Abu Dhabi Ports
| Type | Subsidiary / Business Cluster |
|---|---|
| Industry | Ports, Maritime, Logistics, Trade, Shipping |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Key People | Saif Al Mazrouei (CEO, Ports Cluster) Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi(Group CEO) |
| Parent: | AD Ports Group (Majority-owned by ADQ) |
| Employees: | 4,061 (Group-wide, end-2022) |
| Website: | www.adports.ae |
Abu Dhabi Ports(Arabic: موانئ أبوظبي), also known as the Ports Cluster, is the primary business vertical of AD Ports Group responsible for port operations, development, and regulation across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Established in 2006 by Emiri Decree No. 6/2006[1], it operates seven ports and terminals within the United Arab Emirates, including Khalifa Port, which was ranked third globally in the 2022 Container Port Performance Index.[2]
History
Establishment and Early Development
Abu Dhabi Ports unified the commercial ports of the emirate under a single authority. The organization succeeded the former Abu Dhabi Seaports Authority, consolidating port management and regulatory functions to support the UAE's economic diversification strategy and growing trade volumes.[3]
Khalifa Port and Infrastructure Expansion
The inauguration of Khalifa Port on December 12, 2012. The facility became the region's first semi-automated deep-water container terminal, designed to accommodate the world's largest container vessels[4].
Between 2015 and 2020, the organization expanded its portfolio with the opening of the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port officially opened 13 December 2015[5].
Recent Developments
From 2022 onwards, Abu Dhabi Ports accelerated its expansion with investments in sustainable infrastructure, including the region's first net zero carbon administration building at CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, inaugurated in December 2024.[6][7]
Operations
Domestic Ports and Terminals (UAE)
Abu Dhabi Ports operates six port facilities across the United Arab Emirates, strategically located to serve different sectors of the maritime and logistics industry.
| City | Port | Key Terminals / Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi | Khalifa Port | Flagship deepwater, semiautomated container port; hosts long-term concessions with global lines[8] |
| Abu Dhabi | Zayed Port | General cargo and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal |
| Abu Dhabi | Musaffah Port | Heavy Industry, Manufacturing |
| Al Dhafra | Mugharraq Port | Offshore oil & gas support; RoRo; ISPS recognition and upgrades for offshore projects[9] |
| Al Dhafra | Sila Port | Commercial & Community Fishing |
| Fujairah | Fujairah Terminals | Multipurpose terminal operated under a 35year concession (2017)[10] |
Khalifa Port
Khalifa Port is among the most advanced container facilities in the Middle East, designed for ultra large container vessels and operated under long-term concessions with major carriers.[11]
Zayed Port
Zayed Port, also known as Mina Zayed, was officially inaugurated in 1972 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE. Zayed Port consists of two deep basins for general cargo vessels and cruise liners and a smaller basin for vessels such as tugs, barges and service crafts.[12]
Cruise Operations
The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal (Zayed Port) opened in 2015 and serves international cruise lines.
In February 2020, MSC Cruises and Abu Dhabi Ports signed a long term agreement granting preferential berthing rights at Zayed Port and Sir Bani Yas Island. [13][14]
The Aqaba Cruise Terminal (Jordan) was inaugurated 23 January 2023 as Aqaba’s first dedicated cruise terminal; the project is a JV with Aqaba Development Corporation.[15]
Multimodal Connectivity
Etihad Rail Integration
Rail connectivity between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals has progressed via a rail shuttle and initiatives to build a Bonded Rail Customs Corridor, enhancing inland capacity and port to port efficiency by Etihad Rail.[16][17]
Inland Container Depot
The Al Faya Dry Port Inland Container Depot opened 24 February 2025, providing a customs‑bonded inland facility linked to Khalifa Port; initial throughput capacity and digital integration.[18]
Technology and Innovation
Port Automation
Khalifa Port’s container terminal was launched as a semi‑automated facility - among the first of its kind regionally.[19]
Digital Infrastructure
Al Faya Dry Port’s operational model is documented as digitally integrated with the main seaport via Maqta Technologies’ Advanced Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP). [20]
Sustainability Initiatives
Net Zero Infrastructure
CMA Terminals Khalifa Port includes the region’s first net‑zero carbon administration building, highlighted during the December 2024 inauguration.[6][7]
Marine Biodiversity
In January 2024, AD Ports, CMA CGM, and Ecocean initiated the installation of 48 Biohuts at Khalifa Port to restore marine biodiversity. [21][22]
Alternative Fuels
On 13 - 14 March 2025, the CMA CGM Iron - a dual‑fuel methanol container ship - made a historic port call at Khalifa Port, marking the first such call to Abu Dhabi and underscoring alternative‑fuels readiness. [23]
Key Milestones
2012: Inauguration of Khalifa Port (12/12/12)[24]
2015: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port officially opened[4]
2016: Concession agreement with COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited for Khalifa Port Container Terminal 2[25]
2017: Groundbreaking for CSP Abu Dhabi Container Terminal
2018: First ARMG and STS cranes delivered for CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal
2018: CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal inaugurated
2018: 30-year concession with MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company[26]
2019: Mega-vessels begin calling at CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal[27]
2020: Long-term agreement with MSC Cruises for preferential berthing[28][29]
2021: AD Ports Group was established bringing together all subsidiaries as an integrated business across five clusters[30]
2022: Khalifa Port expansion inaugurated by UAE President
2022: MoU with Hutchison Ports for strategic partnership[31]
