Abu Dhabi’s maritime facilities are enhanced with the opening of new marina facilities in the Al Dhafra region.
New facilities include a new marina, fish market and modernised harbour.
The new and upgraded facilities aim to strengthen the local maritime community by creating employment opportunities and preserving local heritage and culture.
Maritime facilities in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, officially inaugurated Sila Community Harbour and Al Fayiyi Island Marina in Al Dhafra Region as part of a series of marina developments by the Department of Municipalities and Transport executed by Abu Dhabi Maritime, part of AD Ports Group.
The Al Dhafra master development plan is being implemented under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed toured the newly modernised Sila Community Harbour, which now features two sets of pontoons to accommodate 64 fishing boats and private vessels, a dhow quay wall and middle shore quay wall, a Ro-Ro ramp, a 14-metre slipway and 68 wet berths alongside other facilities
It also has a fish market to serve the residents of the area, an administration building and a restaurant.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed was briefed on the new Al Fayiyi Island Marina and its facilities.
The new Al Fayiyi Island Marina includes a navigational canal spanning 500m in length and 35m in width, a 220m road connecting the land to the basin, a 1.5m-deep basin for mooring and handling boats, 26 wet berths, solar lighting, a dhow ramp, a slipway, and a ramp for navigational aids in the canal providing safe and reliable access to and from Al Fayiyi Island for residents and visitors.
He said: “Today’s inaugurations mark an important milestone in enhancing the commercial, economic, maritime and logistical capabilities of the Al Dhafra Region, elevating its position as a distinguished maritime destination.
“These development projects contribute to strengthening the local fishing sector and advancing a sustainable maritime community, but they also significantly promote economic diversification and create new investment opportunities in the UAE and the region”.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “Today’s inauguration of Sila Community Harbour and Al Fiyay Island Marina represents a transformative leap towards enhancing mobility and raising the quality of life for the residents of the Al Dhafra Region.
“These projects are not only pivotal for their role in preserving local heritage and creating economic opportunities but also for providing improved access to our maritime assets.
“They enable smoother connectivity and promote sustainable mobility, all contributing to a higher quality of life for our community.
“This endeavour aligns with our steadfast commitment to fulfilling the vision of our esteemed leadership and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in the maritime sector.”
Falah Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said: “We are honoured by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan at today’s inauguration ceremony.
“We highly value his continuous support and dedication to the holistic development of the Al Dhafra Region, which extends beyond the substantial infrastructure projects to encompass the preservation of local culture and heritage, fostering economic opportunities and stimulating growth.
Al Ahbabi added: “AD Ports Group is committed to the comprehensive development of the Al Dhafra Region, enhancing its capabilities to meet the requirements of the local community while in tandem ensuring the region’s prosperity.
“The inauguration of these two pivotal projects aligns with the wise leadership’s vision and our Group’s strategy to solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime centre”.