Egypt has signed a 50-year concession agreement with the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ports Group to establish a vast logistics and industrial zone.
The project, located east of Port Said within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, will span 20 square kilometres, officials announced Sunday in a televised statement.
AD Ports has pledged $120 million for the first phase, including development and feasibility studies over a 2.8 square kilometre area within three years.
The zone will feature a 1.5-kilometre quay, with potential plans for a multipurpose cargo terminal, according to Egypt’s cabinet.
This deal marks the latest chapter in AD Ports’ growing presence in Egypt’s maritime sector and its strategic logistics ambitions.
In the past three years, the Emirati group has acquired local maritime firms Transmar, TCI, and Safina B.V., strengthening its regional footprint.
It has also secured long-term concessions to operate cruise terminals at the Red Sea ports of Safaga, Hurghada, Al Sokhna, and Sharm El-Sheikh.
Additionally, AD Ports will develop and manage a multipurpose port in Safaga and a roll-on/roll-off terminal in Al Sokhna.
Egypt hopes the partnership will boost trade flows, create jobs, and enhance the Suez Canal’s role as a global logistics artery.
For AD Ports, the deal underlines its commitment to transforming the region into a key gateway for international shipping and commerce.