AD Ports Group Opens New Inland Dry Port Facility To Enhance Logistics In Abu Dhabi

AD Ports Group has launched a new inland dry port facility, enhancing logistics services in the UAE. The Al Faya Dry Port, strategically positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will function as an Inland Container Depot (ICD) connected to Khalifa Port. This development aims to improve market speed and reduce cargo handling costs for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The Al Faya Dry Port will initially serve CMA CGM as its primary client. However, it is designed to accommodate other strategic shipping partners of AD Ports Group at Khalifa Port, such as COSCO and MSC. Depending on market needs, additional ICDs may be established across Abu Dhabi.

This new facility complements CMA Terminals Khalifa Port's commercial reach, which began operations in December 2024. It aims to extend services to end customers throughout the UAE. The dry port is digitally integrated with Khalifa Port via Maqta Technologies' Advanced Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP), facilitating seamless operations.

The dry port's truck terminal has an initial capacity of 900 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs). It is designed for scalability based on demand. This infrastructure bridges the gap between Khalifa Port and cargo destinations, enabling CMA CGM and other operators to enhance origin and destination business activities.

The Al Faya Dry Port exemplifies the growing collaboration between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM. This follows their recent agreement to jointly develop a multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville. AD Ports Group secured a 30-year extendable concession for this project in June 2023.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, stated, "The opening of Al Faya Dry Port is not only a tangible example of our support to key commercial partners but a sign of our commitment to raising the quality of supply chains across the UAE, which will benefit individuals and businesses across the country in line with the vision of our wise leadership."

Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency

He further mentioned that this inland container depot would expand CMA CGM's market reach from Abu Dhabi to the entire UAE. This infrastructure hub supports efforts by both AD Ports Group and CMA Terminals Khalifa Port to optimise supply chains for customers nationwide.

The facility complies with the International Shipping & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), ensuring adherence to global industry standards for port facilities. It is customs bounded and designed for quick truck turnaround, facilitating fast cargo movement.

This development marks a significant step in improving logistics connectivity within the UAE, aligning with broader strategic goals for regional trade enhancement.

With inputs from WAM