What Aqaba Development does

Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) is a government-owned development corporation established in 2004 as the central development arm of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), mandated to build, manage, and operate strategic infrastructure within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone in southern Jordan. Its core physical assets include the Aqaba ports community (11 terminals with 28 specialized berths handling approximately 80% of Jordan's exports and 65% of imports), King Hussein International Airport (open-skies, ICAO 4E, 2 million-passenger annual capacity), and large allocated land parcels hosting industrial estates, logistics villages, and tourism developments.

ADC operates primarily through a public-private partnership model, generating revenue via managed services (port and airport concessions, notably a 30-year JV with AD Ports Group under which AD Ports holds 70% and ADC 30%), licensing and royalties (real estate lease, sale, and BOT arrangements for Ayla Oasis, Tala Bay, Saraya Aqaba, and industrial estates), and professional services (utilities, logistics villages, facilities management). Its underlying technology stack includes the AI-powered Maqta Ayla Port Community System co-developed with Noatum Ports/AD Ports Group, SITA check-in and baggage systems at KHIA, ASYCUDA customs integration, and a multi-modal logistics network connecting 11 terminals and 28 berths.

The company serves international port operators, aviation investors, tourism and real estate developers, industrial manufacturers, logistics service providers, and healthcare/education investors, all targeting the zone's preferential tax regime (5% income tax, no customs duties), FTA access to 1.5 billion consumers, and strategic Red Sea location. ADC partners with global firms including AD Ports Group, GEMS Education, Eagle Hills, NREC Kuwait, APM Terminals, National Aviation Services, and AG&P/Gas Entec, while wholly owning operating subsidiaries spanning ports, airports, schools, universities, utilities, facilities management, and recreation.

Name

Aqaba Development

Legal name

Aqaba Development Corporation

Website

https://adc.jo

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Aqaba Development Corporation is a Jordanian government-owned development corporation and central arm of ASEZA, building, managing, and operating Jordan's primary Red Sea port complex, King Hussein International Airport, industrial estates, and major tourism and real estate developments through public-private partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Qatar

HQ country

Jordan

HQ region

Middle East

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Port Operations and Concessions: ADC generates revenue through joint ventures and concession agreements for port operations, including the 30-year concession with AD Ports Group for Port of Aqaba (70% AD Ports, 30% ADC), managing approximately 80% of Jordan's exports and 65% of imports.
2. Airport Management: Revenue from airport operations through Aqaba Airports Company, including passenger terminals, air cargo facilities, and aviation-related services under open skies policy.
3. Real Estate Development and Leasing: ADC owns strategic parcels of land and generates income through sale, lease, and BOT arrangements for tourism, real estate, commercial, and industrial developments including Ayla Oasis, Tala Bay, Saraya Aqaba, and industrial estates.
4. Infrastructure Services: Revenue from utilities, logistics villages, truck marshaling yards, and industrial estate operations managed through subsidiaries and PPP arrangements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) is a government-owned development corporation that builds, manages, and operates strategic infrastructure within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, including a community of 11 port terminals with 28 specialized berths, King Hussein International Airport, industrial estates, logistics villages, and large-scale real estate and tourism developments. It mobilizes private investment through PPP, BOT, joint venture, and lease arrangements, and operates enabler assets such as schools, a university, a business incubator, sports facilities, and LNG infrastructure.

Product overview

Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) is the government-owned central development arm of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), launched in 2004 to build, manage, and develop strategic assets in Aqaba, Jordan. The company's portfolio spans three core physical infrastructure assets — the Aqaba ports community (11 terminals, 28 specialized berths), King Hussein International Airport (open-skies facility with air cargo terminal), and vast tracts of allocated land — complemented by a diverse ecosystem of subsidiary and partner-operated sub-brands. The flagship digital offering is the Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions / Port Community System (operated with AD Ports Group), providing AI-powered information exchange across port stakeholders. Supporting sub-brands include major real estate developments (Ayla Oasis, Saraya Aqaba, Tala Bay, Al Matal Resort), logistics facilities (Aqaba Logistics Village, Golden Triangle Logistics City, Aqaba International Industrial Estate), tourism and entertainment venues (Royal Yacht Club, The Fountain, Aqaba Aqua Park & Resort, Aqaba International Exhibition Center), transport and aviation services (Aqaba Gate Aviation MRO, cruise and ferry terminals), social infrastructure (Aqaba International School, Aqaba University of Technology, iPARK incubator, Aqaba Stadium), and energy infrastructure (Aqaba Natural Gas Network, LNG Regasification Unit). ADC operates through public-private partnerships, BOT contracts, joint ventures, and lease arrangements with global operators including APM Terminals, National Aviation Services, GEMS Education, Eagle Hills, and others, positioning the company as a master developer orchestrating multi-sector growth across Jordan's Red Sea gateway.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aqaba Port Management and Operations
• King Hussein International Airport (KHIA)
• Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions / Port Community System
• Aqaba International Industrial Estate (AIIE)
• Aqaba Logistics Village
• Golden Triangle Logistics City
• Ayla Oasis
• Saraya Aqaba
• Tala Bay
• Aqaba Gate Aviation
• Aqaba International School (AIS)
• Aqaba University of Technology (AUT)
• Aqaba International Exhibition Center (AIEC)
• Aqaba Natural Gas Network
• Natural Gas Regasification Unit
• Sindbad Group (Dive Club and Berenice Beach Club)
• Royal Yacht Club — Entertainment Complex
• The Fountain
• Aqaba Aqua Park & Resort
• Al Matal Resort
• Olympic Sports City Project
• Here To Help Passenger Assistance Service
• iPARK Business Incubator

