AQA B A S P E C I A L

ECO N O M I C Z O N E
The Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ) covers an area of 65 square kilometers,
extending along the entire 27 kilometer Red Sea Coast of Jordan.

The ASEZA incorporates the city of Aqaba, with a population of approximately

70,000 people, the Port of Aqaba, the International Airport of Aqaba, the
Northern Industrial Zone near the airport, the Coastal Zone south of the port
area, the mountains parallel to the Red Sea coastline, and the Southern
Industrial Zone next to the
border of Saudi Arabia.

This area is being administered under a single integrated government entity, the
Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, which is charged with coordinating the
economic and social development of all the diverse activities and resources within
the ASEZ as a special free trade economic zone.
 CO M M U N I T Y
CONCEPT

Occupying an historic position at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, the town of Aqaba
begins at the edge of the blue water in a green grove of date palms and flows up the
alluvial slopes in a cascade of white and soft sand colors toward the red rugged
ridges of mountains that flank the Gulf.

Continuing the theme, the concept for expansion of the town up the Wadi Araba Valley
and down the Southern Coast is to maintain a low-scale, informal town and village
environment in an expanded oasis that reinforces the blue of the sea, the green of
the palms and the red of the mountains.
 COMMUNITY
C H A R AC T E R

Although Aqaba has an ancient history and a more recent heritage of famous events,
the current town is relatively modern and neutral.
A principal goal of the ASEZA Master Plan is to introduce an image for Aqaba that
expresses, through planning, architecture and landscaping, a community
character that reflects both its traditional Islamic foundations, its forward focus
as a state-of-the-art business center for the Arab world, and its respect for the
unique environment of the waters and mountains of the Gulf.
This character will be created through design techniques that organize land and
express buildings and landscaping in a blend of traditional and contemporary
patterns and forms.
Binding the entire city together will be a canopy of palms and desert shade trees that
expand the original oasis and create the image of a green city that is both fitting
in the desert-sea environment and unique to Aqaba.
D E V E LO P M E N T ZON E S
The ASEZ is divided into five general
areas of development.

The first area is Aqaba Town, with its

waterfront corniche, urban hotels,
commercial district, historic sites,Old
Town and Shallalah districts, and
newer residential areas.
The second area is the Port Zone,with
container shipping, general cargo and
bulk loading facilities, through which
all of the shipping of Jordan
passes.Within the Port Zone there is
the potential for cruise ship tourism,
waterfront recreation, entertainment,
high-tech businesses and a technical
university in a redeveloped harbor
area.
The third area is the Coastal Zone,
planned for resort hotels, residential
homesites and public beach facilities.
This area includes sensitive and exotic coral reefs that must be protected as a major
attraction for both residents and tourists.
The fourth area is the Southern Industrial Zone near the Saudi border.
The fifth area is the Airport Industrial Zone near the international airport.

The juxtaposition of these uses offers a rich opportunity of interplay of activities, but
also the need for careful relationships and buffers.
 L A N D U S E ZON E S
In relation to the general development zones, all land areas within the ASEZ are
defined by land use zones.
Designated land use zones include residential, tourism, commercial,
government/institutional, industrial, special use, natural area, marine reserve,
wilderness reserve and development reserve.
All development within the ASEZ must observe the design criteria given in the
following sections for each land use zone.
This includes all new development, as well as any new modifications or additions to
existing development.
C I R C U L AT I O N
Vehicular access to Aqaba is down the
Dead Sea Highway (Route 65) from Safi
and Amman and down the Desert
Highway (Route 53) through the Wadi
Yutum Gorge from Petra, Wadi Rum
and Amman.
The Dead Sea Highway and the Desert
Highway join on the northern edge of
Aqaba Town and lead down the dual
carriageway entrance boulevard of
Sharif Hussein bin Ali to the
downtown commercial center of
Aqaba, terminating in the Ayla
Roundabout at Malik Hussein
Boulevard along the Aqaba Corniche.
The Desert Highway is a major truck
route that serves the port facilities in
Aqaba.The trucks currently pass
through Aqaba Town along an urban
bypass road to the port and the
southern industrial area.
A less-used Back Road through
the mountains offers an opportunity for
trucks to avoid the town.
A rail line parallels the Desert Highway
through Wadi Yutum and the truck
route through Aqaba Town to the
Main Port.
An extension is planned from the Main
Port south to the Southern Industrial
Zone.
The Malik Hussein Bouldevard on the
Aqaba Corniche extends from the
tourist hotel district to the Main Port.
The Coast Road extends from the Main
Port through the Coastal Zone to the
Southern Industrial Zone. This road
will be realigned around the Main
Port and Container Port areas.
An Upper Coast Road is proposed parallel
to the the rail line extension down to
the Southern Industrial Zone.
This road is meant to carry trucks and
through traffic to the Coastal Zone
tourism area, the Southern Industrial
Zone and Saudi Arabia.
The existing Coast Road is to be
converted into a local scenic road
serving only the beaches and the
Coastal Zone tourism area.
 R OADWAY
HIERARCHY
The network of roads and streets within
the ASEZ is divided into an hierarchy
of five types:

