The city of Aqaba is the southernmost part of Jordan, and at the north eastern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, on the Red Sea. The total area of Aqaba is (6905) km², while Aqaba’s territorial waters are around (94) km². The coastal line of Aqaba is very limited, extending to around 27 km, provides Jordan with the only access to the sea for activities such as ship transport, fishing, tourism and recreation beside different industrial developments.

The Royal Vision is to “transform Aqaba into a world-class business hub and leisure destination, enhancing the quality of life and prosperity of the regional community through sustainable development while being the driving force behind the development of Jordan.” Sustainable tourism has been prioritised to deliver Aqaba’s Green Growth strategy which envisages a green city with a thriving sustainable tourism offer along with becoming a leader in green technologies. Aqaba is globally recognized for its marine conservation work and carbon capture projects with the Aqaba Marine Reserve applying to become a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Aqaba regulations towards the natural environment are significant in terms of marine, flora, and fauna and some terrestrial habitats, species, and the landscape, with a stringent policy of "Zero Discharge" to the sea to eliminate of marine pollution. Therefore, all developments are motivated to remain environmentally sustainable in the long term as the environmental resources of Aqaba are an integral part of its attraction to investments. Voluntary eco-labeling initiatives certify hotels and restaurants (Green Key), private and public beaches (Blue Flag) and eco-schools (Green Flag). A Green Fin program with dive resorts has recently started. There are numerous community-led experiences in Aqaba and Wadi-Rum and ecotourism activities at the Aqaba Bird Observatory, a critical location for migratory birds. The first cycle route has been installed and the forthcoming master plan will propose an improved sustainable transport offer.