The Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Dr. Nidal Al-Aouran, confirmed that the blue economy in Aqaba represents a practical framework for integrating marine environmental protection into the path of economic development. This is achieved through smart policies that ensure resource sustainability and enhance Aqaba's long-term competitiveness, in line with the priorities of the economic modernization vision. This came during a specialized consultative workshop organized by the Authority to launch the 'Blue Economy Center for Innovation', in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program in Jordan, with support from the Global Coral Reef Fund (GCFR), and with the participation of official, national, and international bodies, as well as experts. The workshop aimed to discuss the future role of the Center in supporting the blue economy in Aqaba, by fostering innovation in marine sectors, stimulating sustainable investment, and building effective partnerships between the public and private sectors. In turn, international advisor Luke Reuters stated that the concept of the blue economy is one of the main paths supporting the economic modernization vision, as it enables coastal cities like Aqaba to sustainably benefit from their marine resources, which stimulates economic growth and contributes to providing quality job opportunities.