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of Jordan's exports and 65% of imports handled through Aqaba ports
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core, enabler, flagship, infrastructure, tourism, operations, industrial and events.

• GEMS Education (GEMS School Management)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2026Framework agreement signed between ADC and GEMS School Management (advisory and operations arm of GEMS Education) to manage and operate Aqaba International School starting from 2026/2027 academic year. GEMS operates more than 90 international schools globally and brings expertise in teacher professional development and international best practices.
• Noatum Ports (AD Ports Group)coreTechnology or Integration · 21 June 2026Joint venture between AD Ports Group and ADC to develop and operate Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, an AI-powered Port Community System for Aqaba. Initiative aims to enhance digital integration through facilitating information exchange among port users, authorities, and stakeholders to improve operational efficiency.
• AD Ports GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2025AD Ports Group (UAE-based ports and logistics operator) holds 70% stake in joint venture with ADC for 30-year concession to manage and operate Port of Aqaba. Initial investment of AED 141 million ($38.4 million) with total investments expected to reach AED 670 million and cumulative revenues exceeding AED 1.5 billion over the concession period. Operations targeted to begin August 2025, raising AD Ports' global portfolio to 36 ports.
• Escola Europea (YEP MED Project)enablerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2020ADC partnership with Escola Europea for Youth Employment in Ports of Mediterranean (YEP MED) project. EU-funded program promoting social inclusion and employment for youth and women in port communities across Spain, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia, France, and Jordan.
• Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture container terminal operating as the only container terminal in Jordan, located at the crossroads of three continents and five countries. ACT is a critical component of Aqaba's port community serving regional and international trade.
• National Aviation Services (NAS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner15-year B.O.T. contract with NAS of Kuwait for operation of Aqaba Air Cargo Terminal providing cargo ground handling services (import, export, mail, express cargo handling), aircraft handling, and storage facilities.
• Aqaba Company for Ports Operation and Management (ACPOM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary company managing port operations and providing marine services for Aqaba port facilities, operating under international standards with qualified Jordanian workforce.
• Aqaba Airports CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADC subsidiary company managing King Hussein International Airport operations, established as part of ADC's strategy to commercialize airport activities and provide Aqaba with modern, high-standard airport facilities.
• National Real Estate Co. Jordan (NREC Jordan)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture with NREC Kuwait (70%) and ADC Jordan (30%) managing South Aqaba Investment Park (1.5 million sq.m) and North Project (540,000 sq.m) as gated business parks with warehousing, industrial, and commercial facilities.
• PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate LLPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManaging Aqaba International Industrial Estate (AIIE) and Queirah International Industrial Estate (QIIE) with over 15 years experience. AIIE site of 1.7 million sq.m has attracted $750 million+ investment. Expansion planned on 1.839 million sq.m site.
• iPARK (Royal Scientific Society)enablerStrategic or Co-development PartnerADC and iPARK launched entrepreneurship platform at ASEZ to facilitate networking between entrepreneurs and investment sectors, establishing business incubator and creating enabling environment for innovation and startups in Aqaba.
• Eagle Hills JordanflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerAbu Dhabi-based real estate investment company developing Saraya Aqaba (634,000 sq.m mixed-use tourism destination with man-made lagoon) and Marsa Zayed/Al Raha Village residential community in Aqaba.
• Al-Baddad Aviation GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperating Aqaba Gate Aviation MRO services at King Hussein International Airport with 75,000+ sq.m facilities including hangar capacity for four wide-body or eight narrow-body aircraft, serving Middle East, Russia, and African markets.
• Arab Gas Pipeline / Jordan Gas CompanyinfrastructureTechnology or IntegrationLNG terminal connected to Arab Gas Pipeline supplying natural gas to Aqaba's industries and facilities through Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Terminal with 170K/M3 LNG capacity, enabling 30% cost reduction vs heavy fuel.
• Sindbad GrouptourismStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine services company operating Berenice Beach Club and dive operations, representing successful partnership in Aqaba's tourism and water sports sector.
• Gulf Gas & Energy (GAS Entec / AG&P)infrastructureStrategic or Co-development PartnerADC signed agreement with AG&P International Holdings and GAS Entec consortium for development of Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad LNG Port with $125 million investment including on-land regasification unit.
• Aqaba Facilities Management CompanyoperationsStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary managing commercial properties including Al Madaen Markets and other ADC-owned facilities, providing comprehensive facility management services.
• Aqaba Water CompanyinfrastructureStrategic or Co-development PartnerWater utility company providing water supply and management services within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.
• Aqaba International Industrial Estate CompanyindustrialStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint venture industrial estate development and management company operating AIIE and managing industrial zone operations in partnership with PBI Aqaba.
• Aqaba Transport CompanyoperationsStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany managing truck marshaling yards including Yard 1, Yard 2, Light & Medium Transport Yard, and Internal Transport Yard with combined capacity of over 300 parking spaces.
• Arab Bridge Maritime CompanyoperationsStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperating Pilgrims Yard serving pilgrims from Egypt during Hajj and Umrah seasons through Aqaba Ferry Terminal, also used for truck marshaling from/to Egypt.
• Nafith (Logistics)operationsStrategic or Co-development PartnerOperating Rashdyeh Yard as main marshaling yard for trucks heading to ASEZ with capacity of 400 trucks (refrigerated, flat, etc.) including maintenance workshops and clinic facilities.
• Jordan Phosphate Mines CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBOT agreement signed in 2010 for development and operation of New Phosphate Terminal at Aqaba port, serving Jordan's phosphate export industry.
• Trust for Logistic ServicesoperationsStrategic or Co-development PartnerManaging Golden Triangle Logistic City (GTLC) with 150,000 sq.m of developed storage and warehousing facilities located 300m from Aqaba Main Port.
• Aqaba International Schools CompanyenablerStrategic or Co-development PartnerADC subsidiary operating Aqaba International School, the only school in southern Jordan offering international curricula, recently partnered with GEMS Education for enhanced management.
• Aqaba Logistics VillagecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerADC project developed under HM King Abdullah II vision for Aqaba as regional logistics hub, providing container freight station, customs clearance, storage, distribution centers, and value-added services.
• Fira BarcelonaeventsStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Fira Barcelona for ABOFA international marine sports and diving event hosting, bringing global expertise in exhibition and event management to Aqaba.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• KAEC (King Abdullah Economic City): Saudi Arabia's flagship SEZ and master-planned city combining port, industrial, residential and tourism zones under one authority. Closest regional comparable to ADC's ASEZA model in terms of integrated SEZ development, port-industrial-logistics-tourism mix, and government-backed PPP-led execution.
• AD Ports Group: UAE-based global ports and logistics operator holding 70% of ADC's Port of Aqaba 30-year concession and joint venture partner on the Maqta Ayla Digital Port Community System. AD Ports manages 36 ports globally and is the most direct operational and strategic comparable to ADC's port, logistics, and digital-platform business.
• JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority): UAE free zone authority developing and operating the Jebel Ali Free Zone adjacent to DP World's flagship port. Closest functional comparable to ADC's ASEZA mandate of subdividing land, providing infrastructure, and attracting industrial/logistics tenants via tax incentives and one-stop services.

