Aqaba Prepares to Launch the Blue Economy Innovation Center
Aqaba, 15 January 2026 – The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan and with support from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), held a consultative workshop as part of the preparations to launch the Blue Economy Innovation Center (BECI). The workshop forms part of the “Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme” supported by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) to advance reef-positive, inclusive blue economy development in the Gulf of Aqaba. GFCR’s support helps connect local innovation and enterprise development with marine ecosystem resilience, investment readiness, and sustainable job creation.
The workshop focused on the future role of the Center in advancing the blue economy in Aqaba through fostering innovation in marine sectors, promoting sustainable investment, and strengthening public–private partnerships in support of local development and job creation.
His Excellency Dr. Nedal Alouran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at ASEZA, stated: “The blue economy in Aqaba represents a practical framework for integrating marine environmental protection into economic development pathways, through smart policies that ensure resource sustainability and enhance Aqaba’s long-term competitiveness, in line with the priorities of the Economic Modernization Vision.”
The workshop also featured presentations on the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) Programme in the Gulf of Aqaba, highlighting its objectives, nature-based solutions, and role in strengthening marine ecosystem resilience, alongside technical sessions showcasing international best practices in blue economy innovation centers.
The session concluded by reaffirming the importance of establishing a clear operational model for BECI to support sustainable investment, empower national capacities, and position Aqaba as a regional hub for blue economy innovation
