Aqaba’s Master Plan: A Step in the Right Direction?

Aqaba, Jordan’s coastal city, is undergoing a transformation with the launch of a new master plan, covering the period 2024-2040. The plan, developed with support from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to modernize Aqaba and position it as a key regional hub for tourism, logistics, and business. It incorporates smart city technologies, disaster prevention measures, and sustainable development principles. While the plan has been praised for its ambitious vision, some experts express concern about the four-year delay in its implementation and whether it adequately addresses recent challenges, such as climate change and geopolitical shifts. Critics highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of past achievements and challenges, as well as incorporating large-scale projects like NEOM into the planning process. They emphasize the importance of prioritizing water, energy, and environmental sustainability, while fostering a competitive investment environment to create job opportunities for future generations.