The redeveloped Al Mirfa port was opened yesterday by the Minister of State Sultan Al Jaber, one of five planned as part of an economic development programme for the Western Region.
The port project included converting the natural harbour into a fully enclosed facility with several dozen jetties for local commercial fishermen, as well as construction of a new ice house, a fish market building and a nearby restaurant to serve tourists.
“The development of the Western Region’s ports is a strategic priority,” said Mr Al Jaber, who also serves as the chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.
Al Mirfa port project will be followed by developments of Mugharrag port, Delma port, Sila port and Sir Bani Yas in the Western Region next year.
“In the Delma island we are constructing a new multi-facility port to serve the Delma population – like Mirfa but bigger,” said Mohamed Al Shamisi, the chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports.
As well as supporting traditional industry, the multi-port development is particularly aimed at fostering tourism in the western part of Abu Dhabi along the road to Saudi Arabia, with Sir Bani Yas and nearby offshore islands the site of renowned nature sanctuaries.
Sir Bani Yas opens next year to cruise ships.
Switzerland-based MSC Cruises has already announced that it will make stops next year at Sir Bani Yas, bringing in an estimated 50,000 passengers, Mr Al Shamisi said.
“This will transform the cruise business in the region,” he said.
“Abu Dhabi Ports is also working in cooperation with the Tourism Development and Investment Authority to develop the Sir Bani Yas Island’s beachfront to be ready in the third quarter of 2016,” the company said. “The aim is to position the Arabian Gulf’s first cruise beach stopover as an important eco-tourism destination.”
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Xpanceo
Started: 2018
Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality
Funding: $40 million
Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)
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It
Director: Andres Muschietti
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor
Three stars
The Case For Trump
By Victor Davis Hanson
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.