Jebel Ali

Jebel Ali is a port district in the western part of Dubai that stretches between the sea and residential areas further inland. Wide roads connect container terminals with warehouses, factory buildings, and multi-story apartment complexes that sit along the main thoroughfares.

The port opened in the late 1970s as part of a plan to make Dubai a hub for goods traveling between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Within a few years, the area grew from empty sand flats to one of the largest man-made ports in the world.

The name comes from the Arabic word for mountain, though the area itself is flat and stretches along the sea. People from over 100 countries live together here, which shows in the different shops and restaurants that open their doors along the main roads.

Three metro stations and many bus stops make it easy to move through the district, though distances between individual points can be large. Visitors should bring sun protection, as there is often little shade between buildings and midday heat can be strong.

Ships from the United States Navy dock here more often than in any other port outside the United States. The facilities were built so that even large aircraft carriers can dock without difficulty, which makes the port an important base in the Persian Gulf.