Khaberni - Thabit Al-Nabulsi, the Commissioner of Tourism and Youth Affairs in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, said on Wednesday that the timing of signing the cooperation agreement with the Royal Jordanian company to launch direct international flights between Aqaba and both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi was amidst a high readiness to receive tourists from the Gulf states, confirming that the direction towards Riyadh and Abu Dhabi reflects building true partnerships with the Gulf countries.
Al-Nabulsi explained during statements to "Al-Mamlaka" channel that the agreement resulted in scheduling two weekly flights between Aqaba and Riyadh, and two weekly flights between Aqaba and Abu Dhabi, in both directions, with the aim of attracting visitors from the Gulf states, in addition to enabling Jordanians and residents in those countries to visit Aqaba and travel from there to various areas of the kingdom.
He noted that this step represents the beginning of establishing regular airline routes from Aqaba to multiple destinations, confirming a future orientation towards expansion to European and Asian countries, in cooperation with airlines, primarily Royal Jordanian, to enhance Aqaba's status as a global destination.
He pointed out that Aqaba enjoys a strategic location and a comprehensive infrastructure that includes King Hussein International Airport, the port, and land crossings, making it a regional connection point, in addition to being a center for diverse tourism, including family tourism, conference tourism, and sports tourism, as well as its connection to the Golden Triangle "Aqaba, Wadi Rum, Petra".
He added that Aqaba offers competitive advantages, including visa exemption for its visitors, lower taxes compared to other regions in the kingdom, and providing tourist packages supported by the private sector.
Al-Nabulsi also mentioned that Aqaba includes four universities with more than 3500 students from the Gulf states, which also enhances educational tourism in the area.
