Aqaba: AD Ports Group today announced the operational launch of Noatum ½Ports - Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, a joint venture between AD Ports Group and Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC). The initiative marks a significant step towards reinforcing Aqaba's position as a leading regional trade and logistics hub, while supporting Jordan's broader economic development plans.
According to Emirates News Agency, the joint venture operates under Noatum Ports, the Group's international ports operating arm. It was established following an agreement signed with Aqaba Development Corporation to develop and operate a Port Community System (PCS). The project aims to enhance digital integration and facilitate information exchange among port users, the container terminal, relevant authorities, and all stakeholders, contributing to increased operational and logistical efficiency in Aqaba.
Additionally, the joint venture is implementing a truck management project at the ports of Aqaba by deploying advanced digital solutions that connect relevant entities through a unified digital window. This contributes to streamlining procedures, expediting the issuance of necessary permits, and enhancing the seamless flow of logistics while raising the efficiency of services across the city.
The official launch of operations was marked by a ceremony held in Aqaba, attended by Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority; Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation; and Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports - AD Ports Group; alongside key stakeholders and partners from both entities.
Shadi Al Majali, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), emphasized that the launch represents a tangible step towards realizing their vision of positioning Aqaba as a fully integrated digital logistics gateway on the Red Sea. He noted that the company is laying the foundation for advanced digital infrastructure powered by artificial intelligence and smart analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce time and costs, and elevate transparency and security across cargo and truck movements.
Hussein Al Safadi, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), highlighted that the launch is a milestone in the development of Aqaba's digital infrastructure and reflects the success of strategic partnerships with leading regional and international entities. He acknowledged AD Ports Group's role as a world-class strategic partner, supporting the advancement of Aqaba's logistics and maritime ecosystem and contributing to its long-term growth and competitiveness.
Mohamed Al Tamimi, CEO of Noatum Ports - AD Ports Group, stated that the launch marks another milestone in their strengthening partnership with Aqaba Development Corporation. He reiterated AD Ports Group's commitment to deploying global expertise and advanced technological solutions to drive supply chain efficiency and support the digital transformation of the ports and logistics sector in Aqaba.
Al Tamimi further emphasized that this launch aligns with AD Ports Group's growing portfolio in Jordan and their long-term commitment to the Kingdom. Their presence includes the management and operation of the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, development of tourism assets such as the Aqaba Cruise Terminal and Marsa Zayed, and deployment of advanced customs solutions to facilitate cross-border trade through the Al Madouneh Customs Centre.
In February 2026, AD Ports Group signed a 30-year concession agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation to manage and operate the Aqaba Multipurpose Port, following the inauguration of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in January 2023. In January 2025, AD Ports Group appointed MAG Group Holding to lead the first phase of development of Marsa Zayed, a 3.2 million m² beachfront tourism and business community in Aqaba, designed to position the city as a regional tourism centre and gateway to the Red Sea. This was followed in February 2025 by an agreement with the Jordan Customs Department to manage and operate the new Al Madouneh Customs Centre in Amman, strengthening cross-border trade and supply chain efficiency.