Abu Dhabi Ports Group signed deals with Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation in which the UAE port entity will develop, manage and operate a new cruise terminal in Aqaba, “which will serve as a gateway for passengers visiting the Red Sea”, a joint statement said.
“This strategic alliance will boost the wider efforts of the leadership of Abu Dhabi to drive trade and tourism with our neighbours in the region, and to develop world-class infrastructure to expand global reach,” said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Group CEO, AD Ports Group.
The agreement is in relation to the development of a land area of 1.2 million sqm 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.
“Working with our partners in the Aqaba Development Corporation, these ambitious projects will significantly expand the facilities available to travellers and businesses via sea, land and air. This in turn will help grow the trade and tourism sectors, while strengthening Aqaba’s status as a major regional hub and support the kingdom’s economic development plans,” Al Shamisi said.
AD Ports will also support development of an “advanced digital Port Community System.” Under the agreement, the parties will also explore the development and modernisation of a multipurpose port and King Hussein International Airport.
AD Ports Group owns and manages 11 ports and terminals in the UAE and Guinea.
Maqta Gateway, the digital arm of AD Ports Group, has signed a joint venture Agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation 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), Aqaba Development Corporation, Jordan Maritime Commission and other stakeholders within the Port’s ecosystem, the statement said. The system is expected to complete around two million digital transactions per year, generate considerable cost and time savings for stakeholders and customers, reduce CO2 emissions and streamline services.
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