New Sir Bani Yas jetty doubles cruise passenger capacity

Equipped with eight mooring dolphins, firefighting equipment and solar-powered lighting, the jetty will enable two vessels to dock simultaneously. Previously, ships anchored about one kilometer offshore and passengers arrived by tender.

Now 5,000 passengers can visit without tendering, reducing the time that takes and enhancing the overall experience.

MSC Virtuosa alongside

The inauguration took place with MSC Virtuosa as part of the ship’s regular seven-night Arabian Gulf cruises.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who did the honors, said that with the support of infrastructure and tourism projects, the Al Dhafra region's position is enhanced along with that of the region.

'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,' he said. 'We applaud AD Ports Group’s efforts in fostering this growth through world-class leisure and tourism infrastructure 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.'

Important step forward for Abu Dhabi

Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, chairman of AD Ports Group, expressed gratitude for the sheik's 'valuable support and contribution to the significant ongoing development of Al Dhafra region.

'The tourism sector, and cruise tourism in particular, plays a key role in driving economic diversification and sustainable development, with a significant impact on local, regional and national economies,' he said. 'With the creation of these enhanced facilities, we will be able to welcome more visitors to Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach than ever before and offer a superior disembarkation experience for passengers, raising the profile of Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra region, in particular for global travelers. Today marks an important step forward in our strategy to establish Abu Dhabi as one of the leading hubs in the world for cruise tourism.'

Significant projects within UAE and across the region

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO, AD Ports Group, added the 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.'

Enhancing the visitor experience

'Exemplifying our efforts to support the nation’s thriving economy in line with the UAE’s “Year of the 50th” anniversary celebrations, we remain committed to developing ultra-modern facilities supporting cruise liners in the Middle East, all the while working diligently to enhance the overall visitor experience,' said Noura Rashid Al Dhaheri, managing director - cruise business, AD Ports Group.

Several lines have resumed their cruise activities in Abu Dhabi, while visitors and from all over the world have begun to arrive to the UAE’s capital. TUI Cruises' Mein Schiff 6 became the first ship to call at Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Zayed Port this season.

Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman of the Cruise Division of MSC Group, welcomed the Sir Bani Yas jetty as 'a key development that will aid operational efficiency at an increasingly popular stop on our Gulf itinerary.' He added that MSC Cruises looks 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.'

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