UAE’s AD Ports Group (AD Ports), a leading global facilitator of logistics, industry and trade, has signed a definitive concession agreement with the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) to develop, operate and manage three cruise terminals at Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh ports.
AD Ports Group’s total investment of $4.7 million over the next 15 years will cover the management and operation of the three cruise terminals, which are expected to be operational in 2025. This will allow the group to provide new services, improve access for cruise operators, and add new itineraries through its cruise terminal network in the Red Sea.
Strengthening AD Ports’ cruise business in the Red Sea
This agreement further strengthens AD Ports Group’s cruise business in the Red Sea region, supports growth in cruise passenger volumes, and enhances the overall passenger and cruise experience.
Senior officials in attendance
The definitive agreement was signed at the Egyptian Cabinet headquarters in Cairo in the presence of senior government officials from both Egypt and the UAE. The signatories included Ahmed Al Mutawa, regional CEO of AD Ports Group, and major general Osama Saleh, vice-chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Port Authority.
Additional concession agreements for Sokhna Port
Additionally, AD Ports Group and the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) have initialled two 30-year concession agreements for the development, management, and operations of a Ro-Ro terminal and a cruise terminal at Sokhna Port.
Read more: AD Ports’ consortium signs deal to develop green methanol facility in Egypt
Commitment to providing world-class facilities
Captain Mohammed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, “We’re happy to build upon our initial agreement signed earlier in January. Today’s signings reaffirm our commitment to bolstering the cruise tourism sector in the Red Sea, through providing world-class facilities and services to passengers, while further strengthening bilateral ties between the UAE and Egypt, in line with the vision of our wise leadership.”
He further added, “Sokhna is strategically positioned on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. We are keen on collaborating with our partners at the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone to fulfil the region’s requirement for prime Cruise and Ro-Ro services.”
Strengthening bilateral ties, expanding operations
Moreover, these agreements reaffirm the strong bilateral ties between Egypt and the UAE and follow a previous definitive concession agreement signed in December 2023 with the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) for the development and operations of a multipurpose terminal at Safaga Port. This $200 million investment over three years is set to make Safaga Port the first internationally operated port serving the Upper Egypt region.
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