Abu Dhabi Executive Council committee inspects new Midfield Terminal Project and Ports

The Economic Development Committee, EDC, of Abu Dhabi Executive Council has visited the new Midfield Terminal Project, MTP, and Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of the emirate’s ports, and to Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, Kizad.

The two projects are in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan objectives to create an effective transportation system that serves the community and the economy, and developing vital sectors that contribute to economic diversification.

The members of the committee examined the Midfield Terminal Project, MTP, at Abu Dhabi International Airport, AUH, where they reviewed the latest updates and the progress made in the construction and development processes, in addition to learning about the details of recent concession contracts.

Construction progress of the AUH's new MTP is underway according to the set plans. The steel structure of the central roof has been completed, as well as the removal of the temporary supports used for constructing the roof element. The supporting structure for the Midfield Terminal Building, MTB, central roof consists of 18 inclined arches of varying heights and sizes weighing around 20,000 metric tons.

The building will be the largest architectural structure in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, visible from 1.5 km away. When complete, the MTB will play a vital role in raising the profile of Abu Dhabi as a world-class transportation hub. It will also contribute to the diversification of the emirate’s economy by fostering growth in other industries through increased connectivity.

The committee's visit to Abu Dhabi Ports Company covered a number of facilities in both Khalifa Port and Khalifa Industrial Zone. The committee toured the container handling terminal and quays at Khalifa Port, which is one of the fastest growing container ports in the world.

The visit also included the listed Container Freight Station, CFS, Maritime Training Centre and Abu Dhabi Terminals building. The committee was also briefed on the expansion and deepening works at Khalifa Port, which will add an additional 600,000 m2 for cargo handling and support constructional works of the second container terminal, which will provide, upon completion, an overall capacity for container volumes of 6 million TEUs per year.

The committee visited a number of sites at Kizad, including Kizad Logistics Park. The port has an annual capacity of 2.5 million TEUs and 12 million tons of general cargo. When all development phases are completed and as per work requirements, Khalifa Port is expected to increase its capacity for container volumes to 15 million TEUs and 35 million tons of general cargo per year.

Abu Dhabi Ports Company operates 10 commercial, logistics and community ports, in addition to Kizad, which provides a various range of logistics to investors and manufacturing companies.