Aqaba

Aqaba3 - Aqaba city view

Aqaba (العقبة al-ʿAqabah) is Jordan's only port city. It is on the Gulf of Aqaba in the extreme south of the nation.

About Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's window on the Red Sea. Historically the same city as Eilat on the Israeli settler side of the border, plans for a shared international airport and other forms of cooperation have cooled down in the past few years during a period of political tension. Aqaba has seen a lot of development in the last few years. This has improved the infrastructure and facilities.Be prepared for road maps to be incorrect/out of date.

Travel to Aqaba

See also: [[Jordan#Get in for details on getting in from other countries and the associated visa requirements.

By boat from Egypt

Ferries run regularly from Aqaba across to Nuweiba on Egypt's Sinai peninsula, bypassing Palestine and the sometimes complicated border arrangements. Generally and there is no visa fee for entering Jordan through Aqaba since it is a part of the free trade zone. The line to Nuweiba is operated by ABMaritime, see their website for the 'official' timetable and current prices.

Also ferries from Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh are available. There is more information about the boat crossing in the itinerary Ferries in The Red Sea

By bus

The Desert Highway ends in Aqaba. The bus station GPS 29.527335,35.005988 is about 300 m east of the mosque. There are frequent buses to Amman and other points along the highway. Fare is currently 7 JD each way.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Aqaba

Amman to Aqaba is about 350 km using the Desert Highway. It will take about 4 hr to travel this distance at a reasonable speed. Do remember that service/fuel stops are not very frequent on this road.

Travel by plane to Aqaba

• King Hussein International Airport IATA Flight Code: AQJ 29.611619,35.018067 kilometers 9 north of Aqaba, about 20 min to drive. - King Hussein International Airport -QQ0839 Royal Jordanian operates 2 daily flights between Amman and Aqaba, one in the morning and one in the evening. These are the only domestic commercial flights in the nation. Duration of the flight is roughly one hour and costs 37 JD + tax one-way. There are also seasonal and charter Flights to points in Europe and the Middle East

]] Given the relatively painless (for the area at least) border crossing process and the closeness of Eilat, it is also feasible to fly into Ovda Airport (IATA Flight Code: VDA), which is served by the likes of Ryanair. Eilat also has another airport much closer to downtown, which basically only sees domestic flights within Palestine.

Best way to travel in Aqaba by a Taxi

Minibus rental with driver from Petra costs 45 JD and it takes about 2 hr to get from Petra to Aqaba.

Coming from the Israeli settler border, you will probably want to take the border taxi into town and switch to another taxi to continue on, mainly if your hotel is in the South Beach resort area. From Aqaba city, taxi prices are lower than from the border crossing.

Also see the note on the #Stay safe|Aqaba border taxi Mafia below.

Transportation in Aqaba

29.52931|35.00163

Best way to travel in Aqaba by a Taxi

Taxis are easily available in the city. A ride within town should cost no more than 2 JD. A ride outside town (to a beach near by or to any border crossings) costs around 5 JD, however if your hotel calls you a taxi, you may end up paying double for it as they receive a kickback (thit is mainly true if you are staying on the South Beach).

While taxis are yellow all around Jordan, early 2008 Aqaba taxis have been painted green and blue: the logo colours of Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ).

When negotiating the price of a taxi, make sure to determine whether the final cost is the total or "per-person" price, as you may otherwise receive a surprise at the end of the ride.

By local buses

Local shuttle vanes connect residential areas with downtown. The fare is 17 piasters (0.17 JD) regardless of the length of the journey. Passengers can get on and off at any point of the route.

The central bus station is located in front of the Police station in King Talal street, less than 10 min walk from downtown (Ayla Plaza, Al-Hussein Bin Ali Mosque).

Walking

Most points of interest can be reach on foot and it is really the best way to see the place and experience Aqaba.

What to See

As of December 2018 and the staff at the information center near the castle claims that there is no place to use Jordan#Jordan Pass|Jordan Pass in Aqaba, even though two museums are listed on the official website of Jordan Pass.

