THE UAE's Abu Dhabi Terminals (ADT) has posted 10 per cent growth in first quarter container volume year on year to 177,147 TEU due to continued growth in overall cargo and passenger handling Mina Zayed port, reports Emirates News Agency.

General and bulk cargo volume increased 16 per cent to 1,452,630 tons with ro-ro rising 20 per cent to 18,770 vehicles. Cruise volume was up eight per cent to 107,273 passengers.

"It is rewarding to see the continued growth in cargo handling in Abu Dhabi. This is a good indication that Abu Dhabi's population and economy are developing favourably and that the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 is on track," said ADT chief executive Martijn Van de Linde.

"The growth also reaffirms that the decision to develop the new container terminal at Khalifa Port was right, and we are excited about opening the region's first semi-automated facility in the fourth quarter of this year," Mr Van de Linde said.