Aqaba, June 11 (Petra) — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority
(ASEZA) on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Creative
Circular Economy Center, the first facility of its kind in Jordan,
marking a major step in the city’s sustainable development agenda.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of ASEZA Chief Commissioner
Shadi Ramzi Majali and attended by Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaisheh,
Head of Unit at the European Union Directorate-General for the Middle
East and North Africa and Gulf (DG MENA) Ana Pires, UNDP Resident
Representative in Jordan Randa Aboul-Hosn, and members of ASEZA’s
Board of Commissioners.

The center is designed as the country’s first integrated
multi-functional facility dedicated to applying circular economy
principles by transforming recoverable and reusable materials into
products and resources with economic, social, and environmental
value.

The center is being developed under the “Accelerating the Transition
to a Circular Economy through Nine Circularity Principles in Aqaba”
initiative, implemented by ASEZA in partnership with the United
Nations Development Program (UNDP) and supported by the European
Union to promote sustainable production and consumption patterns and
strengthen integrated resource and waste management.

Majali said the project reflects ASEZA’s vision of advancing a
balanced development model that links economic growth with
environmental protection while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship
and quality employment opportunities.

He said Aqaba possesses the assets needed to become a national and
regional hub for circular and blue economy practices, describing the
center as a strategic investment in the city’s future and a practical
step toward building an integrated resource management system that
converts waste into economic opportunities.

Pires said the project underscores the European Union’s commitment to
supporting Jordan’s transition toward a more sustainable and
inclusive economy. She noted that the circular economy remains a key
pillar of EU cooperation with regional partners, given its role in
promoting green and blue growth and strengthening resilience to
environmental and climate challenges.

Aboul-Hosn described the center as a comprehensive platform for
innovation, training, research and development, and environmental
entrepreneurship. She said the circular economy has emerged as a
leading global pathway toward sustainable development and more
resilient economies. She added that the project represents a
strategic partnership among the European Union, ASEZA and UNDP and
offers a scalable model that could be replicated in other parts of
Jordan.

Built on a site exceeding 5,000 square meters and backed by an
investment of more than JD1.2 million, the center will include
facilities for sorting, processing, repair, reuse and
remanufacturing, alongside training and community awareness spaces,
environmental business incubators, renewable energy systems and
electric vehicle charging stations.

The facility is expected to divert a significant share of recoverable
materials generated by households, hotels, restaurants and commercial
establishments into value-added products and resources, supporting
the creation of new value chains and expanding private-sector and
community participation in the circular economy.

Aqaba currently faces growing solid waste management challenges
driven by rapid population and economic growth. Around 90,000 tonnes
of waste are landfilled annually, while recycling rates remain
limited.

The center represents a pioneering step toward redefining waste as an
economic resource and investment opportunity, supporting more
efficient use of resources, reducing emissions, creating jobs, and
strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of cities.

The Creative Circular Economy Center is expected to serve as a
national model for advancing circular economy practices and further
strengthen Aqaba’s position as a leader in sustainable development
and blue economy solutions in Jordan and the wider region.

//Petra// NQ