2023: Khalifa Port ranked 3 globally in CPPI[32]
2024: CMA Terminals Khalifa Port inaugurated; net‑zero admin building highlighted.[6][7]
2025: Al Faya Dry Port Inland Container Depot opened[20]
2025: Agreement with CMA CGM to expand CMA Terminals Khalifa Port
2025: Landmark agreements with Nimex Terminals for LNG & LPG hubs (AED 30 billion)
2025: Agreement for E-Methanol bunkering/export facility
2025: Bonded Rail Customs Corridor linking Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals[16][33]
2025: Khalifa Port reported at No. 39 in Lloyd’s List Top 100 Ports
2025: First dual-fuel methanol vessel (CMA CGM Iron) calls at Khalifa Port[34][23]
References
- ↑ "Abu Dhabi implements its port strategy | Mubadala". www.mubadala.com. Archived from the original on 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ↑ Magli, Dom (2023-06-01). "Khalifa Port ranked third most efficient container port globally". Port Technology International. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ↑ "Abu Dhabi implements its port strategy | Mubadala". www.mubadala.com. Archived from the original on 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "'New Era' in UAE's Trading and Maritime History Opens with Launch of $7.2Bil Khalifa Port". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ↑ admin (2015-12-16). "Abu Dhabi opens cruise terminal". Latest Maritime & Shipping News Online - The Maritime Standard. Retrieved 2026-01-29.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 "Inauguration of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port Boosts the Port's Total Container Capacity by 23% to almost 10m TEUs". Archived from the original on 2025-10-11. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 gulftoday (2024-12-12). "Khaled inaugurates CMA Terminals Khalifa Port worth Dhs3.1 billion". gulftoday. Retrieved 2026-01-30.
- ↑ "'New Era' in UAE's Trading and Maritime History Opens with Launch of $7.2Bil Khalifa Port". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "Abu Dhabi port gets offshore service upgrades". Offshore Magazine. 2021-12-06. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "Abu Dhabi Ports Signs Concession Agreement with Fujairah Port". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "'New Era' in UAE's Trading and Maritime History Opens with Launch of $7.2Bil Khalifa Port". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "Zayed Port (Abu Dhabi) -". Retrieved 2026-02-16.
- ↑ "MSC CRUISES AND ABU DHABI PORTS SIGN LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FOR PREFERENTIAL BERTHING RIGHTS". www.mscpressarea.com. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "MSC Cruises and Abu Dhabi Ports sign berthing agreement". CruiseandFerry.net. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "Jordan's new Aqaba Cruise Terminal welcomes its first ship | Cruise News". CruiseMapper. 2023-01-24. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 "New Bonded Rail Corridor to link Khalifa Port and Fujairah". www.porttechnology.org. Archived from the original on 2025-10-05. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ Report, Gulf News (2024-09-03). "AD Ports Group boosts Middle East land transport with new rail logistics service via Etihad Rail". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "AD Ports Group Opens Al Faya Dry Port in Abu Dhabi". MarineLink. 2025-02-24. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "'New Era' in UAE's Trading and Maritime History Opens with Launch of $7.2Bil Khalifa Port". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Portnews (2025-02-24). "AD Ports Group opens Al Faya Dry Port in Abu Dhabi". en.portnews.ru. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ Report, Gulf News (2024-01-16). "'Biohuts' at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi: How collaboration between AD Ports, CMA CGM, and Ecocean leads to marine conservation". Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, travel news, Dubai Gold rate, prayer time, cinema. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ Team, The Editorial (2024-01-16). "Joint effort to preserve biodiversity in Khalifa Port". SAFETY4SEA. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 International, Bioenergy (2025-03-22). "First dual-fuel methanol container vessel to Abu Dhabi". Bioenergy International. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
- ↑ "'New Era' in UAE's Trading and Maritime History Opens with Launch of $7.2Bil Khalifa Port". The Maritime Executive. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ "COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited". ports.coscoshipping.com. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ Editorial, W. C. N. (2018-05-09). "New terminal for MSC ‣ WorldCargo News". WorldCargo News ‣ Leading site for cargo handling industry. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ admin (2019-06-02). "Mega vessels call at Abu Dhabi terminal". Latest Maritime & Shipping News Online - The Maritime Standard. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ "MSC Cruises and Abu Dhabi Ports sign berthing agreement". CruiseandFerry.net. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ "MSC CRUISES AND ABU DHABI PORTS SIGN LONG-TERM AGREEMENT FOR PREFERENTIAL BERTHING RIGHTS". www.mscpressarea.com. 2021-11-05. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ National, The. "ADDH expands and rebrands as ADQ". The National. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ Salian, Neesha (2022-08-02). "Abu Dhabi Ports, Hutchison Ports sign MoU to pursue joint business opportunities". Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ admin (2023-06-15). "Khalifa Port is ranked third most efficient global container port". Latest Maritime & Shipping News Online - The Maritime Standard. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ "Etihad Rail inks deal to launch new customs corridor project linking Khalifa Port with Fujairah Terminals". Economy Middle East. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
- ↑ "One moment, please..." www.porttechnology.org. Archived from the original on 2025-10-07. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
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