[5] The city had a population of 148,398 in 2015 and a land area of 375 square kilometres (144.8sqmi). The Aqaba Bird Observatory is at the northern tip of the Red Sea, close to the Eilat border, and receives flocks of birds from Europe, Asia and Africa every migration season. The sea bed is home to unusual wrecks, including tanks, the most famous being the 75-metre. It hasnt just been conquering civilisations that have enjoyed a stopover in Aqaba. Take a spin to find your perfect small-group trip destination, Palm trees around the Aquaba Fortress, Mamluk Castle, Jordan | Eugene Sergeev / Alamy Stock Photo. With the red mountains of Wadi Rum in the background and the Red Sea in the foreground, the stunning Aqaba boasts a beautiful setting. Usually, half a dinar is fine. Our United Arab Emirates & Jordan Tour Packages will show you the best of both countries in one whirlwind adventure. Book today and dont miss the chance to visit these two incredible countries with one of our perfect packages! Pick up a, If you consider drinking at least 1-2 big water bottles a day while you are there, think of how much plastic that creates when every visitor and the populations 9 million people do the same. When fantasy, sun and sea meet the charms and atmosphere of antiquity, the visitor can find himself, at any time of the year, at the 13th century Red Sea resort of Aqaba, which was in ancient times, the main port for shipments from the Red Sea to the Far East, known by the names of Aila, Ailana, Elana, Ailath, Elath, Ayla and Wayla. Luckily there are loads of different activities and sights to check out even when it's not glorious sunshine! ', " ", "The Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago Aqaba Project", " .. 6 ", "Jordan - History - the Making of Transjordan", "King visits Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority | ASEZA", "Arkia to operate flights to Aqaba Israel Travel, Ynetnews", "ATO: Jordan turned Aqaba into a distinguished city", "Over 50,000 vacationers visited Aqaba during Eid Al Adha", "Exploring the tourism development landscape in Aqaba", " ", "Construction of a Church and Multi-Purpose Hall in Aqaba", "Raising awareness on solar energy among school students in El Aqaba governorate", "The Red-Med Railway: New Opportunities for China, Israel, and the Middle East", "Netanyahu, Abdullah discuss rail cooperation", "Israel, Jordan plan joint Aqaba airport", "Israel's New Airport Is Angering Jordan, a Rare Friend in the Region", "Airport planned for Israel-Jordan border clouds neighborly ties", "Siglato gemellaggio tra Alcamo e il Governatore di Aqaba nel Regno della Giordania", "Aqaba's twin city Urumchi donates medical equipment for COVID-19 response", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aqaba&oldid=1163569694, Pages with non-numeric formatnum arguments, Articles with dead external links from December 2018, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Vague or ambiguous geographic scope from January 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2018, Articles with disputed statements from January 2021, Articles lacking reliable references from May 2018, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from January 2021, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from May 2018, Articles with disputed statements from May 2018, All articles with vague or ambiguous time, Vague or ambiguous time from January 2021, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from January 2021, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2021, Wikipedia articles in need of updating from April 2021, All Wikipedia articles in need of updating, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2023, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, Percent of population below 15 years of age, Percent of population over 65 years of age. Aqaba University College (AUC) Al-Balqa Applied University, This page was last edited on 5 July 2023, at 15:53. [68][69] The two airports are only 12km (7mi) away from one another by great circle distance. Some people say the water is safe to drink from the tap, others say it is not; it is not something I am going to chance. Another distinguishing feature of this single community resort is its two-kilometer private sandy beach on the Red Sea. The city had four gates on all four sides, defining two main lines intersecting at the centre. Kishnah is fish, tomatoes and onions cooked together. 