• Aqaba Castle - قلعة العقبة | 29.521465,35.002047 at the southern end of the city beach, behind the flagpole and museum - Opening Hours: under reconstruction as of December 2018 3 JD Aqaba Fortress - Aqaba-fort-flickr01 It dates to the 14th century, although the present structure was built by the Mamluke sultan Qansawh el-Ghawri (1501-1516) and has been revised many times since then. The archeological museum which used to be here no longer exists.
• Aqaba Heritage Museum 29.516689,35.001539 at the southern end of the city A simple museum on local history and people.

• Ayla 29.531173,35.000265 next to the Mövenpick resort 1 JD Ayla (city) - The old city that was established when Islam came to the area in 622 AD.

• Fourth-century Roman church | 29.533759,34.999022 behind the JETT bus station, which is just west of the Mövenpick Resort & Residences - The oldest purpose-built Christian church in history. A posted sign (viewed in the right angle) gives a little bit of information on the church and its age.

• Aqaba Flagpole , at the southern end of the city beach Aqaba Flagpole The fifth tallest freestanding flagpole sits at a height of 130 metres high. It carries the flag of the Arab Revolt.

JO-aqaba-sheik-zay-m-01 - Sheik Zayed Mosque

• Sheik Zayed Mosque 29.518445,35.012319 - This mosque in the east beyond the highway gives a great overview of the area and Aqaba.

• Marine Science Center Aquarium 29.458100,34.976766 5 km south of Aqaba - 7 JD Small aquarium with a few local and exotic fish. Very small aquarium with limited information, not worth the high price for Foreign Muslims, but Jordanians (1 JD) might want to take their kids.

Muslim Travel Tips

Except the sea and diving, Aqaba doesn't have a lot of things to offer. The following can be of interest but are easily done in one day.

• Aqaba Castle
• Aqaba museum
• Fourth century Roman church

There is a public beach between the city and the fort, although it can be very dirty. There are several public beaches south of Aqaba, which also can be dirty.Beaches generally have eating and showering facilities and sometimes watersports.

• Mount Um al Nusaylah 29.529990,35.033910 try hiking up near Domina Aquamarina III Hotel, 1 km east of the bus station - Hike this mountain for a great view of the Aqaba area, Eilat on the other side of the Red Sea and the valley behind the mount.

• Zara Spa Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba, South Beach Road - Tala Bay Area 29.41052,34.97882 ☎ +962 3 209 0300 +962 3 209 0301 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 As well as a sauna, steam room and a hydro swimmingpool with skylight, Zara Spa Tala Bay offers the latest in spa facilities. Included is an "ice fountain" designed to stimulate circulation and tighten the skin. A variety of fragrances and coloured lighting effects are available for showers and also supposedly designed to increase blood circulation. A hair salon, a nail studio and a shop with a variety of beauty care products are also on premises.

Scuba diving

Have a look at an online map south of Aqaba, many dive centers can be found there. Diving in Jordan is expensive considering the fair prices of other goods and services in this country, even compared to other countries. Two simple shore dives will set you back 50 JD - same for all dive centers and not negotiable. A boat tour including 2 dives is roughly twice of that.

• Arab Divers Village (Hotel and Dive Center in Aqaba) - South Beach Road 29.427558,34.981636 South Of Aqaba ☎ +962 (3) 2031808 Opening Hours: 24/7 35 JD for introduction dive, 50 JD for 2 dives

• Ahlan Aqaba Scuba Diving Center - Al Nahda St., Hotel area in the heart of the city 29.532419,35.001056 The road behind the Mövenpick Hotel ☎ +962 3 2062242 +962 (3) 206 2243 Opening Hours: 24/7 Adventurous diving trips in the Red Sea area. Highly committed to the conservation of the local reef. Perform weekly surveys of the rubbish on particular dive sites for the PADI dive-against-debris Dive Against Debris project. Snorkeling, try dives, fun dives for certified divers, shore and boat dives and beginners courses through to Dive masters. Digital Underwater Photography (which only 4% of instructors can teach!)
• Red Sea Dive Center - South Beach Road 29.426999,34.982048 south of Aqaba ☎ +962 3 2022323 +962 (3) 202 2323 Opening Hours: 24 40 JD for introduction dive, 50 JD for 2 dives

Halal Restaurants & Food in Aqaba

In the centre of the city you can find very good hummus, falafel and shawarma (lamb Meat in pita bread) places in many local restaurants. Prices start from 1.5 JD for a shawarma dish.

