Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), a developer of ports and industrial zones, has invested Dh17 million ($4.6 million) for the first phase development of the infrastructure and maritime leisure facilities of the Marfa Port.

The port is at the north end of Marfa city with direct water access to the Gulf, in the Al Gharbia region, 125 km west of Abu Dhabi. It is renowned for its fishing, reportedly the best in the entire region, and its leisure boating and watersports – particularly the diving.

The investment is the first Public Realm project, funded by the Department of Transport to be implemented as part of the Al Gharbia master plan.  

The development is split into two phases.  The first will focus on the port facilities, installing floating pontoons for the fishing community while enhancing the coastal protection with dredging and reclamation work.  

The new pontoons will provide 105 new berths and will allow the fishermen to keep their boats in the water instead of pulling them onto the land after each trip and will provide additional space to repair nets and offload the catch of the day.  

The construction work will begin shortly, with the first phase being completed by February 2014.  The second phase which will begin in a few weeks will focus on developing the landside facilities at Marfa.

Majestic Marine Engineering has been awarded the contract for the Marfa Port development work.  

Mohamed Al Shamisi, acting CEO, ADPC, said:  “The Al Gharbia region has enormous potential as a tourism and leisure destination, this investment will create new sustainable business opportunities, as well as helping to preserve the traditional culture and lifestyle of the fishing community at Marfa.”

The second phase development will include a building for the fisherman’s association, a new fish-market and amenities for the local community including retail units for a café, a restaurant and small supermarket. There will be retail units for maintenance businesses,a large paved area for boat parking, a shaded dry dock area for boat maintenance, and around 240 new berths for boats. - TradeArabia News Service