Ras Al Khaimah to extend and improve port in rapid phases

A plan to expand and improve Ras Al Khaimah's port will be implemented immediately, an official said.

The development of the port will take place in two stages, said Mohammad Al Mehrizi, Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah Customs and Ports Department.

Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, officially approved yesterday the final expansion and improvement plan for the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Port.

During the first stage of the project, a loading and unloading facility will be constructed, Al Mehrizi said. A one-kilometre wall will be built along the port to meet security requirements set by the security section, he said.

The first stage of the project will also involve setting up a surveillance tower.

The port holds special significance since it is located between the city of Ras Al Khaimah and Al Nakheel.

The emirate's economy depends heavily on the port.

The second stage of the project will include the construction of 15 new stores and an administrative building, from which staff will operate the port, Al Mehrizi said.

Shaikh Saud also approved the location of a new facility for fishermen at the RAK Port.

This month, a tender to construct the fishermen's facility will be announced, Al Mehrizi said.

A company will be selected before the end of February to implement the project, Al Mehrizi said. It will then move into high gear.

"At least 50 per cent of the work on a passenger terminal has been finished. The rest of the work will be completed as quickly as possible," he said.