WHY AQABA
Aqaba represents a unique model for blue economy development.
As Jordan’s only coastal city, it combines:
- Marine biodiversity
- Strategic trade and logistics infrastructure
- A growing tourism sector
This intersection creates opportunities to balance economic growth with environmental protection, making Aqaba an ideal setting for regional dialogue and collaboration.
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
From National Dialogue to Regional Action
The inaugural Blue Economy Symposium, held in Aqaba in May 2024, brought together over 100 participants from government, international organizations, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
Co-organized by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the European Union, the 2024 edition established a national platform for advancing the Blue Economy in Jordan.
Building on this foundation, the 2026 Symposium expands the focus beyond national priorities toward regional cooperation, cross-border investment, and coordinated action across shared seas.
Key discussions focused on:
- Marine spatial planning and integrated coastal management
- Climate resilience and sustainable tourism
- Innovation, entrepreneurship, and SME engagement
- Aligning environmental protection with economic opportunity
