AD Ports Inks Deals for Major Projects Along Egypt’s Coastline

Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement. Asharq Al-Awsat
Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement. Asharq Al-Awsat
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AD Ports Inks Deals for Major Projects Along Egypt’s Coastline

Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement. Asharq Al-Awsat
Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement. Asharq Al-Awsat

Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Egypt's Red Sea Ports Authority have signed a term sheet and a head of terms agreement for the development of major port projects along Egypt's coast.

The Abu Dhabi entity will develop, operate, and manage a multi-purpose terminal in Safaga Port in a consortium with the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals Company, the commercial arm of Egypt’s Ministry of Transportation.

The agreement was signed by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Ports Authority; Rear Admiral Abdel Qader Darwish, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals, and Saif Al Mazrouei, the CEO of the Ports Cluster of AD Ports Group.

The Safaga facility on the Red Sea will likely be completed in 2024, offering berths of up to 1,000 meters and capable of handling all types of general, dry, and liquid bulk cargo.

The new joint venture will provide port users with a wide range of marine services, including services related to vessel traffic management, dangerous goods control, provision of navigation aids, anchorage, dredging, pilotage, towage, and mooring and unmooring solutions.

The memorandum was signed by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Ports Authority, and Saif Al Mazrouei, the CEO of the Ports Cluster of AD Ports Group.

The second agreement covers the development, operation and management of cruise ship berths and terminals at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga ports, and to provide support services to help extend cruise tourism in Egypt. In addition, AD Ports Group will develop plans for cruise ships lines linking Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba.

The agreement permits the group to carry out development work to enhance the experience of visiting tourists.

The venture aims to transition Egypt into a “global trade and logistics hub through the development of Egyptian ports at the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea coasts, and the constructive cooperation between Egyptian and UAE ports,” said Lieutenant-General Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport.

“The Ministry of Transport has ambitious plans to boost maritime trade and transportation, and AD Ports Group stands ready to leverage its expertise and experience to support these vital development projects,” said Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.

The agreements are among a series of deals between AD Ports Group and maritime organizations in Egypt, including an agreement with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals for the joint development and operation of Egypt’s Ain Sokhna Port.



Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Egypt’s Tourism Minister: We’ve Agreed on Future Initiatives with Saudi Arabia


A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A glimpse of the visit by the Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and his accompanying delegation to the UNWTO office in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy told Asharq Al-Awsat that he and Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb have agreed to collaborate on several tourism initiatives.

These include joint marketing efforts, shared tourism programs, environmental protection measures, and promoting specific types of tourism in the Red Sea.

Fathy recently visited Riyadh, where he met with Al-Khateeb and engaged with Saudi business leaders. They discussed ways to promote tourism between their countries and increase visitor exchanges.

During his visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) regional office in Riyadh, Fathy stated that the office’s presence in Saudi Arabia enhances the organization’s work in the region and improves communication with other countries.

He confirmed that they plan to develop and implement the agreed initiatives in the near future.

Fathy highlighted that the Middle East is a key player in global tourism and deserves a dedicated office to support all countries in the region. This effort aims to boost collaboration and promote the Middle East as a top destination for travelers.

Tourism, National Economy: A Path to Sustainable Growth

Samer Al-Kharashi, Director of the UNWTO regional office for the Middle East, stated that the office supports 13 countries in the region, with Egypt being a key member.

He highlighted that the recent visit by Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, who serves as Vice President of the regional committee, creates opportunities for collaboration.

This partnership aims to boost tourism’s role in the national economy, create jobs, and promote sustainable practices that protect the environment.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Al-Kharashi emphasized the potential for cooperation with Egypt, which has a rich tourism history and many ancient sites. He noted that the regional office has the expertise to assist member countries.

Al-Kharashi expressed optimism about the discussions, which covered various opportunities for joint projects that would benefit both Egypt and the wider region.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Fathy’s visit to the UNWTO regional office aims to enhance bilateral relations, as Cairo actively seeks to develop its tourism sector through international collaboration.

During their meeting, Fathy and Al-Kharashi addressed key issues facing Egypt’s tourism sector, including challenges and growth opportunities. They explored future cooperation, particularly in tourism training, improving services, and increasing investments.

Egypt ranks first in Africa, fifth in the Middle East, and 63rd globally on the Travel and Tourism Development Index.

The UNWTO regional office in Riyadh is the first of its kind outside the organization’s headquarters, dedicated to supporting member states in the Middle East.

The office focuses on promoting tourism education, improving infrastructure, and fostering sustainable tourism while preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage.