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Jordan News
2 days ago
- Business
- Jordan News
106,000 Visitors Flock to Aqaba During Eid Al-Adha Holiday - Jordan News
Around 106,000 tourists and visitors spent the Eid Al-Adha holiday in the city of Aqaba, with the average hotel occupancy rate across various classifications reaching 91%. Visitors stayed for an average of two nights over the six-day holiday period. اضافة اعلان Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Shadi Ramzi Al-Majali, stated that Eid days in Aqaba passed smoothly and peacefully despite the large number of visitors, thanks to the joint Eid plan implemented by ASEZA, the Aqaba Governorate, and relevant authorities to maintain uninterrupted services for citizens and tourists. Al-Majali praised the coordinated efforts under the leadership of Aqaba Governor Khaled Al-Hajjaj, and the implementation by all stakeholders and security agencies, which played a major role in efficiently serving visitors. The security and traffic plans also helped ease movement, reduce congestion, and facilitate procedures at customs points and land, sea, and air border crossings. He noted that from the first day of the holiday until Tuesday, Aqaba welcomed about 106,000 visitors—90,000 entered via Wadi Al-Yatam and Wadi Araba customs points, and 16,000 via international land, air, and sea ports. The average hotel occupancy rate during the holiday reached 91%, with an average stay of two nights. Wadi Rum also saw significant tourism activity, receiving around 6,500 visitors, including 4,000 foreign tourists. He explained that the visitor count was tracked using a smart and precise camera system installed at Aqaba's entrances. Al-Majali highlighted the continued flow of commercial activity through the ports, facilitated by the efforts of the Jordan Customs Department, Aqaba Company for Ports Management and Operation, the Container Terminal, and various regulatory and technical agencies under ASEZA's supervision. No delays were reported in cargo handling during the holiday. He emphasized that Aqaba experienced very active tourism and commercial activity due to strategic marketing, events hosted by ASEZA and other tourism projects, and a shopping initiative by the Aqaba Chamber of Commerce. Support and incentives provided to tourism, service, hotel, and marine facilities in cooperation with the private sector also contributed to the season's success. As part of ASEZA's tourism strategy, a free program of artistic, cultural, and entertainment events was held throughout Eid at the Great Arab Revolt Plaza. These events created a joyful atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, featuring performances by Jordanian singers and traditional folk bands, spectacular drone light shows, and fireworks launched over the sea. The festivities also celebrated the King's Accession Day, Army Day, and the national football team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, Aqaba hosted two major concerts by artists Nassif Zeytoun and Rahma Riad as part of the 'Aqaba Waves Festival' at the South Beach open-air theater. The Environmental Commission launched the awareness campaign "Leave it Clean" at border crossings and public beaches. ASEZA distributed educational brochures and eco-friendly fabric bags to cars entering the city to discourage littering, in cooperation with the Royal Department for Environmental Protection and Orbaser, the company responsible for Aqaba's cleanliness, alongside youth committees and community initiatives. The Aqaba Marine Reserve carried out underwater cleaning campaigns and implemented a continuous monitoring and awareness program along the coastline, with teams deployed to prevent any environmental damage or pollution in heavily crowded beach areas. Al-Majali also mentioned that ASEZA's City Commission and health inspection teams ensured public slaughtering services were available at the official slaughterhouse under strict health and safety guidelines. They also worked round the clock to monitor food establishments and prevent the sale of food items outside designated areas, maintaining food safety standards. City services implemented a maintenance and response program for public facilities during the holiday, and, in coordination with Orbaser, increased cleaning staff in key locations such as slaughtering areas, city centers, and beaches. Work shifts were doubled to operate 24/7, with additional garbage compactors deployed in market and hotel zones. Al-Majali concluded by commending the seamless and cooperative work of all agencies involved, emphasizing the unified team spirit that enabled the provision of excellent services to Aqaba's visitors during Eid Al-Adha. — (Petra)
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.
