The new port will comprise a container handling terminal and piers to handle raw and bulk cargo as well as an industrial area serving basic and heavy industries. The first phase will be completed in five years. A new authority, the Committee for the Restructuring of the Abu Dhabi Port Sector, is overseeing the project. The authority includes representatives from Abu Dhabi Seaport Authority, Mubadala Development Company and the Higher Corporation for Specialised Economic Zones. The project will be built on a public-private partnership basis.

International firms have submitted bids for two key contracts for the redevelopment of Mina Zayed, covering the infrastructure consultancy and project management consultancy (PMC) packages. The development, set to be implemented in phases over a decade, will be built on the existing Mina Zayed port area, a prime real estate location on the capital's main island. The plans include hotels, residential districts and commercial and retail areas.

www.meed.com/transport