National, Primary and Secondary,

Neighborhood and Local.
National Roads include the Dead Sea
Highway, the Desert Highway and the
Back Road bypass to the Southern
Industrial Zone.
Primary Roads include the Sharif Hussein
bin Ali entrance boulevard leading to
downtown Aqaba, the Malik Hussein
Boulevard along the Aqaba Corniche,
the truck bypass through Aqaba Town,
and the Coast Road leading to the
Southern Industrial Zone.
Secondary roads distribute traffic from
the primary roads around the
perimeters of residential, commercial
and industrial areas.They include the
Amir Muhammad downtown loop,
Abdullah bin Hussein Avenue along
the government district, and Amir al
Hasan Avenue in the northern
residential areas.

Neighborhood streets are the main

circulators within residential,
commercial and industrial areas.
Local streets provide access to
individual development sites within
residential, commercial and
industrial areas.
 STREETSECTIONS
Existing roadways vary in width and
section.
In order to simplify the hierarchy of
roadways, all new roadways are to be
designed according to the following
street sections:

Primary Roads
Primary roads are designed as dual
carriageways, with 10 meters of
pavement divided into two to three
travel lanes in each direction, a
10meter wide landscaped median, and
5-10 meter wide parkways containing
pedestrian walkways on each side.
Total right-of-way width is 40-50
meters.
Secondary Roads
Secondary roads are designed as dual carriageways,
with 7.5 meters of pavement divided into two travel
lanes in each direction, a 5 meter wide landscaped
median, and 5 meter wide parkways with
pedestrian walkways on each side.
Total right-of-way width is 30 meters.

Neighborhood Streets
Neighborhood streets are designed as two-lane
undivided roadways, with 3 meter wide travel
lanes, a 2.5 meter wide parking lane on each side,
and 4.5 meter wide parkways with sidewalks on
each side. Total right-of-way width is 20 meters.

Local Streets
Local streets are designed as two-lane undivided
roadways, with 3 meter wide travel lanes, a 2
meter wide parking lane on each side, and 2
meter wide parkways with sidewalks on each
side. Total right-of-way width is 14 meters.
 N AT U R A L A R E A S

A number of marine and terrestrial areas have

been identified as significant natural environment sites within the ASEZ, and as
such are to be protected and preserved.

P R OT E C T I O N ZO N E S
Identified natural areas have been rated according to signifcance and sensitivity
and assigned to one of the following categories of importance.
Category A
Areas of globally threatened flora and fauna in which no activities other than
scientic research are allowed.
Category B
Areas of regional or local importance in which endemic or endangered species may
be found. Only strictly controlled eco-tourism is allowed in this area.
Category C
Areas of medium sensitivity that include natural and semi-natural habitats that
attract local and migratory species. Controlled tourist and residential activities
are allowed
The following natural areas are identified for
protection by category:

Aqaba Region
A) Mountain peaks northeast of the city
A) Mountain ridges above 500m
B) Wadi Yutum
B) Desert west of airport
C) Mountain ridges below 500m

Aqaba Town
A) Al Hafayer Area along the waterfront
B) The “oldest tree” near the Riding Club
C) Royal Gardens palm groves Port Areas
B) Old Power Station Reefs
C) Reefs south of Main Port

