AD Ports Expands Reach with Aqaba Concession
AD Ports Group is making significant strides in the regional logistics landscape by securing a 30-year concession to manage Jordan’s Aqaba multipurpose port. This strategic partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation, where AD Ports will hold a 70% stake, marks a major investment of AED 141 million (approximately $38.4 million). The takeover of operations is set for August 2024, further solidifying AD Ports’ presence in the Middle East.
Strategic Significance of Aqaba Multipurpose Port
The Aqaba multipurpose port is a vital asset for Jordan, serving as the country’s only dedicated facility for general cargo and multipurpose operations. It plays a crucial role in handling various goods, including grains, livestock, and roll-on/roll-off (roro) traffic, making it essential for both exports and imports. Approximately 80% of Jordan’s exports and two-thirds of its imports pass through this port, which also acts as a transit hub for cargo destined for neighboring Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
With an annual capacity of around 11 million tonnes, the port features nine berths and a quay length of about 2 kilometers, along with a draft of 13.5 meters. In 2025, the terminal successfully managed over 5.3 million tonnes of cargo and nearly 85,000 car equivalent units of roro imports. This operational capacity highlights the port’s significance in regional trade and logistics.
The agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation represents AD Ports’ largest infrastructure investment in Jordan to date. Their collaboration has been growing since 2021, with previous ventures including the management of the cruise terminal and the Maqta Ayla joint venture, which focuses on enhancing cargo clearance and trade flows through a digital port community system.
AD Ports’ Broader Vision for Regional Logistics
The Aqaba concession aligns with AD Ports’ ambitious strategy to create an integrated logistics and trade platform across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. The company has previously established a presence in Jordan through contracts to manage the Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman and the Marsa Zayed waterfront development, underscoring its commitment to regional economic growth.
With the addition of Aqaba to its portfolio, AD Ports now operates or manages 35 ports and terminals worldwide, including locations in the UAE, Spain, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, Angola, and the Republic of the Congo. This expansion not only enhances AD Ports’ operational capabilities but also reinforces its role as a key player in the global logistics arena.
