ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi resid-ents can soon take a ferry to neighbouring Oman – a favourite weekend destination for many.
The infrastructure to start a passenger ferry service is already in place, and a private shipping line is reportedly mulling the idea.
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) CEO Mohammad Al Shamsi they have given the green signal to a private shipping line to start the service connecting major Gulf countries. “The shipping line approached us and we encouraged them [to go ahead with the project]. They are looking into it,” Al Shamsi was quoted as saying in a recent media report.
“ADPC itself has no plans to operate such a service, but Zayed Port in the heart of Abu Dhabi received over 189,000 cruise passengers during the last season and the same facilities (a dedicated cruise terminal) could potentially be used to welcome ferry passengers,” he said.
ADPC manages nine non-oil and gas ports in Abu Dhabi including Khalifa Port. The official did not reveal the name of the shipping line and the possible launch date.
Once operational, the ferry service would ease the pressure on roads, and reduce waiting time at border crossings.
“Often, we have to wait for hours to cross the border from Saudi. I will opt for the ferry if the service is available,” said Mohammed Fadi, a Jordanian expat in Abu Dhabi.
The ferry service is also expected to increase tourist mobility between Gulf countries.
Around three million people and more than one million vehicles cross Al Ghuwaifat border in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi between the UAE and Saudi Arabia every year.
