Abu Dhabi Ports and Borouge to explore Fujairah export gateway to bolster polyolefin supply chains
Abu Dhabi Ports and Borouge have signed a partnership to explore an east-coast Fujairah export gateway, aiming to strengthen polyolefin export resilience and diversify maritime routes.
Agreement aims to create alternative international export gateway on UAE east coast
Abu Dhabi Ports and Borouge signed an agreement to evaluate opportunities for expanded cooperation that could establish an alternative international export gateway on the UAE’s east coast. The partnership targets improved export continuity and operational resilience across Borouge’s logistics network.
The memorandum provides a framework for joint studies and planning to determine how an east-coast gateway, centered on Fujairah’s facilities, could integrate with Borouge’s long-term export strategy. Officials said the initiative seeks to reduce shipment disruptions and strengthen routing flexibility for industrial exports.
Planned focus on Fujairah terminals and specialized polyolefin infrastructure
A central element of the collaboration is the use of Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime connections and its integrated services at Fujairah ports, which lie on the UAE’s eastern seaboard. The partners will assess the feasibility of developing dedicated infrastructure for polyolefins to support Borouge’s export volumes.
The feasibility work will include technical, operational and commercial evaluations to identify needed upgrades, berthing capacity and storage solutions. If pursued, specialized terminals and logistics yards could streamline handling, storage and onward shipment of polyolefin products.
Efforts to reduce dependence on congested sea lanes and add new shipping routes
The project will examine ways to limit reliance on congested or constrained maritime channels by diversifying port calls and shipping corridors. Abu Dhabi Ports and Borouge plan to work with shipping lines to activate alternative vessel schedules and routes through Fujairah’s network.
The partners expect that a broader set of maritime options will allow more reliable vessel windows and improved turnaround times. Enhancing route diversity is intended to protect export flows from episodic port congestion, canal delays or geopolitical disruptions that affect global shipping lanes.
Executive perspectives on industrial and logistics objectives
Seif Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Ports sector at Abu Dhabi Ports, said the group intends to leverage its integrated port and logistics capabilities to support critical industrial exports and regional trade connectivity. He described the agreement as an opportunity to deepen cooperation that advances the UAE’s commercial and industrial objectives.
Borouge’s CEO, Hazem Sultan Al Suwaidi, characterized the partnership as a strategic step to expand the company’s logistical capacity and ensure continuity of supply. He emphasized the aim of building a more flexible, diversified export network that strengthens Borouge’s reliability as a global supplier.
Longstanding relationship underpins new strategic ambitions
The new agreement builds on a partnership between the parties that dates back to 2001 and reflects Borouge’s status as a major exporter moving through Abu Dhabi Ports’ facilities. Both organizations framed the initiative as part of a shared ambition to make the UAE a more competitive logistics and industrial hub.
Officials noted that the collaboration aligns with national economic strategies to reinforce supply chain resilience and attract investment in supporting infrastructure. The proposed gateway is presented as a complement to existing export routes rather than a replacement, designed to broaden options for shippers and industrial customers.
Abu Dhabi Ports expands services in Egypt with cruise and ferry operations
Separately, Abu Dhabi Ports announced the launch of cruise and ferry services across three terminals in Egypt — Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga — and ferry services linking Safaga and Neom. The rollout follows a 15-year concession agreement signed in 2024 with Egypt’s Red Sea ports authority.
Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at Abu Dhabi Ports, said the new services underline the group’s commitment to developing the Red Sea cruise sector and delivering economic value in markets it serves. The operations are expected to enhance passenger experiences through upgraded facilities and support seasonal labour movement, including services related to Hajj transit.
Final paragraph: The Abu Dhabi Ports–Borouge initiative, together with the group’s expansion into Egyptian cruise and ferry operations, underscores a dual focus on strengthening industrial export capabilities and growing regional maritime services. If feasibility studies move forward, the proposed Fujairah gateway could offer exporters an additional, resilient channel for polyolefins while enhancing the UAE’s role as a regional logistics hub.
