Aqaba

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Coastal, Warm, Relaxed

Aqaba offers something uniquely refreshing within Jordan’s largely arid landscape — the country’s only Red Sea coastline, where desert mountains meet warm, turquoise waters. It’s a destination with a distinctly different vibe: sun-soaked, sea-breezed, and perfectly positioned for events that combine leisure with elegance. Whether you’re planning a beach wedding, a corporate incentive trip, or a cross-border celebration, Aqaba brings coastal charm and year-round sunshine to the table.

Unlike Petra or Wadi Rum, where the setting is defined by stone and silence, Aqaba is all about movement and pleasure — boats in the marina, divers exploring coral reefs, and cocktails served poolside as the sun dips below the mountains. This lively but laid-back energy makes it a natural fit for events with a celebratory or social tone. It’s especially popular for weddings, honeymoons, and group retreats that want the sea as their backdrop.

Aqaba is home to some of Jordan’s most polished resorts. The Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, with its private beach, modern ballrooms, and panoramic terrace views, is a top choice for destination weddings and executive functions. Nearby, the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort offers a luxury marina setting within the upmarket Ayla development, which includes an 18-hole golf course, stylish event spaces, and a growing collection of cafes, galleries, and wellness centres. For planners seeking exclusivity, Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is another standout — blending coastal glamour with Jordanian design.

In addition to classic hotel-based events, Aqaba supports a wide range of experiential formats. Groups often incorporate sunset dhow cruises, scuba diving adventures, or snorkelling safaris into their programmes. Beachfront dinners, yoga retreats, and cultural pop-ups can all be staged within the resort zones or at public venues such as Aqaba’s Royal Yacht Club or the Sharif Hussein bin Ali Square.

From a logistics standpoint, Aqaba is extremely accessible. It has its own international airport (King Hussein International Airport), which receives flights from Europe and the Gulf, and it’s just a 2-hour drive from Petra and 1 hour from Wadi Rum — making it an ideal anchor for multi-stop event itineraries. The city is also a Special Economic Zone, meaning fewer restrictions and some potential cost advantages for business-related events.

Aqaba is especially well-suited to beach and coastal events, business and corporate retreats, wellness getaways, and adventure tourism celebrations. Its marine and mountain backdrop supports both play and purpose — guests can dive coral reefs in the morning and attend a product launch by sunset.

As the southernmost tip of Jordan, Aqaba also opens up cross-border opportunities. It’s just across the water from Egypt’s Sinai coast, and within easy reach of Israel’s Eilat — allowing for regional events that span multiple destinations. Some planners are exploring trilateral collaborations, making use of Aqaba’s peaceful profile and logistical ease.

Importantly, Aqaba is a destination that balances indulgence with intention. Many resorts are integrating eco-practices, from reef conservation to plastic-free events. Planners can also partner with local marine organisations or community initiatives that support environmental education, ensuring that events leave a positive impact.

Ultimately, Aqaba is where Jordan goes to unwind, and it invites the world to do the same — in style. For event organisers, it offers the perfect blend of water, warmth, and welcome. Whether you’re hosting a wedding under the palms, a strategy session beside the sea, or a celebration that ends with fireworks over the Red Sea, Aqaba delivers beauty, ease, and hospitality in equal measure.