AD Ports Group has launched cruise and ferry terminal services at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.
The company also started ferry operations connecting Safaga and NEOM to support the transport of Hajj workers between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The launch follows a 15-year concession agreement signed in 2024 between AD Ports Group and Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority to manage and develop the three cruise terminals and related ferry operations.
As part of the launch, Aroya became the largest mega cruise ship ever to dock directly at Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Port.
AD Ports Group said the arrival was made possible through port infrastructure upgrades carried out by Egypt’s Ministry of Transport and the Red Sea Ports Authority in cooperation with the company.
“The launch of AD Ports Group’s cruise and ferry terminal services in Egypt underscores our commitment to advancing cruise tourism across the Red Sea,” said Noura R. Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Business at AD Ports Group.
“Through close collaboration with our partners, we will continue to elevate passenger experience by delivering world-class facilities and seamless services.”
The company said Aroya will make several additional calls at Sharm El Sheikh during 2026, strengthening the role of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga in regional cruise itineraries.
AD Ports Group continues to expand its presence in Egypt through multiple logistics and port projects. Later this year, the company plans to inaugurate Noatum Ports Safaga Terminal, a US$200 million multipurpose cargo terminal serving Upper Egypt.
The group is also developing the KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park near the Mediterranean entrance of the Suez Canal.
In November 2025, AD Ports Group invested US$279 million to acquire a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN) and later moved to secure a majority stake in the company.
The launch of the new cruise and ferry services marks another step in AD Ports Group’s long-term expansion strategy in Egypt and the wider Red Sea region.
