Get to Know Aqaba
Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. The city has been inhabited since 4000 B.C. and today boasts one of the highest population growth rates in Jordan (4.3% annually).
In 2001, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) was launched as a concept designed to reflect and realize the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II for Aqaba. At the time, Aqaba was a modest port town, yet it held tremendous potential. The royal vision is firmly committed to transforming Aqaba into a world-class business hub and leisure destination, prioritizing community welfare and the preservation of the city’s environmental and cultural heritage.
As the transformation plans were set in motion, the past two decades witnessed remarkable progress. This was achieved by mobilizing government institutions, engaging the local community, and forging strategic partnerships with private sector investors to sustainably develop the city into what it is today.
The past years have posed significant challenges for Jordan. Despite the global financial crisis, rising energy prices, regional unrest, and the refugee crisis, Jordan has remained steadfast in its commitment to reform, moderation, and building a better future for both the Kingdom and the wider region.
By leveraging its renowned talent base, strategic geographic location, and robust trade relations through numerous free trade agreements, Jordan proudly positions itself as the gateway to the Levant with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone playing a central role in this vision.
Your investment opportunities
Promising investment opportunities in Aqaba are emerging as some of the leading projects in Jordan and the region
At the heart of Aqaba, the Marsa Zayed project is a large-scale, mixed-use waterfront development on the Red Sea. Spanning over 3.2 million square meters, it is designed to transform Aqaba into a vibrant hub for tourism, trade, and residential living. The project features plots for the development of luxury hotels, residential units, a marina, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities. Marsa Zayed is expected to boost foreign investment and create jobs while improving local infrastructure.​
The Yamaniyeh Beach aims to develop and offer a dynamic space where tourism, commerce, and SMEs converge to redefine tourism urban spaces. The beach will encompass dive centers, eco-water sports centers and schools, Retail, F&B facilties as well as a skate park, parking, walkways, cycling & jogging tracks, kids playgrounds & aqua park.​
The project will offer opportunities to attract approximately 30 SME investors and entrepreneurs to setup businesses within the beach area. ​
The visionary concept driving the development of Yamaniyeh Business District is centered on seamlessly integrating a beautiful beach with a vibrant area that includes a technology & gaming business park, a tech focused academic park, 3 hotels, entertainment and retails shops, residential hotel apartments as well as a gaming arena.​
This blend will create a dynamic space where tourism, commerce, and business converge to redefine urban spaces to work, live and play and will create over 1,500 employment Opportunity in Aqaba.​
The Yamaniyeh Business District occupies a 140,000 SQM plot of land with a 9-10% elevation and a panoramic view of the Red Sea. The project is designed as a new urban core within the development corridor along Aqaba’s shoreline, and a key central hub for surrounding projects and attractions.
Located across from Prince Rashed Club and Aqaba International School on Al-Farouq street, the Tourism District is envisioned as a vibrant destination featuring commercial outlets, luxury hotels, green spaces, and pedestrian walkways. Designed to captivate visitors and attract investors, it seamlessly combines hospitality and entertainment spaces, creating a modern, dynamic, and sustainable urban hub in Aqaba.
Situated strategically near King Hussein International Airport, just minutes from Aqaba’s city center and ports, the Aqaba Agri-Food Tech Corridor is poised to redefine Jordan’s agricultural sector. This innovative hub features a state-of-the-art Food Production Zone, incorporating advanced vertical farming, hydroponics, and sustainable technologies. Equipped with comprehensive post-harvest services and cutting-edge research and development facilities, the corridor is dedicated to enhancing crop yields, preserving quality, and fostering agricultural innovation. By empowering stakeholders with advanced skills and resources, the corridor is set to transform the future of sustainable agriculture in the region.
A joint development agreement has been signed for the development of the International Industrial Estate Project (QIIE) between the ASEZA, ADC and PBI Aqaba Industrial Estate Co. located in Al-Quwaira area, on a 1.8 million m2 plot of land, providing industrial, logistics, energy and other supporting services.
Investment Opportunities
Light Industries
Meduim Industries
National Real Estate Company (NREC) manages a designated development zone in Aqaba that is fully serviced with core infrastructure, utilities, and on site management services, strategically located approximately 12 kilometers southeast of Aqaba city center and 6 kilometers from the Aqaba Container Terminal, offering open land plots for industrial and commercial activities, open storage yards, built hangars for closed storage and industrial operations, as well as office spaces to support administrative and operational requirements.
In parallel, NREC is progressing planning works for a northern industrial zone in Aqaba, intended to expand NREC's scope into different sectors. Further details will be announced once planning and approvals are completed.
To expand Aqaba's bulk liquid handling capacity and relieve pressure on existing oil handling facilities, a new bulk liquids terminal is planned to support current oil operations while enabling the handling of a broader range of liquid commodities, including petroleum products and emerging industrial liquids associated with energy transition value chains such as ammonia.
