‘New Era’ in UAE trading and maritime history

He said that the country provides the necessary support for the maritime transport industry, particularly with Khalifa Port, which, when completed, will become one of the most important ports for trade in the region and the Middle East, benefiting from the UAE\’s strategic location as a link between the economic regions of the world.

\’\’The opening of this flagship project strengthens our progress and will also contribute to the continuation of the high rate of growth witnessed by the UAE, meeting the aspirations of the country\’s citizens for a significant base for the national economy,\” the President said.

The inauguration was described as giving the UAE “a huge boost” to its economic diversification away from its dependence on oil, kick starting global awareness of the vast new Kizad industrial zone adjacent to the port. It is expected that within a generation both facilities will account for up to 15% of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil GDP.