Dubai’s DP World appoints new CEO for UAE region

Dubai-based logistics operator DP World has appointed Abdulla Bin Damithan as its new CEO and managing director for the UAE and for Jafza.

He takes over from Mohammed Al Muallem, who has been promoted to executive vice president of DP World.

Bin Damithan, who has been with DP World for 20 years, most recently served as the chief commercial officer for the UAE region. He has worked in Ports and Terminals, Parks and Zones and Trade Enablement solutions.

Mohammed Al Muallem, who has been with the company for over 38 years, will now work closely with the chairman of DP World in his new role, providing executive leadership to the company globally.

He will also be responsible for DP World’s marine-based assets in the UAE, including Dubai Drydocks World, Dubai Maritime City (DMC) and P&O Marinas.

The move is “in line with growth and expansion plans” that will bolster the company’s position as a leader in global supply chain solutions, a statement said.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO, DP World said: “DP World has been integral to Dubai’s economic success story, contributing more than a third of gross domestic product. Jebel Ali Port and Jafza account for nearly a quarter of all foreign direct investment into Dubai, and support 135,000 jobs. I am confident that the leadership of Abdulla Bin Damithan will take DP World, UAE region to the next level of growth.”

DP World recently announced that it handled 18.9 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) across its global portfolio of container terminals in the first quarter of 2021, with gross container volumes increasing by 10.2 per cent year-on-year on a reported basis and up 9.6 per cent on a like-for-like basis.

The Jebel Ali terminal handled 3.5 million TEU in Q1, up 2.6 per cent year-on-year.

Read: Dubai’s DP World reports 10% volume growth in Q1 2021