Agreement paves the way for Maqta Gateway's international ambitions to export its port digitalisation solutions

Abu Dhabi, UAE– 25 January 2024:  Adding pace to its strategic plan of enhancing maritime and tourism in Aqaba, AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a global leader in trade, logistics and industry, announced today the signing of the 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 per cent stake in Maqta Ayla, while ADC will own 49 per cent.

The joint venture company will revolutionise Aqaba's port operations by implementing a Port Community System (PCS) that leverages Maqta Gateway's expertise, also marking the first-ever export of Abu Dhabi's key port digitalisation solution.

The PCS will facilitate communications and transactions between the Ports of Aqaba, its terminal operators, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), ADC, and other stakeholders within the port's ecosystem, streamlining services and building next-level efficiencies for the port city of Aqaba and Jordan.

The solution is expected to be operational within twelve months, with the expectation of delivering carbon emission reductions worth 90,000 in-person visits within a year of its implementation.

The shareholders' agreement was signed in the UAE on the sidelines of the 20th Transport Middle East Conference in the presence of H.E Nayef Al Fayez, Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, by Hussein Ali Al Safadi, CEO, Aqaba Development Corporation and Dr. Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Digital Custer and Maqta Gateway, AD Ports Group.

The Ports of Aqaba are situated at the crossroads of three continents and handle 80% of Jordan's exports and 65% of its imports. Aqaba's Container Terminal is the second busiest in terms of volume along the Red Sea and fourth biggest in the region, with an annual traffic of approximately 1.3 million TEUs. In addition it serves as a key transit point for trade demands of its neighbouring countries, necessitating constant expansion and digital transformation.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: '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.'

'We are excited to see our ports' digitalisation expertise and advanced technology know-how being leveraged for the Port of Aqaba. We look forward to offering them across more international locations to continue on our mission of transforming global trade.'

Dr Noura Al Dhaheri, CEO of Digital Cluster and CEO of Maqta Gateway, AD Ports Group, said: '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 digitalisation of ports' processes; customer and stakeholder experiences will see a huge uplift, boosting trade and driving economic prosperity.'

'Building on our reputation of being an AI led nation and in line with the direction of our wise leadership, we will continue our efforts towards development and deployment of innovative solutions, locally and globally.'

H.E. Hussein Al Safadi, CEO, Aqaba Development Corporation, said: 'This agreement paves the way to significantly enhance communication among the ports' various stakeholders, enabling transparency and predictability. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Maqta Gateway and are confident that Maqta Ayla will be highly instrumental in our efforts to enhance sustainable economic activity at one of Jordan's most vital gateways.'

The establishment of Maqta Ayla was announced previously as one of the key joint initiatives between AD Ports Group and ADC to enhance tourism, logistics, transport, and digital infrastructure within Aqaba with the purpose of positioning Aqaba as a major regional destination, a catalyst for investment attraction and economic development.