- New waterfront destination offers leisure and entrepreneurial pop-up opportunities
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – February 20, 2020 –Abu Dhabi Ports announced today the inauguration of “Marsa Mina”, the city’s new waterfront lifestyle destination at Zayed Port, heralding the area’s transformation into an entertainment destination for international visitors and the local community.
Developed by Abu Dhabi Ports in collaboration with Danas Business Consultancy, Marsa Mina is a dynamic open-air quayside leisure attraction that provides a wide range of pop-up retail concepts, casual dining options and entertainment facilities.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port, the waterfront destination is the first prominent landmark welcoming cruise ship visitors upon their arrival to the emirate.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO said: “Marsa Mina is an exciting addition to the Abu Dhabi cruise experience and signifies our commitment towards developing Zayed Port as a unique leisure destination for the UAE community and for tourists arriving to the emirate via cruise ships.
“In addition to further promoting Abu Dhabi as a unique destination for leisure and business, the new waterfront is also envisioned to serve as a platform for entrepreneurial initiatives by providing small and medium-sized home-grown projects the opportunity to develop and promote their businesses. This project reflects our commitment to supporting the economy diversification in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030.
Commenting on the event, Abdul Jalil Abdullah Al Fahim, CEO, Danas Business Consultancy, said: “Through developing and in investing in Marsa Mina, we realise our vision to deliver a unique family-oriented destination, with plenty of engaging activities and entertainment to attract visitors and tourists, in addition to providing a diverse range of retail and dining options within an environment which pays homage to our rich maritime history and heritage.”
“We are delighted to provide people of determination with a platform to showcase their arts and crafts, as well as the opportunity to engage with the community through a dedicated retail space, in collaboration with People of Determination care centres.”
Taking sustainability into account, and in keeping with the maritime environment, Marsa Mina has been constructed using recycled containers which have been repurposed to provide retail and dining outlets. The project also includes recreational facilities and open spaces, in addition to a children’s play area.
Marsa Mina also provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant 1,163-metre art mural painted by a wide range of renowned national and international artists which is displayed around the perimeter of Zayed Port’s walls.