Blue Economy Innovation Center Launched in Aqaba
Launch of the Blue Economy Center for Innovation in Aqaba
Jordan’s First National Incubator Dedicated to Blue Economy Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Applied Research
26 Jan 2026
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), in partnership with the UNDP and with support from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), officially launched the Blue Economy Center for Innovation (BECI) on Monday, 26 January 2026, under the patronage of H.E. Mr. “Shadi Ramzi” Al-Majali, Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Board of Commissioners.
The launch took place during an official ceremony held in Aqaba, attended by representatives from government institutions, international organizations and embassies, the private sector, academic institutions, and international partners.
The Blue Economy Center for Innovation is a specialized national incubator established to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and applied research across blue economy sectors. The Center aims to promote environmentally responsible investment, contribute to economic diversification, and create quality employment opportunities, thereby reinforcing Aqaba’s position as a leading regional hub for a sustainable blue economy.
The launch marks a key milestone under the GFCR-supported programme in the Gulf of Aqaba, which is working with national and local partners to strengthen marine ecosystem resilience while expanding inclusive, reef-positive economic opportunities. BECI is intended to help translate this partnership into practical support for entrepreneurs, applied research, and sustainable investment.
The launch of the Center aligns with national priorities and international initiatives focused on ocean and marine resource protection. It also reflects the vision articulated by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein during his address at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice on 9 June 2025, where he emphasized the importance of sustainable ocean management, protection of marine ecosystems, and strengthened international cooperation to balance economic development with environmental conservation for future generations.
H.E. Mr. "Shadi Ramzi" Al-Majali, Chairman of ASEZA Board of Commissioners, stated that the establishment of the Blue Economy Center for Innovation comes in line with the directives of the Ministry of Environment and in coordination with relevant national institutions, which have entrusted ASEZA with leading this pathway in Aqaba. He noted that the Center reflects ASEZA’s commitment to adopting innovative and sustainable development models and strengthening Aqaba’s role as a regional hub for investment and entrepreneurship in marine-related sectors. He added that the Center will play a pivotal role in linking policies with investment, supporting the private sector, and empowering small and medium enterprises, while safeguarding Aqaba’s unique environmental assets.
Ms. Randa Aboul-Hosn, UNDP Resident Representative in Jordan, emphasized that the launch of the Blue Economy Center for Innovation represents a practical step toward translating blue economy concepts into tangible development impact. She highlighted the Center’s focus on high-value, low-environmental-impact activities, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and promoting inclusive governance, thereby achieving a balance between economic growth and marine environmental protection, while contributing to quality job creation and social equity in Aqaba.
During the launch ceremony, it was also announced that applications will soon open for small and medium enterprises in Aqaba seeking to transition toward blue economy activities. An allocation of JOD 200,000 has been earmarked for this purpose during the current year, aiming to stimulate innovation, accelerate the shift toward sustainable marine-based economic activities, and enhance local economic and social impact.
Blue Economy Center for Innovation will serve as a dedicated platform to incubate enterprises, support applied research, and connect entrepreneurs with finance, knowledge, and markets. It will also strengthen partnerships between the public and private sectors and academic institutions, facilitating the transformation of innovative ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures.
The launch of the Center reflects the strategic partnership between ASEZA and UNDP in Jordan, supported by GFCR, encompassing a comprehensive portfolio of initiatives related to marine and coastal environmental protection, coral reef restoration, circular economy promotion, strategic planning, institutional capacity building, social cohesion, and the development of blue economy-related policies at both national and local levels.
In this context, the blue economy constitutes one of the core pillars of the GFCR Programme in Jordan, which focuses on advancing sustainable development pathways that protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems, while linking environmental conservation with economic growth and improved local livelihoods. The Blue Economy Center for Innovation serves as a key implementation platform for this vision, supporting innovative enterprises, strengthening partnerships, and translating ideas into scalable and sustainable solutions
