AD Ports Group has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, Jordan’s sole general cargo and multipurpose seaport, reinforcing the Group’s growing investment footprint in Aqaba’s logistics and maritime infrastructure.
The partnership will see the creation of a joint venture responsible for port operations, with AD Ports Group holding a 70 per cent stake and Aqaba Development Corporation retaining the remaining 30 per cent.
As part of the agreement, AD Ports Group will invest AED141 million (USD38.4 million) into the joint venture, alongside deploying its extensive expertise in port development and operations. The Group expects to officially take over port 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 Counselor Hamad Al Matrooshi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Amman; Shadi Majali, Chief Commissioner of ASEZA; and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group.
The agreement was formally signed by Hussein Safadi, Chief Executive Officer of Aqaba Development Corporation, and Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional Chief Executive Officer of AD Ports Group.
Commenting on the milestone, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi said the agreement reflects the depth of economic cooperation between the UAE and Jordan, building on AD Ports Group’s ongoing development initiatives in Aqaba. He noted that the partnership aligns with the UAE leadership’s vision to strengthen bilateral ties and support Jordan’s ambition to position the Port of Aqaba as a leading commercial gateway in the Red Sea region.
He added that the agreement enhances AD Ports Group’s ability to deliver long-term economic value across the region, while supporting business growth aligned with Jordan’s development objectives. He also expressed appreciation to Aqaba Development Corporation for its trust in AD Ports Group as a strategic partner and reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to deepening collaboration to achieve shared goals and mutual benefits.
Shadi Majali, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, said the strategic partnership marks a significant step in strengthening Aqaba’s position as a competitive and integrated economic zone. He highlighted that the development of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, in partnership with AD Ports Group, supports ASEZA’s mandate to foster a robust regulatory and investment environment that enables efficient trade, high-value logistics services, and sustainable economic growth.
