AD Ports Group has launched cruise terminal services at three major locations in Egypt, aiming to strengthen cruise tourism across the Red Sea region.
Cruise services have officially commenced at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga. Meanwhile, ferry services between Safaga and NEOM will provide transportation for workers during Hajj seasons. The announcement was made on May 19, 2026. This is part of AD Ports Group’s broader expansion strategy in Egypt.
AD Ports Group Launches Cruise Services in Egypt
AD Ports Group, an international trade, logistics and maritime solutions provider, has introduced passenger cruise services across three terminal locations in Egypt.
The expansion follows a 15-year concession agreement signed in 2024 between AD Ports Group and Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority.
Under the agreement, AD Ports Group will manage, develop, and operate passenger cruise terminals and ferry services at Egypt’s Red Sea ports.
The initiative aims to improve the passenger cruise experience and increase Egypt’s appeal to regional and international cruise operators.
Arrival of Aroya Mega Cruise Ship at Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port
The arrival of the Aroya mega cruise ship at Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port became one of the major highlights of the recent launch.
According to AD Ports Group, Aroya is the largest cruise vessel to arrive at the port so far. The milestone represents an important development for cruise tourism in Sharm El Sheikh.
The successful arrival was supported by upgrades to the port’s docking capabilities. These upgrades were carried out through cooperation between Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, the Red Sea Ports Authority and AD Ports Group.
AD Ports Group expects Aroya to make multiple sailings throughout 2026. As a result, this could potentially position Sharm El Sheikh as a recurring destination for regional and international cruise itineraries.
Ferry Services Improve Egypt-Saudi Connectivity
AD Ports Group has also introduced ferry services connecting Safaga Port in Egypt with NEOM Port in Saudi Arabia.
The ferry route is intended to facilitate transportation for Hajj workers traveling between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The development highlights the growing importance of Red Sea maritime transport infrastructure in supporting tourism, workforce mobility and regional cooperation.
AD Ports Group Continues Expanding in Egypt
The cruise and ferry terminal launch represents only one part of AD Ports Group’s larger investment strategy in Egypt.
The company is currently preparing to launch the USD 200 million multipurpose cargo terminal at Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal. This terminal is expected to become an important trade hub for southern Egypt.
In addition, AD Ports Group is working alongside local partners on the 20 km² KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park. This park is located near the Mediterranean entrance of the Suez Canal.
Previously, in November 2025, AD Ports Group invested EGP 13.2 billion (approximately USD 279 million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company, one of Egypt’s largest container terminal operators.
Improving Red Sea Cruise Tourism
The latest expansion is expected to strengthen Egypt’s position as a growing destination for Red Sea cruise tourism.
By integrating Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga into its passenger cruise network, Egypt may benefit from increased cruise traffic. Additionally, Egypt may gain stronger visibility within the regional tourism market.
AD Ports Group already operates large-scale cruise facilities in the UAE and manages the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Jordan. This gives the company an increasingly important role in cruise and passenger terminal operations throughout the Red Sea region.
Why This Matters for Investors and Logistics Companies
This development is likely to attract attention from investors, logistics operators and companies active in free zones. This is due to Egypt’s growing strategic importance in cruise tourism, trade and maritime connectivity.
Improved cruise infrastructure, ferry connectivity, cargo terminals and industrial logistics projects could stimulate broader economic activity across the Red Sea region.
As AD Ports Group continues expanding across Egypt, further integration between UAE, Egyptian and regional logistics ecosystems may also accelerate.
Conclusion
The launch of cruise and ferry terminal services by AD Ports Group in Egypt represents another important step. It advances the development of Red Sea tourism, regional maritime transport and cross-border logistics infrastructure.