and Iran have accused the other of violating it due to continued disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Axios, citing two unnamed US officials, Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday fired at least two missiles at commercial ships in this important waterway.
Hind Aldah is a business reporter based in Sharjah. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.