The COSCO Shipping Abu Dhabi Terminal, located at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, accelerates logistics, trade, and industrial integration, contributing to regional economic cooperation. The COSCO Shipping Universe vessel, carrying approximately 20,000 containers from China’s Qingdao Port, delivers its cargo to countries such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, Yemen, and Djibouti after arriving at Khalifa Port. At the same time, these countries, which export to China, use the port as a logistics hub.
Chinese officials state that they operate regular services to a total of 48 ports in the Middle East, covering 9 main routes and 8 subsidiary routes. Last year, a new route was launched to Oman’s Sohar Port, which holds significant historical importance. In the 8th century, the renowned Omani sailor Abu Ubayd set sail from Sohar and reached Guangzhou, China, laying the foundation for trade between the two regions. Today, this maritime trade route continues to contribute to the economic and cultural ties between China and the Middle East.
China’s port investments in the Middle East extend beyond logistics, making significant advancements in smart port technologies and green energy transition. The COSCO Shipping Abu Dhabi Terminal aims to become one of the region’s most intelligent ports, with plans to replace traditional diesel-powered vehicles with electric terminal tractors. The expansion of logistics networks between China and the Middle East continues to strengthen trade and industrial cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.