ABU DHABI

• AEAUH
• Latitude: 24.4821
• Longitude: 54.5021
• Arabian Gulf
• Port in United Arab Emirates

Location: Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates

Web-site: URL_of_official_website_for_Port_of_Abu_Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Port, United Arab Emirates: Description and Specifications

General Overview

Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), features one of the most advanced and strategically significant ports in the region. The port serves as a critical hub for trade, logistics, and maritime activities, facilitating a wide range of cargo services, passenger operations, and industrial activities.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure

1. Khalifa Port:

   • Location: Located midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
   • Type: Deep-water port.
   • Open Date: Officially inaugurated on December 12, 2012.
   • Unique Features: An offshore port connected by a causeway and terminal area, making it one of the most technologically advanced ports.

2. Mina Zayed Port:

   • Location: Situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi city.
   • Type: Primarily used for general cargo and passenger operations.
   • Historical Background: Before the development of Khalifa Port, Mina Zayed was the main entry point for cargo into Abu Dhabi.

Key Specifications

1. Khalifa Port Specifications:

   • Depth: Up to 16 meters, allowing access for large container ships.
   • Terminal Area: Over 2.7 million square meters.
   • Berths: Multiple berths for container and bulk cargo.
   • Handling Capacity:
     • Containers: Annual capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).
     • Bulk Cargo: Annual capacity of 12 million tonnes.
   • Technology: Advanced automation and digital systems for efficient cargo handling.
   • Expansion Plans: Ongoing projects to expand capacity to 15 million TEUs by 2030.

2. Mina Zayed Port Specifications:

   • Depth: Up to 15 meters.
   • Total Quay Length: 21 berths totaling more than 4,375 meters.
   • Main Terminal Area: Approximately 535,000 square meters.
   • Cargo Types: General cargo, Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) vehicles, and project cargo.
   • Passenger Terminal: Facilities to accommodate cruise ships and provide services for tourists.

Services and Capabilities

1. Container Handling: State-of-the-art container handling systems at Khalifa Port, including automated stacking cranes and terminal operating systems.

2. General Cargo and Bulk Handling: Mina Zayed primarily serves the general cargo and bulk handling needs, with specialized equipment for various types of cargo including grain, cement, and steel.

3. Logistics and Warehousing: Both ports offer extensive logistics and warehousing facilities including bonded storage, cold storage, and integrated logistics services.

4. Free Trade Zones: Adjacent to Khalifa Port is the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD), which offers free trade zone benefits and is designed to support manufacturing, logistics, and associated industries.

Connectivity

1. Road Access: Well-connected by road networks, facilitating easy transfer to and from major cities such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
2. Rail and Air:
   • Rail: Future plans to integrate with the Etihad Rail network, enhancing connectivity to the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) region.
   • Air: Proximity to major airports, including Abu Dhabi International Airport, offers seamless cargo transfer to air freight services.

Strategic Importance

1. Economic Contribution: Significant contributor to the UAE’s non-oil GDP by supporting trade, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.
2. Strategic Location: Positioned along major global shipping routes, enhancing Abu Dhabi's role in international trade.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives like alternative energy use, waste management, and conservation programs.

Abu Dhabi’s ports, notably Khalifa Port and Mina Zayed, are integral parts of the city’s economic infrastructure, enabling the UAE to maintain its leading position in global trade and logistics.