Population: 115 100

Aqaba is located on the tip of the Aqaba gulf. Three countries have a window on it: Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Some sites, evidencing human presence, were found before at least 5 500 years BC. According to the Old Testament, King Solomon built a seaport 3 km of the present Aqaba. The Roman used the town in 106 AD as one of their main trading stations on the Red Sea. During the XII century, the Crusaders occupied the city and they built a fort on the Pharaohs Island. Salah Eldin recaptured the city in 1182 AD. The Great Arab Revolt revived the importance of Aqaba in the early twentieth century. T.E. Lawrence and the Arab forces occupied the port in 1917. With the only maritime access of the Kingdom, Aqaba represents a real opportunity for Jordan. The government has set up a free trade area and the possibilities for growth are huge.