Photo Credit :WAM
AD Ports Group has officially launched cruise and ferry terminal services across three major ports on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, marking a significant step in strengthening maritime tourism and regional connectivity between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The group announced the start of cruise operations at terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga. Ferry services linking Safaga with NEOM have also commenced to support the transport of Hajj workers travelling between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The move follows a 15-year concession agreement signed in 2024 between AD Ports Group and Red Sea Ports Authority to manage, develop, and operate cruise terminals and ferry services along Egypt’s Red Sea coastline.
A major milestone was marked with the arrival of Aroya at Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port, becoming the largest mega cruise ship ever to dock directly in the resort city. The vessel’s arrival signals growing momentum for Red Sea cruise tourism and positions Sharm El Sheikh as an emerging destination for international cruise itineraries.
According to AD Ports Group, the successful docking was made possible through infrastructure upgrades carried out by Egypt’s Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority in collaboration with the company.
Noura R. Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, said the launch reflects the group’s commitment to expanding cruise tourism in the Red Sea while supporting economic growth in the markets where it operates.
She added that the company aims to enhance passenger experiences through world-class facilities and seamless maritime services.
The arrival of Aroya is expected to be the first of several scheduled visits by the cruise ship throughout 2026, further strengthening the positions of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga as regular stops for regional and international cruise operators.
Beyond Egypt, AD Ports Group also manages the Aqaba Cruise Terminal through a partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation.
Egypt remains a strategic market within AD Ports Group’s expanding global trade and logistics network. The company is also preparing to launch the US$200 million Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a multipurpose cargo facility expected to serve as a major trade gateway for Upper Egypt.
In addition, the group is developing the 20-square-kilometre KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park near the Mediterranean entrance of the Suez Canal in partnership with Egyptian stakeholders.
In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested 13.2 billion Egyptian pounds (US$279 million) to acquire a 19.3 percent stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators, before moving to secure a majority stake in the company.
The launch of passenger cruise and ferry services in Egypt represents another major milestone in AD Ports Group’s long-term investment strategy in the country and supports Egypt’s ambitions to boost maritime tourism and regional transport connectivity.
