Latest news with #Aqaba
Zawya
a day 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. (
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan approves 30-year copper mining concession: Report
Jordan has approved a 30-year agreement with Wadi Araba Minerals Company for copper mining in southern Jordan. The deal grants mining rights over a 25-sq-km area, with the extracted raw materials to be processed locally to maximise national economic returns, the Jordan Times reported, citing an official statement. The move aims to halt the export of unprocessed copper. Plans entail setting up a public shareholding company, with a portion to be floated on the local stock exchange, the report said, without providing further details. The government revenues from the project will be linked to international copper prices, the newspaper said. In March, Jordan offered several mining sites to investors in its Southern Aqaba areas. The country has set an ambitious target to expand the mining sector's contribution to GDP to nearly JOD 2.1 billion ($2.9 billion) in 2033 from around JOD 700 million ($980 million) in 2024, according to a report by the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. (Writing by P Deol; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
3 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 Times
7 days ago
- 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
Jordan Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Gulf of Aqaba organises Independence Day boat parade
As part of celebrations marking Jordan's 79th Independence Day, the Gulf of Aqaba organises a festive boat parade led by the Naval Force and Royal Boats (Photo courtesy of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority) AMMAN — As part of celebrations marking Jordan's 79th Independence Day, the Gulf of Aqaba organised a festive boat parade led by the Naval Force and Royal Boats. The parade, which featured yachts, speedboats, hunting boats, and glass-bottom boats, launched from the Hunters' Marina at the Great Arab Revolt Square and sailed across the gulf. The vessels were decorated with Jordanian flags and images of His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The display offered a striking visual spectacle, with around 200 boats participating and carrying citizens who expressed their joy and nationalpride during the occasion. Among the attendees were Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Board of Commissioners ShadiRamziMajali, Aqaba Governor KhaledHajjaj, members of ASEZA's board, security and government officials, and representatives of the local community.
