Dubai Ports World was founded in 2005 by merging Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Ports International. It purchased Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company (P&O) of the United Kingdom in 2006 for £3.9 billion ($7 billion), which was at the time the world's fourth largest ports operator. Shares representing 20% of the company were floated on the NASDAQ Dubai stock exchange in 2007.

DP World operates more than 60 terminals across six continents, with container handling generating around 80% of its revenue. In addition, the company has 11 new developments and major expansions underway in 10 countries. In 2011, DP World handled nearly 55 million TEU  across its portfolio from the Americas to Asia.

With a pipeline of expansion and development projects in key growth markets, including India, China and the Middle East, capacity is expected to rise to around 92 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand. It employs 30,000 people.