Abu Dhabi Ports Acquires 70% Stake in Jordan's Aqaba Port in AED 141 Million Investment

Aqaba – EcoPulse24

Abu Dhabi Ports Group has entered into a 30-year strategic concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate Aqaba Multipurpose Port - the sole general cargo port in Jordan. The agreement, signed at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority headquarters, grants Abu Dhabi Ports a 70% stake in the joint venture, with Aqaba Development Corporation retaining 30% as a strategic local partner. The total investment amounts to AED 141 million (USD 38.4 million), with operational launch targeted for August 2026.

Key officials present at the signing included Hamad Al Matroushi (UAE Embassy in Amman), Shadi Al-Majali (Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority), and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi (Abu Dhabi Ports). The agreement was signed by Hussein Al-Safadi (Aqaba Development Corporation) and Ahmed Al-Mutawa (Abu Dhabi Ports).

Captain Al Shamisi highlighted the deal as a milestone in strengthening UAE-Jordan economic cooperation and supporting Jordan’s vision to transform Aqaba into a leading Red Sea trade destination. Shadi Al-Majali emphasized Aqaba’s role as a competitive economic zone, while Hussein Al-Safadi noted the partnership’s potential to accelerate Aqaba’s development as a global logistics and trade hub.

Aqaba Port sits at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, and serves as Jordan’s only Red Sea gateway. The port handles roughly 80% of Jordan’s exports and 65% of imports, with key routes to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and neighboring countries. Operationally, it boasts an annual capacity of 11 million tons, 9 berths spanning 2 km, and a draft depth of 13.5 meters. In 2025, the port handled 5.3 million tons of cargo and approximately 85,000 imported vehicles.

Strategically, the deal strengthens Abu Dhabi Ports’ regional footprint, leverages Aqaba’s geographic position for access to Levant and Iraq markets, and reflects a long-term investment vision. Abu Dhabi Ports will introduce advanced digital and logistics solutions, and the project is expected to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs for Jordanians.

The agreement is part of growing UAE-Jordan economic relations, marked by diversified Emirati investments and expanding trade. Aqaba’s development aligns with Jordan’s ambition to become a regional logistics, industrial, and tourism hub.

Opportunities include increased trade volumes, regional integration, digital transformation, and attracting further investment. Challenges may arise from regional port competition, geopolitical risks, and the need for additional infrastructure investment.

With operations slated for August 2026, Abu Dhabi Ports aims to enhance operational efficiency, expand capacity, modernize infrastructure, and grow its customer base, supporting Jordan’s broader economic goals.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)

Last updated: February 5, 2026