Aqaba

While most economic activity in Jordan is concentrated in Amman, the southern city of Aqaba is playing an increasingly significant role. The population of the city is expected to increase by 130% to 250,000 by 2020, making expansion of Aqaba’s infrastructure to improve air and maritime links within and beyond the region a key objective. A mix of development projects is under way to widen the city’s image. Water security will be key to infrastructure development, along with transport upgrades that are necessary to sustain this diversification. Large-scale projects in the area are set to fuel construction growth, and a number of tourism-related projects have been planned for the city, including the development of hotels, entertainment areas, shops, restaurants and cafes, and a marina, which are all aimed at increasing tourist numbers.