Abu Dhabi Ports has launched a housing project at Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad). The first purpose-built accommodation project will accommodate 5,000 employees working at the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone.
The housing project, spanning across 75,000 square metres, has four staff quarters, a management dormitory and two supporting rooms. It also has a supporting community living infrastructure, the development which will be completed in two phases; the first phase is expected to be completed by March 2020.
According to Samir Chaturvedi, CEO, Kizad, more than a quarter of the UAE’s Asian imports come from China.
With regard to Abu Dhabi Ports’ housing project, he told the media that, “The timing for this great step forward could not be better. With such a stable and sustainable relationship with our Chinese partner, an investment in manpower is one of the most valuable decisions you can make, and this iconic and collaborative project reinforces the confidence and mutual benefits we achieve through our strategic partnership.”
Abu Dhabi Ports is also planning to provide financial assistance to companies setting camp in the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone.
During the first half of the year, the total volume of cargo handled by Abu Dhabi Ports was up by 10 percent year-on-year. While container throughput at Khalifa Port surged by more than 82 percent, the number of cruise ship calls increased by 38 percent. Not only that, it also witnessed a significant increase in the total volume of cargo handled across all its ports.
The surge can be attributed to the agreement Abu Dhabi Ports signed with the Mediterranean Shipping Company and COSCO Shipping Ports, and also, to the launch of the COSCO Shipping Ports’ Abu Dhabi Terminal at Khalifa Port. The agreement positioned Abu Dhabi as a key regional hub for COSCO’s global network of 285 berths at 37 ports.