Zayed Port: Your Complete Guide

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Zayed Port (Mina Zayed) is Abu Dhabi's primary commercial deep-water port, established in 1968 and fully operational since 1972. Named after UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the port sprawls across 535 hectares with 21 berths, serving as the gateway for general cargo, RORO vessels, and increasingly as a premier cruise destination.

Port Infrastructure

Scale & Capacity

• Area: 535 hectares (1,321 acres)

• Berths: 21 with depths 6-15 meters

• Total berth length: 4,375 meters

• Vessel capacity: Simultaneous handling of 10 oceangoing vessels

Modern Facilities

• Cold storage: 15,000-ton capacity (operational since 1999)

• Warehouse storage: Extensive storage including refrigerated space

• Deep-water access: 14-meter depth alongside

• Cargo handling: Advanced equipment and infrastructure

Historical Development

• 1968: Port establishment

• 1972: Official inauguration and full operations

• 1982: Container terminal construction (41 hectares, 15,000 TEU capacity)

• 1998: Container volume increase 34%, cargo increase 25%

• 1999: Cold storage facility operational

• 2012: Container traffic transfer to Khalifa Port

Operational Functions

Primary Role

• General cargo: Bulk and general cargo handling

• RORO vessels: Roll-on/roll-off shipping

• Cruise tourism: Premier cruise ship destination

• Commercial operations: Regional maritime hub

Trade Connections

• Regional gateway: Hub for Arab world shipping

• Strategic location: Heart of Abu Dhabi capital

• Global connectivity: International maritime network

• Container operations: Originally before Khalifa Port transfer

Current Operations

Following the 2012 container transfer to Khalifa Port:

• Maintained significance: Primary general cargo port

• Tourism expansion: Emerging cruise ship destination

• Regional importance: One of four major emirate ports

• Cruise facilities: World-class passenger terminals

Other Major Ports in Abu Dhabi

• Khalifa Port: Container shipping hub (established 2012)

• Mussafah Port: Industrial district port

• Free Port: Smaller vessels, tugs, barges

• Zayed Port: General cargo and cruise focus

Location & Accessibility

• Northeast Abu Dhabi: Strategic city position

• Proximity to center: Heart of capital's maritime operations

• Regional connectivity: Easy access from surrounding emirates

• Modern facilities: World-class infrastructure

Maritime Heritage

Zayed Port represents:

• UAE's maritime foundation: Shipping industry pioneering

• Regional leadership: Over 40 years of operations

• Modern evolution: Adapting to contemporary maritime needs

• Cultural significance: Named after founding father

Cruise Tourism

Recent years have seen Zayed Port emerge as:

• Cruise destination: Major cruise ship hub

• International tourism: Global passenger connections

• Luxury shipping: Premium cruise terminal services

• Regional gateway: Gateway for regional cruise tourism

Photography Tips

Port infrastructure, cargo operations, cruise ships, waterfront facilities, and maritime activity provide commercial and documentary photography opportunities.