Abu Dhabi has announced the opening of its first fully integrated solar-powered community port - Al Dhannah Community Harbour - following the completion of its comprehensive modernisation and expansion work.
Developed through collaboration between the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, AD Ports Group, and Abu Dhabi Maritime, the project is part of ongoing efforts to develop and enhance the sustainability of maritime infrastructure across the emirate, reported Wam.
Al Dhannah Community Harbour serves as a landmark coastal gateway to Al Dhafra Region. Its new ferry terminal facilitates seamless journeys along the existing Dalma Island route with an architecturally compelling 425-sq m, 78-seat passenger building.
Designed with a community-centred approach, the harbour includes a public marina with 16 berths, 99 dry-parking spaces, two boat maintenance workshops, a 15-m-wide slipway, 205 car parking spaces, and 10 RV parking spaces to support overland voyages and extended stays.
The redeveloped harbour’s thoughtful layout maximises views of the Arabian Gulf and nearby Sir Bani Yas Island, encouraging shared use, inclusivity, and everyday enjoyment of the waterfront, while preserving all of the site's existing Ghaf trees.
A playground, 260-sq-m restaurant space, and 325-m reception pavilion for Sir Bani Yas resort guests position the community harbour as a hub for leisure and hospitality, said the Wam report.
The project aligns with the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, contributing to supporting coastal development, elevating the quality of services provided to the community, enhancing maritime connectivity, and cementing the region’s position as a leading maritime destination, it stated.
The newly upgraded port was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region in the presence of senior officials including Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.
During a tour, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed the harbour’s facilities and advanced services and infrastructure supporting the local community and enhancing maritime activity in the region.
He later discussed the project’s development phases with Captain Al Shamisi, including its components and its role in supporting sustainable coastal development and enhancing the efficiency of maritime facilities in accordance with the highest international standards.
Dubbing the Harbour as a flagship sustainable public maritime infrastructure project in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Hamdan said it was an ideal model for future development as it boasts more solar energy capacity than any other public marine facility in the emirate, with 168 panels above parking areas, enough to meet 80% of the site’s energy needs.
Shore power connections, which allow ferries to turn off their engines while berthed, will enable additional emissions reductions while maintaining clean air for harbour users.
In total, ferry operations at the community harbour will mitigate up to 500 tonnes of CO2 annually. In addition, 14 on-site electric vehicle (EV) charging points promote cleaner transport for visitors and staff, he added.
Dr Abdulla AlGhfeli, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Mobility said the Harbour, developed in collaboration with AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi Maritime, reaffirms its goal to elevate the emirate’s status as a leading global maritime hub and sustainable development driver.
"With world-class facilities, modern amenities, and RV parking, Al Dhannah Community Harbour increases connectivity to the Al Dhafra Region and meets growing demand for marine leisure and mobility, supporting coastal communities and the national economy," he added.