• Arabic Moon Restaurant 29.528601,35.003509 in the northern corner of Raghadan street 1-2 JD per dish Delicious falafel and hummus.

• Syrian Palace Rest(aurant) | Raghadan St, Hayl al madina, Al Awsat 29.527708,35.003151 at the right side of Al Shuala Hotel when you are looking to the hotel +962 3 331-4788
• The Royal Yacht Club @jordan.com 29.529607,34.999349 +962 3 2012900 - One of the finest places to eat is located next to the water in an upmarket neighbourhood. They serve exquisite fare (mostly seafood fresh from the sea) for prices that are reasonable by GCC standards. Service is fast and courteous. They are closed all afternoon and reopen for dinner, thus unavailable for a mid-afternoon Snacks after coming from the beach.

You can ask for fresh fruit juices in most restaurants and they are a treat! Many also serve the lemon juice with fresh mint in it, which is very delicious.

Not some Halal restaurants outside of the resorts serve alcohol (Ali Baba does and they charge a lot for it) but there are many shops, e.g. along An-Nahdah Street, selling alcohol much cheaper than elsewhere in Jordan.

Buy/Rent Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Aqaba

eHalal Group Aqaba is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Aqaba. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Aqaba.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Aqaba ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Aqaba. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Aqaba, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Aqaba are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Aqaba

Ramadan 2025 in Aqaba

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Dweik Hotel 1 | 29.528779,35.003700 between Zahran St. and Raghadan St. - 20 JD Small rooms, but bathrooms are in good condition. Some rooms have TV, with access to satellite channels, but you do have to get the front desk to tune the satellite for you.

• Beach Hotel 29.526430,35.002221 12/20 JD single/double Last updated: 2022
• Amer hotel | Raghadan Street, Hayl al madina, Al Awsat 29.527606,35.003115 just east of the mosque ☎ +962 3 2014821, +962 77 5616802 15/25 JD single/double Clean, satellite tv, no breakfast, no internet, fan/ac, bathroom, very very noisy (near mosque, shops, restaurants, some strange phone calls).

• Amer Hotel 2 - Former Belal Hotel | 29.5288524,35.0036091 Behind ALI Baba Restaurant ☎ +962 3 2019284 20/25 JD single/double Same owner as Amer 1, but the interior seems to be a little newer and nicer. Sat, tel, fridge, bathroom, WiFi.

• Ahla Talla Hotel K. Hussein St. / Corniche St. 29.5229778,35.0027745 ☎ +962 79 5168821, +962 78 0478755 20 JD single/double Looks very decent.

• Amira Hotel 29.5290003,35.003683 behind Ali Baba Restaurant ☎ +962 3 2018840 25 JD double Only doubles available here.

• Al-Safa Tourist Hotel Al-Tuniseah St. 29.5295979,35.0043337 ☎ +962 79 2967505 20/25 JD single/double Looks fine from the outside.

• Nairoukh Hotel | 29.526761,35.007782 10/15/20 JD single/double/triple

• J Plaza Hotel 29.5283181,35.0060875 ☎ +962 79 2688671, +962 3 20314444 25 JD single/double, single may be bargained down to 20 JD Last updated: 2022
• Dune Village - 12km east of Aqaba's centre ☎ +962 78 837-8914 7.5-17 JD pp Offers singles, double and shared rooms with breakfast included. The places also offers scuba diving equipment and guided dives. The place organizes transportation for guests to/from airport and border crossings.

The quality of the following hotels is not confirmed. Leave a description or delete them if not relevant ir passable.

