AD Ports Group has signed significant concession agreements with the Red Sea Port Authority to develop and operate three cruise terminals along Egypt’s Red Sea coast (Safaga, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh). It has also initialled two 30-year concession agreements with the General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) to develop, manage, and operate a cruise terminal and Ro-Ro (Roll-on-roll-off) terminal at Sokhna Port, Egypt. 

Aiming to accommodate higher volumes of passengers and new itineraries, the news comes as AD Ports Group commit $4.7 million over the next 15 years to cover the management and operation of the three Red Sea cruise terminals, which are expected to open in 2025. 

As cruising gains popularity in the region, particularly among younger generations, companies like Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) are paying close attention. NCL’s research revealed in an interview with TTN that Middle Eastern cruisers tend to be Millennials and Gen Xers. 

Vice President & Managing Director Continental Europe, Middle East & Africa, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Kevin Bubolz told TTN, “We’re also seeing a rise in multi-generational bookings, with this share coming in at 50 per cent. Balcony staterooms are the most popular with Middle Eastern guests, although Haven suite bookings are high compared to our average. We’re delighted that the number of repeat customers in the Middle East is prominent.”

This trend underscores the region’s evolving travel preferences and the potential for substantial growth in the Middle East’s cruise market. Saudi Arabia has also announced its first-ever cruise line, AROYA Cruises, which will commence operations in December and promises to offer new and exciting travel experiences for local and international tourists alike.