15 Fabulous Things to do in Aqaba for an Authentic Jordanian Experience The first pledge was year 12 after Bi'tha /621 and the second pledge was a year later in year 13 after Bi'tha /622, both are known as the pledge of al-Aqaba. A guide to Wadi Rum, Jordan - National Geographic Click Here to Check Prices and Availability. Unless you are good with a bidet sprayer, bring yourself some kleenex or wipes just in case! The sea bed is home to unusual wrecks, including tanks, the most famous being the 75-metre Cedar Pride, a cargo ship scuttled in the 1980s, that you can snorkel above in the company of dolphins and colourful tropical fish. In order to secure this strategic position, Baldwin also built and garrisoned a fortress on Pharaoh's Island (called le de Graye by the Franks), the modern Jazrat Fir'aun in Egyptian territorial waters about 7 kilometres (4 miles) west of Aqaba. 2 Day Wadi Rum Private Hiking Tour from Aqaba and Amman, Red Sea Cruise & Snorkeling Experience from Aqaba, 10 Day Highlights of Jordan and Israel Package, Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and special offers. Usually, half a dinar is fine. They also have a few snack vendors. The routes serve mainly the Egyptian coastal cities on the gulf like Taba and Sharm Al Sheikh. Aqaba has all the things that diving in the Red Sea is famous for, but without the crowds that can be an issue in Eilat and Egyptian resorts. In real life, T.E. Since most people travel with water bottles already, consider one like this with a filter so that you are not just pouring from big water bottles to small. Government of Jordan, Department of Statistics, 1964, pp. Ayla is one of the newer places to visit in Aqaba as it was just constructed in the last few years. Common sense goes a long way, whether home or abroad. Sure, its coastline is relatively . Beryllus was at the Council of Chalcedon in 451, and Paul at the synod called by Patriarch Peter of Jerusalem in 536 against Patriarch Anthimus I of Alexandria, a council attended by bishops of the Late Roman provinces of Palaestina Prima, Palaestina Secunda and Palaestina Tertia, to the last-named of which Aela belonged. I have always been a guidebook person and physically having that book in your hand as you plan your day, in addition to blogs like this one, can help immensely. If never ending desert landscapes and windswept rock formations are more your thing, Jordans famous Wadi Rum is even closer. Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips. All three of these day trip options are listed in my popular post on the best daytrips from Aqaba. Things to do In Aqaba - Best Things to do List The Early Muslim city was excavated in 1986 by a team from the University of Chicago. 15 Fun Things To Do in Aqaba, Jordan - Paulina on the road Most European tourists come here for the winter months, taking advantage of the warm sunny weather. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this natural wonder of remarkable rock formations was made by millions of years of changing weather conditions and erosion. Shisha is a popular evening activity, and there are plenty of restaurants of all kinds in Aqaba. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. There are lots of other ways to see Petra. [13] They are expected to turn the city into a major tourism hub in the region. Definition of Aqaba in the Definitions.net dictionary. This beautiful palm tree-specked stretch is lapped by the Red Sea. When planning your trip to Jordan, check out what to wear in Jordan. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. The Nabatean kingdom had its capital north of the city, at Petra. Legrand / blickwinkel / Alamy Stock Photo. [14] However, industrial and commercial activities remain important, due to the strategic location of the city as the country's only seaport.[15]. Main dishes include Sayadeyah, a combination of rice, fish and spices, a dish common among Arab coastal cities. With a tour like this, you know exactly who your guide is and can read reviews. Where Did the Red Sea Crossing Take Place? Whether you are looking for a fully planned itinerary and trip to Jordan and Israel for 10 days, including hotels, guides, and every other detail, a day tour in Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, across the border to Jerusalem and Israel, or elsewhere, a unique activity or fun day for the family, or anything in-between, we are here to help. [47], In 1965, King Hussein, through an exchange deal with Saudi Arabia, gave 6,000 square kilometres (2,317 square miles) of desert land in Jordanian territories in exchange for other territories, including 12 kilometres (7 miles) of an extension of prime coastline south of Aqaba, which included the magnificent Yamanieh coral reef. There are a few other things to think about when it comes to travel. A large number of predatory shark species used to inhabit Aqaba's gulf, due to over fishing and pollution, the shark population in Aqaba is in a decline, which are mostly deep water sharks such as tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and a small number of reef sharks. Conservationists are working hard to protect Aqaba's shark population.