The Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), DP World and Economic Zones World (EZW) have announced the signing of cooperation agreements, which will see DP World operating the Khalifa Port and EZW operating the Free Trade and Logistics Zone located in Taweelah, Abu Dhabi.

The accords, which mark the first step towards a joint venture, were signed by the three companies at a special event held in Abu Dhabi to mark the first anniversary of Abu Dhabi Terminals.
One of the largest marine terminal operators in the world, DP World currently has a management services agreement for Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi. Involvement with Khalifa Port will represent the next stage in its growing relationship with ADPC.
Meanwhile it is hoped that EZW, one of the largest developers and operators of free zones in the world, will manage an initial 25 sq km Trade and Logistics Free Zone within the larger Industrial Zone in Taweelah which will be located halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Commenting on the partnership, Nasser Al Sowaidi, chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports Company, said: “The signing of this agreement with DP World and Economic Zones World is yet another step in the drive towards greater cooperation and integration between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It is also another example of how we are continuing to rapidly implement the vision of creating a world-class port and zones facilities at Taweelah. It demonstrates our commitment to partner with the best-in-class entities to develop the port area and to serve its ever-growing demand.  The new port and trade and logistics hub will solidify the UAE’s position as a world-class transport and logistics hub.” 
Outlining the importance of the agreement, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World, said: “Our track record with managing the facilities in Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali, in addition to our reputation as a world-class operator of ports and economic zones, has made us a clear choice for this joint venture. This is an important milestone in the drive to build the commercial relationship between the neighbouring emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai and is focused on making the UAE home to the world’s most prestigious ports and industrial zones.”
Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, CEO and managing director of ADPC, commented: “The signing of these accords with DP World and EZW is an important step towards establishing one of the pivotal joint ventures for Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone. These will allow us to provide facilities and services that are unrivalled anywhere in the world.
Jamal Majid Bin Thaniah, Group CEO of Ports & Free Zone World, added: “We are delighted to help bring to fruition the vision that the Abu Dhabi Ports Company has for the Khalifa Port and Free Trade and Logistics Zone. Managing the port and free zone operations at Taweela will complement our flagship operations in Dubai and will pave the way for significant industry growth in the UAE for many years to come.”
Abu Dhabi Ports Company is a master developer of ports and industrial zones. The Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone development includes a multi-purpose port that is 5 km offshore and covers an area of 2.2 sq km. It will be able to accommodate up to 2 million teu in its first stage which is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2010.  The Trade and Logistics Free Zone will expand over an area of 25 sq km in its first phase and will be the first trade and logistics free zone in Abu Dhabi.