AD Ports is locked in at Aqaba: AD Ports signed a 30-year concession agreement to take over operations and development of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port through a new JV with the Aqaba Development Corporation — the UAE giant is set to hold a 70% stake and has earmarked AED 141 mn (USD 38 mn) for the project.

Why it matters

The move is a key step in reinforcing the company’s expansive Red Sea logistics infrastructure. Aqaba is located at a crossroads of three continents — potentially serving as a bridge between the firm’s operations in the UAE, Jordan, and Egypt.

DATA POINT- Aqaba handles some 80% of Jordan’s exports and 65% of its imports. The port retains an annual handling capacity of 11 mn tons — supported by nine berths — and handled over 3.5 mn tons of cargo and nearly 85k CEUs of Ro-Ro imports last year.

Watch out for digital integration

AD Ports is expected to roll out its Maqta Ayla digital port system next. In 2024 AD Ports dipped its toe at the port to integrate its digital arm — Maqta Gateway’s Port Community System — at Aqaba Port.

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