[73][74]. Safe and friendly, the destination gets travelers up close to world wonders and immerses them in world-class hospitality. [22], The present name al-Aqaba () is a shortened from aqabat Aylah ( ) "the mountain-pass of Ayla", first mentioned in the 12th century by Idrisi, at a time when the settlement had been mostly reduced to a military stronghold, properly referring to the pass just to the north-east of the settlement (293332N 350542E / 29.559N 35.095E / 29.559; 35.095, now traversed by Aqaba Highway). It includes an interactive map, multiple itineraries for up to 10 days and as little as three days and plenty of practical information about renting a car and driving in Jordan. In most of the rest of the country, you do not often see women smoking in public. They are rarely bookable online. With few beachfront hotels, Berenice Beach offers day use of the beach and pools and a shuttle from Aqaba hotels to its location about 15 minutes out of town. Movenpick Tala Bay is also a five star resort but it is located in nearby Tala Bay. [36][37], A citadel was also built in the area[where?][when?] Whether you want to keep the sun off your head or want to show a little modesty, a scarf goes a long way in Jordan any time of the year. 5 reasons to visit Aqaba, Jordan - Wanderlust Travel Magazine Madaba | Tourist Jordan Around 106 AD Aqaba was one of the main ports for the Romans. Several different-sized clay pots were also found suggesting that copper production was a major industry in the region, the pots being used in melting the copper and reshaping it. When someone asks what to do in Aqaba, this is always a top suggestion. I have an entire post about the best Aqaba to Petra tour options if you want someone else to take all of the planning out of your day trip. The first pledge is known as . These tours gives you a window into the fascinating extremes of the Middle East, its age-old traditions coexisting with hyper-modern amenities. . Jordans public washrooms (and even restraint or hotel lobby washrooms can often be unstocked. The seaside city of Aqaba is perhaps the best known, and considered a playground for the Middle East's rich and famous thanks to its opulent resorts, sweeping beaches, lively nightlife scene and marinas where rows of luxury yachts await to whisk guests out into the Red Sea. It was built in 1975 and enlarged in 2011, the white stone still gleaming on its vast dome, intricate minaret and elegant arches. South Beach, which is a 10 minute drive from the city is a popular spot. [clarification needed][42], Baldwin I of Jerusalem took over the city in 1115 without encountering much resistance. Aqaba (English: /kb/,[2] also US: /k-/;[3] Arabic: , romanized:al-Aqaba, al-Agaba, pronounced[l qaba, alagaba]) is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. If you consider drinking at least 1-2 big water bottles a day while you are there, think of how much plastic that creates when every visitor and the populations 9 million people do the same. Battle of Aqaba - Wikipedia Aqabas clear, warm waters and vibrant coral reefs are the best in the Red Sea. It is delicious and diverse, a vibrant mix of Bedouin flavours and local takes on the region's most iconic dishes. Aqaba Church - Wikipedia This 6 hour private tour hits all of the highlights of a visit to Wadi Rum including a 2 hour Jeep tour, enjoying sweet bedouin tea with locals and the option to add a camel ride before you bid farewell to this beautiful part of the world. One of the popular ways is to rent a car in Aqaba and drive to Petra for the day. This tour includes pickup from your hotel in Aqaba and transport to Petra and back to your Aqaba hotel. Aqaba Holidays 2023 / 2024 - easyJet holidays Destination Hub Jordan Aqaba T&Cs apply Aqaba Holidays from pp A coastal city ripe for adventure Aqaba city breaks may conjure up images of camel rides and desert exploration, but this sun-kissed spot on the Red Sea has plenty to offer beach fans, too. Aqaba has been chosen for the site of a new waterfront building project that would rebuild Aqaba with new man-made water structures, new high-rise residential and office buildings, and more tourist services to place Aqaba on the investment map and challenge other centers of waterfront development throughout the region. The project costs $5billion, and it will be completed by 2013. The "Midian Mountains" can be seen in the background (part of a mountain range that includes Jabal al-Lawz). If never ending desert landscapes and windswept rock formations are more your thing, Jordans famous Wadi Rum is even closer. Run by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, this artificially created wetland has a 1.5km walking trail leading around a cluster of lakes that is thick with ducks and waders, particularly in winter. Easyjet will begin offering direct flights from London to Aqaba from November 2018. Of foreign tourists, Europeans visited the Zone in the largest numbers, with about 98,000 visiting