In a move to boost maritime and tourism development in Aqaba, Jordan, AD Ports Group has announced the signing of a shareholders’ agreement between its digital arm, Maqta Gateway, and the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) with regards to their existing joint venture company, Maqta Ayla.
Maqta Gateway will have a 51% stake in Maqta Ayla, while ADC will own 49%.
“Guided by our leadership, we remain steadfast in our approach to support the economic development plans of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This agreement with the Aqaba Development Corporation demonstrates our continued efforts towards enhancing the Kingdom’s maritime sector and complements our efforts in bolstering its tourism sector. It also reaffirms the strong trade ties between the two nations,” stated Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and Group CEO, of AD Ports Group.
The joint venture Maqta Ayla is set to transform Aqaba’s port operations through the implementation of a cutting-edge Port Community System (PCS). This innovative system, utilizing Maqta Gateway’s expertise, marks the groundbreaking export of Abu Dhabi’s crucial port digitalization solution. The PCS will enhance communication and transactions among the Ports of Aqaba, terminal operators, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), ADC, and other stakeholders within the port’s ecosystem. This initiative aims to streamline services and introduce advanced efficiencies for the port city of Aqaba and Jordan as a whole.
“This new agreement seeks to further strengthen our solid partnership with the Aqaba Development Corporation and fast-track our joint efforts towards digitalising the Port of Aqaba, making it more intelligent, resilient and cost-efficient. With the digitalisation of ports’ processes; customer and stakeholder experiences will see a huge uplift, boosting trade and driving economic prosperity,” said Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Digital Cluster and CEO of Maqta Gateway, AD Ports Group.
Anticipated to be operational within the next twelve months, the PCS is projected to bring about significant carbon emission reductions equivalent to 90,000 in-person visits within the first year of implementation.
The formal signing of the shareholders’ agreement took place in the UAE during the 20th Transport Middle East Conference.
