Jebel Ali

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Jebel Ali (جبل علي in Arabic) (also sometime written "Mina Jabal Ali") is a port ("Mina" in Arabic) town, located thirty-five kilometres southwest of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The port began to be constructed in the late 1970's along with Jebel Ali Village (built around 1977) which was used, initially, for the construction workers of the port. The village is still a thriving expat community with over 300 residents. With 67 berths Jebel Ali is the world's largest man-made harbour and the biggest port in the Middle East. Jebel Ali is located 24°59'N 55°03'E.

The Jebel Ali Free Zone, established in 1985, is the industrial area surrounding the Jebel Ali port. Dubai World Central International Airport is being constructed in the area.

The port of Jebel Ali has become the port most frequently visited by ships of the United States Navy outside the United States. Virtually all sailors who have completed shipboard tours have visited the port at least once. Due to the depth of the harbor and size of the port facilities, a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier and several ships of the accompanying battle group can be accommodated pierside. Due to the frequency of these port visits, semi-permanent liberty facilities (referred by service personnel as "The Sandbox") have been erected adjacent to the carrier berth.