Aqaba

The Aqaba Archaeological Museum is located in the Aqaba house of Sherif Hussein Bin Ali, the museum was opened to the public in 1990. Presently it houses an important collection from the Islamic site of Ayla, dated to the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid periods, thus representing the Islamic periods from the mid-7th to the beginning of the 12th century AD.

Among the exhibits is a Kufic inscription of "Ayat Al-Kursi" from the Holy Qur'an, which surmounted the eastern (Egypt) gate of the city, and a hoard of gold Fatimid dinars minted at Sajilmasa in Morocco.

Your tour of Aqaba’s historical sites culminates at the Great Arab Revolt Plaza. This huge square is a great space to relax and enjoy the views of the middle beach, and as such is considered an ideal escape for visitors. The importance of the Plaza lies in its historical value.

It embraces the flag of the Great Arab Revolt, and the house of the Leader of the Arab Revolution, Al Hussein Bin Ali. It bears a deep significant national symbolism as the first Jordanian land set foot on by the armies of the revolution led by Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali. It is also the site where the first bullet of the Arab Revolt was shot.

This event is held every Friday evening in Aqaba and features over 50 local artisans, live music, and authentic food and drinks. Join in on the fun for an unforgettable experience!

The mosque was named after Hussein bin Ali who was the Sharif and Emir of Mecca from 1908 until 1917. Known as the initiator of the Arab Revolt, Al Sharif Hussein Bin Ali stood against the increasingly nationalistic Ottoman Empire during the course of the First World War.

With its pristine white structure, intricate glass windows and soaring minarets, Al Hussein Bin Ali mosque is a beacon of Islamic architecture and a moving sight among the hustle and bustle of city life. It also boasts the largest dome among Jordan’s’ mosques. It is considered a main mosque for Aqaba’s citizens. Visitors can quietly stroll around the elegant interior and watch the city’s daily life at its most tranquil and pious.

Excavated in the mid-19th century and dating back to the first Islamic period, Ayla is the surviving remains of an old Islamic society located in the center of Aqaba. Built in 650AD tourist can get a firsthand look at the magnificence of the Islamic empires of centuries past.

During the Byzantine period, a great deal of construction took place throughout Jordan. All of the major cities of the Roman era continued to flourish as the regional population grew. As Christianity expanded across this region in the fourth century, churches began to sprout up across Jordan.

From this growing Christian scene came one of the most exciting discoveries in recent times, where archaeologists in Aqaba have unearthed what they believe to be the world’s oldest church, from the late 3rd Century AD. It is slightly older than the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem, both of which date back to the 4th Century. It has since been back-filled with earth for protection.

If you’re visiting the Hashemite Kingdom in autumn or spring it would be in your best interest to visit the Aqaba Bird Observatory. With a mission to preserve the natural habitats of Jordan’s migratory birds, you can get an exclusive peek at the aquatic birds on their migratory routes between Africa, Europe, and West Asia. The Aqaba Bird Observatory is a great place for the family.

The city of Aqaba is overflowing with aquatic life. Take a journey of discovery through Aqaba’s Aquarium to reveal the hidden treasures of the Red Sea.

As part of the Marine Science Station Complex, the Aquarium offers a chance to dive without getting wet and watch the aquatic life inside the Red Sea!

The cedar Pride was scuttled for divers on November 16th 1985. The ship now lies on her port side across two reefs; the soft coral growth on the masts is fantastic. Those with experience can explore its interior!

Contact information/ how to book:
Contact a local licensed dive center to book this experience

This dive site has amazing flora and fauna and all at shallow depths! It’s very popular with snorkelers and is known as one of the prettiest areas in Aqaba. It is a good dive for all, as it has Hawksbill Turtles, shoaling Barracuda, shoals of sergeant majors and fusiliers plus wonderful coral formations.

While in Aqaba, a trip to Jordan’s first 18-hole par-72 golf course is a must. Ranked among world’s top three eco-friendly golf courses, the Ayla Golf Course boasts a spectacular setting of the majestic mountains of Aqaba bay.

The Ayla Golf Course was designed by the legendary Greg Norman with a design philosophy to create a premier signature golf course that blends with their surrounding environment and enhances the properties’ natural features. With floodlit practicing facilities running completely on solar-power, the gold course accommodates golfers to practice long after sunset while enjoying the cool Aqaba evening breeze with friends.

With the aim of introducing new divers to the wonders hidden under the Red Sea, our responsibility is to provide you with a reliable , safe and enjoyable tour. Our main goal is to help educate people about the wonders of underwater life in the Red Sea which has some of the most incredible coral reefs making it one of the appreciated diving spots in the world.

The “Snorkeling for a Clean Sea Experience” involves swimming with colored fish and exploring the waters of the Red Sea, all while protecting the environment and its inhabitants by picking up waste that has accumulated among the coral reefs. You can feel satisfied knowing that you have enjoyed the colorful coral and sea life, while also sustaining it by helping to keep it clean.

Wadi Rum to Aqaba

Leaving Wadi Rum village behind you, the trail passes beneath the towering cliffs of Jabal Rum and Jabal Um Ishrin through the iconic landscape of Wadi Rum – vast, echoing and godlike wrote T.E. Lawrence. Continuing through the magnificent desert landscape, the trail passes the cliffs of Jabal Khazali, Jabal Qattar and weaves between the unique and colorful backdrops of Wadi Rum’s sandstone desert mountains. The trail here follows old shepherd paths, winding its way west across desert wadis and over granite mountains striated with basalt dyke intrusions. At the last pass, the first view of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba, beyond which lie the mountains of Sinai. The final destination is the warm waters of the Red Sea and the port of Aqaba.

Total Length: 75.9 KM Days: 5 Hiking days

Main sites in the region:

– Wadi Rum (World Heritage site)

– Wadi Rum Bedouin village

– Lawrence’s Spring (Ain Shellaleh) and the Nabataean Temple

– Dramatic desert scenery – sandstone domes and granite and basalt striated mountains,

changing color constantly throughout the day

– Bedouin encampments

– Village of Titen

– Aqaba (Red Sea)