Shadi Al-Majali, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), confirmed that the return of the Fishing Festival is a significant step toward preserving the cultural and maritime heritage of Aqaba. He emphasized its role in enhancing the city’s status as a comprehensive tourist destination that bridges traditional folklore with economic and tourism development.
اضافة اعلان

Speaking at the festival’s launch on Tuesday evening at the Fishermen’s Marina—attended by Senator Nasima Al-Fakhri, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Dr. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, the Director General of the Aqaba Facilities Management Company, and several officials—Al-Majali stated that the festival embodies the deep connection between the people of Aqaba and the sea. He added that it reflects the city’s appreciation for fishermen, whose profession is an authentic part of their history and daily lives.
He noted that ASEZA continues to support events that preserve local identity and stimulate economic activity, particularly those linked to Aqaba's maritime legacy and its cultural and social value.
For his part, Dr. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth, confirmed that the Authority provided financial support to fishermen during the fishing ban, recognizing the profession as a primary source of income for many local families. He explained that resuming fishing activities provides a boost to Aqaba’s economic, tourism, and maritime sectors due to its direct links to several vital industries.
Al-Nabulsi clarified that fish marketing is conducted through the fish market established by ASEZA, where marine products are received at "Beit Al-Sayyad" (The Fisherman’s House) under an organized mechanism that ensures product quality and a smooth flow to consumers. He pointed out the ongoing partnership between the public and private sectors to support and develop the fishing industry.
He added that the Gulf of Aqaba has recently seen the appearance of new fish species and the proliferation of previously limited ones, a result of environmental protection measures and seasonal fishing bans.
The launch of the Fishing Festival follows a four-month seasonal ban periodically implemented by ASEZA to protect the marine environment, allowing marine life to reproduce and restore natural stocks.
The festival, organized by the Fishermen’s Association in cooperation with ASEZA and the Aqaba Facilities Management Company, is an annual occasion celebrating traditional fishing. it serves as a platform to attract visitors and tourists eager to explore the city's authentic maritime identity.
Badr Yassin, President of the Jordan Port Fishermen's Association in Aqaba, praised ASEZA’s efforts in supporting the sector and developing its infrastructure. He stressed that the festival’s return sends a direct message of support to workers in the maritime sector and offers an opportunity to introduce visitors to the economic and heritage significance of the trade.
Local fishermen expressed their joy at the festival's return, stating it provides a space to take pride in the profession of their forefathers and highlight the maritime heritage, while allowing them to display their products directly to visitors and stimulate demand for local fish.
The Fishermen’s Marina in Aqaba, managed by the Aqaba Facilities Management Company, is an integrated maritime project designed to serve local fishermen and organize traditional fishing. It features modern boat docks, a central fish market, and maintenance facilities, making it an economic and tourist landmark that reflects Aqaba's ancient maritime legacy.