Abu Dhabi Maritime was established in May 2020, via an agreement between AD Ports Group and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), to manage the growth and development of Abu Dhabi’s maritime domain and help achieve the Government’s vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading global maritime capital.

Operating under AD Ports Group, with guidance from DMT, Abu Dhabi Maritime pursues its mission by implementing a streamlined, user and business-friendly regulatory environment, that remains responsive to the needs of the Emirate’s recreational and commercial maritime communities. Furthermore, the organisation is focused on developing ultra-modern infrastructure and introducing advanced digital services to enhance the user experience and help fully unlock Abu Dhabi’s social, cultural and economic potential.

By collaborating closely with its partners, stakeholders and the Emirate’s entire maritime community, Abu Dhabi Maritime is dedicated to continual improvement and adherence to the highest health, safety, environmental, and quality standards, so that our pristine marine ecosystems are protected and preserved for generations to come.

Abu Dhabi Maritime, with support of the DMT, is the custodian of the maritime sector in Abu Dhabi and has a wide mandate covering multiple aspects, including:

• Developing the maritime sector strategy and ensuring compliance
• Implementing regulations and codes for the maritime sector​
• Developing and maintaining safe waterways and associated marine infrastructure
• Registering maritime assets
• Licensing maritime activities
• Monitoring and enforcing regulations and codes​
• Investigating accidents and incidents
• Sharing data and knowledge on the maritime sector

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) was established by Law No. 30 of 2019 and is the entity responsible for managing the urban planning and transport sectors, and three regional municipalities.

As the entity responsible for supporting the growth and urban development of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, DMT guides, regulates and monitors urban development activities. The expert authority improves municipal work to provide comprehensive services and creates higher living standards for residents through the supervision and management of the municipalities.

DMT ensures the highest standards of safety, security, sustainability and technological developments of land, air and maritime transport networks of the Emirate, in line with the highest international standards and UAE legislation.

One of DMT’s top priorities is to fulfil the vision of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, which draws on the vision of our UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Abu Dhabi Maritime is part of AD Ports Group, a premier enabler of trade, industrialisation and economic diversification, which promotes Abu Dhabi as a global trade and maritime hub. Through an integrated portfolio of world-class ports, economic cities and industrial zones, maritime, logistics and digital businesses, AD Ports Group is driving the growth of international trade.

AD Ports Group offers a competitive trading environment with world-class trade, logistics, technologies and advanced infrastructure that delivers efficiencies for its partners and customers. Abu Dhabi Maritime collaborates across the AD Port Groups’ portfolio of businesses to provide world-class maritime facilities and infrastructure to support the advancement of the Maritime sector in the region and globally.