Dibba port development under study

The modest port of Dibba in Fujairah could be developed in future, as a third part of the emirate's economic thrust into maritime services, the other two legs being bunkering and petrochemical activities, and tourism.

"We are conducting a study on how to develop the port," Dr Mohammed Saeed Al Kindi, director, Ruler's Office, stated along the sidelines of the Second Fujairah Bunkering and Fuel Oil Forum.

"Other ongoing port-related activity include a plan to dredge down to a 17-metre draft at Fujairah Port from 15.5 metres at present, in addition to ongoing operations to extend the existing quay frontage by 600 metres in second-half 2002," he said.

He stressed the events of September 11 had had no undue impact on maritime traffic through Fujairah: "An average of 90 to 120 ships come weekly for bunkering purposes, and demand for our facilities will continue to grow - which is why we are adding further to our bunker fuel storage capacity, together with our partners."