South Coast Tourism Zone

A) Coral Reefs 1,2 and 3
B) The Aqaba Marine Park between the Marine
Center and the Royal Diving Club
B) The Fossil Reefs above the Marine Center

Southern Industrial Zone

A) RSCN mountain reserve
B) Dirreh Bay Reefs
C) Upper Wadi 2
G E N E R A L P R OT E C T I O N C R I T E R I A
The following general criteria must be observed
to protect designated natural areas:

Category A areas
•No development allowed inside the site
•No access except for scientific research
•No anchorage in marine zones
•No vehicle access in terrestrial zones
•Buffering required from adjacent uses
•Protection from water pollution and siltation
required in marine areas

Category B areas
•No permanent development allowed
•Limited access for escorted groups
•Bouy mooring only in marine zones
•Vehicle access limited to existing tracks
in terrestrial zones
Category C areas
•Limited visitor facility development is allowed.
•Limited landscaping with native species.
•Bouy mooring only in marine zones.
•Vehicle access limited to existing tracks and parking areas in terrestrial zones.
•Public access limited to defined trails in terrestrial zones.

All Category areas

•No fishing and hunting in protected areas
•Protection from wind blown litter and dust from port, industrial and tourism
activities
•Protection from water pollution and siltation in marine areas
•Protection from random vehicular tracks,excavating and dumping in terrestrial
areas.
•Protection from plant material scavenging and introduction of non-native species in
terrestrial areas.
 C U LT U R A L AND
H I S TOR I C S I T E S
A number of cultural and historic sites have been identified within the ASEZ as
places that are to be protected and made available for view by the public.

P R OT E C T I O N ZO N E S
As with natural areas, cultural and historical siteshave been rated according to
signifcance and sensitivity and assigned to one of the following categories of
importance.

Category A
Areas in which no new development is allowed.
Category B
Areas that can be integrated into tourism and national park activities.
The following cultural and historic sites are identified for protection by category:
Aqaba Region
A) Roman Aila
A) Tell el Kheleifeh
A) Tell Maqass
A) Hujeiret el Ghuzlan
A) Wadi Yutum
A) Al Katara
A) Site 12
B) Site 10
B) Umm Nusielah
Aqaba Town
A) Mamluk Castle
A) Islamic Ayla
A) Byzantine Aila

G E N E R A L P R OT E C T I O N
CRITERIA
The following general criteria must be
observed to protect and display designated
cultural and historic sites:

•No new development is allowed, except

limited visitor facilities.
•A buffer zone of 5-25 meters is required
between the site and adjacent uses.
•Pedestrian access is limited to designated
spaces and trails.
•Vehicle access is limited to designated
parking areas.
•Limited landscaping with native species.
•Protection from off-site storm drainage and
wind blown litter.
 S O C I A L AND
E N V I R O N M E N T ECONOMIC
Certain conditions affect the social and economic
environment of development sites.
These conditions include the benefits of views,
the impacts of transportation, conditions in
Old Town and Shallalah and the advantages
of parks and free beach access.

V I EWS
The topography of the ASEZ offers dramatic
views of colorful mountain ridges and the
Gulf of Aqaba. To enhance views, new and
modified development must observe the
following criteria:
• New development must be designed in ways
that provide views for the project and protect
views of neighboring projects.
• Industrial and port activities must control air
emissions that diminish the clarity of views
T R A N S P O R TAT I O N I M PAC T S

The truck and rail corridors through Aqaba Town are to be buffered from adverse
visual, noise, air pollution, litter and safety impacts with the following mitigation
techniques:

•Use of sound walls, berms and landscaping along right-of-way edges through
Aqaba Town.
•Use of berms along the right-of-way in the Coastal Zone tourism area.
•Use of fencing or walls to prevent access to the rail line right-of-way except at
protected crossings.
•Wall and fence designs must be similar to design criteria for perimeter walls and
fences given in Section 6.3.
•Weekly removal of litter as part of regular maintenance program.
•Ultimate relocation of trucking to the Back Road.
O L D TOW N A N D S H A L L A L A

Old Town and Shallalah have a thriving social and economic life and provide
essential low income housing stock close to downtown Aqaba and port area
employment.
These districts should be retained for their social and economic benefits to a large
portion of the population of Aqaba.
•Existing development in Old Town and Shallalah is to be upgraded according to
specific design criteria given in Section 7.0.
PA R K S A N D O P E N S PAC E S

Parks and open space provide relief from

urban congestion and spaces for active
and passive recreation.
All new development must provide parks
and open space areas within the
development according to landscape
design criteria in Section 6.3.

