Latest news with #ASEZA
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: ASEZA approves new agreements to boost research, investment, culture, sports in Aqaba
AMMAN — The Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on Thursday decided to approve an "initial" agreement with the Spanish PharmaMar Company for the Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABD) of scientific research. This decision comes within the authority's vision related to the pillar of sustainable growth, investment encouragement and the development of scientific research, for the purposes of exploration, collection and examination of marine organisms from Jordanian territorial waters. The aim of the decision is to launch biological research and drug discovery, provided that the procedures for obtaining the necessary approvals under the protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilisation to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) No. (20) of 2021 are completed. In regards to the pillar of institutional development and investment promotion, ASEZA decided to approve the amended bylaw for the "temporary" admission of vehicles for the ASEZA, which will provide a number of incentives to investors and companies. This decision comes within the authority's vision to promote investment, enhance Aqaba's position as a "regional" logistics hub, and encourage companies to register and benefit from the investment incentives offered by ASEZA to investors and investment companies. In regards to the pillar of leadership, innovation and community development, ASEZA decided to agree to contribute to supporting a cultural association to organise and establish a forum for art and culture in Aqaba, with the participation of artists from Arab countries. This decision comes within the authority's vision to promote and develop a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the culture and arts sector, as this forum seeks to promote cultural tourism within the authority's vision to make it an international centre for holding artistic and cultural events. The board also decided to approve the contribution in supporting a sports club in order to participate in the championships of Jordan Football Association in the 2025/2026 football season, through the participation of multiple age groups. The football club aims to encourage sports tourism and support young people in various sports, which contribute to activating the sports and commercial movement in Aqaba. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan News
5 days ago
- Business
- Jordan News
Approval Granted for Amendments to the Temporary Vehicle Entry Regulations in Aqaba - Jordan News
Aqaba – The Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has approved the amended regulation governing the temporary entry of vehicles into the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The new regulation will offer a range of incentives to investors and companies. اضافة اعلان This decision aligns with ASEZA's vision to promote investment, enhance Aqaba's position as a regional logistics hub, and encourage companies to register and benefit from the investment incentives provided within the zone. The Board also approved a Research Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement with the Spanish company PharmaMar, as part of ASEZA's sustainable development vision. The agreement aims to encourage investment and scientific research to explore, collect, and study marine organisms from Jordanian territorial waters for biological research and pharmaceutical discovery. This is conditional upon completing the necessary approvals in accordance with Regulation No. (20) of 2021 concerning Access to Environmental Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from Their Utilization. Additionally, the Board approved a contribution to support a cultural association in organizing a specialized forum for arts and culture in Aqaba, with the participation of artists from an Arab country. This initiative supports ASEZA's vision to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the cultural and arts sectors. The forum aims to promote cultural tourism and position Aqaba as an international hub for artistic and cultural events.
Zawya
7 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: ASEZA advances water, trade, green projects
AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) board of commissioners on Tuesday approved the registration of the "National Carrier Project" company within the zone. This move allows the company to benefit from the zone's incentives, paving the way for the launch of this "critical" water project, which will desalinate Red Sea water and transport it to the capital, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The ASEZA took several 'strategic' steps aimed at boosting investment, accelerating national infrastructure efforts, and promoting sustainability in the region. In a bid to strengthen Aqaba's role as a "regional" logistics hub, the board also endorsed new guidelines that will enable companies not formally registered in the zone to engage in "transit" trade. The board of commissioners decided to approve the signing of a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the integrated and sustainable management of textile waste within the ASEZA. The recycling textile waste project aims to promote the green economy and encourage sustainability in the industrial sector. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote a circular economy and reinforce Aqaba's transformation into an environmentally friendly, green city. The board also approved the "revised" zoning plans for the village of Dabbat Hanout. This decision is part of the authority's vision to regulate and develop Dabbat Hanout village in coordination with relevant entities, addressing existing irregularities to ensure proper land division, consolidation, regulatory amendments, and the removal of violations on state-owned lands. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Jordan News
For the Third Consecutive Day… Aqaba Continues Celebrating Jordan's 79th Independence Day - Jordan News
