Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ports opens upgraded Al Mirfa Port
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region, H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports, officially inaugurated Al Mirfa Port in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Ports – the master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the Emirate, recently completed extensive redevelopment work at Al Mirfa Port, upgrading its infrastructure and facilities to better serve the community.
The extensive redevelopment work is part of Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to diversifying the Emirate’s economy by supporting and serving local communities. The infrastructural upgrade, newly established facilities and improved standards of services have now positioned Al Mirfa Port to become the first port dedicated to supporting the fishing industry and community in the Emirate.
Praising the variety of services and the overall enhancements completed at Al Mirfa Port, H.E. Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber highlighted that Al Mirfa Port is a significant landmark within the Western Region, currently witnessing extensive development activities by Abu Dhabi Ports as part of their comprehensive enhancement plans.
Abu Dhabi Ports is closely working with its strategic partners, namely Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, the Western Region Municipality, the Department of Transport and several other government entities to execute the master plan under the rules and regulations set by the Urban Planning Council, which include the Estidama (sustainability for Arabic) initiative.
The projects to further develop the ports of the Western Region will provide added support, and serve the local communities. These improvements will also play a key role in attracting domestic tourism, specifically to the beaches of the Western Region, further supporting the local economy by generating new income resources.
Upgrading the facilities meant providing a new multi-purpose administration building, a modern restaurant, a shaded car park, as well as a dedicated fish market with a large number of retail units.
As for upgrading the services available, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) will supply fuel to vessels from an offshore platform. ADNOC is also setting up a service centre, similar to its ADNOC Oasis convenient stores spread across the UAE. In addition, Abu Dhabi Ports constructed an ancillary power station to ensure electricity is continuously available at the port.
Abu Dhabi Ports is managing and operating the ports of Delma, Mugharrag and Al Sila, in addition to Al Mifra Port. The company has an investment plan for each port. Currently under design, Mugharrag Port will be undergoing comprehensive redevelopment and as for Delma Port, the infrastructure will be upgraded to include a ferry terminal and a marina with 160-boat capacity, improving the service offerings to the community, encouraging water sports and stimulating local and regional tourism.
Abu Dhabi Port is also working in cooperation with the Tourism Development and Investment Authority (TDIC) to develop the Sir Bani Yas Island’s beach front to be ready in the third quarter of 2016. The island already received tourists and cruise passengers hosted by the temporary facilities provided by TDIC. The aim is to position the Arabian Gulf’s first cruise beach stopover as an important eco-tourism destination; reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a destination of eclectic tourist attractions.