Abu Dhabi Ports has followed in the footsteps of DP World with a ground breaking on development of Marsa Mina, the major waterfront project adjacent the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal.

Like the redevelopment of Dubai’s Port Rashid into a mixed-use commercial, residential and leisure area to complement the existing Dubai Cruise Terminal, Abu Dhabi’s Port Zayed is being upgraded to make it better-suited to the demands of the cruise industry.

Located next to the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Marsa Mina will offer tourists arriving by ship a more exciting entry into the city. It also creates a unique new leisure destination for residents, with luxury cruise liners providing a dramatic backdrop.

Marsa Mina is expected to be complete by 2020

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“The introduction of Marsa Mina will not only draw increased footfall from both international visitors and members of the local community but will widen the exposure of Abu Dhabi’s cruise culture to the global market,” said Captain Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports.

“The plethora of attractions available onsite will deliver an unforgettable experience for all those who visit the new waterfront,” he added.

To mark the start of construction, the first container to be used for the project was unloaded in the presence of number of Abu Dhabi Ports’ officials.

Marsa Mina is scheduled to be completed and opened to the public in the first quarter of 2020.

When complete, the area will feature a diverse mix of food trucks and unique retail concepts, family entertainment, playgrounds and open seating areas. In keeping with its maritime heritage, Marsa Mina’s retail units will be constructed from recycled shipping containers.

The redevelopment of Port Rashid in Dubai also features shipping containers fashioned into waterfront cafes and restaurants around the largest superyacht marina in the region, with the QE2 Dubai (the former Cunard flagship turned floating hotel) as a centrepiece attraction for cruise tourists.

The new waterfront project will enhance the port’s appeal for cruise passengers

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Further connecting Marsa Mina to its past, the area will showcase artworks created from reused maritime equipment. Placed throughout the project, the works by young UAE creative artists will give Marsa Mina the feeling of a maritime museum, according to a press release from Abu Dhabi Ports.

Marsa Mina will also support local small and medium enterprises. An area will be allocated to attract entrepreneurs with innovative and interesting business concepts, offering business support facilities to help them grow their ideas.

“To promote the growth of small and medium enterprises in Abu Dhabi, we have set aside development space in Marsa Mina dedicated to entrepreneurs and start-ups. Businesses who are keen on establishing themselves in the port can expect a streamlined registration process,” said Al Shamisi.