Egypt has inaugurated the Al-Amriya Dry Port in Alexandria as part of its efforts to improve cargo movement, ease congestion at seaports and reduce transportation costs. The transport ministry announced the opening on 14th October 2026, with Egypt’s Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir officially inaugurating the facility. Built with total investments of EGP 700 million Egyptian pounds ($13 million), the dry port occupies an area of 146,000 square metres.

The facility is designed to move shipping, storage and cargo-handling activities away from seaport quays, allowing goods to move more efficiently while reducing pressure on ports and roads and cutting waiting times. Al-Wazir highlighted the strategic importance of the Al-Amriya area, citing its location in Alexandria Governorate, its commercial and industrial significance, and its links with seaports and transport networks. He explained that the Al-Amriya Dry Port would strengthen cargo integration between the main Port of Alexandria and economic activity zones, bring logistics services closer to clients and streamline the movement of goods.

Strategic Development and Economic Impact

Jordan’s Transport Ministry Secretary-General Fares Abu Diyeh emphasized that the transport sector serves as a vital pillar for the national economy and job creation. With vehicle numbers reaching approximately 2.01 million in 2024, the demand for reliable mobility solutions has intensified. The ministry is currently prioritizing the expansion of scheduled services between Amman and governorate centers, the Bus Rapid Transit project, and the development of modern arrival and departure terminals.

Energy Efficiency and Emissions Reduction

A critical aspect of these reforms involves addressing energy consumption. According to Abu Diyeh, Jordan’s transport sector accounted for about 41% of Jordan’s final energy usage in 2024. Officials noted that transitioning away from conventional fuels is essential for lowering emissions.

“This underscores the importance of developing a transport system that is more energy efficient and less reliant on conventional fuels, contributing to lower emissions and greater sustainability,” he said.

Collaborative Efforts and Electric Fleet Integration

Director-General of the Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) Riyad Al-Kharabsheh acknowledged the session as an importan platform to boost cooperation with private sector in public transport. Kharabsheh also highlighted that the electrification of vehicles is a priority, noting that the ongoing project linking Amman to the governorates provides a necessary foundation for future upgrades.

Hanina Ben Bernou, European Union Delegation to Jordan’s officer for green business, innovation, and connectivity, acknowledged the importance of private sector engagement in making services more attractive to the public.  Furthermore, Sulafa Mdanat of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) pointed out that sustainable transport is the key to the transition towards a sustainable and efficient economy.

Addressing Challenges in the Transition

GGGI representative Christophe Assicot noted that while Jordan has successfully increased electric vehicle adoption to 65%, significantly higher than the 14% global average, the transition for public buses faces hurdles such as high import costs and a lack of unified technical standards.

Participants collectively stressed that strengthening the role of the private sector and implementing effective financing models are fundamental to achieving a robust, green public transport system in Jordan.

According to Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, the terminal is operated by CMA CGM under a partnership with Egypt Maritime Ports Company and has handled roughly 2.5 million shipping containers since it began operations, with more than a third accounted for by transit trade. Deputy Minister for Maritime Transport Nihad Shahin, Alexandria Port Authority chairman Ihab Salah El-Din, Maritime Transport Sector head Hussein El-Gazerly and Assistant Transport Minister for Maritime Transport Mohamed Fathy received the two ministers at the facility.

Terminal Capacity and Expanding Operations

Terminal board chairman Mahmoud Khedeir briefed the ministers on the facility’s infrastructure and operational capacity. The terminal covers 500,000 square metres and has 2,500 metres of berths with depths reaching 17.5 metres. These facilities allow it to receive vessels as long as 400 metres and carrying up to 24,000 TEUs. The terminal has a capacity of 1.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and 15 million tons of general cargo, while its operations have generated 1,000 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs through about 25 partner companies.

