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Abu Dhabi Ports Group has signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate Aqaba Multipurpose Port, Jordan’s only dedicated general cargo facility. The deal, announced on February 5, 2026, marks a significant investment in the coastal city’s logistics infrastructure and strengthens economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan.
Under the concession agreement, a joint venture will be established with Abu Dhabi Ports Group holding a 70 percent stake and Aqaba Development Corporation retaining 30 percent ownership. The partnership requires Abu Dhabi Ports to invest a total of 141 million dirhams, equivalent to approximately 38.4 million US dollars, with operational activities expected to commence officially in August 2026.
Strategic Partnership for Aqaba Port Development
The agreement was signed at the headquarters of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority in Aqaba, with senior officials from both countries in attendance. According to the signing ceremony, Hamad Al Matroushi, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Amman, attended alongside Shadi Al Majali, Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group.
Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation, and Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, executed the concession agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing ceremony underscored the commitment of both parties to transform Aqaba into a premier trading destination in the Red Sea region.
Economic Impact and Infrastructure Enhancement
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi stated that the agreement represents a continuation of strong economic cooperation between the two nations. Additionally, he emphasized that the partnership aligns with UAE leadership directives to strengthen collaboration with Jordan and support the kingdom’s vision for converting Aqaba Port into a leading commercial hub.
The Abu Dhabi Ports CEO added that the concession agreement enables the group to create long-term economic transformation in the region. He expressed gratitude to Aqaba Development Corporation for placing trust in Abu Dhabi Ports as a strategic partner in driving growth and contributing to the city’s economic ecosystem.
Comprehensive Port Capabilities and Trade Volume
Aqaba Multipurpose Port occupies a strategic position at the crossroads of three continents, handling approximately 80 percent of Jordan’s exports and 65 percent of its imports. The facility serves as a critical gateway for trade operations with neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq, according to operational data.
The port manages diverse cargo types including general cargo, grains, livestock, roll-on/roll-off shipments, and project cargo for industrial and infrastructure developments. However, its infrastructure features nine berths spanning two kilometers in length with a draft depth reaching 13.5 meters and an annual handling capacity of 11 million tons.
Regional Logistics Hub Transformation
Shadi Al Majali stated that this strategic partnership represents a milestone in enhancing Aqaba’s role as a competitive and integrated economic zone. The development of Aqaba Multipurpose Port, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Ports Group, reinforces the authority’s commitment to providing a supportive regulatory and investment environment for effective trade and high-value logistics services.
Meanwhile, the project is expected to strengthen Aqaba’s attractiveness as a regional center for logistics, industry, and tourism. In contrast to previous operations, the partnership will enhance connectivity with regional and international markets while reflecting effective coordination between national institutions, the private sector, and international partners.
Performance Metrics and Future Outlook
According to 2025 performance data, the port successfully handled 5.3 million tons of cargo along with approximately 85,000 imported vehicles. Hussein Al Safadi emphasized that the collaboration will leverage Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s expertise, global connectivity, digital trade solutions, and expanding network of regional ports and maritime terminals.
The CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation added that the cooperation will enhance Aqaba’s ecosystem across logistics, tourism, and port services sectors. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the partnership will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable economic growth for both Aqaba and Jordan as a whole.
Operational activities at Aqaba Multipurpose Port under the new management structure are scheduled to begin in August 2026, though authorities have not confirmed specific milestones or performance targets for the initial phase of the concession period.
