AD Ports Group has officially launched cruise services at three major Red Sea terminals in Egypt — Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga — marking a major step in boosting cruise tourism and maritime connectivity in the region.

The company also announced the start of ferry services between Safaga Port in Egypt and NEOM Port in Saudi Arabia to support the transportation of Hajj workers between the two countries.

In 2024, AD Ports Group signed a 15-year concession agreement with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to manage, develop, and operate cruise terminals and ferry operations along Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

As part of the launch, Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port welcomed the arrival of “Aroya”, the largest mega cruise ship ever to dock directly in the city. The arrival marks a major milestone for Red Sea cruise tourism and highlights the growing importance of Sharm El Sheikh as a regional cruise destination.

The docking of “Aroya” was made possible after major upgrades to the port’s docking facilities carried out by Egypt’s Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority in cooperation with AD Ports Group.

Noura R. Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group, said the launch of cruise and ferry services in Egypt reflects the company’s commitment to expanding cruise tourism across the Red Sea and supporting economic growth in the markets where it operates.

She added that the company will continue working closely with partners to improve passenger experiences through world-class facilities and seamless services.

The arrival of “Aroya” is expected to be the first of several scheduled visits by the mega cruise ship during 2026. The development further strengthens the position of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga as key destinations on regional and international cruise routes.

Apart from its operations in the UAE, AD Ports Group also manages the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan through a partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation.

Egypt remains a key market in AD Ports Group’s global expansion strategy. Alongside cruise operations, the company is expanding its logistics and maritime infrastructure projects across the country.

Later this year, the Group plans to launch the Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a US$200 million multipurpose cargo terminal aimed at supporting trade in Upper Egypt. The company is also developing the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park near the Suez Canal in partnership with Egyptian companies.

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, and later moved to acquire a majority stake in the company.

The launch of cruise and ferry operations at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, and Safaga is the latest milestone in AD Ports Group’s growing investment in Egypt and its support for the country’s tourism and maritime transport ambitions.