H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, recently inaugurated AD Ports Group’s cruise jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach, the first and only dedicated cruise beach of its kind in the region.
The new jetty will reduce the time it takes to move to and from a vessel, as well as enhance the overall experience for cruise passengers. It will significantly increase the capacity of the number of visitors to the island.
Apart from numerous officials from different departments, the inauguration ceremony was attended by;
- Mr. Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Court Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative in Al-Dhafra region
- Mr. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
- Mr. Issa Hamad Bushehab, the Advisor to the Chairman of Emirates Red Crescent
- Mr. Nasser Mohammed Matar Al Mansouri, Acting Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region
- Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group
- Ms. Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, Managing Director – Cruise Business, AD Ports Group
At the beginning of the ceremony, Captain Mohammad Juma al-Shamisi and Ms. Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri briefed H.H. Sheikh Hamdan on the features of the new jetty, which accommodates eight mooring dolphins, fire extinguishers and solar lighting. The new jetty will allow two ships to dock at the same time, enabling more than 5,000 passengers to land and land at an accelerated rate at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach.
Previously, cruise ships set anchor about one kilometer offshore from the island and visitors were ferried to and from the beach via tender craft.
Sheikh Hamdan officially inaugurated the new Jetty by ringing the bell and then toured the MSC Virtuosa cruise ship berthed at Sir Bani Yas Island, where His Highness was informed about the suite’s facilities and services provided to passengers.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed emphasized that, with the support of infrastructure and tourism projects, the Al Dhafra region continues to work towards enhancing its position in the tourism sector, while also elevating its contribution to the growth of tourism and leisure sectors within the region.
Sheikh Hamdan remarked that “Inspired by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision and Plan Al Dhafra 2030, the opening of this new jetty is a milestone in Al Dhafra’s ambitious development plans. Economic diversification is fundamental to the long-term roadmap for the Emirate’s progress.
His Highness further added that “We applaud AD Ports Group’s efforts in fostering this growth through world-class leisure and tourism infrastructures that will not only strengthen tourism across the GCC region but will also further reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier global tourism destination.”
Mr. Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, stated that, “It is our privilege to welcome H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the opening of the new jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach. We are grateful for his valuable support and contribution to the significant ongoing development of the Al Dhafra region.”
Meanwhile, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, remarked that, “AD Ports Group continues to support the development of significant maritime, logistics and tourism projects within the UAE and across the region, because we recognize the wider benefits such strategic investments deliver for the economy and the community. By developing Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach as a sustainable cruise destination, we are supporting our leadership’s vision”.
Since the start of the current cruise season, several top cruise liners from the international level have resumed cruise operations in Abu Dhabi, while visitors and guests from all over the world have begun arriving in the UAE’s capital. The German TUI-owned cruise ship Mein Shiff 6 became the first cruise ship to arrive at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal at Zayed Port in this season.
Mr. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, observed that, “The commitment by AD Ports Group to spearhead the development of industry-leading facilities supporting cruise activities will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of our highly popular and fast-growing industry as we at MSC Cruises look to strengthen our own position as the sector’s market leader in the Gulf by deploying the most modern ships to what is a key region for us in our ambitious global growth program.”
Located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach is the gateway to one of the UAE’s largest natural reserves open to the public. Rich with UAE heritage and natural marvels, the island offers a unique experience to its visitors.
AD Ports Group has been supporting the ongoing development of the Al Dhafra region. Its ports play a vital role in serving the local fishing industry, providing jobs for the local communities, and facilitating the current redevelopment on the surrounding islands.
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