TDIC partnership supports Al Gharbias tourism advancement 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 15 December 2008: Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has commenced the management and operation of a new dedicated air terminal on Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The terminal was built by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), which is developing the Sir Bani Yas Island tourism proposition as part of its multi-experiential Desert Islands destination. Under a partnership agreement between TDIC and ADAC, the islands airport is being additionally upgraded to be a fully-certified airport capable of receiving domestic and short-haul international commercial flights. The full schedule of further upgrade work is due for completion by the end of 2010.

The new terminal will begin receiving dedicated scheduled flights from Abu Dhabi International Airpot to Sir Bani Yas Island later in December when passengers arrive on TDICs two Cessna Caravan aircraft. The new air service will have a flight time of 45 minutes to the island which lies 240 kilometres from the UAE capital.

Development of a dedicated aviation infrastructure on Sir Bani Yas Island will enhance the international tourism potential of Desert Islands. Ease of accessibility is crucial to any destination and together with ADAC, we are ensuring tourists have a seamless experience when travelling to this remarkable island, said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Managing Director, TDIC and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

ADAC is a key stakeholder in Abu Dhabis expanding international tourism ambitions with Abu Dhabi International Airport undergoing massive investment and expansion to deliver a world-class civil aviation infrastructure.

Tourism is an increasingly important industry for Abu Dhabi and we wholeheartedly support the Governments efforts, through TDIC, to create world-class tourism destinations. We have an important role to play in ensuring that these developments are linked to their markets by a modern, efficient transport infrastructure, said His Excellency Khalifa Al Mazrouei, Chairman, ADAC.

The Desert Islands is an excellent example of how we can use our experience to connect a valuable tourism asset with the rest of the UAE, and internationally, through Abu Dhabi International Airport, which is itself one of the regions most important tourism hubs.

Sir Bani Yas Island, the former private nature reserve of the late UAE President, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is at the core of the Desert Islands proposition. TDIC recently launched the first phase of the eight-island destination when it opened Sir Bani Yas Island to tourists for the first time. Guests can now stay at the boutique Desert Islands Resort & Spa, which is operated by the award-winning Thai chain Anantara and take part in a number of adventure activities including 4x4 guided tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park which is home to a range of previously endangered species and one of the worlds largest herds of Arabian Oryx.

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About Sir Bani Yas Airport:
The aerodrome at Sir Bani Yas Island will feature a Main Terminal (Terminal 1) for domestic and international flights as well as a Marine Terminal. The Main Terminal is operated by Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) while the Marine Terminal is operated by the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC). 

About Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is a master developer of major tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates, and a key contributor to its economic and cultural progress.

The company is behind some of Abu Dhabis most prestigious projects including two major destinations - Saadiyat Island, which will house the world's largest single concentration of premier cultural institutions including the Sheikh Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, a performing arts centre and maritime museum, and Desert Islands which will be one of the worlds largest sustainable island tourism destinations.

By creating investment partnerships and joint ventures, TDICs developments are supporting Abu Dhabis evolution into a world class destination for tourists, businesses and residents and helping to realise the emirates considerable tourism potential and strategic goal of delivering 2.7 million hotel guests a year by 2012.

Established in April 2006, TDIC has already built a strong reputation among international industry players for its compelling value proposition, transparency of business approach and ability to deliver. Locally, TDIC offers significant employment and vocational training opportunities for Emiratis keen to enhance their careers and professional qualifications.

About Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC):
Abu Dhabi Airports Company, ADAC, is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by Abu Dhabi Government. It was incorporated by Emiri Decree number 5, of March 4th, 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. ADAC has officially taken over the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain international Airports, as of 28/09/2006. Under its mandate is the re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, which includes the new midfield terminal a facility that will offer a 20 million passenger per year operational capacity when its first phase opens in late 2012.

For more information, please contact:
Press Office, ADAC Abu Dhabi Airports Company 
P.O. Box: 94449, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Telephone: +971 2   505 3482
Fax: +971 2   575 8300
Mobile: +971 50 813 3145
E-mail: achupeau@adac.ae
Website: www.adac.ae 
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +4 Press Release 2008