Abu Dhabi Maritime to become the primary custodian of all of the Emirate’s waterways
In a move designed to fortify Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-leading centre for maritime activities, Abu Dhabi Ports, an ADQ company, has been assigned as the primary custodian of all of Abu Dhabi’s waterways and marine ecosystems, through the creation of Abu Dhabi Maritime.
The new body was formed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) based on an agreement between Abu Dhabi Ports and DMT, in which both entities agreed to cooperate in launching a wide variety of integrated services and facilities.
Leveraging on Abu Dhabi Ports’ maritime expertise, the new entity will function as a consolidated single point of regulatory entry with a mandate to implement effective maritime services and state-of-the-art infrastructure, supported by highly-qualified human resources and upholding the highest health, safety and quality standards.
Abu Dhabi Maritime will be supported by a new Maritime Advisory Council, which will represent the interests of key partners and customers including, government entities, ports, individual users, communities, and marine service companies.
“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,” remarked Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.
“An important component of Abu Dhabi’s rise as a major global maritime centre has been our wise leadership’s emphasis on regulatory excellence,” commented Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
“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 Captain Saif Rashid Al Mheiri, Managing Director, Abu Dhabi Maritime.
Abu Dhabi’s waterways comprise 45,000sq km along a 2,400km 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.
