"Abu Dhabi Ports" Expanding its business portfolio to include 36 ports and terminals regionally and globally
ABU DHABI, 17th February, 2017 (WAM) – Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, confirmed that the addition of Aqaba Port to the group’s business portfolio brings the number of its ports and terminals to 36 ports and terminals in the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Europe, and includes countries including the UAE, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Spain, Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, Cameroon and the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville.
He added that the 30-year concession agreement signed with the Aqaba Development Company to manage and operate the multi-purpose port of Aqaba in the sister Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan represents an important strategic milestone that reflects the strength of economic relations between the UAE and Jordan and constitutes the largest investment implemented by the group in the infrastructure sector in the Kingdom.
Al Mutawa said in a statement to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, that the agreement aims to establish a joint project in which the Abu Dhabi Ports Group owns 70% of the shares, compared to 30% for the Aqaba Development Company, pointing out that the direct value of the group’s investments amounts to 141 million dirhams.
He pointed out that the total expected investments over the 30-year concession period amount to about 670 million dirhams, while the cumulative returns are expected to exceed 1.5 billion dirhams, which reflects the high economic feasibility of the project.
He stressed that the group aims to officially begin operational operations in August of this year after completing the stages of operational readiness, explaining that the project will contribute to creating new job opportunities, raising the efficiency of supply chains, and supporting trade movement.
Al-Mutawa said that the agreement is in line with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to enhance cooperation with sister countries and support Jordan’s vision to transform the port of Aqaba into a leading regional commercial destination. He pointed out that Aqaba will benefit through this partnership from the global operational expertise of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, its growing international network and its advanced digital solutions, which opens new horizons for sustainable economic growth and enhances the city’s position as an integrated center for trade, logistics, industry and tourism.
He explained that the multi-purpose port of Aqaba is the only port in Jordan designated for handling general cargo, through which about 80% of the Kingdom’s exports and 65% of its imports are handled.
He pointed out that the port’s capacity is about 11 million tons annually, and it includes 9 berths with a total length of about two kilometers and a draft depth of 13.5 meters, which allows it to receive ships of large and varied sizes.
He continued that the port recorded during the year 2025 the handling of 5.3 million tons of goods in addition to about 85 thousand imported cars, stressing that developing operational processes and raising the efficiency of handling will enhance these indicators in the coming years.
He pointed out that the group’s investments in Aqaba since 2021 included operating the Aqaba terminal for cruise ships, developing the digital port community system “Maqta Ayla”, in addition to other projects such as “Zayed Marsa” and managing and operating the Madouna Customs Center in Amman.
Al-Mutawa stressed the group’s commitment to deepening its presence in specific projects that enhance the efficiency of supply chains, facilitate trade, and develop the logistical infrastructure, in addition to transferring expertise, employing digital solutions, and building effective partnerships that contribute to supporting the Jordanian economy and strengthening its position as a regional center for trade and logistics services.
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