• Parks should be small, convenient,

sheltered and shaded.
• Parks should provide places for children
to play where parents can monitor
their activities.
B E A C H ACC E S S

All beaches should be open to public access.

New or modified development along beach frontages must observe the following
criteria:
• New development may not block free pedestrian circulation along the beach.
• Existing development that prevents public beach access should be modified to open
the beach to public circulation.
• Convenient public access points are required within or between development sites
along the beach.
 GENERALDESIGN
GUIDELINES

The design goals of the Master Plan are to create an enhanced and coordinated
image for the ASEZ that reflects its traditional heritage, its look to the future and
its unique mountain, desert and seaside environment.
To achieve these goals, the following general guidelines must be observed for all new
and modified site development, architecture, landscaping, lighting and sign
design within the ASEZ.
In addition to these general guidelines, specific design guidelines, given in Sections
7.0, 8.0 and 9.0for Aqaba Town, the Coastal Zone, and the Port and Industrial
Zones, must be observed for all development.
All development within a project site must conform to the following site planning and
design standards
LANDUSE

A development site may contain only those land

uses designated by the ASEZA Master Plan in
which the site is located.
Allowable activities for each designated land use
are given in the Master Plan.

D E V E LO P M E N T I N T E N S I T Y

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

The density of residential or tourist site
development may be limited by a designated
number of residential or hotel units assigned
to the site.

The density of commercial and other

nonresidential development may be limited by
a floor area ratio (FAR) factor assigned to the
site.

The FAR of any site is the ratio of total gross

building floor area to total gross site area.
Plot Coverage Ratio
The intensity of development may also be limited by a plot coverage ratio assigned to
the site.
This is the ratio of total gross building footprint area to total gross site area.

BUILDINGHEIGHTS
Building heights throughout the ASEZ are to be kept low to maintain the traditional
town and village scale of Aqaba and to preserve views for buildings on slopes. In
general, buildings are limited to 2 stories close to the waterfront.
They gradually increase in height away from the shore. All development within the
ASEZ must observe the building height limits shown in the following diagram.
BUILDINGSETBACKS
Building setbacks establish the relationship of buildings to the beach, environmental
preserves, streets, property lines and adjacent development.They provide buffer
zones and establish outdoor spaces and landscape areas. Setbacks may vary
according to land use and the location of the development site.

Landscape Areas
All building setback areas within development sites are designated as landscape
zones.
Landscape zones are limited to planting, driveway, walkway, patio, terrace, game
court and swimming pool installation only.

Natural Areas
Natural areas, such as steep slopes, ridgelines, wadi drainage channels and
environmental preserves, may be designated adjacent to or within a development
site.
No development is allowed within these zones. Any trees, rock outcrops or other
natural features within a project site that are designated for preservation must
be retained in their natural state.

Beach Protection Zone

A 50 meter wide Beach Protection Zone extends from the mean high water level
inland along the waterfront. The purpose of this zone is to preserve the natural
continuous environment of the beach, provide uninterrupted public access and
circulation along the beach, and prevent construction of solid jetties,walls and
bulwarks that disrupt either the flow of currents and beach sand along the
shoreline and access to the public.
For new construction, no development is allowed in this area without special
permission, except soft plantings of palms, shade trees, shrubs and groundcovers,
and small, single post shade structures.

General Building Setback Criteria Building setbacks vary according to whether the
location of the development site is in Aqaba Town, the Coastal Zone or the Port
and Industrial Zones.

Specific criteria for each zone are given in Sections 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. The following
criteria are applicable to all locations.

