Amman, Dec 13 (Petra)- The Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) held a dialogue session dedicated to examining paths of development and modernization in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, with the participation of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Shadi Al-Majali.
Al-Majali said Aqaba will mark its 25th year as a special economic zone in three months, noting that over this period it has witnessed "very significant leaps" that have transformed it into a city entirely different from what it was a quarter of a century ago, in terms of population, infrastructure projects, and its tourism and logistics ecosystem.
He said the city will serve as a central hub for three strategic projects. The first is the National Water Carrier Project to desalinate seawater with a capacity of 300 million cubic meters annually, including 50 million cubic meters for Aqaba and 250 million for Amman. The second is the railway project linking the Al-Shidya mines and industrial zones with Aqaba’s ports, in addition to a dedicated potash line extending from the Dead Sea to the southern port. The third involves green hydrogen projects, for which 15 companies have applied, with one company having completed its studies and expected to sign its agreement in the coming months.
Al-Majali said Marsa Zayed has already begun implementing its first project, "Riviera Heights," which includes four towers rising up to 34 floors, comprising 1,290 apartments with full-service facilities, as well as the rehabilitation of a 500-meter beachfront. Work is also under way to redevelop the cruise terminal to bring it up to global standards.
He added that the Aqaba Formula circuit will complete its first phase by mid-2026, spanning six kilometers, alongside the creation of a "joker track" and dedicated areas for car enthusiasts. Preparations are also under way for an aircraft museum near the airport.
Al-Majali said the authority is also working on establishing an Olympic-standard shooting club and expanding sports and recreational activities to attract more visitors, in addition to developing schools, parks, and service infrastructure.
He explained that ASEZA operates within the framework of the Economic Modernization Vision through seven pillars encompassing 29 objectives, resulting in around 190 projects, while the Board of Commissioners has approved an additional 54 projects.
Al-Majali said ASEZA will carry out a comprehensive upgrade of the airport within six months in preparation for offering it as a facility to be operated by a global company. The new operation will include the construction of modern arrival and departure halls and the development of surrounding lands for industrial and service purposes.
He said Aqaba now stands at the threshold of a new phase that requires precise management, dialogue with the local community, and broader engagement from the private sector, while maintaining the commitment for the city to remain a source of economic strength for the kingdom and a promising tourist destination.
Al-Majali also addressed Aqaba’s population growth and expansion of the hotel sector, noting that the city is now based on three main pillars that must remain in harmony: tourism, trade and logistics (including ports and factories), and the local community.
He revealed new figures reflecting Aqaba’s vital role in the national economy, including the entry and exit of around 4,000 trucks daily, the passage of 75 percent of the kingdom’s imports and exports through its ports, and its capacity to receive 30 ships simultaneously.
For his part, Chairman of JEF Board of Directors Mazen Homoud said Aqaba is a key hub for economic growth, adding that the renewed momentum reflects the presence of an effective administration that operates with a deep understanding of Aqaba’s history and institutional trajectory.
Homoud noted that the forum also closely follows the level of attention given to Aqaba by His Majesty King Abdullah II and HEH Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, pointing to the king’s frequent visits to the region, which include extensive meetings chaired by His Majesty.
He said the forum views Aqaba as one of the strategic drivers of Jordan’s economic growth and will continue to monitor developments there in cooperation with the zone authority, based on its belief that partnership between the public and private sectors is the fastest path to maximizing the kingdom’s economic potential.
//Petra// AF
