His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council attended a ceremony in Emirates Palace to unveil Abu Dhabi Ports and Abu Dhabi Terminals companies and to announce implementation of the corporatization and development of Abu Dhabi’s ports sector.

The event saw the official unveiling of the Abu Dhabi Ports Company, Abu Dhabi Terminals Company and the revealing of the model for the new Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone.

A strategy of revitalization and transition was also announced for the Port Zayed operations. It was also announced that Port Zayed’s operations will shift to the new Khalifa Port in the coming five years.

“As Abu Dhabi moves to diversify and drive economic growth it is clear that a large and empowered private sector will emerge to fulfill roles once provided by Government. The port sector will play its part in that evolution.” Said HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. “Quite clearly, the sector is in an unrivalled position to leverage Abu Dhabi’s geographic and geopolitical advantages.” Added His Highness.

“The Department of Transportation intends to further the interest of investors and developers in the ports sector and to contribute to its development in the Emirate. We also intend to apply the highest international standards to the development of the sector and ensure adherence to global conventions.” Said HE Khalfan Ghaith Al Mehairbi, Chairman, Department of Transportation.

Mr Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Ports Company said: “Our objective is to act as an enabler for trade and development and facilitate its contribution to the national economy. In doing so, we will provide our customers and stakeholders with the highest levels of service in a responsive and transparent manner,” he explained. Operations of Port Zayed have been transferred to Abu Dhabi Ports’ subsidiary Abu Dhabi Terminals Company, in collaboration with Dubai Ports World (DP World). Last summer, a management agreement was signed with DP World for management and operation of Port Zayed.

In his speech Mr Mohammed Al Mannai CEO of Abu Dhabi Terminals described cooperation with DP World as “a reflection of the continuation of the close cooperation between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai”; he also renewed ADT’s commitment to serving and anticipating the needs of its customers.

The Department of Transport was created to oversee and regulate the transportation sector and promote its development to the highest international standards. This includes the implementation of an invigorated ports sector strategy.

The Abu Dhabi Ports Company was established through an Emiri Decree 06 for 2006 as the owner and developer of all ports and related infrastructure in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Ports Company will also be the owner and developer of the new Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone to be built in Al Taweelah.