• No setbacks are required for buildings with interior courtyards and windows, and a
maximum height of 2 stories.
• No side yard setbacks are required for side building facades with no windows.
• No street frontage setback is required for ground floor retail facing the street.
• The minimum setback, measured at ground level, for all other buildings with
external windows is 6 meters from any street frontage parcel line and 4 meters
from a side or rear parcel line, plus one additional meter for each building level
above two.
• The minimum setback from a designated natural area or environmental preserve is
6 meters.
• Where a zero setback is allowed, the building must be placed either on the parcel
line, or at a minimum setback of 2 meters. Setbacks between zero and 2 meters
are not allowed.
S I T E ACC E S S A N D PA R K I N G
Vehicular Access
•Vehicular access is permitted only from
the street frontage location(s) indicated
on the individual parcel plan for the
site.
Maximum driveway width inside the street
right-of-way zone for individual residential
sites is 6 meters.Maximum entry drive
width inside the street right-of-way for
individual non-residential sites is 10
meters.Maximum entry drive width
within the street right-of-way for
multiple building development sites is
15 meters.
Parking
For all new development, car parking must
be provided within the development site
according to the following ratios:
- 2 spaces per single family residential site
- 1 space per dwelling unit for hotel, time-
share and multi-family residential
- 3 paces per 100 m2 for commercial office,
government and institutional uses.
- 4 spaces per 100 m2 for retail uses.
- 1 space per 100 m2 for port and
industrial uses.
Other parking requirements include:

• On-street car parking is allowed only on neighborhood and local streets.

• Trucks, busses, trailers, campers, boats, and any other vehicle that is not a car,
may not be parked overnight on any street. These vehicles must be parked in
designated off-street lots.
• Parking structures must observe the same setbacks requirements as other
buildings.
S I T E G R A D I N G A N D D R A I N AG E

Grading
To preserve views, protect street and property line frontages, and protect natural
areas, finish grading on each development must adhere to the following
requirements:
• No grading is permitted outside property lines or inside natural area zones.
• Grading of natural terrain should be minimized.
• Final on-site grades must be compatible with existing street frontage and adjacent
property line grades.
• Graded slopes must be feathered into the contours of natural slopes to avoid
artificial angles and edges.

Drainage
On-site storm water and irrigation drainage must be designed to prevent erosion and
uncontrolled flows off site.
• Surface drainage must be contained within the site and directed to established
drainage channels or wadis.
• Storm water retention devices must be used to slow the flow of drainage and silt
into off-site wadis or drainage channels.
• Any channelization of wadis through a development site must be coordinated with
the location and capacity of the wadi treatment above and below the site.
• All irrigation must be contained on site.
ON-SITEUTILITIES

All utility systems within a development site are to be placed underground and
connections screened from street view.

Electrical Requirements
Each site shall have an individual electric power meter and circuit breaker connected
to an underground feed from the main distribution line.
The breaker enclosure and meter are to be placed inside a pylon that is incorporated
into the street landscaping or perimeter walls of the site. The equipment shall be
concealed from street view, but remain accessible to a meter reader without
passing through gates or doors.

Water Requirements
The water connection and meter are to be located in underground vaults flush to
grade.
Water conservation techniques are required for all fixtures and irrigation equipment.
This includes flow restrictors at all shower heads and faucets, low-flow toilets and
low-flow irrigation heads.

Telephone and CATV

Telephone and CATV connections are to be located in underground vaults flush to
grade.
SERVICEAREAS

All objectional uses and noises shall be screened from

adjacent development sites and public street,walkway
or beachfront view.
All service areas, delivery areas, and exterior mechanical
equipment must be screened from horizontal off-site
view by walls or opaque landscaping.

This includes:
• Truck docks and parking areas,
• Trash collection and outdoor storage areas.
• Air conditioning units,
• Fuel tanks, water tanks,
• Water purifiers, pumping equipment,
• TV and radio antennas, satellite dishes,
• Irrigation controllers, backflow presenters,
• Clothes drying and outdoor work areas

All exterior generators of sound, including air

conditioning compressors, water filters and outdoor
speakers must be shielded to protect neighbors.
Wall or window-mounted air conditioning units are not
allowed.
Radio and TV antennas may not be attached to any
building.
A screened trash container area must be provided that is
is not visible from the street or neighboring parcels.
S I T E P E R I M E T E R WA L L S
ANDFENCES

In order to coordinate the image of

streetscapes and neighborhoods, the
design of all development site perimeter
walls and fences must adhere to the
following general criteria.

