Living in Aqaba: the ultimate expat guide

Aqaba's economy is driven by tourism, port logistics, and light manufacturing, supported by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). The zone hosts over 1,782 registered companies and has created approximately 50,000 formal jobs. Foreign workers can benefit from streamlined work permit procedures within the ASEZ, with businesses allowed to hire up to 70% foreign workers.

Key Industries and Sectors

The main employment sectors include hospitality and tourism (with 90 hotels offering nearly 6,000 rooms), port operations and logistics (Jordan's only seaport with 12 terminals), and retail and services. The tech and professional services sectors are also growing, supported by four industrial zones and modern infrastructure.

Work Permits and Visas

Foreign nationals require both a work permit (issued by the Ministry of Labor) and a work visa. Employers must sponsor the application, and processing typically takes 30 to 60 days. Work permits are valid for one year and renewable. The ASEZA can issue permits directly, simplifying the process for businesses operating in the zone.

The table below shows key employment indicators for Aqaba:

Sources: Jordan Department of Statistics, Jordan Times

Aqaba offers diverse housing options ranging from city-center apartments to beachfront villas in gated communities. Rental prices are moderate compared to Amman, making it accessible for most expat budgets. Most landlords require a one-year lease with rent paid quarterly or annually in advance.

Popular Neighbourhoods for Expats

South Beach / Tala Bay is an upscale resort community with private beaches, pools, and access to luxury hotels. It's ideal for families seeking a resort lifestyle with apartments and villas available. Ayla Oasis is a newer development featuring golf courses, marinas, and modern apartments with beach access. City Center / 5th Area offers more affordable housing with easy access to shops, restaurants, and local markets – perfect for those wanting to immerse in daily Jordanian life. Al-Qasaba is a traditional neighbourhood with a quieter atmosphere, local markets, and lower rents.

Rental Prices

The table below provides average monthly rental costs in Aqaba:

Sources: local rental listings

The cost of living in Aqaba is generally affordable compared to major Western cities and even lower than Amman. A single expat can live comfortably on USD 1,500–2,000 per month, while a family of four should budget USD 3,000–4,000. Imported goods and luxury items may be more expensive due to import taxes.

Monthly Budget: Single Person

Monthly Budget: Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, LivingCost.org

Aqaba offers several higher education options for students seeking undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. The city is home to four universities and benefits from Jordan's well-regarded education system, with degrees recognized internationally, particularly in engineering, medicine, and Arabic studies.

Aqaba University of Technology (AUT)

Established in 2015, Aqaba University of Technology is the first private university in southern Jordan. Located on 500 acres overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba, it offers programs in Administrative Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering, Pharmacy, and Literature. The university emphasizes practical learning and real-world application. Tuition fees for international students typically range from USD 3,000 to USD 6,000 annually. More information: aut.edu.jo

University of Jordan – Aqaba Branch

Opened in 2009, the University of Jordan Aqaba Campus is a branch of Jordan's oldest and largest university (founded 1962). It offers select programs aligned with the main campus in Amman, which is ranked among the top 350 universities globally according to QS World University Rankings. The Aqaba branch provides access to quality public education in the south. More information: aqaba.ju.edu.jo

Admission and Programs

International students can apply through university portals. Programs are offered in Arabic and English depending on the faculty. The Institute of Banking Studies also has an Aqaba branch for professional financial certifications.

Sources: University of Jordan, QS World University Rankings

Expat families in Aqaba have access to both international and local schools. While public schools teach primarily in Arabic, private international schools offer English-medium instruction following British, American, or international curricula. School enrollment typically requires residency documentation and previous academic records.

International School Options

Aqaba International School (AIS) is the primary international school in the city, established in 2005 by the Aqaba Development Corporation. Since 2015, it has been operated by Mashrek International School, an IB World School. AIS offers education from ages 4 to 18, following the National Curriculum for England with IGCSE qualifications. The school provides a co-educational environment with Arabic language instruction alongside the English curriculum.

Key features of AIS include:

1. English as the primary teaching language
2. IGCSE and Cambridge Pathway programs
3. Special education support for learning difficulties
4. Located in the Palm residential area

Contact: aqabais.edu.jo | Phone: +962 3 203 9933

Other Options

Ittihad Schools Aqaba offers Arabic-medium education with English instruction. For families preferring Amman-based boarding schools, options like King's Academy (1.5 hours away) provide American-style boarding education with fees around JOD 19,500–27,000 per year.

Sources: International School Search, AIS

Daily life in Aqaba is relaxed and beach-oriented, with a warm, hospitable local culture. The city is compact and easy to navigate, though public transportation options are limited compared to larger cities. Most residents rely on taxis, private vehicles, or ride-sharing apps for daily commutes.

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and affordable, with typical city rides costing JOD 2–5 (USD 3–7). The Careem ride-sharing app works in Aqaba, offering transparent pricing. Public minibuses operate on fixed routes but are infrequent and primarily used by locals. For intercity travel, JETT buses connect Aqaba to Amman (5 hours, ~JOD 11), Petra (2 hours), and Wadi Rum (1 hour). King Hussein International Airport offers domestic flights to Amman (30 minutes, ~JOD 56).

Lifestyle and Culture

Aqaba blends traditional Jordanian customs with a tourist-friendly atmosphere. Local markets (souks) offer fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Friday is the weekly day of rest, with reduced services. The city is safe for families and solo travelers alike. Summer months are extremely hot, so many residents adopt early morning and evening routines. Beach clubs and hotel facilities provide recreational options, while the Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque showcases modern Islamic architecture.

Sources: Lonely Planet, Visit Aqaba

Aqaba offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and relaxation. As Jordan's window to the Red Sea, it's particularly renowned for water activities and serves as the gateway to some of the world's most spectacular natural and historical sites.

Diving and Water Sports

Aqaba is a world-class diving destination with over 20 dive sites along 26 km of coastline. Highlights include the Cedar Pride shipwreck (sunk in 1985 as an artificial reef), the C-130 Hercules airplane wreck, and the famous Tank Wreck. Water temperatures remain pleasant year-round (20–27°C), with visibility often exceeding 20 meters. PADI-certified dive centers offer courses for all levels. Snorkeling is accessible from beaches like the Japanese Garden reef.

Cultural Attractions

The Aqaba Fort (Mamluk Castle) dates to the 16th century and offers insight into the city's strategic history. The Aqaba Archaeological Museum displays artifacts from the region's 5,500-year history. The Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque is an architectural landmark worth visiting. For shopping, the old town souks offer spices, jewelry, and local crafts.

Day Trips

Aqaba is ideally positioned for excursions to Wadi Rum (1 hour), the spectacular desert featured in Lawrence of Arabia, and Petra (2 hours), one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Boat trips, sunset cruises, and glass-bottom boat tours explore the Gulf of Aqaba's marine life.

Sources: Visit Aqaba (ASEZA), Jordan Tourism Board

Aqaba offers a compelling combination for expats: an affordable cost of living, significant tax advantages through the Special Economic Zone, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle with year-round sunshine. The city provides essential infrastructure including international schools, quality healthcare, and growing job opportunities in tourism and logistics. While public transport is limited, the compact city size makes daily life manageable. The true draw is Aqaba's position as a gateway—to world-class diving, to iconic destinations like Petra and Wadi Rum, and to a warm, welcoming Jordanian culture. Whether you're seeking career opportunities, a retirement destination, or simply a new adventure by the Red Sea, Aqaba deserves serious consideration.

Ready to learn more? Connect with other expats in Aqaba on the Expat.com Jordan forum to get firsthand advice and share experiences!