during The ancient name for the settlement in the Aqaba area is Elath or Ailath, which was also used for the modern Eilat - Israelian counterpart of the city, located just west of Aqaba across the border. If you want to be out of the city and really feel the resort life, consider booking this, or any of the other beachfront hotels in Tala Bay. It is a 20-minutes drive away from the city center. If and when an Israeli railway to Eilat is built, it might either be extended across the border to Jordan[64][65] or enable passengers traveling from Gush Dan to Aqaba to cross the border via road transport. One of the Aqaba attractions is the beach promenade. For the next four centuries, the site was a simple fishing village of little importance. Port relocation. Aqaba, Jordan - Little Known Facts That Will Blow Your Mind - LinkedIn What is Aqaba known for? - TeachersCollegesj The evidence seems compelling: Jabal al-Lawz/Maqla must be Mount Sinai, and the Gulf of Aqaba must have been the location of the Red Sea crossing. Aqaba, Jordan - History - Ancient History - LiquiSearch Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan, an otherwise landlocked country. [71], The Port of Aqaba is the only port in Jordan. [43] Despite all efforts to fortify the region, the city was captured in 1170 by a squadron sent by Saladin as he was besieging Gaza; while it was successfully raided by Raynald of Chtillon in 1182,[44] it was never retaken by the Crusaders. [15] The city sits right across the border from Eilat, likewise Israel's only port on the Red Sea. Visit the North of Jordan, Jerash or Madaba, experience the unique landcape of the North. [31][dubious discuss], The Aqaba Church was constructed under Roman rule between 293 and 303 and is considered to be the oldest known purpose-built Christian church in the world. [citation needed], Archaeologists have investigated an Iron Age settlement at Tell el-Kheleifeh, immediately west of Aqaba, inhabited between the 8th and 4th centuries BCE. Did you know Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? 8 Best Places To Visit In Aqaba The city of Aqaba is a beautiful place with an amazing coastline. A short bus ride from the city centre, this private club is spread across 500m (1,640ft) of the Red Sea coast, a spot that lays claim to the cleanest waters of the Aqaba Marine Park. Located in Ayla, a purpose-built community inside Aqaba it offers several pools and a lagoon-style beach club to enjoy sandy shores and the red sea. 1822 area map by Eduard Rppell, modern borders overlaid. Copyright 2023 The Culture Trip Ltd. All Rights Reserved. [citation needed] This type of urban structure, called MSIR,[clarification needed] is typical of early Islamic fortified settlements. Most hotels offer car and shuttle services if you are visiting without a car. JETT and Trust company buses depart from private stations in the city, while minibuses leave from the main station in Aqaba. A day trip to Petra is totally doable and one of the popular things to do when staying in Aqaba. Petra, the rose red city, the city half as old as time. It has three swimming pools, showers and shaded sunbeds. While Ayla offers visitors entertainment and excitement, its modern vibe is quite different to that of Ammans downtown. Lawrence, Auda abu Tayi, Prince Feisal, Port of Aqaba", "Jordan tapping popularity of UEFA Champions League to promote tourism", "Aqaba has caught mega-project fever from its Gulf neighbours", "Cross border interactions across a formerly hostile border: The case of Eilat, Israel and Aqaba, Jordan", "Is Eilat-Aqaba a bi-national city? In 2006, the Tourism Division of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) reported that the number of tourists visiting the Zone in 2006 rose to about 432,000, an increase of 5% over previous year. Whether youre planning a religious oriented trip or family trip, a study or educational tour, aluxury tourorVIP tour of Jordan, or something else, our experts are seasoned and able to create the perfect itinerary and experience for you. Our selected Aqaba hotels include uniquely Aqaba experiences, world-famous hotels, as well as budget options and more. Want to skip all of the planning and access my detailed Jordan Itinerary and Guide? Arabic sources as having a mixed population of Jews and Christians. Viator: Private One Day from Aqaba to Petra. Aqaba | Tourist Jordan Movenpick Resort and Residences Aqaba, Jordan | Courtesy of Mvenpick Resort and Residences Aqaba / Expedia. Aqaba - Tourist Israel After the 1994 Israel Jordan Peace Treaty there were plans and hopes of establishing a trans-border tourism and economic area, but few of those plans have come to fruition. Northwest of the city centre, ancient ruins mark the spot of the first Islamic city to be founded outside the Arabian Peninsula.
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