Abu Dhabi Enhances Maritime Infrastructure With Two New Marinas

The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime, a division of AD Ports Group, has recently unveiled two state-of-the-art marina facilities: Saadiyat Marina & Ferry Terminal and Rabdan Marina. This development is a significant step forward in boosting maritime connectivity and infrastructure within the Emirate, offering unparalleled services and amenities for the local maritime community and boat owners.

Saadiyat Marina & Ferry Terminal emerges as a versatile marine hub, equipped to accommodate various types of vessels. It boasts 64 floating pontoons for vessel mooring, a 10-metre-wide slipway, 12 dry berths, and 6 commercial outlets. Additionally, it offers 70 parking spaces and modern administrative buildings. A highlight of this facility is its advanced ferry terminal, featuring 2 ferry ramps that facilitate crucial links between Saadiyat and neighboring islands, serving both the maritime community and visitors.

Rabdan Marina, located in the Rabdan area of Abu Dhabi, provides 19 berths for leisure boats and jet skis. It also features a 14-metre-wide slipway, 18 dry berths, food and beverage outlets, utilities on the dock, along with round-the-clock security and CCTV surveillance. The marina offers essential services such as boat launching and recovery, washing and engine flushing service, and assisted berthing. Its prime location affords an exceptional view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, enhancing its appeal to the boating community, residents, and tourists alike.

In line with the joint vision of DMT and AD Ports Group, which extends beyond mere infrastructure development to include responsible management of marine ecosystems, significant research was undertaken prior to the development of Saadiyat Marina. This research led to the installation of seventeen ecological articulated concrete mattresses on the seabed of Saadiyat Marina & Ferry Terminal. Additionally, Eco Sea Wall Panels were installed on the quay walls. These installations are designed to integrate seamlessly into the environment, attracting organisms that promote biodiversity and improve water quality.

Commitment to Maritime Excellence

Abdullah Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, emphasized the commitment to creating waterfronts that extend beyond infrastructure to foster thriving marine ecosystems. "The opening of Saadiyat Marina & Ferry Terminal and Rabdan Marina confirms our dedication to modernizing Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector in alignment with global changes," he stated. Al Marzouqi further highlighted the goal to maintain Abu Dhabi’s status among leading global commercial and maritime centers through sustainable infrastructure development.

Captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO – Maritime & Shipping Cluster at AD Ports Group, echoed this sentiment by acknowledging the completion of Rabdan Marina and Saadiyat Marina & Ferry Terminal as a milestone in providing Abu Dhabi’s maritime community with access to modern infrastructure and services. "We are proud to contribute to our leadership’s vision of establishing our emirate as a global maritime centre," he added.

This initiative not only enhances Abu Dhabi's maritime infrastructure but also underscores a commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation. Through these developments, Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a leading maritime hub while fostering positive interactions within its marine environment.

With inputs from WAM