ASEZA and SSIF Partner to Advance Aqaba’s Role as a Strategic Red Sea Hub

ASEZA and SSIF Partner to Advance Aqaba’s Role as a Strategic Red Sea Hub

13-Aug-2025

Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Shadi Ramzi Majali, received the Chairman of the Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) Investment Board, Omar Malhas; SSIF CEO, Dr. Izzedine Kanakrieh; Chairperson of the Board of the National Company for Tourism Development (NTD), Nadia Rawabdeh; and the accompanying delegation to discuss the latest developments in the Fund’s projects and investments.

Majali emphasized that the partnership with SSIF represents a cornerstone in supporting Aqaba’s development journey, noting that the Fund’s presence as one of the largest institutional investors in the city reflects confidence in Aqaba’s investment climate and its position as a strategic regional hub.

He added that this partnership contributes to strengthening vital sectors and attracting more high-value investments, in line with the Royal Vision to develop Aqaba as an integrated investment and tourism destination, while supporting the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision.

For his part, Malhas stated that the Fund’s investments in Aqaba align with its strategic vision to further leverage the city’s competitive advantages, including its strategic location on the Red Sea and advanced infrastructure.

SSIF CEO Dr. Izzedine Kanakrieh noted that the Fund is committed to enhancing its existing portfolio in Aqaba while expanding into priority economic sectors that deliver strong and sustainable economic and social returns for the Kingdom.

NTD Chairperson Nadia Rawabdeh stated that the company is advancing flagship tourism projects in Aqaba, including the full renovation of the InterContinental Aqaba Hotel to meet world-class hospitality standards, as well as the design of a new beachfront four-star “VOCO” hotel under IHG Hotels & Resorts; projects that will add a distinctive dimension to the city’s tourism offering.

The meeting concluded with an affirmation that SSIF’s investments in Aqaba reflect its commitment to maximizing the opportunities the city offers and capitalizing on its strategic location on the Red Sea as a fully integrated center for economic, tourism, and logistics activities. These investments stem from the Royal directives to develop Aqaba into a world-class investment and tourism hub and contribute to implementing the priorities and programs of the Economic Modernization Vision.

 







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