Aqaba offers a rare blend of tax advantages, lifestyle benefits, and investment potential, making it one of the most attractive emerging real estate markets in the region. These new incentives make property ownership in Aqaba not only more financially rewarding but also practically convenient for international investors and residents alike.
With strategic government support, robust infrastructure development, and increasing demand for luxury coastal living, now is an excellent time to consider Aqaba as your next real estate destination.
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA) represents a transformative vision by the Jordanian government to position Aqaba as a leading regional center for trade, tourism, and investment. Launched in 2001 and managed by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the initiative was designed to create a competitive, investor-friendly environment that supports sustainable economic growth.
Aqaba’s strategic location at the northern edge of the Red Sea—bordering Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Israel—makes it a vital gateway to international markets. This geographical advantage is complemented by a range of incentives, including tax exemptions and simplified administrative procedures aimed at attracting both local and foreign investment.
The zone’s comprehensive development plan includes a variety of specialized areas tailored to different sectors. These include the Coral Coastal Zone, which supports tourism and leisure; the Southern Industrial Zone, focused on manufacturing; and the Airport Industrial Zone, which caters to logistics and high-tech industries.
Ongoing large-scale projects, such as Marsa Zayed, Saraya Aqaba, and Ayla Oasis, further reflect ASEZA’s commitment to enhancing the city’s infrastructure and appeal. These developments aim to elevate Aqaba’s profile as a premier destination for both investment and tourism in the region.
In a major step towards positioning Aqaba as a global destination for tourism, residency, and real estate investment, the Jordanian Council of Ministers has approved a robust package of incentives aimed at revitalizing the real estate sector in the city. These measures are designed to attract both local and international investors, offering practical and financial benefits that make property ownership in Aqaba more accessible and appealing than ever before.
Buyers of property in Aqaba valued at JOD 150,000 or more are eligible to import one vehicle duty-free under a renewable annual permit.
The customs exemption may not exceed 25% of the property’s value.
For properties valued at JOD 300,000 or more, owners may import up to two vehicles duty-free, following the same 25% limit.
Foreign nationals who purchase property in Aqaba are allowed to import personal belongings and furniture without customs duties.
Personal watercraft and boats are also exempt from customs duties and sales tax, further promoting lifestyle-oriented investment.
Foreign nationals who purchase property worth JOD 150,000 or more are granted extended residency permits for themselves and their dependents. This significantly simplifies long-term stays and supports lifestyle migration to Aqaba.
Foreign property owners with a residency permit are also eligible for the temporary entry of a personal vehicle, again under the condition that the exemption does not exceed 25% of the property’s value. This applies to both properties inside and outside gated communities.
The initiative aligns with a broader national vision of transforming Aqaba into one of the top 100 cities in the world, leveraging its strategic location, coastal appeal, and growing infrastructure.
Core Objectives Include:
Enhancing Aqaba’s appeal as a destination for retirees, digital nomads, and regional investors.
Stimulating the tourism and hospitality economy by attracting long-term foreign residents and second-home buyers.
Creating global awareness and positioning Aqaba as a world-class real estate destination within the Middle East.
The government is not only providing incentives but also ensuring supply meets the expected demand. Development plans include:
1,100 diversified residential units already available in secure, gated communities.
An additional 1,200 residential units to be developed in the coming months as part of the Marsa Zayed mega-project, one of Aqaba’s most ambitious real estate ventures.
First-time Jordanian buyers within gated communities are eligible for the full range of incentives.
Foreign buyers may benefit from all incentives across any real estate area in Aqaba, not just gated compounds.
All purchases must be made directly from the project developer to qualify for these incentives.
🔗 Strategic Partnership
$10 Billion USD: Joint ventures between Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) & Abu Dhabi Holding (ADQ), covering multiple sectors.
🚢 Transport & Infrastructure
Aqaba Cruise Terminal
King Hussein International Airport Upgrade
Multi-purpose Port Development
Aqaba–Al-Madouna Railway Project
🏙️ Urban & Tourism Development
Marsa Zayed Land Redevelopment
Tala Bay Development – $680M
Ayla Oasis Development – $2.1B
Maqta Gateway & Ayla Joint Project
🌍 Industrial & Green Energy
Green Hydrogen & Ammonia Plant – $9B
Al-Quwaira International Industrial Zone – $500M
Industrial Terminal – $190M
Aqaba City Gas Project – $35M
🎓 Education & Technology
Aqaba Medical University – $165M
Digital Aqaba Center – $100M
Aqaba University Hospital – Ongoing
World-Class Infrastructure in Aqaba
Aqaba offers state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to meet global standards, supporting a wide range of investment projects. Notably, 30% of the world’s internet traffic passes through this region, highlighting its global connectivity. The city features:
97% road network coverage and an international airport
Diverse energy sources and a robust gas network
High-speed internet and a dedicated industrial water network
Labor housing units and a skilled workforce
A world-class port system and strong banking services
Multimodal Transport Network
Aqaba’s transport system includes sea, land, and air routes, enabling efficient and cost-effective logistics services such as transport and storage. Investors benefit from 24/7 customs clearance and easy access to the Levant region. Moreover, Jordan’s free trade agreements open access to over 1.5 billion consumers worldwide.
Aqaba: A Strategic Launchpad to Global Markets
Thanks to its prime location and wide range of trade routes, Aqaba serves as a gateway to the following regions:
Africa
The Mediterranean, North Africa, and the EU
The Red Sea and East Africa
North and South America
Asia, the Far East, and Australia
Cargo Destinations from Aqaba
Air Freight:
Dubai
Hong Kong
London
New York
Singapore
Sea Freight:
Europe
The Far East, India, and Australia
The Middle East
North Africa
North and South America
Aqaba in Numbers
3 major industrial zones
4 hospitals and 4 universities
12 port terminals with 32 berths
56 hotels with a total of 5,600 rooms
1,782 registered companies
Population: approximately 217,000