AD Ports Introduces Cruise Operations at Red Sea Ports in Egypt

AD Ports Group has initiated cruise operations at three prominent Red Sea ports in Egypt — Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga — representing a significant leap forward in enhancing cruise tourism and maritime interconnectivity in the area.

Additionally, the company declared the commencement of ferry services linking Safaga Port in Egypt with NEOM Port in Saudi Arabia, aimed at facilitating the transport of Hajj workers between the two regions.

In 2024, AD Ports Group secured a 15-year concession agreement with the Red Sea Ports Authority of Egypt to oversee, develop, and operate cruise terminals and ferry services along the Egyptian Red Sea coastline.

A remarkable moment for cruise tourism in the Red Sea was marked as Sharm El Sheikh welcomed the mega cruise ship, “Aroya”, the largest to ever dock directly in the city. This arrival underscores Sharm El Sheikh's rising profile as a regional cruise hub.

The successful docking of “Aroya” followed significant enhancements to the port’s facilities initiated by Egypt's Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority, in collaboration with AD Ports Group.

Noura R. Al Dhaheri, the Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, commented that the introduction of both cruise and ferry services in Egypt demonstrates the company's dedication to advancing cruise tourism across the Red Sea while fostering economic growth in the areas it serves.

She further stated that the company is committed to collaborating with partners to elevate passenger experiences through top-tier facilities and efficient services.

The docking of “Aroya” is anticipated to be the first of many visits planned for the mega cruise ship by 2026. This development solidifies the status of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga as pivotal stops in both regional and global cruise itineraries.

Beyond its UAE operations, AD Ports Group is also involved in managing the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan through a partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation.

Egypt remains a crucial element of AD Ports Group's global expansion strategy. Alongside cruise initiatives, the company is broadening its logistics and maritime infrastructure projects throughout the nation.

Later in the year, the Group aims to develop the Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a $200 million multi-functional cargo terminal aimed at bolstering trade in Upper Egypt. In collaboration with Egyptian firms, the company is also working on the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park adjacent to the Suez Canal.

In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (approximately $279 million) to obtain a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, one of Egypt's leading container terminal operators, and subsequently sought to gain a majority interest in the firm.

The launch of cruise and ferry services in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga represents the latest development in AD Ports Group's expanding investment in Egypt and its support for the nation’s tourism and maritime transport objectives.