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Abu Dhabi Maritime formed to oversee all of emirate’s waterways

Photo: Abu Dhabi Ports abu dhabi port 2 (003).jpg
In a reorganisation of the local maritime structure Abu Dhabi Ports (ADP) has been given primary responsibility for all waterways and marine eco-systems of the emirate, through the creation of Abu Dhabi Maritime.

The new body has been formed following an agreement between the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and ADP to cooperate in launching a wide variety of integrated services and facilities. It reflects Abu Dhabi Government’s strategy to integrate and streamline governance and oversight of priority growth sectors, as outlined in its Abu Dhabi Plan Maritime.

Abu Dhabi Maritime will function as a consolidated single point of regulatory entry with a mandate to implement effective maritime services and state-of-the-art infrastructure, all the while observing highest HR and health, safety and quality standards. It will be supported by a new Maritime Advisory Council, representing the interests of key partners and customers.

H.E. Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, chairman of the DMT and of ADP, said: “With the establishment of Abu Dhabi Maritime, we will deliver on the emirate’s Plan Maritime, and take the regulatory oversight of our maritime sector to the next level.

“By working closely with our strategic partners, we will achieve our goal of placing Abu Dhabi among the world’s top-five maritime centres, in line with our leadership’s expectations.”

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, ADP Group ceo, paid tribute to the emirate leadership’s emphasis on regulatory excellence and expressed confidence that creation of the new body would advance Abu Dhabi’s “goal of becoming a world leading maritime centre” and attracting more direct foreign investment. 

“The new entity will commence its work by implementing a comprehensive regulatory framework, developing world-class maritime infrastructure, and introducing consolidated strategic planning for coastal zone management,” said Capt. Saif Rashid Al Mheiri, md of Abu Dhabi Maritime.

As part of its next steps, the entity will soon launch the new expansion of Delma Port, which will accommodate more than 60 local fishing dhows, in addition to new slipways, a digitalised booking system serving the wider boating community, and mooring facilities in four Marine Protected Areas in coordination with the relevant entities.

These efforts will also be supported by the launch of the Abu Dhabi Maritime’s official website, which will serve as the single window portal for the entire Abu Dhabi maritime community.  

Abu Dhabi’s waterways comprise 45,000 sq km along a 2,400 km stretch of coastline, which hosts 17 commercial and community ports, over 100 maritime facilities, over 1,000 companies, and provides for over 40,000 vessel movements per year.