AD Ports launches first inland dry port facility in Abu Dhabi for trade

Photo- WAM

Abu Dhabi, 24th February 2025 (WAM) – AD Ports Group has officially opened a new inland dry port to improve the transport of goods and boost logistics services across the UAE. The new facility, called Al Faya Dry Port, is designed to connect with Khalifa Port and help businesses move their cargo more quickly and efficiently.

Al Faya Dry Port is positioned between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, making it a key point for moving goods between the two cities and beyond. The port will function as an Inland Container Depot (ICD), meaning that it will serve as a center where containers from ships can be transferred onto trucks for faster delivery. This setup will not only save time but also lower the cost of transporting goods, especially for businesses in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

CMA CGM, a major global shipping company, will be the first customer to use Al Faya Dry Port. However, AD Ports Group plans to expand the facility to serve other key partners, such as COSCO and MSC, which are already operating at Khalifa Port. If there is more demand, additional inland container depots could be developed in Abu Dhabi in the future.

The launch of Al Faya Dry Port is an important step for AD Ports Group, as it builds on the company’s efforts to expand its logistics network. This new facility will help businesses reach customers more effectively, as it works alongside CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, which was opened in December 2024. Together, these facilities will improve trade flow across the UAE.

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One of the highlights of Al Faya Dry Port is its digital connection to Khalifa Port. It is linked through Maqta Technologies' Advanced Trade & Logistics Platform (ATLP), which will allow companies to track their shipments and manage logistics more smoothly. This advanced technology will help shipping companies generate more business by offering a more efficient supply chain system.

The opening of this inland dry port is another step in the strong partnership between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM. The two companies recently signed an agreement to work together on several projects, including the development of the New East Mole multipurpose terminal in Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville. AD Ports Group was awarded a 30-year contract to manage and operate this terminal in June 2023.

The dry port terminal at Al Faya has been designed with the future in mind. It currently has the capacity to handle 900 shipping containers (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units or TEUs), but it has been built in a way that allows for easy expansion based on market demand.

Al Faya Dry Port meets international security and shipping standards, following the International Shipping & Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). This ensures that the facility operates safely and meets global industry requirements. Additionally, the port is designed for quick truck turnaround, which means that cargo can be moved quickly, reducing delays and improving delivery times.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, emphasized that the opening of Al Faya Dry Port is a reflection of the company’s commitment to strengthening the UAE’s supply chain. He stated, “This facility is not only a way to support our business partners but also an important step in improving logistics services across the UAE. It aligns with the vision of our wise leadership to enhance trade and benefit businesses and individuals throughout the country.”

He further explained that for CMA CGM, the new dry port will help expand their market reach beyond Abu Dhabi, covering the entire UAE. The facility will play a crucial role in making shipping and logistics more efficient for businesses operating in the country.

With this new inland dry port, AD Ports Group is taking a significant step toward improving the efficiency and connectivity of the UAE’s trade network. The facility is expected to provide businesses with faster and more cost-effective solutions for cargo movement, making the UAE a stronger global trade hub.