Safadi: Crown Prince's directives during his visit to Aqaba Development Corporation enhance Aqaba's investment role

The directives and follow-up of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah to the investment and economic team in Aqaba, following his visit to Aqaba Development Corporation and his review of all the details related to the investment matrix prepared by the Corporation to deal with investors, projects, and existing programs, which will be announced, have renewed all hopes and aspirations regarding Aqaba's progress and future. Under the attentive ear of the Crown Prince, a comprehensive briefing was presented by the Corporation's CEO, Hussein Safadi, about a well-studied investment compass that includes Aqaba and its surrounding areas. Everyone affirmed that Aqaba will not regress and that it will continue with its renewed vision as an attractive region with its multiple investment opportunities, facilitations, and renewed privileges. This has encouraged several regional and international investors who participated in the Global Investment Summit in Dubai to expedite scheduling important appointments to explore and benefit from the prominent investment opportunities provided by Aqaba, given its secure and stable investment environment guarded and overseen by royal attention and follow-up.

In the details, CEO of Aqaba Development Corporation, Hussein Safadi, confirmed in a press statement that the directives of Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah during his visit to Aqaba Development Corporation last week will enhance the importance of Aqaba's role as a distinctive regional investment hub, particularly after the Crown Prince's exposure to the latest developments in some important investment projects in the region, which Aqaba Development Corporation is preparing and will present in the near future. One of the most prominent projects is the Exhibition and Conference Center near King Hussein International Airport, which is being developed in partnership with Maersk, a global corporation. The center will offer high-level vocational training.

Safadi explained that Aqaba Development Corporation has conducted a risk assessment of the ports and the industrial area south of Aqaba. They are working on establishing the Aqaba Digital Center, which is the first marine fiber optic route that provides an alternative connection between Asia and Europe. Safadi also mentioned that the Corporation is launching the Aqaba Food Technology Corridor, which covers an area of 7,000 dunams west of King Hussein International Airport. The Aqaba Food Technology Corridor aims to redefine the potential of sustainable agricultural technology industry in Jordan by attracting investments in agricultural facilities, aquaculture, research and development, and food processing that contribute to preserving Jordan's food security and creating green jobs in the city.

Safadi stated that Aqaba Development Corporation has a vision for the Aqaba Media Center, which will include facilities for visual and audio production, a vocational training institute, and residential buildings to meet the needs of the local and international markets. He highlighted the new shipping routes launched by the Corporation earlier this year, targeting the American markets, which contributed to a 17% increase in export volume. Regarding the participation of Aqaba Development Corporation in the investment forum in Dubai, Al-Safadi emphasized that this participation is part of the Corporation's marketing strategies to introduce the unique investment environment in the Aqaba region and highlight the numerous and diverse investment opportunities available to Arab and international investors. He also mentioned holding several meetings with Arab and foreign investors interested in investing in Aqaba, where detailed meetings were agreed upon in Aqaba in the near future to provide further information on the prominent investment opportunities in the special economic zone.

Safadi affirmed that Aqaba has gained regional and international investment reputation through global recognition of the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein in promoting the Kingdom in general and Aqaba in particular as a safe and stable environment for investment and investors. He highlighted the credibility of the special zone, the presence of well-regulated and clear laws, investor protection, and diverse investment opportunities. Al-Safadi emphasized that Aqaba Development Corporation has a clear and transparent vision in dealing with investment and investors by developing the Investment Acceleration Directorate and providing a comprehensive investment matrix from A to Z, clarifying all details related to the investment opportunity, such as the economic feasibility of the project, the timeframe, and the financial returns.

Safadi considered corporate social responsibility in Aqaba Development Corporation as one of the most important aspects that the Corporation focuses on. This is evident through its positive role in supporting youth and sports initiatives, empowering ambitious and pioneering projects that serve the Aqaba community, as well as supporting schools, universities, sports and cultural clubs, and associations that adopt ideas and programs that benefit the local community. He mentioned that Aqaba Development Corporation is currently working on developing the main Aqaba stadium by re-laying it with the latest artificial turf to be ready to serve Aqaba's clubs and their guests with the start of sports competitions. In addition, the Corporation is supporting age groups of the Aqaba club to participate in the upcoming league.

Safadi indicated that Aqaba Development Corporation is building real partnerships with civil society institutions and popular organizations in Aqaba to implement its ambitious projects. An integrated partnership has been established with the Aqaba Governorate Council to implement a number of joint projects and programs, including allocating a piece of land to build the Aqaba Addiction Treatment Center.

Safadi mentioned that Aqaba Development Corporation's projects are not limited to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone but extend to surrounding areas such as the Al-Qweira Industrial Zone, which spans an area of 1,800 dunams. Infrastructure preparation has been completed, and a contract has been signed with Al-Fajr Egyptian Corporation to supply the industrial zone with natural gas, making it the first gas-served industrial zone in the Kingdom. Efforts are underway to attract investors, and an agreement has been signed to establish a calcium carbonate factory. Aqaba Development Corporation is working with its partners to market the area as a distinguished industrial center.

Safadi emphasized that Aqaba, with all its economic branches, continues to compete regionally and internationally as a prominent economic and investment attraction point, thanks to the royal interest and continuous directives in providing all the necessary requirements and attractive measures to attract investors and provide feasible investment opportunities. The Corporation also supports ideas and programs that contribute to the development of Aqaba and transform it into a renewable investment destination. He mentioned that the development of Aqaba is in the process of delivering several projects under implementation, in addition to the upcoming announcement of a package of new projects for the coming years.