General Criteria
• Perimeter walls must be built in natural
local stone or concrete masonry covered with
stucco. No other materials are allowed,
including exposed concrete block, brick,
and metal or fiberglass panels.
• Fences must be built with architectural
steel tubing or wrought iron. Chain link,
barbed wire, razor wire and wood fencing
are not allowed.
• Maximum wall and fence height is 2 meters
above finished grade.
• Color, texture and finishes are to be
consistent on both sides of the wall.
• Wall columns must be carefully designed as
an integral part of the wall.
• Walls must be designed to step down
grades at columns.
Streetscape Walls
Streetscape frontage walls must be designed
according to the following criteria:
• Streetscape walls must be located inside the
parcel line.
• Wall materials, color, texture and finishes are to
be consistent with all other street frontage
walls on the same street.
Openings in the wall are limited to one driveway
entry and one walkway entry per street
frontage.
• A simple fence in a contemporary Islamic style
may be placed on top of a low wall, or in lieu of
the wall, up to a maximum height of 2 meters
above grade.
• Driveway and walkway entry doors should be
wood in a traditional design. Solid metal doors
require special approval.
• Driveway and walkway gates must be designed
as a traditional simple, open, black, wrought
iron grill in a contemporary or Islamic style.
Opaque, oversized and overly elaborate gates
are not acceptable.
• The design of entry gate arches and frames must
be integrated with the wall design.
• Address numerals must be incorporated into
ceramic tile mounted on the wall near the gate.
• Trees or flowering vines must be planted just
inside the wall so that the foliage spills over
the wall to enhance the streetscape
environment.
Side and Rear Permimeter Walls and Fences

• Side yard walls on common property lines must be located inside the property line,
unless a shared wall, centered on the property line, is mutually built by adjacent
landowners.
• A simple fence in a contemporary Islamic style may be placed on top of a low wall,
or used in
lieu of the wall, up to a maximum height of 2 meters above grade.

Retaining Walls
• Retaining walls are limited to a maximum height of 2 meters above natural grade.
• Slopes greater than 2 meters in height are to be treated with multiple, tiered
retaining walls separated by a planter strip at least 1.0 meter wide.
• Retaining walls must be faced with native stone, unless otherwise approved.
Exposed concrete, concrete masonry, adobe or brick are not acceptable.
• Retaining walls close to property lines may not adversely affect grades,walls,
drainage, views, or privacy of adjacent parcels or public frontages.
• When a retaining wall is required along the side property line between two lots at
different levels, the maximum combined height of the retaining wall and side
yard wall is 3 meters above the lower lot level.
 ARCHITECTURAL
DESIGNCRITERIA

AR C H I T E C T U R A L C H A R A C T E R

The goal of architectural design for Aqaba is to establish an image and an identity
that will enhance community pride and attract both tourism and business
development.
This image is derived from the unique presence of Aqaba as a desert and coastal
settlement on the Red Sea, its historic heritage and traditional Islamic
foundations, and its forward focus as a state-of-the-art commercial center for the
Arab world.
It is intended to express the character of Jordan without imitating Amman, the
character of Islam without imitating other Middle Eastern countries, and the
character of the modern world without imitating Europe, Asia or America.
This character will be created through a blend of traditional and contemporary
architectural design patterns and forms.
The blending of character will range toward more traditional motifs in residential
areas and tourist zones, and more contemporary forms and techniques in
commercial areas and industrial zones.

