Etihad Bank supported the implementation and launch of the “Accessible and Inclusive Beach” project at the South Beach in Aqaba, under the patronage of Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Commissioners Council.
اضافة اعلان
The beach is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, enabling persons with disabilities to access the beach and use its facilities in a safe and accessible manner.
The project was launched by the bank as part of its corporate social responsibility program, “Etihad Impact,” in partnership with Accessible Facilities Consulting, and in cooperation with ASEZA and the Aqaba Marine Park Administration.
The initiative reflects Bank al Etihad’s commitment to implementing impactful CSR projects that create a tangible positive difference in people’s lives, promote social inclusion, and improve accessibility to public facilities.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of various relevant institutions and organizations, highlighting the project’s importance and its role in strengthening its humanitarian and community impact.
It also reflects Bank al Etihad’s commitment to providing more inclusive recreational experiences and supporting the full integration of persons with disabilities into society.
The accessible beach features a comprehensive range of facilities and equipment designed to facilitate access for persons with disabilities. These include a 100-meter accessible wheelchair pathway extending to the swimming area, floating wheelchairs designed for use in the water, an equipped changing-room caravan, as well as directional signs and audio guides accessible through QR codes. These features provide visitors with a more convenient and independent experience.
The project also included awareness and training sessions for site staff on appropriate practices for serving persons with disabilities. This contributes to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, improving service quality, and enhancing the experience of visitors from all backgrounds.
Etihad Bank CEO Montaser Dawwas said that empowering persons with disabilities goes beyond providing basic services and includes ensuring their right to access public spaces as well as recreational and social activities. He emphasized that projects that create a direct and sustainable impact on people’s lives are a priority within the bank’s CSR programs.
Dawwas noted that the Accessible and Inclusive Beach represents a practical model of cooperation between the private sector, specialized organizations, and government entities to develop more inclusive and sustainable facilities. He expressed hope that the project would serve as another step toward strengthening a culture of inclusion and ensuring equal opportunities for all members of society.
The project gains additional significance with the inclusion of the Aqaba Marine Park on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, of which the Etihad Bank supported accessible and inclusive beach will form part. The project therefore represents a model that combines the preservation of natural heritage with inclusive tourism and accessibility for all.
The initiative reflects an advanced model of inclusive public facilities in Jordan and contributes to strengthening Aqaba’s position as a tourism and recreational destination that caters to the needs of diverse groups. It also creates an opportunity to replicate the experience at other locations in the future, promoting greater inclusion and accessibility for everyone.
