Set against the backdrop of the MSC Virtuosa floating languidly in
the Persian Gulf, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler’s
representative in the Al Dhafra Region, rung in the inauguration of AD
Ports Group’s new jetty at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach on 16 February.
Previously, cruise ships that called at Sir Bani Yas Cruise Beach,
the first and only cruise beach in the region, had to drop anchor around
1km offshore from the island and ferry visitors to-and-fro via tender
craft.
The opening of this new jetty that comes equipped with eight mooring
dolphins, firefighting equipment, and solar lighting, can increase the
capacity of the number of visitors to the island and reduce the time it
takes to move in and out of the cruise ship.
Two ships will be able to dock at the jetty at the same time,
allowing over 5,000 passengers to embark and disembark at an accelerated
rate.
“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,” Sheikh Hamdan said. “Economic diversification is
fundamental to the long-term roadmap for the Emirate’s progress.”
Acknowledging the importance of the cruise tourism sector, Falah
Mohammed Al Ahbabi, chairman of AD Ports Group, expressed his hopes that
the opening of the jetty will drive tourism and “establish Abu Dhabi as
one of the leading hubs in the world for cruise tourism”.