Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC), the master developer of ports and industrial zones, has invested more than AED27 million in the Al-Gharbia region of Abu Dhabi over the last year.

ADPC has five ports in the region — Marfa, Al Sila, Sir BaniYas, Mugharrag and Delma. As part of its remit as master developer of the nonoil and gas maritime assets in the emirate, ADPC is leading a program of investment in each area designed to boost local industries and support the port communities.

The region is an area of exceptional natural beauty occupying a vast area of 60,000 square km — 60 percent of the total area of Abu Dhabi, with a coastline stretching for 350 km. Rich in natural resources such as palm trees, pearls, oil, gas and solar energy, Al Gharbia contributes 45 percent of the emirate’s GDP.

Overall in 2013, ADPC invested over AED27 million in the region, including AED7.5 million in Mugharrag Port, AED17 million at Marfa Port and most recently AED2.5 million for the first phase of development at Delma Port.

More investment is planned for the year ahead, as the development plans for ports in the region progress to thenext stage.

“Our ports in the Western region play a very significant role in each of their respective communities. The ports provide a valuable source of livelihood and offer enormous business and leisure potential for the future,” Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi, CEO of ADPC, said in a statement.

“In time, each of these ports will be contributing significantly toward the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. As a result, we are working in consultation with the community and key stakeholders to assess current facilities and to ensure the investment is as strategic as possible, while supporting the traditional culture and values of each location,” he added.