Aqaba, April 12 (Petra) — Chief Commissioner of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Shadi Majali and Director General of the Department of Antiquities Fawzi Abu Danneh met on Sunday to finalize a strategic development plan for the Islamic Ayla archaeological site. The initiative aims to make the site a premier cultural landmark and better integrate it into Aqaba’s tourism offerings.

Majali emphasized that ASEZA is adopting global best practices for heritage management by employing advanced technologies such as aerial surveying and digital documentation. This modernization is part of a broader strategy to diversify Aqaba’s tourism products beyond beach and marine activities, focusing on high-quality cultural experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer in the city, thereby stimulating the local economy.

A centerpiece of this collaboration is the “Antiquities Guardians” program. This practical investment in national human capital provides specialized, professional training for local job seekers in the fields of archaeological exploration and site maintenance. By empowering local youth with scientific skills, the program ensures the long-term sustainability of heritage projects while creating direct employment opportunities in the cultural and tourism sectors.

Abu Danneh praised the ongoing excavation and restoration work at Islamic Ayla, noting the importance of completing these efforts to the highest technical standards. He confirmed that both parties are working toward an executive roadmap to address technical challenges, including the implementation of sustainable engineering solutions for rainwater drainage to protect the ancient structures from erosion without compromising their historical integrity.

The development of Islamic Ayla the first Islamic city founded outside the Arabian Peninsula is seen as a vital step in showcasing the deep civilizational history of Aqaba to a global audience.

//Petra// AF
12/04/2026 20:39:28