Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the Emirate, is launching an initiative named “Special Needs at Sea” that offers luxury cruise trips aboard the MSC Musica for students with special needs.
Organised as part of Abu Dhabi Ports’ Corporate Social Responsibility programme and in coordination with Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO), a group of 10 students and their families embarked on a week-long regional cruise (starting from December 27). Their journey set sail from the newly opened Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port to Khor Fakkan in Sharjah, Muscat and Khasab in Oman, then Dubai before returning to Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Ports is organising several trips for groups of special needs students and their families during the current cruise season (ending April 2016); giving them an opportunity to experience panoramic views of the beautiful coastal and marine environment of the Arabian Gulf while enjoying the opulent comforts of a global cruise liner.
“At Abu Dhabi Ports we consider ourselves part of the fabric of Abu Dhabi’s society and are keen to fulfil our commitment to supporting the communities that we live and work in,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports.
“Following the example of our esteemed leadership, our role is to provide the necessary platforms that support the citizens of our community in their endeavours to improve their standards of living and equip themselves with the knowledge and experiences to lead the nation forward,” continued Al Shamisi.
He proceeded to thank MSC Cruises for their ongoing partnership and support in the realisation of this initiative.
The vessels of MSC cruises are equipped with the necessary facilities to meet the requirements of individuals with special needs. MSC is the first international cruise line that has chosen Abu Dhabi and the brand new Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal as its home port for regional cruises.
“Special Needs at Sea” is the latest of a series of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of Abu Dhabi Ports. The company is regularly organising coastal clean-up campaigns, educational programmes for local communities, charity drives and blood donation campaigns amongst many other similar initiatives.