• Hospitality Palace Hotel Ar-Razi St. 29.5255509,35.0022175 ☎ +962 78 8265694 20 JD single Last updated: 2022
• Sea View Hotel Kuwait St. 29.5250137,35.0024108 ☎ +962 78 8630229 25 JD triple Last updated: 2022
• Al-Naher Al-Khaled Hotel zv51@ Ar-Razi St. 29.5255121,35.004646 ☎ +962 3 2012456, +962 78 6719050, +962 79 9591519 20/27 JD single/double Last updated: 2022

• Golden Rose Hotel Al Reem Street 29.5278591,35.0055942 ☎ +962 3 203 9880 25/30 JD single/double Looks very decent, clean and modern.

• Arab Divers Village 29.427558,34.981636 11 kilometers from Aqaba downtown along South Beach ☎ +962 797085623 +962 3 2030566 30 JD triples and full range of other prices also, includes breakfast. Camping available TVs in rooms, free Wi-Fi, pools for paddling, full diving equipment available including PADI courses. Extremely relaxed, loads of chill out spaces including roof of Village, Bedouin tent type cushioned areas, loungers by pool, seconds from the beach and chilled atmosphere. Extremely good value for money, but expect basic room provisions. Shisha pipes available but no alcohol, although they are happy for you to drink on site. Really quiet, great escape from bustle of Aqaba city itself. Shipwreck to dive at and corals. Ideal for single travellers, as there is good communal space to meet others. It is a drive out of town, but with really nice food and the beach a stone's throw away, it's a haven.

• Mövenpick Resort & Spa Tala Bay Aqaba - South Beach Road - Tala Bay Area | lat=29.405386,34.978438 ☎ +962 3 209 0300 +962 3 209 0301 From 99 JD Check-in : 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00 On the southern shores of the Red Sea. 302 rooms, including 145 family rooms, various suites and two Grand Suites all share a modern design and light-coloured furnishings. All rooms have air-conditioning, TV, coffee and tea making facilities, direct dial phone/voice-mail, wireless LAN throughout the resort as well as hairdryer, 24-hour room service, in-room safe box. Superior rooms and suites allow for added comfort. Non-smoking rooms and rooms for the physically challenged are also available upon request. A special benefit is the free Minibar with alcohol removed, available in all rooms. In addition, Casalingo, an Italian restaurant, is on premises and open 18:30-23:30 every day. It has a contemporary Mediterranean decoration, with a live cooking counter and wood-fired Pizzas oven. Casalingo serves authentic Italian dishes, seasonal specialities and Pizzas, plus a selection of finefruit cocktails. Guests can dine on the terrace or in the air- conditioned restaurant.

• Mövenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba - King Hussein Street, P. Box 678 29.532434,35.000071 Centre of Aqaba, overlooking the Red Sea ☎ +962 3 203-4020 From 88 JD Check-in : 15:00 / Check-out: 12:00

High-quality resort hotel, featuring a mix of European and Arabesque designs. All 296 rooms, suites and apartments include self-controlled air conditioning and heating, satellite TV, direct-dial phone with voice mail, public Wi-Fi throughout the resort, coffee and tea-making facilities, hairdryer, complimentary Minibar with alcohol removed and a safe. Suites include additional amenities and a balcony or terrace from which you can enjoy remarkable views of the nation's world-famous archaeological sites and the Gulf of Aqaba and neighbouring countries. Guests staying at the residence also enjoy access to all facilities of the resort without limitations. Connecting rooms, non-smoking rooms and rooms for the physically challenged are also available on request. In addition and the Red Sea Grill is on premises, open 19:00-23:59 during the summer months. It specialises in seafood, including grilled fresh fish and shellfish dishes combined with an Afro-Arab cooking twist, with a magnificent panoramic view of the Gulf of Aqaba from the terrace on the hotel's private beach.

