UAE President inaugurates Khalifa Port expansion project

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, inaugurated Khalifa Port’s expansion – a major development project with a total investment of AED 4 billion.

His Highness was briefed by His Excellency Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, and Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, on the key milestones of Khalifa Port expansion projects since its opening ten years ago, and reviewed future plans for the leading port in the region.

His Highness also toured the new, expanded facilities and logistics available to serve import and export operations.

During the ceremony, Al Nahyan said: “Khalifa Port Expansion is a major national project that is considered an important addition to the UAE’s ports and logistic services and will further enhance the UAE’s position in the global trade.”

“Khalifa Port, along other national ports, are important cornerstones to the development and diversification of the national economy”.

As part of the expansion, which includes the development of the port’s South Quay, Khalifa Port Logistics, and Abu Dhabi Terminals at a total investment of AED 4 billion, Khalifa Port has grown from 2.43 km² to 8.63 km², while its quay wall has been significantly extended from 2.3 kilometres to 12.5 kilometres.

It now provides 21 berths and offers a range of bespoke services for key strategic industries, positioning it among the global elite of deep-water ports, with an estimated value of AED 20.4 billion.

The programme is set to make a major contribution to AD Port Group’s goal of increasing handling capacity at Khalifa Port by 2030 to 15 million TEUs per year, and general cargo handling capacity to 25 million tonnes.

Officially inaugurated by the late Sheikh Khalifa on 12.12.12, Khalifa Port was developed from a stretch of reclaimed land four kilometres out to sea and is now a major hub serving more than 25 container shipping lines with direct links to more than 70 international destinations.