Aqaba, with its clean sandy beaches and transparent waters, is an ideal location for both relaxation and water sports. Sunbathing, swimming, para sailing, water skiing and jet skiing, are just some of the activities to partake in. Famed for its preserved coral reefs and unique sea life, the Red Sea port city was the main port for shipments from the Red Sea to the Far East, in ancient times.

The Mamluk Fort, One of the main historical landmarks of Aqaba was originally a Crusader Castle, rebuilt by the Mamluks in the sixteenth century. Square in shape and flanked by semicircular towers, the fort is marked with various inscriptions marking the latter period of the Islamic dynasty.

The current excavations at the ancient site of Medieval Islamic Ayla already revealed a gate and city wall along with towers, buildings, a town mosque, courtyards and baths.

The Museum houses a collection of artifacts collected in the region, including pottery and coins. It also hosts the house of Sharif Hussein Bin Ali, the great grandfather of King Abdullah II. Other places of interest are the site of the oldest church in the world, the Aquarium and several diving centers across the shoreline.

On the year of 2000 Aqaba became a Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) and nowadays offers businesses and residents. The planned environment consisting of high quality infrastructure, facilities, and support services, as well as an attractive package of incentives and liberal policy environment help to increase operating efficiency.

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) is a private sector-driven development initiative that maximizes private sector participation in a duty free, tax-advantaged and flexible regulatory operations environment.

Jordan Sites: Ajloun  ::  Amman  ::  Aqaba  ::  Bethany  ::  Dana Reserve  ::  Dead Sea  ::  Desert Castles  ::  Jerash
Karak  ::  Shobak  ::  Ma'in Spa  ::  Madaba  ::  Mount Nebo  ::  Pella  ::  Petra  ::  Umm Qais  ::  Wadi Rum