Its equipment includes four ship-to-shore cranes, 12-yard cranes and 1,260 refrigerated container points, in addition to two 4,500-square-meter warehouses. Since opening, the facility has received 1,360 vessels and processed about 2.5 million TEUs, with 38 percent in transit. Trial rail operations started in January 2025, and 360 trains have handled roughly 35,000 TEUs so far. Ministry figures also showed that Egypt Maritime Ports Company recorded a 22 percent rise in container throughput across its facilities in the first half of 2026.

CMA CGM Partnership Supports Digital Operations

Terminal executive director Anas El-Smeili said the facility resulted from a partnership between Egypt Maritime Ports Company and CMA CGM Group signed in November 2021. According to El-Smeili, the arrangement supported the transfer of expertise, staff training and improvements in operational efficiency, especially in the handling of transit containers. He described the terminal as the French group’s first investment in Egypt, followed by expansion into Ain Sokhna and Cairo’s October Dry Port.

Operations department head Ibrahim Ali said the facility uses an integrated digital system for operations, planning, maintenance and automatic vehicle recognition through electronic gates, in line with international standards. He added that the control centre oversees terminal activities in real time, “from the arrival of ships and the movement of containers to their exit through the gates,” and described it as one of CMA CGM’s best-performing terminals worldwide.

Strategic Partnership and Maritime Transport Development

Al-Wazir said Egypt’s port development programme forms part of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi’s effort to make greater use of the country’s location along major global shipping routes. The government is seeking to develop Egyptian ports as transit hubs and raise the country’s share of global transit trade through direct shipping links and integrated rail-and-sea operations.

He described maritime cooperation between the Transport Ministry, through Egypt Maritime Ports Company, and its French counterpart, through CMA CGM, as “a pioneering model of strategic partnership” reflecting deep, longstanding ties between the two countries, particularly in maritime transport and ports. Al-Wazir said the government’s plan for the maritime transport industry, a pillar of Egypt’s Vision 2030, focuses on developing seaports, expanding the merchant fleet and establishing strategic partnerships with major terminal operators and shipping lines to attract more vessel calls and increase transit trade.

He also highlighted the maritime cooperation developing the Red Sea Container Terminal at Ain Sokhna, involving Abu Dhabi’s HPH, CMA Terminal, CMA CGM and China’s COSCO.

Tahya Misr is among several projects included in a wider strategy to establish integrated logistics hubs connecting seaports with dry ports, border crossings and industrial, agricultural and mining zones through an expanding rail network. Tabarot welcomed the visit to Alexandria and stressed the importance of cooperation between the port and France’s Marseille, while praising the “fruitful cooperation” between CMA CGM and Egypt Maritime Ports Company.

He also highlighted the “great progress” in Egypt’s urban transport network and its diverse transport system, including efforts to move freight onto railways, and said the French government attaches “great importance” to deepening transport-sector cooperation with Cairo. Alexandria Port, he said, remains an important part of global trade and international shipping corridors.

The directive was issued during a meeting attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Civil Aviation Sameh El-Hefny, and the president’s adviser for financial affairs, Lieutenant General Ahmed El-Shazly. According to the Egyptian presidency, discussions focused on the ongoing development of the civil aviation sector. El-Hefny outlined measures involving the modernization of airport infrastructure, capacity expansion and improvements to passenger services.

He also presented the ministry’s future activities, emphasizing that continued investment in the modernization and expansion of Egyptian airports is intended to meet the requirements of the country’s overall development. The minister said the modernization program is also designed to keep pace with steady growth in global tourism and travel while reinforcing Egypt’s position, supported by its strategic geographical location.

El-Sisi stressed that continued efforts are required to develop the civil aviation sector through airport infrastructure modernization, improved services and adherence to the highest safety and security standards. According to the president, these measures are expected to improve the competitiveness of Egyptian airports at both regional and international levels. He also emphasized the need to strengthen private sector participation in the management and operation of airports.

