Jordanian Town Near Israel's Port of Eilat: Aqaba

Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, located on the **Gulf of Aqaba** (Red Sea), ~15 km north of **Eilat, Israel**.

Key Facts

• Population: ~150,000.
• Special Economic Zone (ASEZA): low tax, duty-free, streamlined investment.
• Port: Handles phosphate, fertilizer, container, cruise traffic.
• Tourism: Red Sea diving (coral reefs), Wadi Rum/Petra gateway.
• Border crossings: **Yitzhak Rabin / Wadi Araba** (Eilat–Aqaba) – open for tourists.

Contrast

Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba (Jordan) are twin Red Sea resorts separated by a political border; both serve as gateways to Petra and the Negev/Sinai deserts.