Dubai Ports World announced today, Wednesday, a 56% decline in first-half profits, as it handled fewer containers, and confirmed that its expectations are shrouded in uncertainty due to the Corona pandemic.

Some cities have re-applied restrictions after a recent increase in coronavirus infections, which earlier this year led to the closure of cities and factories, causing disruptions in the global supply chain.

The Dubai government-owned global container operator said - in a statement - that it made a profit of $ 333 million between January and June, compared to $ 753 million a year ago.

Revenue increased 18% to 4.1 billion dollars, and container volumes decreased 5.3% to 33.8 million.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem considered that the company has performed better than expected, although he warned that the prospects are shrouded in uncertainty due to the health crisis.

"We remain positive about fundamentals in the medium to long term for the industry," he said.

The Dubai government this year repurchased shares in DP World it did not already own, returning the company to full government ownership.