Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) announced today that Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Logistics Park will commence welcoming tenants during 2009. Construction of the first phase of development is currently underway, and the development of phase II is expected to make a start in 2011, with the full project due to be completed by 2015.
Once ready for operations, the park will offer tenants a wide choice of facilities, from light industrial units in various designs and locations, to commercial offices and plots of land for customized development to meet investors’ specific business requirements.
ADAC made the announcement at the Hanover Fair 2009, where the company is participating under the umbrella of the Abu Dhabi Delegation, the official Silver Sponsor of the Global Business Forum at this year’s show.
HE Khalifa Al Mazrouei, ADAC Chairman, said:
“The Logistics Park is being developed in phases to ensure there is enough space for improvement to cater for investors’ growing requirements. Through its establishment, ADAC aims to help stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for local companies and international organizations to access the UAE market and the extended Gulf region.”
ADAC showcased at the event a scale model of its new, state-of-the-art Logistics Park facilities. It highlighted the facilities’ prime location, adjacent to the airport and close to the upcoming Khalifa Port. They are also located in the new business district of Abu Dhabi where other landmark developments are being implemented, such as Capital District, the future centre for business and commerce, and Masdar, the world’s first carbon neutral city.
He pointed out that the mix between the right location, world class facilities, multi-modular transport for distribution of goods, and the one-stop-shop investor services concept have pushed demand to higher levels. He continued:
“Once we began development, we started attracting strong interest from a wide array of international and multinational organizations, especially within the aviation, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), logistics, and cargo sectors of the industry. We have already received enquiries for more facilities than we had planned to deliver this year.”
In April 2004, Germany and the UAE signed a strategic partnership agreement. Ever since, the two countries have enjoyed excellent bilateral relations. The agreement was followed by constant exchange of high level delegations and close cooperation in all aspects of bilateral relations. The latest visit took place in February this year, when ADAC hosted a delegation from Bavarian Aerospace Group to discuss potential investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was inaugurated by German Ambassador to the UAE, HE Peter Brandes, and Head of Bavarian Aerospace Group, Mr. Randolf Rodenstock.
The UAE is Germany’s leading business partner within the Arab region, with more than 700 German companies operating within the UAE, 200 of which are located in Abu Dhabi. German exports have seen a positive increase, with trade volumes estimated at AED 17.3 billion (EUR 3.56 billion) at the end of June 2008, an increase of 12.7% during the first half of 2008.
The Abu Dhabi Airport Logistics Park forms an integral part of the major expansion programme at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which has seen last October the completion of a new second runway. In March this year, a new Terminal 3, dedicated to Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE also became operational. In addition, the airport’s redevelopment program includes a new air traffic control tower, a new cargo terminal due for completion in 2010, and the construction of a new Midfield Terminal Complex.
ADAC Chairman added:
“The creation of the business park is aligned with ADAC’s objective of financing its airport development programme, generating non-aeronautical revenues, and minimizing Government grants. Our aim with the Logistics Park is to attract foreign direct investment into Abu Dhabi, generating non-aeronautical revenue for ADAC as part of the overall master-plan.
“Moving forward, we will continue to excel in what we do best. We will provide the quality and convenience that investors look for to achieve their goals and business objectives. The Abu Dhabi Airport Logistics Park is an intrinsic part of our wider strategy for developing ADAC’s assets to facilitate and drive the emirate’s future success and play a significant role in Abu Dhabi’s Plan 2030.”
HANOVER MESSE is the world’s largest and most important showcase for industrial technology, and will run from 20-24 April 2009 at the Exhibition Grounds, Hanover. This year’s theme is Energy Efficiency in Industrial Processes.
