alAqaba

Al-Aqaba, written as Al-Aqaba in English and Arabic: العقبة, is a port city in southern Jordan located on the northern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba at the southern end of the Red Sea. It is the capital of Aqaba Governorate and Jordan’s only seaport, serving as a key gateway for trade, transportation, and tourism. The city’s coastal waters give Jordan access to international shipping routes and to neighboring countries across the gulf.

The area has long been a maritime and trading hub. Archaeological and historical evidence links the site to ancient port activity, including associations with the Nabataean port Ezion-Geber on biblical records. The coast also features remnants from later periods, including a Crusader-era fortress. In the modern era, Aqaba expanded with the development of the port and related infrastructure, guided in part by national plans to diversify the economy.

Economy and governance are organized around the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), created to oversee investment, tourism, zoning, and regulatory affairs in the city and free zone. The port handles exports and imports for Jordan and serves as a focal point for shipping, logistics, and industrial activity, complemented by tourism and services. The city has pursued coastal development projects, including resort and leisure facilities, to broaden economic activity beyond port duties.

Tourism and environment are central to Aqaba’s appeal. The city is known for coral reef ecosystems and diving within the Aqaba Marine Park, as well as historical sites such as Aqaba Fort and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum. The nearby Ayla and Tala Bay developments provide resort amenities, while King Hussein International Airport links Aqaba to regional and international destinations. The climate is hot-dry in summer and mild in winter, typical of a Red Sea coastal desert environment.