The meeting further examined the strategic vision for, and progress of, Terminal Building No. 4 at Cairo International Airport. El-Hefny said the project will involve construction of a new passenger terminal with a capacity of around 40 million passengers annually. The additional capacity is intended to substantially expand Cairo Airport’s capabilities while supporting the state’s objective of positioning Egypt as a major regional centre for aviation, transport, and logistics services.

The project will incorporate the latest international approaches to airport design and operation, including artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, alongside a smart and sustainable operating system. The minister said this system is expected to improve passenger service quality, raise operational efficiency and meet the highest environmental sustainability standards.

Cairo Terminal 4 project advances

During the meeting, El-Sisi instructed that the new passenger terminal should be built according to the highest international standards covering design, technology, sustainability and operational efficiency. He said the project should become a leading international model for airport development.

The president also called for complaints concerning service quality at various airports to be monitored and addressed seriously and promptly. The aim is to improve the travel experience while strengthening passengers’ confidence in airport services.

The Terminal 4 project was initially announced in September 2025, when El-Hefny told local television that construction would take around four years and cost an estimated $4.5 billion. At that time, the project was expected to add 30 to 40 million passengers of capacity to the 28 million currently handled by Terminals 1, 2, and 3 combined.

Prime Minister Madbouly subsequently described the facility in August as one that would “become a leading model” in airport design and operation worldwide. By this month, officials had increased the capacity target to a full 40 million passengers annually. Once operational, the terminal would bring Cairo Airport’s total capacity to roughly 70 million.

Private-sector participation under Vision 2030

The directive forms part of a broader effort to attract private capital into Egyptian aviation. In June 2025, El-Sisi ordered that Hurghada International Airport be offered for private-sector partnership by the end of that year. The move was included within a wider portfolio covering 11 major Egyptian airports being developed with the International Finance Corporation as technical advisor.

The initiative is being pursued under Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to transform the country’s airports into regional hubs while retaining state ownership.

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly attended the signing of an investment and shareholders’ agreement at the government headquarters in New Alamein City to found Modon Misr Transport Company. This entity has been established to operate and manage a smart transport initiative and sustainable public transport system across Egypt’s new urban communities.

Strategic Partnership to Enhance Urban Communities

The Modon Misr Transport Company combines resources from Madinet Masr for Asset and Facility Management, an affiliate of the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA), and the Future of Egypt for Sustainable Development Authority, alongside Mowasalat Misr, in which the National Bank of Egypt holds a financial stake. Based on an official cabinet statement, the initiative highlights active coordination between the Ministry of Housing and the Future of Egypt Authority aimed at establishing modern transit infrastructure powered by digital solutions to support ongoing national urban expansion.

Fleet Operations and Technological Infrastructure

Under the terms of the agreement, Modon Misr Transport Company will launch operations using an initial fleet of 200 new vehicles deployed in designated target cities. The scope of the project features an integrated fleet management model, which incorporates central and regional operations hubs alongside advanced on-board and station equipment across bus lines and depots.

To simplify commuter operations, the venture incorporates an electronic payment system created in partnership with the National Bank of Egypt. The enterprise will provide full insurance coverage for both passengers and vehicles, while instituting targeted workforce training initiatives. These programs aim to elevate the competencies of drivers, technical teams, and administrative personnel to align with international standards.

Comprehensive Workforce Training and Vision Realization

The cabinet emphasized that this modern operating structure is designed to refine the quality and operational efficiency of local transit, with structured plans for progressive expansion into additional new urban hubs nationwide. Furthermore, the initiative works in tandem with broader national infrastructure projects and supports the strategic objectives outlined in Egypt Vision 2030 for sustainable public transport and smart transport development across regional urban communities.

Strategic Initiatives for Railway Infrastructure and Logistics

During the discussions, both parties examined a proposal submitted by shipping firm CMA CGM to study rail container transport from the Latakia Port container terminal to dry ports in Aleppo, Homs, and Damascus. The proposal includes exploring a public-private partnership structure to carry out the initiative. Additionally, the discussions covered highway projects operating under the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model, alongside plans to review previous feasibility studies and evaluate immediate implementation options.

