Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smirat said Tuesday that Aqaba Digital City will play a key role in advancing digitalization, building a digital economy, and hosting companies that provide digital services locally, regionally, and internationally.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking on “Sawt Al Mamlaka” (Voice of the Kingdom), Smirat explained that the city was established to support the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision, noting that its “residents” are companies developing software and providing telecommunications services to citizens.
Smirat emphasized that the presence of Aqaba Digital City enhances cybersecurity and data protection in Jordan, adding that the Kingdom is among the leading countries in international communication lines, global fiber networks, and 5G services.
Regarding the significance of the Crown Prince’s inauguration of the city, the minister said it reflects His Royal Highness’s deep commitment to the ICT sector.
He also stressed the importance of creative industries linked to information technology, noting that those working in this sector have a global market, not one confined to Jordan.
Smirat pointed out that data centers enable faster processing and help defend the Kingdom digitally, while the government’s role in the project focuses on empowering investors and facilitating the operation of the digital city.
On investment incentives, Smirat said that Jordan’s ICT incentive system remains in effect until December 31, 2033, providing benefits such as:
0% income tax on exported services,
5% income tax on domestic ICT services,
salary support and grants tied to business expansion,
among other officially approved incentives.
Meanwhile, Eyad Abu Khurma, founding CEO of Aqaba Digital City, said the project aims to capitalize on Jordan’s strategic location, particularly the port city of Aqaba, which serves as Jordan’s maritime gateway.
He explained that the city was designed to become an international hub for telecommunications and internet connectivity, linking markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Abu Khurma described the Crown Prince’s inauguration as a testament to royal support for innovation and entrepreneurship, adding that it is “a source of pride for everyone involved in the project.”
He noted that Aqaba has now become a regional hub for international telecommunications and internet connectivity, with 20–30% of the world’s internet traffic passing through the Red Sea, giving Jordan a competitive market share.
Highlighting the role of creative industries and artificial intelligence, Abu Khurma said such fields require advanced infrastructure, which Jordan possesses. He emphasized that major global powers are investing heavily in data and AI, and that Jordanian talent is highly distinguished in the ICT field.
He also mentioned that the city adheres to international data standards and regulations, serving as a nurturing environment for digital content.
Abu Khurma added that 85% of Aqaba is now covered by state-of-the-art fiber-optic networks at competitive prices, and that major Arab and international technology companies and platforms have already established a presence in Aqaba through the digital city.
Earlier on Tuesday, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II inaugurated Aqaba Digital City, Jordan’s first fully integrated digital project and one of the largest data and digital infrastructure centers in the region.
