Aqaba | Jordan

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, situated at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea on the Gulf of Aqaba. It serves as the nation's primary maritime gateway and a major regional hub for tourism, logistics, and diving.

Historical Timeline

Inhabited since 4000 BC, it was the biblical Eloth and later the Roman/Byzantine port of Aila. It gained global prominence during the Arab Revolt in 1917, when Arab forces led by T.E. Lawrence captured the city from the Ottomans. In 2001, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) was established, transforming the city into a duty-free commercial and industrial center.

Demographics & Population

The population is approximately 165,000 (2026 estimate). The demographic is a mix of local Jordanians, Egyptian laborers, and a growing international expat community tied to the tourism and shipping industries.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

City Center: The traditional core featuring the local souk, historic sites, and budget hotels.

The Corniche (King Hussein St): The waterfront strip lined with public beaches, restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Tala Bay: A private, upscale resort community located 15 km south of the city center.

Saraya Aqaba & Ayla: Massive, modern lagoon-based developments featuring golf courses, luxury villas, and high-end retail.

Port Zone: The industrial southern sector dedicated to container shipping and phosphate exports.

Top City Landmarks

Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle): A 16th-century fortress used by the Ottomans and later the site of the Arab Revolt victory.

Aqaba Flagpole: One of the tallest free-standing flagpoles in the world, carrying the flag of the Arab Revolt.

Aila Ruins: Excavated remains of the first Islamic city built outside the Arabian Peninsula.

Aqaba Marine Park: A 7 km protected coastline on the south beach offering world-class shore diving and snorkeling.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque: A prominent white-domed landmark in the city center.

Transportation Network

Air: King Hussein International (AQJ) is 10 km north, serving domestic and international low-cost carriers.

Sea: Regular ferry services connect Aqaba to Nuweiba, Egypt.

Road: Connected to Amman (330 km) via the Desert Highway (approx. 4 hours) or the Dead Sea Highway.

Duty-Free Status: Travelers exiting Aqaba into the rest of Jordan must pass through customs checkpoints (e.g., Wadi Yutum) due to its special economic status.

Safety & Security

The safety level is very high. Aqaba is a stable, heavily monitored zone. Security is particularly tight at border crossings to Eilat (Israel) and near the Saudi Arabian border. Standard maritime safety protocols apply for diving and boat tours.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 100–500 Mbps with 5G coverage throughout the city. As a Special Economic Zone, many goods are duty-free. Card acceptance is 100% in hotels and dive centers. ATMs are ubiquitous.

Climate & Environment

Summer: Extremely hot and arid (26°C–40°C).

Winter: Mild and pleasant (11°C–21°C); the primary high season for tourism.

Water Temperature: Remains between 20°C and 27°C year-round, ideal for coral growth.

Culture & Social Norms

Aqaba is significantly more relaxed than Amman. Swimwear is acceptable at private beach clubs and resorts, but modest dress is required when walking through the city center. Alcohol is widely available and cheaper than elsewhere in Jordan due to the lack of tax.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in the City Center for local atmosphere and budget-friendly options.

Stay in Tala Bay or Ayla for resort luxury and private beach access.

Local Cost Index

Espresso: JOD 2.50

Shore Dive (with gear): JOD 25.00–35.00

Glass Bottom Boat Tour: JOD 10.00–15.00

Nearby Day Trips

Wadi Rum: 60 km (1-hour drive); desert wilderness and camping.

Petra: 125 km (2-hour drive).

South Beach: 12 km (15-minute drive) for snorkeling.

Facts & Legends

Aqaba is home to the Cedar Pride, a Lebanese freighter scuttled in 1985 by King Abdullah II (then a Prince) to create an artificial reef; it is now one of the most famous wreck dives in the world. A verified historical oddity is that the city contains the remains of what is believed to be the world's oldest purpose-built Christian church (3rd century AD). Local legend centers on the "Prophet's Footprint" near the city's old gates.