Minister Badr highlighted the crucial role of the Ministry of Transport in driving economic recovery and enhancing regional connectivity with neighboring nations. He explained that the ministry is actively formulating a comprehensive national policy for sustainable multimodal transport systems, alongside an updated operational strategy for the entire railway sector.

Budget Allocations and World Bank Commitment

To support these transport infrastructure modernization efforts, the Syrian government has allocated funding from its state budget to restore vital network routes. Priority routes designated for rehabilitation include the line extending from the Jordanian border through Damascus, Homs, and Hama to Aleppo and the Turkish border, as well as the key Damascus–Tanf–Deir Ezzor corridor. The estimated cost for rehabilitating major roads stands between $300 million and $500 million. International tenders have been issued, and submitted proposals from international firms are currently under review prior to execution.

Dr. Khalifa reaffirmed the commitment of the World Bank to assist Syria in establishing a sustainable multimodal transport network. She noted that the World Bank will work directly with the Ministry of Transport to prepare the necessary groundwork for the upcoming transport infrastructure project aimed at upgrading railways.

Implementation of Digital Customs Integration

The technical integration enables the immediate, secure exchange of customs information from the exporting nation prior to shipments reaching key border entry points. By establishing this digital customs link, authorities can initiate documentation processing before goods physically arrive at the Al-Khafji and Al-Ruqai border crossings.

Efficiency and Operational Benefits at Land Borders

Developed using standardized data models, the system underwent comprehensive integration testing to ensure operational reliability. The digital customs platform reduces duplicate data entry, improves risk management efficiency, and significantly speeds up customs clearance for freight operators. This streamlined procedure is expected to ease truck movements, improve border logistics, and prevent long cross-border transit delays.

Progress on Railway and Metro Collaboration

Parallel to trade facilitation through speedy cross-border transit, both nations are advancing technical exchange in rail infrastructure under the Saudi-Kuwaiti Coordination Council. The partnership focuses on establishing railway and metro networks in Kuwait, where three out of five primary project milestones have been successfully completed.

As part of the technical support, the Transport General Authority of Saudi Arabia shared its official railway regulations with Kuwait. The joint transnational railway project remains on track for full completion before the end of 2026. This combined focus on railway project development and border infrastructure reinforces the overarching Saudi Kuwait trade link, supporting the efficient movement of goods and passengers across regional borders.

During the briefing, Egypt’s Transport Minister Kamel Al-Wazir announced that six-month trial operations for the nation’s first high-speed electric railway line are scheduled to begin in September 2026. This initial 660-kilometer line connects Ain Sokhna, Alexandria, New Alamein, and Marsa Matrouh, following a limited test run conducted in November 2025. The route forms part of a broader 2,000-kilometer electric railway network spanning three distinct lines designed to link agricultural regions, tourist destinations, and export ports.

Expanding Monorail and Bus Rapid Transit Operations

The review also covered developments across urban mass-transit networks. Minister Al-Wazir noted that the 43.8-kilometer West Nile monorail, featuring 13 stations between 6 October City and Wadi El-Nil in Mohandessin, is scheduled to start operating in 2027. Concurrently, the East Nile monorail is expected to reduce travel times across Greater Cairo, New Cairo, and the New Capital upon inauguration.

Furthermore, the second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along Cairo’s Ring Road is ready for operational rollout to serve high-density residential areas. President El-Sisi directed officials to accelerate sustainable mass-transit efforts, describing them as central pillars for national urban, industrial, and tourism development.

Maritime Logistics and Strategic Road Infrastructure Upgrade

In addition to urban transit systems, President El-Sisi examined development progress across major maritime hubs, including Greater Safaga, Damietta, Greater Alexandria, and Ain Sokhna ports. He instructed project teams to adhere strictly to execution timelines and quality standards to reinforce the nation’s position as a regional trade hub and support integration with Arab and African countries.

