UAE port operators expand into Latin America with major acquisitions in Brazil and Dominican Republic

AD Ports Group acquired Brazilian terminal operator CLI for 3.1 billion dirhams ($835 million), marking its largest takeover deal to date. DP World announced a further $100 million investment to expand a free trade zone at the Dominican Republic's Caucedo port, in addition to a previously pledged $760 million.

These deals align with the UAE's broader trade strategy, which has concluded agreements with more than 35 countries, including negotiations with Mercosur, the South American trade bloc that includes Brazil.

The moves position the UAE's two largest port operators in key Latin American markets as part of their regional expansion.