AD Ports Group has signed new strategic agreements with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) that will see AD Ports Group support the development of tourism, logistics, transport, and digital infrastructure within Aqaba.
The four agreements and Heads of Terms Agreements (HoT) include:
- Marsa Zayed Land Agreement: The agreement is in relation to the development of a land area of 1.2 million square-metres in phase 1 of the development of the 3.2 million Marsa Zayed area by AD Ports Group, which will include a cruise terminal, tourism, leisure, residential and other projects. The development is planned to position Aqaba as a major Red Sea destination of choice.
- Cruise Terminal Agreement: AD Ports Group will develop, manage and operate a new cruise terminal in Aqaba, which will serve as a gateway for passengers visiting the Red Sea.
- Maqta Ayla, New Joint Venture: Maqta Gateway, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, has signed a joint venture agreement with ADC establishing “Maqta Ayla” to develop and operate an advanced Ports Community System (PCS). The system will oversee the communication between the Port of Aqaba and terminal operators, as well as the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), ADC, Jordan Maritime Commission and other stakeholders within the port’s ecosystem. The system is expected to complete around two million digital transactions per year.
- HoT on the Development and Modernisation of a Multi-Purpose Port: The HoT sees ADC and AD Ports Group cooperating on exploring the development and modernisation of a multi-purpose port with world-class facilities including Ro-Ro, general cargo, grain and livestock handling.
- Development of King Hussein International Airport Agreement: The agreement will see AD Ports Group collaborate with ADC on the development of King Hussein International Airport – Aqaba, to enable increasing volumes of international and domestic tourism, ensuring a seamless journey for passengers moving between the airport and the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, while enhancing air logistics and expanding Aqaba’s air network connectivity.
Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said, “We are delighted to be able to play our part in the development of the Port of Aqaba and the new cruise terminal, drawing on our expertise in the cruise sector and our experience in providing advanced services across the supply chain.
“We are confident that this cooperation will prove beneficial for both sides, as it combines Aqaba’s significant growth potential as a cruise destination and a regional hub on the Red Sea with AD Ports Group’s leadership in providing advanced services and infrastructure for cruise passengers and cargo ships.”
Eng. Mohammad Al-Sakran, Executive Director, Transport & Logistics, ADC, noted, “This strategic partnership will promote Aqaba as a major player in the region’s supply chain. The digital transformation resulting from this partnership will also create a new ecosystem that will enhance the resilience of the maritime sector in Aqaba”.
