Dubai Future Foundation and DP World have formed a strategic partnership to advance autonomous logistics across commercial ports, starting at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. The agreement designates DP World as the primary commercial partner for SHIFFT, a specialized joint venture operating under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Programme.
The initiative brings together government innovation planners and autonomous vehicle developer Oxa to introduce industrial self-driving systems. Furthermore, the collaboration aims to design field-tested applications within DP World’s transport terminals, creating scalable models for international supply chains.
Scope of the SHIFFT Joint Venture
Under the SHIFFT project framework, engineers will work on vehicle systems integration, functional safety protocols, and real-time fleet coordination. In addition, the initiative covers digital twin simulations, intelligent traffic routing, and operational intelligence systems designed to navigate complex industrial environments.
“The selection of DP World as the first strategic partner of SHIFFT marks an important step in developing and implementing autonomous logistics solutions from Dubai. This collaboration brings together world-leading operational expertise and advanced technologies to develop practical solutions that can be deployed and scaled globally.”
Khalifa Al Qama, Chief of Research, Development and Innovation at DFF
Advancing Autonomous Logistics at Jebel Ali
Initial testing will take place across Jebel Ali Port, where DP World currently operates more than 900 heavy vehicles. These terminal assets transport cargo containers continuously between quay cranes, storage yards, and inspection gates. Consequently, deploying autonomous logistics within this high-traffic maritime hub offers a rigorous testing ground for driverless industrial transport.
The project will also address workforce training and digital transitions, ensuring ground crews gain modern technical skills as self-driving platforms enter daily workflows in the automotive transport sector.
Modernizing Fleet Infrastructure
The software architecture developed by Oxa will convert conventional port transport into coordinated automated units. DP World officials emphasized that predictable container movements help prevent bottlenecks during peak shipping schedules, benefiting regional trade in the economy.
“For our customers and partners, autonomous technology translates into more predictable, resilient supply chains that keep cargo moving reliably and at speed. It also creates opportunities for our people to build future-ready skills, while strengthening Dubai’s competitiveness as a destination for trade and investment.”
Ibrahim Al Najjar, SVP – Information Technology at DP World GCC
Meanwhile, technical teams will link terminal control software with machine learning tools to monitor vehicle wear and manage dynamic dispatch schedules in artificial intelligence environments.
“This collaboration aims to transform industrial vehicles into an intelligent, autonomous digital workforce capable of operating efficiently in complex, mixed-use environments. By working with DP World, SHIFFT is helping to elevate operational fleet performance and strengthen the long-term resilience of supply chains.”
Paul Newman, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Oxa
Global Implementation Across Port Networks
Following validation trials at Jebel Ali Port, project partners intend to evaluate deployment feasibility across DP World’s wider international footprint. The port terminal operator manages facilities across more than 60 maritime hubs worldwide, representing significant scale for driverless transport systems.
Ultimately, the SHIFFT project aims to turn local testing data into standardized operational models for automated port operations around the world.
