Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) and the Khalifa Industrial Zone have announced plans to aid the tourism sector and the growing cruise business at Abu Dhabis Zayed Port by expanding the port facilities
ADPC said that Zayed Port?s central location had made it attractive to tour operators, but the existing cruise liner facilities at the port offer little room to handle a projected tourism growth.
To address this issue, ADPC has allocated the south-eastern end of the port berth to be developed specifically for cruise liners and passengers.
ADPC noted that the new space will offer an immediate increase in capacity for the forthcoming season and space for further expansion in the future.
The main focus for the new development will be a permanent terminal building and a traditionally themed souk and heritage area, with activities to entertain both passengers and the general public.
The exact design and plan for the terminal building is currently under discussion. A new temporary terminal facility is also being planned for the next season.
ADPC said that the cruise liner terminal project will be divided into several phases.
Phase one will be completed by October 2013, offering accommodation for two large cruise ships and one small vessel. The following phases will be developed as appropriate according to market potential and demand.
ADPC acting CEO Mohamed Al Shamisi said, ?For more than 40 years, Zayed Port was the major lifeline for Abu Dhabi?s import and export trade, making it a vital port in the region.
?Now that all container traffic has shifted to Khalifa Port, the first semi-automated facility in the Middle East, we are looking forward to maximising Zayed Port?s capacity, allowing us to focus on a growing cruise line business and reinforcing Abu Dhabi?s position as a world class tourist destination.?
