logo
Al Azraq beach in Aqaba awarded 2025 "Blue Flag" certification for third consecutive year

Al Azraq beach in Aqaba awarded 2025 "Blue Flag" certification for third consecutive year

Jordan Times13-05-2025

Aqaba's Al Azraq Beach earns the prestigious "Blue Flag" certification for 2025 (Petra photo)
AMMAN — Aqaba's Al Azraq Beach has once again earned the prestigious "Blue Flag" certification for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the beach has met the international eco-label's rigorous environmental and quality standards.
During a flag-raising ceremony held on Monday, Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez described the achievement as a testament to ongoing efforts to preserve the Gulf of Aqaba as a sustainable natural "treasure" and a leading ecotourism destination, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Fayez noted that the award reflects the successful implementation of ASEZA's 2024–2028 strategic plan, which aims to promote responsible tourism, safeguard marine biodiversity, and position Aqaba as a regional model for sustainable coastal development.
The ceremony, held at the Aqaba Marine Reserve, also included the participation of 40 students from the Ninth Elementary School for Boys as part of the "#Know_Your_Reserve" environmental awareness programme. The initiative, run by the reserve, engages students in marine conservation efforts and fosters a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting the coastal ecosystem.
The Blue Flag Programme is a global initiative of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that recognises beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria related to water quality, environmental management, education, and safety.
The Royal Marine Conservation Society (JREDS) is responsible for implementing the programme and overseeing the evaluation and qualification processes.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Signia by Hilton Amman Welcomes Waddah Dabbas as the New Commercial Director
Signia by Hilton Amman Welcomes Waddah Dabbas as the New Commercial Director

Al Bawaba

time12-06-2025

  • Al Bawaba

Signia by Hilton Amman Welcomes Waddah Dabbas as the New Commercial Director

Signia by Hilton Amman is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Waddah Dabbas as its new Commercial Director. With over 23 years of distinguished experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Dabbas brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership that will further strengthen the hotel's commercial strategy and support its continued Dabbas most recently served at Hilton Amman, where he played a key role in shaping and executing commercial strategies that delivered outstanding results. His career spans several prominent international hotel brands, including IHG and Accor, where he developed deep expertise in commercial management, sales, and business development across a range of dynamic for his strategic mindset and results-driven approach, Mr. Dabbas has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to drive revenue, build lasting client relationships, and lead high-performing teams. His deep understanding of both regional and international markets positions him perfectly to lead Signia by Hilton Amman's commercial efforts in today's competitive on the appointment, General Manager of Signia by Hilton, Luca Crocco, said, 'We are thrilled to welcome Waddah Dabbas to the Signia by Hilton family. His impressive track record and industry insights make him a valuable addition to our leadership team as we continue to elevate our brand and deliver exceptional guest experiences.'Commenting on his new role, Mr. Dabbas said, 'I am honored to join Signia by Hilton Amman during such a pivotal time. I look forward to contributing to the hotel's ongoing success through innovative strategies and strong industry partnerships.' As Signia by Hilton Amman continues to set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality, Mr. Dabbas' leadership is set to play a key role in achieving the hotel's ambitious commercial goals and expanding its market presence. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.

106,000 Visitors Flock to Aqaba During Eid Al-Adha Holiday - Jordan News
106,000 Visitors Flock to Aqaba During Eid Al-Adha Holiday - Jordan News

Jordan News

time11-06-2025

  • 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)

MAG Group Holding Launches Riviera Heights, First Phase of Jordan's Marsa Zayed Red Sea Beachfront Community
MAG Group Holding Launches Riviera Heights, First Phase of Jordan's Marsa Zayed Red Sea Beachfront Community

Al Bawaba

time02-06-2025

  • Al Bawaba

MAG Group Holding Launches Riviera Heights, First Phase of Jordan's Marsa Zayed Red Sea Beachfront Community

MAG Group Holding, the diversified, multinational real estate development company, officially launched Riviera Heights, the highly anticipated first luxury residential development in Marsa Zayed, Jordan's largest mixed-use beach front community. Riviera Heights is the first project in a plan to transform a 320-hectare section of Jordan's Red Sea coast into an international tourism and residential destination. Land owner AD Ports Group in February appointed Dubai-based MAG Group Holding to develop Marsa Zayed, which will open a southern gateway to Jordan's main attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Petra and Wadi Rum Protected Heights will consist of four, 35-story luxury apartment buildings, spread over 51,000 m2, located on the southern edge of the Marsa Zayed development area. The development will include more than 1,250 seafront A. Al Gaddah, Founder and Chairman of MAG Group Holding, said: 'Riviera Heights captures the true essence of Jordan—its warmth, heritage, and culture. We are breathing new life and economic vitality into Aqaba by creating vibrant spaces that foster genuine connection to its extraordinary Red Sea coastline. Together with AD Ports Group, our vision is to cultivate a destination with wide appeal to a wide range of discriminating travellers, where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.'Site works are now underway, and the handover completion of Riviera Heights construction is expected by Q1 2028. MAG Group Holding is committed to delivering the highest standards of quality, design, and lifestyle-focused experiences to investors, supported by tailored payment plans and dedicated property Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, said: 'We welcome the launch of Riviera Heights, which marks the official beginning of construction in Marsa Zayed, the Red Sea's newest and most exciting tourism and residential development. Under the wise guidance of our leadership in the UAE, AD Ports Group and MAG Group Holding are making a strategic investment in Jordan's economy that will bring long-term jobs and economic growth to a region defined by its unique natural coastal beauty.'Riviera Heights lays the foundation for Marsa Zayed's vision of a vibrant, contemporary waterfront community. By combining distinctive homes, rich cultural offerings, and a lively social scene in one exceptional setting, it marks a significant milestone for Zayed is Jordan's flagship tourism venture and ranks among the Middle East's most ambitious real estate development projects. Riviera Heights will be built next to the Phase 1 development of Marsa Zayed, which will eventually span 1.2 km of Red Sea beachfront, and include a marina, a hotel, hotel apartments with a beach club, an Old Souq marketplace with 50 retail shops, a yacht club, and a visitor's centre. Marsa Zayed will also count among its attractions the restored minaret of the Al-Sharif Al-Hussein Bin Ali Mosque, the most prominent architectural feature in Aqaba. Marsa Zayed is strategically positioned to attract regional and international homeowners and investors.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store