Aqaba Aquarium + Science hub
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in co-operation with the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), The Royal Court of Jordan and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) are developing a new world-class science hub and aquarium in the Jordanian port city of Aqaba.
- Aqaba, Jordan
- location
- 30,000 m2
- Land area
- 15,000 m2
- Aquarium
- 7,500 m2
- Science hub
- In progress
- Status
The authorities announced tenders for the Design, Engineering and Specialist works in January 2023. In a Joint Venture effort, the local partners Bitar Architects and Engineers, with International Aquarium specialists Aquamarine Projects won the tender.
The project is a cornerstone of Jordan’s vision for sustainable tourism, and a significant step in Aqaba’s bid to become a leading global destination.
The project is planned to be constructed on a land of area 30,000 square meters, for the Science Hub and Public Aquarium inside the old port of Aqaba which was closed in 2018 in favor of a location further south, the old port area, currently known as Marsa Zayed, is at the southern edge of the main town of Aqaba (old downtown). A master plan for the development of the area is being prepared in which a provisional land space was allocated for the Science Hub and Aquarium.
The Gulf of Aqaba, a part of Jordan’s unique natural landscape, is recognized for the Aqaba Marine Reserve. This National Marine Protected Area, officially established by the Government of Jordan in June 2020 under the directive of King Abdullah II, represents a significant commitment to marine conservation. The coral reef ecosystems within the Aqaba reefs are notably one of the most diverse globally.
The Aquarium
Despite the prevalent threat of climate change affecting marine ecosystems
worldwide, the Aqaba reefs have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Unlike many
coral reefs around the globe, those in Aqaba have not experienced bleaching,
even in the face of rising water temperatures, showcasing their unique capacity to
withstand environmental stressors.
The Public Aquarium in Aqaba is a marvel of modern design and technology, serving
multiple purposes beyond mere recreation. Covering an expansive area of 15,000
square meters, it’s a hub for tourism, education, and various recreational activities.
The Aquarium leverages cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality to create
immersive 3-D marine worlds. This approach aims to instil a sense of wonder and
appreciation for marine life without the ethical implications of housing large or
rare sea animals in captivity. The exhibits are focused primarily on showcasing the
intricacies of the Gulf of Aqaba coral reef ecosystems. The Aquarium is intended for
a diverse range of visitors including the general public, tourists, staff, scientists, and
students of all ages.
Science Hub
The Science Hub concept is modeled on successful science parks in Europe and
elsewhere, which offers modular units with flexible interiors that can be configured
into research laboratories, product testing centers, teaching rooms, offices, visitor
facilities, the science hub spans a total area of approximately 7,500 square meters.
The Aqaba Aquarium comprises specialist works components that make up the
technical parts of the aquarium. Special theming works inside and outside water
tanks, acrylic panels to display the exhibits, life support systems and interactive
displays that create an immersive journey for the visitors, each of these specialist
components need to be procured from specialist companies around the world.
