First phase of Port Khalifa project nears completion

Abu Dhabi: More than Dh26 billion will be spent to complete Phase 1 of Port Khalifa and Industrial Zone near Taweelah in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2012, the Abu Dhabi Port company has revealed.

The Khalifa Port Industrial Zone (KPIZ) will be Abu Dhabi's largest infrastructure project and will become one of the world's biggest industrial zones. Stretching over 417 square kilometres, it is four times bigger than Abu Dhabi Island, two-thirds the size of Singapore and a quarter the size of Greater London.

While the figure for the entire project, to be completed by 2030, has not been determined, the cost of Khalifa Port's Phase 1 and Industrial Zone A located on the shores of Taweelah between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is Dh26.6 billion. The cost includes a Dh882 million breakwater built to protect the biggest coral reef in the Arabian Gulf which sits just 1.5km away.

Industrial Zone B will be significantly bigger at 365 square kilometres and will stretch to the borders of Al Ain. Building work is scheduled to start after 2012.

Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, said KPIZ falls in line with the 2030 strategy for Abu Dhabi to diversify its purely carbon economy by providing the opportunity for other industries to develop.

"We're going to provide the space needed for companies to set up factories here and have access to a port. Mina Zayed Port served Abu Dhabi for 45 years and 95 per cent of what comes to Mina Zayed stays in Abu Dhabi. KPIZ will allow goods to be shipped all over the world," said Douglas. The total cost of the port by fourth quarter 2012 is Dh13 billion. Currently Dh9.2 billion has been committed.

"KPIZ provides the opportunity to develop industries that will help create the diverse economy we need," added Douglas. He added that the Union Railway will pass through the middle of KPIZ.