Project “Marsa Zayed” in Aqaba, one of the Red Sea’s largest investments, was officially underway when Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan laid the foundation stone of phase 1. The project, which spans 3.2 million square meters, was developed by MAG Group Holding on behalf of Abu Dhabi Ports Group (AD) and is part of a previous series of agreements between AD Ports Group and the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC).

Aiming to strengthen Jordan’s leisure marine sector, Marsa Zayed will include a yacht club and marina as part of phase 1. Other features of the development include Aqaba’s cruise terminal, residential towers, hotel units, and retail. Phase 1 will take 2-2.5 years to complete.

The investment is one of Jordan’s largest endeavors, exceeding $10 billion, and is expected to create over 16,000 job opportunities. In addition, the cruise terminal is anticipated to boost tourism in Aqaba and other tourist sites, including Wadi Rum, Petra, and the Dead Sea. The cruise terminal was launched in January 2023 as a joint venture between Maqta Technologies, the digital component of AD Ports Group, and ADC’s existing joint venture company,y Maqta Ayla. This partnership will implement the first-ever Port Community System (PCS) technology to enhance Aqaba’s port operations.

“Today’s ceremony is a significant step in our strategic plan to support the Government of Jordan in developing Aqaba into a premier, world-class destination for tourism and economic development. “ said Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group