Djibouti Wins Key Arbitration Case As Saudi Arabia Gains Port Foothold

Djibouti has secured a rare legal victory in its long-running dispute with Dubai Ports World, easing years of tension with the United Arab Emirates while reshaping port competition in the Horn of Africa.

On September 29, 2025, the London Court of International Arbitration ruled in favor of the Djiboutian state, rejecting a claim by Dubai Ports World seeking about $1 billion in damages. The case stemmed from Djibouti’s 2018 decision to terminate DP World’s contract to build and operate the Doraleh…