Broad incumbents

• DP World: Global port operator and free zone developer (Jebel Ali) operating at much larger scale. Comparable on port management, free-zone development, and logistics village operation, and competes for the same Levant/Red Sea/Indian Ocean trade flows that ADC's ports target.
• Emaar Properties: UAE-based master developer of large-scale mixed-use tourism and residential destinations (Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina). Comparable to ADC's role in orchestrating Ayla Oasis, Saraya Aqaba, Tala Bay, The Fountain, and Al Matal Resort as integrated destination developments under a single master plan.

Regional players

• Tanger Med (TMSA): Morocco's flagship Mediterranean port complex and free zones with automotive, logistics, and industrial zones. Comparable to ADC on integrated port-plus-industrial estate-plus-free zone development targeting Mediterranean/Africa-EU trade.
• Port of Salalah: Oman's flagship transshipment and logistics hub on the Arabian Sea with container, general cargo, and free zone operations. Comparable to ADC's Aqaba ports in transshipment positioning, terminal management model, and free-zone-linked industrial estate strategy.
• Sohar Port and Freezone: Oman-based integrated port, free zone, and industrial estate developer with deep-water port and adjacent logistics/industrial zones. Comparable to ADC's port-plus-AIIE-plus-Logistics Village combination serving as a regional logistics/industrial gateway.
• Duqm Special Economic Zone Authority: Oman government authority developing Duqm as an integrated port, drydock, industrial, tourism and logistics zone. Closest functional comparable to ADC/ASEZA as a state-owned SEZ authority orchestrating multi-sector master development with PPP partners.

Emerging players

• NEOM: Saudi Arabia's mega-project greenfield development with multiple sub-zones (Oxagon port/industrial, Trojena tourism). Comparable in the SEZ + master-development + integrated infrastructure model, though at vastly larger scale and capital intensity, competing for similar regional FDI and tourism demand.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AqabaDevCorp
• Facebookfacebook.com/Aqaba.Development.Corporation

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries21 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aqaba Development