DUBAI, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will develop two new ports on the eastern emirate of Fujairah to strengthen maritime trade, the official Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported Wednesday.
Under a 50-year concession agreement signed Wednesday between Fujairah Ports Authority and UAE's DP World, one of the world's biggest commercial port firms, the two facilities will be Al Rugaylat port and Dibba Al Fujairah port, WAM reported.
Al Rugaylat port will have an annual handling capacity of up to 2.5 million TEU, along with 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units, it reported, adding that Dibba Al Fujairah port will add up to 3.6 million tonnes of annual general cargo capacity.
The projects will be carried out in phases, with construction expected to last 24-30 months, it reported.
The push came amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping lane.
Located on UAE's eastern coast, Fujairah is the only emirate not bordering the Gulf, offering vessels direct access to the Indian Ocean and bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
