Transport
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2013
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As it continues to develop and diversify its economy, transport is playing a central role in the long-term development of Abu Dhabi. Transport and storage contributed approximately Dh20.62bn ($5.6bn) to the emirate’s economy in 2011, or 2.6% of GDP. Aviation in particular is expanding rapidly; the UAE is set to invest $19bn on new aviation infrastructure as it positions itself as a regional business centre and attracts growing numbers of tourists. Upgraded maritime links will also boost Abu Dhabi’s commercial image and improve its global competitiveness. Lastly, key improvements to public transport look set to boost growth, while a comprehensive transport framework envisions the construction of a 17-km metro line by 2020. Not only does the growing population mean investment is required to keep Abu Dhabi City moving, but transport in the broader sense occupies a significant position in both the emirate’s economic diversification strategy. This chapter includes interviews with Abdulla Rashed Al Otaiba, Chairman, Department of Transport (DoT); and Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Keeping things moving: Investments to improve connectivity on land, sea and air
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As it continues to develop and diversify its economy, transport is playing a central role in the long-term development of Abu Dhabi. Not only does the growing population mean investment is required to keep Abu Dhabi City moving, but transport in the broader sense occupies a significant position in both the emirate’s economic diversification strategy, known as Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, as well as in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan, the comprehensive roadmap for the…

Interview

OBG talks to Abdulla Rashed Khalaf Al Otaiba, Chairman, Department of Transport (DoT)
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Interview: Abdulla Rashed Khalaf Al Otaiba Did the global financial crisis have an effect on the DoT’s Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP)? ABDULLA RASHED KHALAF AL OTAIBA: The crisis started to affect development in Abu Dhabi in 2009 with a scaling back of residential, retail and commercial development proposals, in light of falling market confidence and revised demand forecasts. With an environment more conducive for growth now emerging, the DoT has received government approval to move from…

Analysis

Eye on aviation: Carriers and airport operators are investing in infrastructure, while efforts to establish a local aerospace industry proceed apace
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A big part of the emirate’s economic strategy is based around aviation. Building up good air connections is key to its bid to position itself as a regional business centre, attract growing numbers of tourists and, more generally, to enhance its image abroad. ON GROWTH PATH: In 2011, according to figures from Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD), transport and storage accounted for 2.6% of GDP. Although Abu Dhabi has five airports, the largest and most important by far is Abu Dhabi International…

Interview

OBG talks to Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC)
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Interview: Ali Majed Al Mansoori What steps are being taken to improve passenger and cargo transportation at airport facilities? ALI MAJED AL MANSOORI: ADAC operates the emirate’s five airports. Its role is to deliver aviation infrastructure and services that cater to the needs of the capital, the nation and the region. To this end, ADAC is spearheading capacity expansion plans for Abu Dhabi International Airport, which catered to 12.4m passengers in 2011 and an estimated 14m in 2012, through…

Analysis

An integrated approach: The new port and industrial complex is designed to aid diversification
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One of the largest projects currently under way in Abu Dhabi concerns maritime transport. Khalifa Port (KP), a new facility to replace the emirate’s current main port of Mina Zayed, opened in September 2012, together with a new integrated industrial complex known as Kizad. These facilities are aimed at revolutionising Abu Dhabi’s transport and industrial system upon completion in 2030. The zone will cover 417 sq km and is projected to account for up to 15% of the emirate’s non-oil GDP,…

Analysis

The road ahead: Key improvements to public transport looks set to boost growth
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The car is king in Abu Dhabi, where petrol is inexpensive and the development of outlying suburban areas has meant that long commutes to the office are not uncommon. But with population growth and continued economic expansion in recent years, the emirate’s roadways have come under some pressure, particularly in Abu Dhabi City’s central business district during peak travel times. While proposed roadways may alleviate some of the traffic congestion, the emirate’s urban planners are also working…

Analysis

All aboard: A revolutionary project to strengthen transport links across the GCC
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Putting a definitive end to the historic reliance on road vehicles for land transport prevalent in both the UAE and the wider Gulf region, a state-backed firm is currently in the process of building an ambitious national rail network that will significantly expand and improve freight and – in the longer term – passenger transport options across the emirates. What started as an Abu Dhabi-only initiative has now expanded to the other parts of the country, and the bulk of the network, including…