Post by : Badri Ariffin

AD Ports Group has officially rolled out cruise services at three prominent terminals along Egypt's Red Sea—Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga—marking a significant leap in enhancing cruise tourism and maritime connectivity in this vibrant region.

The company has also introduced ferry routes between Safaga Port in Egypt and NEOM Port in Saudi Arabia, facilitating the transit of Hajj workers between the two nations.

In 2024, AD Ports Group entered into a 15-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority, allowing it to manage, develop, and operate cruise terminals and ferry services along Egypt’s picturesque Red Sea coastline.

As part of this launch, Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port welcomed the mega cruise ship “Aroya,” noted as the largest vessel to ever dock directly in the city, marking a monumental achievement for Red Sea cruise tourism and underscoring Sharm El Sheikh’s growing status as a regional cruise hub.

The arrival of “Aroya” was made feasible thanks to significant enhancements made to the port's docking facilities, executed by Egypt’s Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority in collaboration with AD Ports Group.

Noura R. Al Dhaheri, CEO of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, emphasized that the initiation of cruise and ferry services in Egypt epitomizes the company’s dedication to expanding cruise tourism across the Red Sea and stimulating economic prosperity in the markets it operates within.

She further stated that the company plans to consistently work alongside partners to elevate passenger experiences through top-notch facilities and seamless operations.

The docking of “Aroya” is anticipated to be among several visits planned for this mega cruise ship throughout 2026, further solidifying Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga as prominent stops on both regional and global cruise itineraries.

In addition to its operations in the UAE, AD Ports Group oversees the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan through collaboration with the Aqaba Development Corporation.

Egypt plays a critical role in AD Ports Group's global expansion initiatives. Beyond cruise operations, the company is expanding its logistics and maritime infrastructure endeavors throughout the nation.

Later this year, the Group is set to unveil the Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a $200 million multipurpose terminal intended to bolster trade in Upper Egypt. Moreover, AD Ports Group is in the process of developing the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park in partnership with Egyptian firms near the Suez Canal.

In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds ($279 million) to acquire a 19.3 percent stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, and proceeded to pursue a majority stake in the enterprise.

The introduction of cruise and ferry operations at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga marks a significant milestone in AD Ports Group’s expanding investment in Egypt and its commitment to enhancing the nation’s tourism and marine transportation landscape.

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