The Aqaba Special Economic Zone could become Jordan’s engine for growth, said Akel Biltaji, chief commissioner of the zonal authority.

The zone is perfectly situated to make it accessible to all three countries bordering it at the end of the Gulf, he said after a meeting in Jordan with potential investors in the zone, Shell in the Middle East reported. Bordering the zone are Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Israel.
“Jordan aims to build Aqaba into a regional hub. We have developed a $6 billion initiative to kick-start the regional economy which will create between 70,000 and 100,000 jobs and fuel the mushrooming population which is expected to grow to 250,000 over the next few years,” said Biltaji.
“We are also discussing the development of a new container port, the expansion of the airport into a major regional cargo hub and ways to attract Euro-rich tourists.”
King Abdullah’s vision is to make Aqaba not just a hub for business but a world-class tourist destination, he said, adding that the first stage of a $500 million tourism project was already taking shape on the shores of the Red Sea and includes a marina, lagoon and golf courses.
“Safeguarding the environment is vital if the mix of big business and tourism is to work and we must ensure that the Aqaba Economic Zone is a protected area.”