Abu Dhabi Ports breaks ground on Marsa Mina waterfront project
Project will create a new leisure destination and entry point for tourists visiting the UAE capital by ship
Abu Dhabi Ports has broken ground on the city’s new waterfront space, Marsa Mina, which aims to bring new life to the city’s historic port area at Mina Zayed.
Located next to the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Marsa Mina will offer tourists arriving by ship a more exciting entry into the city, a statement from Abu Dhabi Ports said. The project will also create a distinctive new leisure destination for residents of the city, it added.
Once complete, the area will feature a mix of food trucks and retail concepts, family entertainment, playgrounds and open seating areas. In keeping with its maritime heritage, Mara Mina’s retail units will be constructed from recycled shipping containers, the statement said.
In order to mark the start of construction, the first container to be used for the project was unloaded in the presence of Abu Dhabi Ports officials.
Marsa Mina is scheduled to be completed and opened to the public in Q1 2020, the statement said.
“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,” remarked CEO Captain Mohammed Al Shamisi.
“The plethora of attractions available onsite will deliver an unforgettable experience for all those who visit the new waterfront.
“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,” he added.
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, the authority said. Furthermore, the project will 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.
