Abu Dhabi plans new port to serve Western Region

Abu Dhabi has approved funds for the design and construction of a new port to serve the Western Region.

The Executive Committee of Abu Dhabi Executive Council has agreed the financing for the port facility on Delma Island, news agency WAM reported.

The approval was given at a meeting chaired by Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority (TCA) and member of the Executive Council.

The project - part of development plans for the Western Region - features a 300 metre concrete wharf for heavy loads, floating docks to serve more than 280 boats, as well as buildings and terminals for fishermen, sea sports, passenger ships and services.

Abu Dhabi launched operations at a multi-billion dollar port facility in September, seeking to diversify its oil-based economy with a project that could intensify competition for the region's shipping traffic with neighbouring emirate Dubai.

Abu Dhabi Ports Co (ADPC) said Khalifa Port, built on a man-made island in the Taweelah area, and its adjacent Khalifa Industrial Zone would together be two-thirds the size of Singapore when fully built.

ADPC said in October that it saw a 16 percent increase in vessel movement at its ports during the first nine months of 2012.

The number rose from 19,434 between January and September last year to 22,477 in the same period in 2012.

The committee also approved the awarding of a major sewerage system project in Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain to serve 3,000 new houses for nationals.