Aqaba is located at the extreme south of the Kingdom at the tip of the Gulf, which is named after it. Aqaba is Jordan’s window on the Red Sea. Historically the same city as Eilat on the Israeli side of the border. Aqaba Governorate is considered a strategic region, and the only sea port in Jordan. Aqaba has boundaries with Haqel town in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, via Al-Derrah border point, Egypt, and Eilat through Wadi Araba crossing point. Both cities are situated at the tip of Aqaba Gulf, which is an extension of the Red Sea.

Aqaba is famous as a site for diving, and for its shores on the Red Sea. While diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea are the main attractions, this coastal oasis city surrounded by the rocky, picturesque mountains makes an excellent base to explore the rest of Jordan too.

When you are on a long Middle East trip it’s worth spending a couple of days here exploring the underwater treasures of the coral reefs and chilling out on the beaches before you continue your journey inland. The city is also popular with Jordanians from the North who come in great numbers every weekend and during public and religious holidays. 

Many independent travelers come to Aqaba to ‘wash off’ the dust of Wadi Rum and Petra at the end of their travels in Jordan. It’s also an ideal place to stop for those travelling to/from Egypt or Israel & Palestine.

Aqaba Governorate consists of two counties (Al-Qasaba -the seat of the major city, and Al-Quairah), two districts (Wadi Araba, and Al-Deeseh), and (5) municipalities.

Aqaba city includes important industrial establishments, commercial free zones, and King Hussein Airport. It is considered an important administrative center located at the far most southern part of Jordan. Also, it is a source of phosphate and some types of sea shells. The governorate’s population is (188160) inhabitants and its area: (6904.7 km2).