Road network enhancements were also outlined, including ongoing construction on the Western Desert Road between Giza and Abu Simbel, alongside the widening of the 327-kilometer Aswan–Berenice Road linking the Nile Valley to Red Sea ports and border crossings. Additionally, maintenance plans were detailed for the 6 October Bridge to repair surface sections and expansion joints, aimed at improving traffic flow in the capital.

The strategic review was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Presidential Adviser for Urban Planning Amir Sayed Ahmed, according to Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shennawy. The combined initiatives reflect a broader national push to integrate seaports, roads, and logistics zones into unified trade corridors connecting the Red Sea and Mediterranean.

The accord was signed by Samah Fawzy, President of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and Julius D. Dennis, Director-General of the Liberia Civil Aviation Authority. The signing ceremony was attended by Egypt’s Civil Aviation Minister, Sameh El-Hefny.

Scope of Technical Assistance and Training

Through the Egypt Liberia Aviation MoU, Egyptian authorities will provide targeted technical support across various domains of civil aviation. The initiative emphasizes knowledge-sharing and the transfer of specialized technical expertise to train qualified personnel in full adherence to ICAO standards.

Minister El-Hefny noted that the agreement forms part of Egypt’s broader effort to deepen partnership with African nations. He stated that capacity building and technical exchanges are essential for sectoral advancement and regional integration. According to El-Hefny, Egypt’s expanding technical partnerships across the continent demonstrate growing confidence in its aviation expertise, while reinforcing its position as a regional hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

Egypt’s Expanding Role in Regional Aviation

The pact with Liberia represents the latest step in Egypt’s effort to broaden its civil aviation leadership across the region. Earlier this month, Egypt was elected to chair the General Assembly of the Arab Civil Aviation Organization. Furthermore, in April, Egypt renewed its agreement with ICAO to host the organization’s Middle East Regional Office in Cairo, which serves 15 member states as one of seven regional bases worldwide.

In a prior meeting this year with ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi highlighted Egypt’s ongoing airport expansion efforts alongside initiatives to upgrade aviation training and technical operational systems.

The agreement follows a letter of intent signed in April 2025 by the two aviation authorities covering artificial intelligence, strategic planning and the exchange of expertise. That earlier arrangement also established a joint steering committee responsible for overseeing its implementation. The latest step on bilateral air transport rights comes as the Middle East continues to strengthen its position as a global aviation hub.

Based on figures from the International Air Transport Association, airlines from the region accounted for about 10 percent of global passenger traffic, measured in revenue passenger-km, during 2025, handling more than 900 billion RPKs through extensive long-haul networks linking Asia, Europe and Africa.

Agreement Supports Aviation Growth and Regional Connectivity

In a press release, the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation said, “The signing of the memorandum of understanding embodies the depth of Egyptian-Emirati relations and reflects the shared vision to enhance cooperation in civil aviation in a way that keeps pace with the rapid developments taking place in the air transport industry at the regional and international levels.”

The ministry stated that the memorandum provides for the gradual expansion of bilateral air transport rights, enabling carriers from Egypt and the UAE to introduce additional services as market demand continues to rise. It also noted that Egypt remains focused on expanding the country’s air connectivity by modernising bilateral agreements and deepening cooperation with strategic partners. These efforts are intended to improve the efficiency of Egypt’s air transport system, enhance the competitiveness of its airports and reinforce the country’s role as a regional aviation centre.

The memorandum was signed by Sameh Fawzy, chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority, and Saif Al-Suwaidi, director general of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, in the presence of Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Sameh El-Hefny during the second day of the 11th ICAO Africa-Indian Ocean Aviation Week in Cairo. The ministry added that Al-Suwaidi viewed the memorandum as a reflection of the trust and coordination between the two civil aviation authorities and described it as an important milestone for expanding cooperation. It further stated that the agreement would promote sustainable growth in air transport while supporting the continued rise in travel between Egypt and the UAE through the expansion of bilateral air transport rights.