Abu Dhabi: The Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) and AD Ports Group have finalized a concession deal for the development, management, and operation of three cruise terminals at the ports of Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh.
To provide new services, enhance access for cruise operators, and add new itineraries through the group’s network of cruise terminals in the Red Sea, AD Ports Group is investing a total of $4.7 million over the next 15 years for the management and operations of the three cruise terminals, which are anticipated to be operational in 2025.
By supporting large passenger numbers and enhancing the cruise experience, the partnership seeks to further expand AD Ports Group’s cruise operations in the Red Sea region.
The final deal was inked at the Egyptian Cabinet headquarters in Cairo, where it was witnessed by Egypt’s Prime Minister, His Excellency Dr. Mostafa Madbouly; Egypt’s Minister of Transport, His Excellency Lieutenant-General Kamel El Wazir; UAE Ambassador to Egypt, Her Excellency Mariam Al Kaabi; Abu Dhabi Ports Group CEO and Managing Director, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi; Regional CEO, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Ahmed Al Mutawa; and Vice-Chairman of the Red Sea Port Authority Board of Directors General Osama Saleh.
The General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) and AD Ports Group signed two 30-year concession agreements for the construction, administration, and management of a cruise terminal and a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminal at Sokhna Port.
“Sokhna is strategically positioned on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez. We are keen on collaborating with our partners at the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone to fulfil the region’s requirement for prime Cruise and Ro-Ro services,” Al Shamisi added.
The agreements follow a final concession agreement with the RSPA signed in December 2023 for the development and operation of a multipurpose terminal at Safaga Port.
With an investment of $200 million spread over three years, this port is expected to be the first internationally operated port serving the Upper Egypt region. The agreements also reaffirm the two countries’ strong bilateral ties.