The Aqaba Cruise Terminal, Jordan's first cruise terminal, opens its doors to coincide with the arrival of the MSC Splendida cruise ship from MSC Cruises, with more than 2,000 passengers on board.
The terminal was inaugurated by Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration, Tawfiq Kreishan, and the UAE Ambassador to Jordan, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan, under the patronage of Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh.
The joint project by AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corp. aims to strengthen the coastal city's position as a regional tourist hub and gateway for tourists visiting the Red Sea.
Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the AD Ports Group, explained that, as the first facility of its kind in the country, the Aqaba Cruise Terminal not only offers an “unprecedented opportunity to capitalize on the rapid growth of the cruise sector,” but also supports AD Ports’ international growth strategy “by leveraging Aqaba’s central location and its enormous potential as a regional hub in the Red Sea.”.
Under the agreement with Aqaba Development, AD Ports will develop, manage and operate the terminal, which is expected to receive more than 50 vessels in the next four months.
The terminal consists of a 700-meter pier, a passenger and luggage hall, indoor commercial spaces, free Wi-Fi, prayer rooms and offices, and will help facilitate the stay of international cruise passengers who wish to visit Jordan, specifically Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum.
The facilities are expected to contribute to improving processes, procedures and services, making them a more attractive destination for cruise lines, which will result in a greater number of cruise ship calls and passengers and boost the economy.
“The Aqaba cruise terminal is the result of active cooperation and strategic partnership between the UAE and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” said the UAE ambassador to Jordan.
The remaining strategic agreements planned between AD Ports and Aqaba Development refer to “Maqta Ayla” for the development and operation of an advanced port community system.
Another project involves AD Ports collaborating with Aqaba Development on the improvement of King Hussein International Airport to allow for increased volumes of international and domestic tourism, ensuring a smooth journey for passengers traveling between the airport and the cruise terminal.
The modernization of a multipurpose port is also part of the future plans.