Aqaba Governorate continued its vibrant celebrations for the third day in a row to mark the 79th Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The festivities featured a spectacular maritime parade with fishing boats, glass-bottom boats, and luxury yachts led by naval forces and royal patrol vessels. The event was attended by Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chief Commissioner Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, Aqaba Governor Khaled Al-Hajaj, members of the ASEZA board, security officials, and community leaders. اضافة اعلان The marine parade kicked off at the Fishermen's Marina near the Great Arab Revolt Square. Small boats, large yachts, and tugboats participated in the festivities, adorned with Jordanian flags and photos of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II. The boats formed a stunning scene across the Gulf of Aqaba, with nearly 200 vessels carrying citizens eager to join in the celebration and express their pride in this cherished national occasion. Over the past two days, Aqaba has hosted numerous events, all launched from the Great Arab Revolt Square under the patronage of Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali and in the presence of Governor Khaled Al-Hajaj, officials, and large public participation. The celebration program included the opening of a bazaar showcasing handmade crafts and local products, children's entertainment zones, a folkloric performance by Al-Rajaf Troupe, and patriotic songs performed by Jordanian artists Saad Abu Tayeh and Diana Karazon, all reflecting national pride, loyalty, and belonging. These festivities are part of a series of nationwide events commemorating Jordan's 79th Independence Day, celebrating the nation's achievements under the wise Hashemite leadership. Ayla Joins the Independence Festivities Elsewhere in Aqaba, Ayla joined in celebrating the 79th Independence Day, showcasing national pride through a vibrant blend of heritage, art, and patriotism. The destination transformed into a visual tribute to Jordan, with public spaces, beaches, and markets adorned with fluttering national flags and banners. The Jordanian flag was prominently raised at the entrance of the commercial district, and the Green Taxi Parade decorated with flags toured the city streets alongside a vehicle carnival featuring patriotic slogans and national music. Evening festivities began at 6 PM in the Great Arab Revolt Square and concluded at 11 PM with a spectacular fireworks show launched from the sea. Ayla also launched a special initiative under the patronage of the Aqaba Governorate to distribute standardized Jordanian flags on poles to all government institutions in the city, reinforcing a spirit of unity and collaboration among entities within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. On this occasion, Governor Khaled Al-Hajaj stated: 'We take great pride in celebrating Independence Day here in Ayla and throughout Aqaba, where we express our unwavering loyalty to our beloved nation, its people, and its Hashemite leadership. Through this national initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to our flag and to Jordan's continued progress under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein.' Ayla's Director of Public and Governmental Relations, Mansour Al-Kabariti, added: 'Our participation in Ayla's Independence Day festivities reflects our deep engagement in national events that foster belonging and pride in our country and leadership. We believe our role as a Jordanian institution goes beyond tourism and economic development to include reinforcing national values and showcasing Aqaba as a cultural and touristic gem.' He continued: 'Celebrating Independence Day is an integral part of Ayla's annual plan, reflecting our ongoing pride in Jordan's journey and the values of achievement and determination that have long defined our great nation under the Hashemite rule.' The daily celebration program also featured live performances by the Jordanian Armed Forces band, who played patriotic melodies, while Ayla staff dressed in traditional Jordanian attire distributed sweets to guests, adding an authentic cultural touch. The festivities extended to Ayla's beaches, where Jordanian flags were artistically displayed alongside intricate designs inspired by Jordan's rich history—creating a breathtaking visual that captivated visitors. In the midst of the joyful celebration, guests expressed admiration for Ayla's creative and heartfelt tribute to Jordan's independence, highlighting the beautiful blend of tradition and modernity.
Jordan Times
24-05-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Jordan's first marine reserve gains global recognition for sustainability, biodiversity
The Aqaba Marine Reserve, established in 2020 under Royal directives, aims to protect the region's coral reefs and diverse ecosystems while promoting environmental awareness and ensuring the sustainable use of marine and terrestrial resources (File photo) AQABA — Stretching over seven kilometres along the southern coast of Aqaba, the Aqaba Marine Reserve has emerged as Jordan's first marine sanctuary and a global model for sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Established in 2020 under Royal directives, the reserve is managed by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). It aims to protect the region's coral reefs and diverse ecosystems while promoting environmental awareness and ensuring the sustainable use of marine and terrestrial resources. 'The reserve was created to safeguard biodiversity, manage marine activities responsibly, and enhance public understanding of marine conservation,' said Nasser Alzawaideh, Director of the Aqaba Marine Reserve, in a recent interview with The Jordan Times. Home to some of the richest marine ecosystems in the region, the reserve hosts an astonishing array of marine species. Its vibrant coral reefs feature 157 species of hard coral, including a rare tube coral and three varieties of fire coral. Additionally, 15 coral species found here are unique to the area. The surrounding waters are teeming with life, supporting 512 species of fish across 109 families. The ecosystem also shelters three main types of seagrasses, crucial breeding grounds for marine life, alongside molluscs, crustaceans, and 18 genera of benthic algae. Critically endangered sea turtles, including the hawksbill and green turtle, also find refuge in the reserve's waters. 'This ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Gulf of Aqaba,' Alzawaideh said. International recognition In recognition of its sustainable practices, the reserve has been designated a Category VI protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), denoting areas managed primarily for sustainable use of natural ecosystems. In 2025, the reserve was added to the IUCN Green List, a prestigious global certification for protected areas that meet high standards of conservation, management, and community engagement. That same year, the reserve's Blue Beach received the coveted Blue Flag Award for water quality and environmental safety for the third consecutive year (2023–2025). It also passed the initial technical phase of a nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status, a significant milestone toward global heritage recognition. The reserve is equipped with visitor amenities including restrooms, shaded areas, playgrounds, and campsites. Trained lifeguards, daily cleaning crews, recycling bins, and first aid stations ensure visitor safety and environmental upkeep. Open fires and littering are strictly prohibited, with fines imposed for violations. Native palms and other trees have also been planted to preserve the natural landscape. Serving both as a research hub and public recreation area, the reserve conducts biodiversity surveys and climate impact studies in collaboration with global partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). With over 30 dive sites, vibrant snorkelling areas, glass-bottom boat tours, and camping zones, the reserve draws tourists from across the globe. Despite its world-class offerings, entry to the beaches remains free, underscoring its mission of making sustainable nature experiences accessible to all. Page 2
