When speaking of Ayla in Aqaba, we refer to an area of great importance for the city. Or rather, two areas, since in recent years it has also been associated with a zone of special relevance for tourism in this Red Sea destination in Jordan. In the following lines, we explain all of this so that you can become familiar with this term, which is so present in its daily life.
The Remains of Ayla in Aqaba: The Ancient City
Ayla was the name given to the ancient city located here since pre-biblical times, when it was also known as Elath or Ailath (from which Ayla is derived). Little information is available about this settlement, but in Roman times, from the 2nd century AD onwards, it began to achieve a significant role for that empire, as an important commercial port was located here, key to the economy and communications in the Red Sea.
That role was maintained in Byzantine times, when it was an episcopal see and a transit point for pilgrims on their way to Mount Sinai. It must also have occupied a prominent position in the first centuries following the Arab conquest, as demonstrated by the defensive fortification built off its coast, on the so-called Pharaoh’s Island (under Egyptian sovereignty). Its decline came during the Ottoman Empire, when it was reduced to little more than a fishing village.
This history can be traced, with a great deal of imagination and interpretation, at the Ayla archaeological site, located near the city’s marina. In this enclosure, you can see the remains of constructions from those periods, such as the base of the wall that surrounded the city, the Egyptian gate, or even an ancient mosque from the Abbasid era. The site is set up as a museum with information panels.
Ayla Oasis: The Great Resort Area
Therefore, the name Ayla in Aqaba is synonymous with history and identity. So, it is no coincidence that it was also used for the most ambitious tourism project in the city in recent years. We are talking about Ayla Oasis, which is a 17 km2 enclosure located in the northern sector of the Aqaba coast, next to the border with Israel. On these lands, a massive private investment landed, creating a mega-resort complex and other complementary luxury facilities to form the most attractive vacation offering for the premium segment visiting the city, right on the beachfront.
Everything is organized around a semi-artificial lagoon, which can be navigated to reach each accommodation, as docks and moorings are distributed throughout the complex, in the style of a ‘Marina Village’. The list of hotels is extensive, all of them focused on seaside activities, with swimming pools, spas, solariums, and more. But the offering also consists of private apartments and larger villas, ensuring privacy and security during the holiday period.
One of the great icons of Ayla Oasis is its golf course, the largest in the country and, currently, the only one with 18 holes, which serves as a magnet for lovers of this premium sport. We discussed it in this other post. Furthermore, Ayla Oasis positions itself as an especially interesting place for leisure activities (water sports on the lagoon, inflatables, and water attractions), as well as for dining, with haute cuisine venues and major international chains. It is no coincidence, therefore, that this venue hosts the city’s main concerts, with renowned artists in the lineup, such as the Colombian singer Shakira.