Specific architectural design zones have been established to identify where more
traditional or more contemporary design motifs should be applied.
These zones are shown in the following diagram.
The design of all new development, and any modifications or additions to existing
development, must be adapted to the architectural characteristics given in the
following sections.
Key Architectural Characteristics

The architectural character for Aqaba is derived from both traditional and
contemporary motifs.
Key design characteristics that must be incorporated in all development in the ASEZ
include:
• Variety in building massing using compositions of simple cubical forms
• Flat roofs with changes in parapet height.
• Use of interior courtyard spaces.
• The appearance of thick building walls with recessed windows and doors.
• Window openings in vertical proportions.
• Earthtone wall colors in a variety of shades that reflect the natural colors of the
adjacent
mountains and desert.
• Design treatment of windows, doors, stairs, mouldings,walls, fences and other
details
in Islamic motifs.
Unacceptable Characteristics

Architectural design characteristics that are not acceptable in the ASEZ

include:
• Contemporary architecture from Amman.
• Imitated European, American or Asian designs.
• Historic Roman, Greek or Egyptian forms.
• Monumental or eclectic forms.
• Psuedo castles, chateaux or temples.
• Exaggerated high technology forms.
BUILDINGSCALEANDMASSIN
G
Unless otherwise approved, all new buildings
must have a low, horizontal scale that includes
variety in height and shape.
Appropriate building scale and massing:
• Horizontal building proportions.
• Variation in wall plane.
• Variation in roofline height.
• Stepping of building forms down slopes.
• Compositions of simple rectilinear shapes.
• Use of shadows to create a sense of depth.
• Large surface areas broken by changes in
plane, openings, recesses, or building details.
• Structural elements, doors,windows and
building details in proper proportions to
size of building.

Unacceptable building scale and massing:

• Large boxy shapes.
• Large, plain, building surfaces and glazing.
• Arbitrary use of curves and unusual forms.
• Exaggerated towers, arches, gateways.
• Arbitrary or exaggerated building details.
B U I L D I N G FAC A D E S

Building facades must reflect a blending of traditional and contemporary design.

Appropriate facade design:
• Horizontal proportions.
• Level roof parapets.
• Variation in wall plane.
• Vertical window openings in a variety of sizes.
• Expression of door and window lintels.
• Use of native stone on lower walls.
• Use of hand-trowelled plaster wall finishes on upper walls.
• Earthtone wall colors in varying shades.
• Interpretations of Islamic details
Unacceptable facade design:

• Vertical proportions
• Sloping surfaces and parapets.
• Large, unbroken surfaces.
• Horizontal window proportions.
• Flush doors or windows
• Heavy texture or swirled plaster finishes.
• Exposed concrete and metal.
• Bold colors on primary surfaces.
• Decorations and details that do not reflect local and Islamic traditions.
DOORS
Entry doors should be clearly defined and
inviting and reflect Islamic tradition.
Appropriate entry door design:
• Protected, shaded, door location.
• Clear sequence of entry area spaces.
• Integration with overall building form.
• Doorway opening expressed as a deep recess
in a thick wall, or trimmed with a raised
stone or plaster frame.
• Wood entry door and frame with inset panels
or rounded nail head design motif.
• Sliding glass doors balconies must be
recessed and have wood or dark anodized
aluminum frames.
• Solid metal doors require special permission
Unacceptable entry door design:
• Abrupt entry space.
• Doorway flush with wall surface.
• Tacked-on entry alcove.
• Plain, unarticulated door surface.
• Exaggerated forms and colors.
• Clear aluminum or glvanized metal frames
WINDOWS

Windows must reflect traditional construction

techniques.

Appropriate window design:

• Arched or rectangular window openings
with vertical proportions.
• Window opening expressed as a deep
recess in a thick wall.
• Balance of wall and window surface areas.
• Variety in window size.
• Coordination of head or sill heights
with floor levels.
• Wood or dark anodized aluminum frames.
• Clear or tinted glazing in gray or bronze
colors.
• Optional use of wood or stone lintels and
sills in traditional forms.
• Optional use of raised stone or plaster
window opening frames in traditional
wide rectilinear proportions.
• Optional use of wooden “Mousharabia”
window screens.
• Wrought iron security bars in
traditional Islamic design.
• Security shutters integrated into
recessed window opening.
• Accent window frame colors require
special permission.
• Awnings require special permission.

Unacceptable window design:

• Horizontal window proportions
• Frame flush with exterior wall surface.
• Large areas of glazing.
• Arbitrary window size and placement.
• Clear aluminum and galvanized metal
frames.
• Sloped glazing and greenhouse shapes.
• Reflective glazing.
• Rose, gold or copper-colored glazing.
• Exaggerated or stylized window frames
and decoration.
• Tacked-on security bars and shutters
ROOFS
Roof design must reflect traditional
construction.