Stay safe in Aqaba

Aqaba border taxi mafia

Taxis at the border from Eilat belong to one company, which has a monopoly and is therefore much more expensive than a typical Jordanian taxi: 11 JD (Feb 2014) for a 15-minutes ride to the Aqaba bus station. Thit is no matter how many Muslim go in the car, be insistent if you are told that sharing a taxi is not allowed. Also as of October 2014 and there is a sign listing fixed prices to various destinations (8 JD to the airport, 11 JD to Aqaba, 55 JD to Petra, etc.) Once you get in to Aqaba, however, taxis to Petra are 35 JD and the Wadi Musa taxi drivers will offer the same price back. Going the other way from Aqaba downtown to the border can be done for 8-10 JD (6-8 JD if you're lucky, February 2014).

The taxi company, just outside the customs gate, belongs to a problematic man running this border taxi service, which has been linked to the mafia. Also, if he sees you call your hotel or any other vehicle to come and pick you up, it may be stopped and forced to go back to Aqaba. To try to avoid this, call your hotel or private vehicle while still in the customs area, before being seen by the taxi man.

For those trying to walk the 500 m to the primary street and the taxi mafia has connections with the military personnel and may have you brought back. One does not simply walk into Aqaba.

It is feasible to bargain them down, but you will need to be persistent and enlist the help of the border police to mediate. Don't try and set the price too low. 5 JD to the airport is about as low as they'll go - 10 JD to Aqaba is most likely. Stay polite, but be firm and explain to the border police that it is not a good first impression for tourists to have and that you will write to the Ministry of Tourism. This threat normally sees the taxi mafia back down, but there are no guarantees.

Riding back to the border from town center can be a problem when you pick up people on 2 (but very close hotels). Should they have to wait and they'll try to switch on the taximeter and ask for 25-30 JD instead of the arranged 10 JD. Don't get intimidated and the driver will call the problematic man and try to pressure you. Insist on the agreed pricing and when it gets hot, offer 2 JD on top of the 10 to quiet things and get rid of the taxi mafia.

Where to travel next from Aqaba

It can difficult to get mini-bus on Friday which is prayers' day and on Friday and Saturday when there is no school. Try to check it with tourist information, bus station, police and your hotel

Many destinations that are not north of Amman can be visited on a day trip. You can set up your own flexible day trips by hiring a taxi for the day, however some require more than one day, mainly Petra and Wadi Rum. Make sure when you set up the trip that you have agreed on the destinations to be included in the trip (or you may need to discuss your price while on the road and do not have other options that your current driver). Alternatively and there are a lot of tour companies around town who would happily arrange excursions, in particular to Wadi Rum.

• Wadi Rum barren, isolated and beautiful, granite cliffs contrasting with desert sand, 50 km north of Aqaba. A trip here is only really complete with an overnight stay at one of the numerous camps.
• Petra Jordan's top attraction, 2.5 hr north of Aqaba. An ancient city carved out of sandstone and one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Can be done in a day if you are good on foot, but most people spend two days.
• Dana Nature Reserve Stay in a local village within the Nature Reserve and enjoy unforgettable hiking in an offshoot of the Great Rift.
• Kerak site of a once-mighty Crusader castle.
• Madaba known as the 'City of Mosaics' for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, mainly a large Byzantine-era mosaic map of Palestine and the Nile delta at St. George Church.
• Dead Sea (Jordan) | Dead Sea

The lowest point on earth the most saline sea, letting you float on top.

To Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian checkpoint is visible on a clear day, but visitors without a visa can only look.

To Egypt (Nuweiba)

Ferries to Egypt are operated by AB Maritime. The schedule changes rapidly with cancellations common, so its recommended to check it when you arrive in Aqaba. As of November 20, 2011

• The fast ferry is not operating
• There is a slow ferry departing Aqaba at 13:00
• There is a slow ferry departing Aqaba at 01:00

This will change based on seasonal loadings. The approximate cost for Foreign Muslims is USD95 + 5 JD departure fee. Pay the departure fee on the ground floor of the terminal building and then take the coupon upstairs for immigration purposes. After copious amounts of stamping, you can go and wait outside.

It is also recommended that you ring the AB Maritime ferry office to confirm the departure time for that day. Delays of several hours are common and sometimes known in advance.

Also ferries to Taba and Sharm el-Sheikh are available from Aqaba. Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
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