The terminal will utilize a single large berth located south of the existing oil berth, leveraging Aqaba’s established port infrastructure and connectivity to regional and international markets. By providing a modern, dedicated facility for bulk liquids, the project aims to optimize port operations, support sustainable industrial growth, and ensure Jordan’s long-term competitiveness in energy trade.
Strategically located along the Gulf of Aqaba at Aqaba Middle Port, the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) is set to transform the existing old cement terminal and the Mu’tah floating berth into a specialized dry bulk export terminal. This project leverages Aqaba’s prime geographic position, established port infrastructure, and seamless connectivity to regional and international markets. The terminal is designed to meet growing market demand for silica exports, serving identified potential users with projected volumes between 3.8 and 10 million tonnes, depending on the availability of a dedicated bulk export facility.
Situated in the heart of Aqaba, directly opposite the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority’s headquarters, the North Business District presents a prime opportunity for mixed-use property developers to secure equity within the city’s central growth corridor. The project encompasses 107 strategically sized plots, ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 sqm, offering unmatched potential for investment and urban development.
Get Started
How to Start Your Business in Aqaba
With the abundance of streamlined processes, all geared towards providing a facilitated business-friendly environment, starting a business in Aqaba is an easy 4-step process online. Aqaba special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) will help investors by facilitating the process of starting a business in Aqaba.
You establish a company at the companies controller (Ministry of industry & trade)
You register the company with the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA).
You obtain the required permits for activities within the zone.
You secure the necessary clearances (health, safety, environment, etc.).
Infrastructure & Connectivity
Port's Community
Port's Community
Aqaba’s port community features 12 terminals and 32 specialized berths operated by world-class companies employing advanced technology and international standards. This focus on technology, local workforce development, safety, and environmental responsibility is central to Aqaba’s maritime operations.
A key element of the Aqaba Ports Community Masterplan, initiated with the ASEZA master plan in 2002, involves relocating the main port from Aqaba’s northern shores to the Southern Industrial Zone near the Saudi border. This relocation allows the former port area to be redeveloped into the multi-billion Marsa Zayed mixed-use project, primarily for tourism, recreation, and commercial purposes.
Aqaba’s strategic location and its dynamic ports community are crucial in establishing the city as a significant transport and logistics center. Transit times from Aqaba are approximately 22 days to North America and 26 days to Australia.
Airport
Airport
King Hussein International Airport serves as a crucial element in the Zone’s multimodal transport and logistics network. Operating under an “Open Skies” policy, the airport features a first-class Air Cargo Terminal and has undergone significant rehabilitation, expansion, and renovation. The airport, owned by ADC and managed by Aqaba Airports Company, includes:
- A single 3.1 km runway equipped with a category (1) Instrument Landing System (ILS).
- A land area of 13,000,000 sq. m.
- ICAO – 4e Category.
- Operation under an “Open skies” airport policy.
- An annual terminal handling capacity of 1 million passengers.
- Cargo handling capacity of 400,000 tonnes per annum.
- Approximately 3,000 aircraft movements annually.
- Ongoing major expansion and development.
Highways
Highways
Aqaba boasts a well-developed road network that connects Jordan to five neighboring countries, enhancing its role as a regional gateway. The city is conveniently located just 185 km from Neom, Saudi Arabia, and lies in close proximity to major tourist attractions such as Wadi Rum (41 km to the north) and Petra (120 km to the north), adding to its strategic allure.
Ideally positioned at the crossroads of major regional corridors, Aqaba benefits from efficient road connectivity that is vital for trade, mobility, and tourism.
Well-maintained highways link Aqaba to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Levant region. This robust infrastructure not only facilitates cross-border movement but also reinforces Aqaba’s position as a key trade and logistics hub, promoting sustained economic growth and regional integration.
Tax Advantage
Aqaba Investment Incentives
Aqaba is a tax haven, with only 5% income taxes on net profit, no custom duties, no sales tax on final consumption of vast majority, of goods and services, no restrictions of foreign equity or foreign currency exchange.
Other investment incentives include:
- Only 5% income tax on net profit
- No customs duties
- No sales tax on final consumption of goods and services
- No restrictions on foreign equity or foreign currency exchange
- No income tax for registered enterprises operating in logistics centers (transit, export, re-export)
- 50% Discount on Containers Exported from ASEZA through the ports of Aqaba
- Automated Customs Procedures (ASYCUDA)
- Up to 70% foreign workers
- Discounted land prices depend on project nature and impact
- Access to 1.5 billion customers in 161 countries through trade agreements signed by Jordan
- 40% Discount on Handling of Transit Shipments at the ports of Aqaba
Strategic Gateway
Aqaba’s Trading Routes
Location is key, and this is exactly the case with Aqaba. With a wide range of sea and land trading routes, this gem of a spot is truly making the best out of its place on the map. These routes cover:
- Africa
- Mediterranean, North Africa, &
EU Red Sea & Eastern Africa - North America
- South America
- Asia, Far East, & Australia
Aqaba’s Freight Destinations
Whether by land or sea, Aqaba efficiently meets investors’ freight needs according to
the following destinations: