Dubai Ports Authority announces major expansion and modernization of Al Hamriyah Port

In line with its strategy to ensure continual development of all ports under its management in the UAE, in order to meet the rapid growth in domestic and regional trade. The project will lead to increased storage and general cargo capacity at the Al Hamriyah Port.

The expansion project involves development and expansion of three quays at the port, including augmentation of the commercial quay by 2.5 km in two phases. Major modernization programs have been envisioned for the adjacent fishing port, which includes refurbishment of the port's quay to allow for smoother traffic flow, as well as the setting up of a boat-building unit and a multi-storied office building. In addition, the project includes construction of a quay exclusively for yachts.

The new project will cover every aspect of operations at the Al Hamriyah Port, and is designed to enhance the port's role as a major re-exporting hub, especially within the UAE, by increasing its capacity to cater to the requirements of small and medium ships and by leveraging its strategic location at the heart of Dubai.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of PCFC, said,

'The move to expand and modernize Al Hamriyah Port follows the directive of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in this regard. This project also comes in line with the strategy of DP World to ensure continual development of all its ports in the UAE.'

'With trade volume at Dubai Ports growing exponentially, it has become necessary to expedite completion of all port expansion and upgradation projects. Also, there is growing customer demand for raising the container handling capacity, which would require large-scale infrastructure development projects. The expansion of Al Hamriyah Port is a major step forward in fulfilling these requirements, and the project has been planned carefully enough to accommodate future demands,' Bin Sulayem added.

Adnan Al Abbar, Chief Operation officer, DPA, said, 'The expansion project at Al Hamriyah Port will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will commence in early 2007, and will include the construction of three quays with a combined length of 1.2 km, whereas the second phase will begin in 2008, immediately after the completion of the first phase.'

The quay at the Al Hamriyah fishing port will be augmented by 57 per cent, significantly boosting fishing trade. A seven-storied office building will be constructed on a total built-up land of 16,170 square metre, at an estimated cost of AED 55 million. Also to be constructed at the fishing port are a lodging facility for sailors and workers on a total land area of 1,750 square metres, and an 18,858 square metre boat-building unit. The fishing port will function as an independent unit, and will have a separate entrance.

A 175-metre-long yacht quay will also be constructed at the Al Hamriyah Port, to cater to the growing demand for an exclusive quay for yachts, following the boom in marine tourism in the region.

In addition to the development of infrastructure at the port, the project will also include implementation of the latest IT systems to ensure the highest international standards in port security as also to streamline procedures and transactions by automating internal business processes.

The Al Hamriyah Port plays a key role in facilitating trade between Dubai and several countries in the Indian subcontinent and East Africa, in addition to Iran, Iraq, the Arabian Gulf and other ports within the UAE. Foodstuff, cars, automobile spare parts and livestock comprise the bulk of the trade through the port. In 2005, a total of 5,900 called at the Al Hamriyah Port while 7,500 ships set sail from the port.