Crown Prince urges more investments in Aqaba

HRH Crown Prince Hussein on Wednesday urged the establishment of more investment projects in Aqaba, home of Jordan's sole seaport and a world-class special economic zone.

He made the remarks during a meeting with Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority's (ASEZA) chief commissioner and members, a Royal Court statement said.

The Crown Prince underlined the significance of those projects in enhancing the city's touristic features to stimulate economy, attract more investments and engage local community in the development process.

The Crown Prince checked on the Aqaba Recreation Centre which was established to provide services to the local community and visitors.

He watched a film featuring the complex's facilities and used an application of a virtual tour that was designed to promote touristic and historic sites across the Kingdom.

The complex consists of two cinemas, one for children, a restaurant, cafes and children's play areas.

Chief Commissioner Nasser Shraideh briefed the Crown Prince on the authority’s vision, priorities and achievements.

He noted the challenges that faced Aqaba during the past five years due to the global financial crisis and regional turmoil, leading to an economic slowdown and a drop in tourist numbers.

 ASEZA’s priority for the coming stage is to render Aqaba a more attractive global destination for tourists, a hub for trade and investment and a model of sustainable development, the commissioner said.

In the field of tourism, ASEZA is implementing several programmes in partnership with the private sector in several countries to promote the seaside city.

It is also developing a tourism calendar and studying ways to better benefit from the “golden triangle”: Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra.

The plans in the pipeline also include upgrading King Hussein Airport, establishing direct regular and charter flights between Aqaba and several countries, and enhancing the tourists’ experiences to prolong their stay by building the Aqaba Recreation Centre, improving the Royal Yacht Club and water sports, organising air shows performed by Royal Falcons planes, and providing adventure tourism services in Wadi Rum and Petra.

Developing the Arab Revolt Square downtown, creating an artificial canal in Hafayer region, revisiting the regulations related to the height of hotel buildings and building a cable car, an artificial lake and a mountain corniche at the Matal (overview) project are other plans on the drawing board, the official told His Royal Highness.

The chief commissioner stressed that the authority would implement a comprehensive plan to protect the city from flash floods by building sand barriers and improving the drainage system with a cost of JD35 million.  

source: Jordan Times