It was 2011, and I was in the middle of a beach volleyball match on the Northern Coast of Egypt when a phone call changed the trajectory of my professional life. I was presented with an opportunity that would redefine my professional path: joining Ayla Oasis Development as a Project Management Consultant for Marine Works. Back then, the resources to research the project were limited, but I stumbled upon a Blue Flag certification mandate in the documentation of an external consulting firm. Although it wasn’t a direct development obligation at that stage, but something clicked. I saw the Blue Flag not as a "check-box" for another firm, but as the soul of what Ayla should be and I committed myself to helping embed that standard into the project’s DNA.
اضافة اعلان
It was a bold ambition for a project still in its infancy.Today, as I reflect on the recently released 2024 Sustainability Report, I am struck by how that initial "click" during a late-night research session has transformed into a living, breathing ecosystem. When I joined, we were fewer than ten people sharing a dream; when I left in 2022, I left behind hundreds of colleagues and a destination where three beaches proudly fly the Blue Flag—a symbol of world-class environmental standards.
The Leadership Behind the Lens
Sustainability is rarely born from a manual; it is born from a mindset. Having worked closely with the Chairman and the Managing Director, I witnessed something rare in large-scale development: a "hands-on" obsession with environmental integrity. They weren't just reviewing high-level reports; they were involved in the granular details of water quality, coral health, and energy efficiency. It is this top-down commitment that allowed Ayla to bypass "greenwashing" and instead build a foundation of genuine stewardship.
Engineering Harmony in a Resource-Scarce Land
Jordan faces some of the world's toughest challenges in water, energy, and coastline availability. Ayla’s success is a masterclass in maximizing limited resources.
One of the most meaningful technical journeys I was part of was overseeing, the creation of 17 kilometers of a new water front by using less than 300 meters of actual coastline. This wasn't just a feat of excavation; it was a feat of ecology.
Powered by the Sun: The entire seawater circulation system, which keeps the lagoons pristine, is powered by green solar energy.
A Natural Sanctuary: Today, these lagoons act as a protected haven for marine life. Data from the Marine Science Station (MSS) in Aqaba confirms that Ayla now accommodates approximately 70% of the species found in the Gulf of Aqaba.
Scientific Rigor: This commitment was solidified during my first meeting with the Marine Science Station (MSS), where I presented our vision to a panel of nearly ten highly esteemed university professors, each a leading expert in their field. This exchange successfully reflected our vision into concrete scientific programs, ensuring the collaboration was far more than just a one-off assessment. It evolved into a continuous monitoring plan and an inspiring impact assessment model that ensures the development grows with the environment, not at its expense.
The Green on the White Sand
Perhaps the most visible "miracle" at Ayla is the signature 18-hole golf course. In a desert climate, a lush green course often raises eyebrows regarding water use. However, Ayla flipped the script:
Closed-Loop Irrigation: The course utilizes treated underground water, distributed via smart irrigation systems—all powered by a solar farm.
The Drainage Secret: Beneath the grass lies a bed of specialized white sand. This isn't just for aesthetics; it acts as a high-efficiency filter and drainage layer, allowing excess water to permeate back into the underground aquifer rather than being lost to evaporation or runoff.
Operational Excellence and Energy Management
As the project transitioned into its operational phase, we established the Energy Management Committee to ensure that our infrastructure’s daily performance lived up to its sustainable design. While our systems were already pioneered to be powered by green solar energy, I recognized that true stewardship required more than just clean production. By leading this committee to implement rigorous consumption controls and monitoring protocols, we achieved a significant reduction in energy costs, proving that at Ayla, we didn't just generate green power—we mastered the discipline of using it wisely.
Continued Growth
When I look at the recently updated Sustainability Report, I don't just see data points; I see the fingerprints of a decade of my life. I left Ayla in 2022 seeing the "seeds" we planted finally take root. Now, three years later, it is profoundly moving to see those seeds growing more vigorously than ever. The report reveals a project that hasn't just maintained its standards but has continued to develop and scale its environmental initiatives. It is the ultimate professional satisfaction to see a vision thrive and expand long after your chapter has ended.
The Boundless Vision
We often hear that Jordan is a land of scarce resources—limited water, limited energy, and a tiny coastline. But my 11-year journey at Ayla taught me a different truth: while natural resources may be finite, the vision and capabilities of the people behind the project are boundless. We proved that scarcity is simply a canvas for the most beautiful inventions. We didn't succeed despite the environment; we succeeded because we harnessed an infinite level of human talent and leadership to speak its language and rewrite its future.
To those currently building the future of the Middle East: Don't wait for a mandate to do what is right. Look for that one idea that "clicks," fight for it, and build a world where the water stays blue and the vision stays green.
Disclaimer: Opinions and reflections are my own and do not necessarily represent the official views of my former employers.
