The Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) is due to award the contract covering the development of Mirfa port in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi in mid-March.

The port contract is part of a wider initiative being run by ADPC to re-develop all the ports in the Western Region, with the aim of improving fishing harbours, commercial shipping terminals and tourist facilities. The Mirfa contract will be focused on re-developing the fishing harbour.

Abu Dhabi authorities have also approved the funds for the design and construction of a new port at Delma Island, one of the oldest settlements in the UAE and a tourist attraction.

This project features a 300-metre concrete wharf, floating docks to serve more than 280 boats, as well as related infrastructure, terminals and ship services.

In January, an AED7.5m ($2m) contract for the re-development of Mugharrag Port was awarded to Athena Emirates, the UAE-based arm of Greek construction firm Athena.

The project includes improving gate and entrance security and providing better facilities for ferries sailing between Delma Island and the mainland.

Mugharrag port is being developed primarily for Roll-on/Roll-off traffic, which is wheeled cargo such as trucks and cars.  

Other port projects in the Western Region include a multi-purpose port at Sir Bani Yas and protected basin and waterfront property currently being developed at Shahama Port.

Dry ports are being built at Al-Dhafra and Al-Ain.

The Western region, otherwise known as Al-Gharbia, is geographically spread out, but with a low population density. In the past few years there has been increasing focus on improving the region’s infrastructure including its road connections between major cities and the ports.