Al-Hammoud: We are closely following Aqaba’s development potential, and Al-Majali’s leadership reflects clear momentum from day one.
Al-Majali: After 25 years, Aqaba stands on the threshold of major national projects and is advancing as an integrated logistics and tourism ecosystem.
اضافة اعلان
Al-Majali: Aqaba accounts for 20% of Jordan’s total hotel rooms, with 6,500 rooms.
Al-Majali: “The best is yet to come” — the Authority’s plans and those of the Aqaba Development Company include clear reform and implementation pathways.
Al-Majali: Around 4,000 trucks enter and exit Aqaba daily.
Al-Majali: 75% of Jordan’s import and export movement passes through Aqaba’s ports.
Al-Majali: Aqaba can accommodate 30 vessels simultaneously across 12 ports.
Al-Majali: Work is underway to establish a Formula track in Aqaba, dedicated spaces for car enthusiasts, an aviation museum, and an Olympic-standard shooting club.
Al-Majali: A comprehensive upgrade of King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba will be completed within six months, ahead of offering it as a facility to be operated by a global company.
The Jordan Economic Forum held a dialogue session dedicated to discussing pathways of development and modernization in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The session was attended by Forum President Mazen Al-Hammoud and featured the participation of the President of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali—also a member of the Forum’s General Assembly—along with members of the Forum’s Board and General Assembly.
Al-Hammoud welcomed Al-Majali, noting that his appointment comes at a time when Aqaba is witnessing accelerated development activity and rapid changes that require close monitoring by experts and the private sector.
He pointed out that Aqaba has long been a key محور of economic growth, and that the renewed momentum reflects effective management rooted in deep knowledge of Aqaba’s history and institutional trajectory.
Al-Hammoud also highlighted the strong interest shown by His Majesty King Abdullah II and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince in Aqaba, referring to His Majesty’s frequent visits to the region, which include expanded meetings chaired by the King and attended by the Authority’s President.
He concluded by stressing that the Forum views Aqaba as one of the strategic drivers of Jordan’s economic growth and will continue to monitor developments in cooperation with the Special Economic Zone Authority, based on its belief that public-private partnership is the fastest path to maximizing the Kingdom’s economic potential.
For his part, ASEZA President Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali said that in three months Aqaba will enter its 25th year as a special economic zone. Over this period, it has witnessed “very significant leaps” that have transformed it into a city markedly different from what it was a quarter century ago, in terms of population, infrastructure projects, and its tourism and logistics ecosystem.
He explained that Aqaba’s population has increased from around 50,000 at the time it was declared a special zone to more than 220,000 today, while the hotel sector expanded from 2,000 rooms to about 6,500 rooms, representing 20% of Jordan’s total hotel capacity.
He said, “The numbers alone reveal the scale of transformation Aqaba has undergone—a transformation accompanied by higher expectations and a greater role for the local community and both the public and private sectors.”
Al-Majali added that Aqaba today rests on three main pillars that must remain in balance: tourism; trade and logistics, including ports and factories; and the local community. Achieving harmony among these pillars is the greatest challenge to sustaining Aqaba’s success, as “any imbalance in one pillar directly affects the other two.”
He noted that studies have revealed the extent of the city’s expansion and the growing number of its partners, pointing out that government institutions’ interest in Aqaba today is far greater than in the past, given its strategic nature and role in the national trade system.
He added that Aqaba’s development landscape includes major successful projects, others that have faced setbacks and are being addressed, and some projects that were suspended for objective reasons. However, he stressed that “the best is yet to come,” and that the Authority’s plans and those of the Aqaba Development Company include clear reform and implementation tracks.
Al-Majali revealed new figures highlighting Aqaba’s vital role in the national economy, including the daily entry and exit of about 4,000 trucks, the passage of 75% of the Kingdom’s imports and exports through its ports, and its capacity to receive 30 vessels at the same time across 12 ports.
He said, “Aqaba is the Kingdom’s lifeline. Any 24-hour disruption to ports, roads, container services, gas, fuel, or fiber-optic internet could lead to widespread disruption.”
He explained that Aqaba’s location represents a crossroads of multiple international borders, in addition to the airport and maritime crossings, which necessitates continuous coordination among all government entities. He noted that the volume of daily operations far exceeds that of other governorates.
Speaking about upcoming major national projects, Al-Majali confirmed that Aqaba will be 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—50 million for Aqaba and 250 million for Amman. The second is the railway project linking the Shidiya mines and industrial zones to Aqaba’s ports, in addition to a dedicated potash line extending from the Dead Sea to the southern port. The third comprises green hydrogen projects, for which 15 companies have applied; one has completed its studies and is expected to sign its agreement in the coming months.
He pointed out that implementing these projects requires a high level of coordination due to the limited available coastline in Aqaba, which does not exceed 27 kilometers, seven of which are a protected natural reserve. The remaining area is allocated among tourism, ports, industry, security, water projects, electricity, and telecommunications.
Regarding ongoing investment projects, Al-Majali confirmed that Marsa Zayed has begun actual implementation of its first project, “Riviera Heights,” which includes four towers reaching up to 34 floors, comprising 1,290 apartments with full service facilities, in addition to rehabilitating a 500-meter beachfront. Work is also underway to redevelop the cruise terminal to international standards.
He noted that the first phase of the Aqaba Formula track, extending six kilometers, will be completed by mid-2026, alongside the establishment of a “Joker Track” and dedicated spaces for car enthusiasts. Preparations are also underway for an aviation museum near the airport, which will feature historic aircraft donated by His Majesty the King.
Al-Majali added that the Authority is also working on establishing an Olympic-standard shooting club, expanding sports and recreational activities to attract more visitors, and developing schools, parks, and service infrastructure.
He pointed out that Aqaba is operating within the framework of the Economic Modernization Vision across seven pillars comprising 29 objectives, resulting in around 190 projects, while the new Board of Commissioners has approved an additional 54 projects.
Regarding the airport, Al-Majali said the Authority will carry out a comprehensive upgrade within six months, ahead of offering it as a facility to be operated by a global company. The new operation will include constructing modern arrival and departure halls and developing surrounding lands for industrial and service uses.
Al-Majali concluded by saying that Aqaba stands today at the threshold of a new phase that requires careful management, dialogue with the local community, and broader engagement from the private sector—while maintaining the commitment for the city to remain a pillar of economic strength for the Kingdom and a promising tourist destination.
At the end of the session, an extensive discussion took place among attendees, addressing key challenges and opportunities related to Aqaba’s future. Participants exchanged views on mechanisms to enhance its economic and investment role, emphasizing the importance of continued dialogue and public-private partnership to support the development journey of the region.
