Adnan Al-Abdallah, General Manager of Arab Bridge Maritime Company, has announced a new expansion plan aimed at enhancing maritime and port investments in the Red Sea region. This plan includes the establishment of a large center for the maintenance and repair of boats and yachts in Sharm El Sheikh, in addition to the construction of a dry dock in Safaga, which is considered the largest in the region for ship maintenance and repair.
In a statement today, Thursday, Al-Abdallah clarified that the company is preparing a study to develop the passenger terminal at the Port of Aqaba, in collaboration with the Aqaba Development Company. He emphasized that these expansions are part of the company's efforts, which is owned by Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, to support maritime transport and enhance Arab economic integration.
Event Details
Al-Abdallah noted that Arab Bridge achieved its strongest financial and operational performance in 2025, transporting approximately 317,000 passengers, an increase of 26% compared to 2024. The Aqaba-Nuweiba line also recorded a record number of 79,198 trucks transported, the highest in the company's history, boosting trade movements between the Gulf, North Africa, the Levant, and Iraq.
Additionally, the tourist line between Aqaba and Taba transported around 130,000 tourists during 2025, achieving a growth rate of 52% compared to the previous year. These figures reflect the company's success in attracting more travelers and enhancing tourism in the region.
Background & Context
Founded in 1985, Arab Bridge Maritime Company aims to strengthen maritime links between Arab countries. It is considered one of the leading companies in the maritime transport sector, playing a vital role in facilitating trade and tourism in the Red Sea region. The new expansions come at a time when the maritime sector in the region is witnessing significant growth, reflecting the importance of investing in maritime infrastructure.
Sharm El Sheikh and Safaga are important tourist destinations in Egypt, attracting large numbers of tourists annually. The expansion in these areas reflects the company's commitment to enhancing these destinations and providing high-quality services to travelers.
Impact & Consequences
The new expansions are expected to enhance the company's ability to meet the growing market demands, which will help improve the quality of services provided to travelers. The establishment of a dry dock in Safaga will enable the company to offer advanced maintenance and repair services for ships, thereby strengthening its position in the market.
The expansion of maritime investments also reflects the general trend towards enhancing economic cooperation among Arab countries, contributing to sustainable development in the region. These steps may open new avenues for collaboration among Arab nations in the fields of transport and trade.
Regional Significance
These expansions are an important step towards enhancing Arab economic integration, as they contribute to improving the maritime transport infrastructure in the region. By strengthening links between Arab countries, these projects can increase trade and tourism movements, benefiting local economies.
In conclusion, this expansion represents an opportunity to enhance cooperation among Arab countries in maritime transport, contributing to achieving common economic goals and enhancing the region's position on the global trade map.