Abu Dhabi: The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced today the launch of the 'Al Nalia' application for smartphones providing access to Abu Dhabi's maritime safety maps.

Developed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and Maqta Gateway, both of which are part of AD Ports Group, the application enhances the safety of marine navigation in the emirate and ensures the efficiency and ease of use of waterways in Abu Dhabi.

Al Nalia has been introduced as a follow-up to the launch of the 'Maritime Safety Maps' in Abu Dhabi. The two launches demonstrate a qualitative shift in maritime navigation in the emirate by displaying important navigational information including, the major commercial transit lanes and connectivity routes, speed limits, mooring and anchorage areas, and designated locations for motorised and non-motorised recreational maritime activities, in real time.

Thanks to its highly interactive interface, the app will help users search directly for the nearest marine facilities such as marinas, slipways and marine fuel stations, and locations designated for recreational activities including jet skis, marine water sports, swimming, surfing and much more.

The application has been named after the historical maps used by UAE's ancestors for navigating local waterways, which also marked information about the harbour and pearl diving sites. The name ‘Al Nalia’ is a homage to the incredible legacy and depth of sailing history in the UAE.

The app offers users with one of the region's most advanced maritime navigational services for smartphones providing a flexible experience that ensures ease of use and navigation.

The application also delivers accurate data directly on global navigation systems such as Google Maps, which help users identify the best waterways, routes, and destinations, thereby making maritime map reading more accessible and user-friendly than ever before. Finally, the app also includes other additional functions, which are conveniently and easily accessible to users.

The Maritime Safety Maps are available on Abu Dhabi Maritime's digital portal, while the equivalent ‘Al Nalia’ mobile app is available on App Store and Google Play. The app, developed by Maqta Gateway, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, has rendered the maps fully interactive, displaying users' location in real-time and informing them of any regulations within their current zone.

Dr. Salem Khalfan Al Kaabi, Director General of Operational Affairs at the DMT, said: “The new application contributes significantly to promoting digital transformation in all the quality services Abu Dhabi provides to everyone. 

"Abu Dhabi has developed infrastructure and integrated capabilities in the maritime transport sector, enhancing the emirate's status as a world-leading maritime hub. The application would undoubtedly ensure the safe and proper usage of waterways for all residents and visitors to the emirate."

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO - AD Ports Group, said: “The introduction of new digital solutions such as the Abu Dhabi Maritime Safety Maps, and now the ‘Al Nalia’ application, reflects AD Ports Group’s commitment to our leadership’s vision for the creation of a robust national economy backed by innovation. Through close collaboration with key strategic partners, the new application pushes the boundaries of how advanced technology can be applied to both modernising our service capabilities and enhancing the user experience of our maritime community, while also strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global maritime centre.”

Capt. Saif Al Mheiri, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Maritime, AD Ports Group, said: “The launch of the ‘Al Nalia’ mobile application is a key milestone in Abu Dhabi Maritime’s continued collaborative efforts to develop truly groundbreaking solutions that will accelerate the digitalisation of the emirate’s maritime industry. By creating an application that overlays Abu Dhabi’s navigational maps with our zoning and safety regulations in a fully interactive format, the ‘Al Nalia’ app greatly elevates the level of navigational security and efficiency across our emirate’s waterways for both commercial and recreational users.”

The Maritime Safety Maps have been developed in close collaboration with Abu Dhabi Maritime and Maqta Gateway, both part of AD Ports Group, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), ADNOC, and the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Command (CICPC).

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About Department of Municipalities and Transport

The Department of Municipalities and Transportation (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, the 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.

The 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 the 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.

About AD Ports Group:

Established in 2006, AD Ports Group today serves as the region’s premier facilitator of logistics, industry, and trade, as well as a bridge linking Abu Dhabi to the world. Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX: ADPORTS), AD Ports Group’s vertically integrated business approach has proven instrumental in driving the emirate’s economic development over the past decade.

Operating several clusters covering Ports, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Maritime, Logistics, and Digital, AD Ports Group’s portfolio comprises 10 ports and terminals, and more than 550 square kilometres of economic zones within KIZAD and ZonesCorp, the largest integrated trade, logistics, and industrial business grouping in the Middle East.

AD Ports Group is rated A+ by S&P and A+ – Outlook Stable by Fitch.

For more information, please visit: adportsgroup.com

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About Abu Dhabi Maritime:

Abu Dhabi Maritime was established in 2020 as the primary custodian of Abu Dhabi’s waterways and marine ecosystems.

Operating under Abu Dhabi Ports, with guidance from Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Abu Dhabi Maritime governs and regulates Abu Dhabi’s maritime sector by providing world-leading maritime infrastructure, while ensuring the emirate implements the highest standards of health, safety, environment, and quality.

For more information please visit: admaritime.ae

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the Emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.