His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has inaugurated Al Dhannah Community Harbour following the completion of comprehensive modernisation and expansion works.
The project was developed through collaboration between the Integrated Transport Centre, AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime, and represents a landmark in sustainable coastal infrastructure development across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The harbour serves as a coastal gateway to Al Dhafra and incorporates a new ferry terminal with a 425-square-metre, 78-seat passenger building facilitating connections along the existing Dalma Island route.
Community and leisure facilities include a public marina with 16 berths, 99 dry-parking spaces, two boat maintenance workshops, a 15-metre-wide slipway, 205 car parking spaces, 10 RV parking spaces, a playground, a 260-square-metre restaurant space and a 325-metre reception pavilion for Sir Bani Yas resort guests.
The harbour’s layout maximises views of the Arabian Gulf and Sir Bani Yas Island while preserving all existing Ghaf trees on the site.
The facility distinguishes itself as the most solar-capable public marine facility in Abu Dhabi, with 168 photovoltaic panels installed above parking areas generating sufficient energy to meet 80% of the site’s requirements.
Shore power connections allow berthed ferries to shut down their engines, and 14 electric vehicle charging points support cleaner transport for visitors and staff.
Combined, these measures are expected to mitigate up to 500 tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually from ferry operations at the harbour.
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, described the inauguration as a continuation of the group’s commitment to developing maritime infrastructure that serves community needs while catalysing economic growth, building on recent ferry terminal redevelopments at Al Aliah and Saadiyat Islands.
Dr Abdulla AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, highlighted the harbour’s role in strengthening connectivity to the Al Dhafra region and supporting growing demand for marine leisure and coastal mobility.
