Abu Dhabi, UAE – Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader affirmed that the UAE is a strong strategic partner for his country in enhancing trade routes in Latin America and the Caribbean.
He also emphasized that the partnership with Emirati institutions, particularly DP World, has contributed to
a qualitative leap in logistics infrastructure, in addition to supporting sustainable economic growth.
This came during a panel discussion titled “Are We Witnessing a New Global Economic Paradigm?”
The discussion took place on the first day of the World Government Summit 2026, held in Dubai.
The session brought together the President of the Dominican Republic
and His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World Group.
foreign investment flow
Abinader explained that his country is working to develop legal and legislative frameworks to facilitate
the flow of foreign investment, particularly in the logistics and free trade zone sectors.
He also noted that the Dominican Republic’s strategic location, along with its tourism potential,
qualifies it to be a pivotal logistics hub in the Caribbean region.
He noted the implementation of several vital projects in collaboration with DP World,
including a project near Puntacanã Airport, the country’s largest private airport.
He also mentioned that the Dominican Republic has three ports and two more under construction,
as well as a free zone specializing in aircraft maintenance.
This further strengthens its position as the largest logistics hub in the Caribbean.
long-term economic partnership
For his part, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem outlined DP World’s expansion plans in the Dominican Republic.
He explained that the group has invested over $700 million in logistics projects and industrial parks.
There are also additional investments of the same value within a long-term economic partnership.
He confirmed that DP World has increased its handling capacity to approximately 3 million containers.
Furthermore, smart technological solutions have been integrated to ensure
the smooth flow of trade between the Americas and the rest of the world.
He also commended the Dominican government’s swift response in creating
an attractive environment for business and investment.
This reflects the depth of the cross-border partnership between the UAE and the Dominican Republic.
