ASEZA signs deal with int’l consortium to implement panorama project in Aqaba

AMMAN — The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a British-Swiss-Chinese consortium led by "A-One" company to implement a $1 billion panorama project (dubbed Al-Matal, meaning the view) on the southern shore of the Red Sea resort.

The agreement was signed on Saturday on behalf of the authority by its Chief Commissioner Nasser Shraideh and on behalf of the company implementing the project by its Kuwaiti CEO Ahmad Enezi, in the presence of Deputy Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Imad Hijazin, CEO of Aqaba Development Company Ghassan Ghanem and legal adviser to the consortium and legal representative in Jordan lawyer Salim Muhaisen, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Shraideh noted that the deal came days after His Majesty King Abdullah's visit to Aqaba and his directives to move ahead with the implementation of strategic plans to render Aqaba an international tourism, economic and investment hub.

The panorama project, which ASEZA chief described as one of the important tourism projects in Aqaba, entails an added value to the tourism industry and plays a role in enhancing Aqaba as a tourism destination in the Red Sea region.

He also stated that the authority has opened the door for investments in designated areas in Aqaba city and offered plots of lands for potential projects, including the panorama, which, he said, would create permanent jobs for Jordanians.

The project is also designed to optimise the use of beach through artificial lakes and cable cars that allow Aqaba visitors and tourists a distinctive view of the city and the sea, among other features.

Enezi said that the three-firm coalition signed the MoU after submitting technical and financial proposals for the project within a period that did exceed four months, in addition to the overall blueprint. 

He pointed out that representatives of the consortium had previously visited Aqaba and expressed admiration at the progress achieved, and the investment opportunities available in the city.