AD Ports Group Secures 30-Year Aqaba Port Deal

AD Ports Group has signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) to manage and operate Jordan’s Aqaba Multipurpose Port, the country’s only general cargo and multipurpose seaport. The deal marks the Group’s largest infrastructure investment in Jordan to date and strengthens its presence in the Red Sea region.

Under the agreement, a joint venture will be established with AD Ports Group holding a 70% stake and ADC 30%. AD Ports Group will invest AED 141 million (USD 38.4 million) in the venture and will bring its port development and operational expertise to the project. The Group is expected to formally assume operations in August this year.

The signing ceremony took place at the headquarters of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in Aqaba, attended by senior officials from Jordan and the UAE. The agreement was signed by H.E. Hussein Safadi, CEO of ADC, and Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said the agreement reflects the strong economic ties between the UAE and Jordan and supports Jordan’s vision to position Aqaba as a leading commercial gateway in the Red Sea.

ASEZA Chief Commissioner H.E. Shadi Majali described the partnership as a milestone in enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as an integrated economic zone, while ADC CEO Hussein Safadi highlighted the port’s potential to evolve into a world-class logistics and trade hub.

The Aqaba Multipurpose Port handles around 80% of Jordan’s exports and 65% of its imports, with an annual capacity of 11 million tonnes. With this addition, AD Ports Group’s global portfolio expands to 35 ports and terminals across three continents.