Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Aqaba is a coastal city located at the northeastern tip of the Red Sea. It is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30-50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JOD ≈ 1.41 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Zain, Orange, and Umniah. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | ATMs widely accept international cards; Jordanian banks like Bank Al Etihad are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted in many places, but cash is still commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available on Airbnb and Booking.com, with prices starting around 25 JOD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hotel Ayla, starting at around 30 JOD per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Tala Bay area is popular for its resorts and beaches. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Aqaba offers affordable housing and proximity to coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Officina Aqaba, located in the city center, with monthly memberships starting at 50 JOD. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bateel, known for its Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Expats in Aqaba Facebook group often organizes meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Various community events at the InterContinental Hotel. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Careem is the most popular ride-hailing app in Aqaba. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops, with prices starting at 10 JOD per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | South Beach is known for its scenic views and accessibility. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Royal Jordanian Airlines operates flights to regional destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Various international airlines fly into King Hussein International Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Connected via the Desert Highway (Highway 15) to other major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Aqaba does not have a train station; buses are the main public transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are available, but no specific passes are offered. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to Petra and Wadi Rum are available daily. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Aqaba Specialist Hospital, known for its quality care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Oasis offers classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First Aqaba is popular with expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats can be found throughout the city, with wash and fold around 5 JOD per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Talabat is widely used for food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mansaf, a traditional Jordanian dish made with lamb and rice. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Olive Garden offers a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sufi's Sweets is renowned for traditional Arabic sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Souk Aqaba has fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | No major local platforms; international sites like Amazon deliver. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery shopping is limited; local stores offer delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Tala Bay has several bars and clubs for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Jordan Pale Ale Company offers local brews. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine House provides an extensive selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Kebab stalls near the port area are popular with locals. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Seafood is abundant, with many restaurants offering fresh catches. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Aqaba Fort and the Underwater Observatory are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Aqaba Museum highlights local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of Ayla, an ancient city, are nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The historic Mosque of Sharif Ali is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Aqaba's Spring Festival includes cultural performances each April. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Aqaba has a rich blend of culture and shopping. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local theater performances are held at King Abdulaziz Cultural Center. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The local souk offers a variety of handmade goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Beach clubs often host live music and local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | New murals are popping up as part of the 'Art in Aqaba' initiative. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Jordanian Cooking Classes offers immersive experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Aqaba Art Gallery features local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Aqaba Fort, dating back to the 16th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Aqaba has a rich mix of Bedouin, Arab and maritime culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Wadi Rum National Park offers stunning desert landscapes. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Musa Mountains National Park is a great spot for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront promenades are perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Aqaba's Lighthouse offers stunning views of the sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Birdwatching Center near the Red Sea is popular among avian enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beaches allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Aramex provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops near the city center offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Arabeya Language School offers Arabic classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Aqaba Public Library provides quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Aqaba Cultural Center hosts various events and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes provide gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in Aqaba; gambling is not commonly practiced. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 650 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 26,000 JOD) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 500 JOD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 20,000 JOD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 600 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 36,000 JOD) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 450 JOD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 27,000 JOD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 550 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 44,000 JOD) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 400 JOD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 32,000 JOD) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Income tax is generally based on residency status. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 20% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are rules in effect. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property location. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Around 5% of the property's sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Jordan has various exemptions for foreign income under certain conditions. |