Appropriate roof design:

• Flat roofs behind raised level parapets.
• Multiple roof and parapet levels.
• Domes and vaults require special
permission.
• Shed roofs only in port and industrial zones.

Unacceptable roof design:

• Pitched roofs.
• Clay or concrete roof tiles.
• Corrugated metal roofing.
• Exposed wood or metal trusses.
• Exposed concrete beams and shapes.
• Exposed rebars.
• Exposed skylights.
• Exposed roof drainage.
Flat roofs must be concealed behind
parapets that extend at least 1 meter
above the roof level.

Skylights, solar panels, vents and rooftop

mechanical equipment must be concealed
behind the roof parapets.
Clothes drying lines and exterior storage
are not permitted on rooftops unless
screened from nearby buildings.

Rooftop access stair enclosures, trellises

and shade structures must be
designed as part of the massing of the
building. Color and materials must
match adjacent building walls.

Roof drainage must be contained inside

the roof parapet and directed down
drainage pipes concealed inside the
building.No external drain pipes are
permitted.Overflow scuppers at the
parapet are permitted, but must be
located on the side or rear facades and
incorporated into the design of the
facade.
COUR T YA R D S

Courtyards are key components in

traditional Islamic building design that
offer private outdoor spaces sheltered
from the climate.The use of courtyards is
recommended in any new development.

Appropriate courtyard design:

• Exterior space enclosed on a minimum of 2
sides by building forms.
• A covered open space, or portico, formed
by an extension of the building roof over
columns or arches on at least one side of
the courtyard.
• Stone or tile paving,with planting
primarily in pots or raised planters.
• Stone or ceramic tile trim in Islamic
patterns on doors,windows, arches,
stairs and planters.
• Optional entry passage leading to the
courtyard from the street entry.
• Optional traditional fountain.
• Canopy shade tree.
E X T E R I O R M AT E R I A L S
Exterior materials and finishes must be consistent with
traditional construction.

Appropriate materials:
• Concrete frame construction with stone, concrete block or
structural tile infill.
• Smooth, hand-trowelled plaster exterior finish.
• Local stone masonry or exterior veneer, with recessed r
concealed mortar joints.
• Solid wood entry doors.
• Wood or dark anodized aluminum window frames.
• Clear or tinted glazing in gray or bronze colors.
• Wood “Mousharabia”window grills.
• Carved stone or decorative ceramic tile details.

Unacceptable materials:
• Exposed concrete or concrete masonry.
• Exposed metal columns and posts.
• Ribbed or corrugated metal, plastic, fiberglass or glass-
reinforced concrete siding, panel systems or roofing.
• Clay or concrete roof tile, exposed built-up roofing.
• Clear aluminum or galvanized metal door and window
frames.
• Reflective glazing.
• Heavy textured or swirled plaster finishes.
• Space frame structures.
E X T E R I O R COLOR S
Exterior colors must reflect the local desert and
mountain colors of Aqaba. Colors must also be
selected in shades that minimize glare and
fading.

Appropriate color treatment:

• All exterior plastered walls facing public
streets,walkways or beaches shall be painted
with a natural, subdued, earthtone colors
• Variations in colors should be used to
reinforce changes in massing, with lighter
colors on upper building forms.
• White or lighter colors should be used on the
recessed wall surfaces of window and door
openings and recessed balcony walls.
• Wood doors, windows and shutters are to be
stained, or painted a traditional Islamic
color.
• Aluminum windows must have a dark bronze
anodized finish
• Accent colors require special approval and are
limited to small surface areas.
• All flashing, vents, pipes and exterior
mechanical equipment shall be painted to
match the adjacent roof or wall color, or
screened from off-site view.
Inappropriate color treatment:

• Non-earthtone colors.
• Dark or intense wall colors.
• Arbitrary, non-traditional color patterns.
Color Approval Process
A conceptual color scheme should be included in the initial conceptual design review
submittal to the ASESA/DRO.
The color submittal should include, but is not limited to:
• Color concepts under consideration for exterior walls, doors,windows and details.
• A colored illustration of one or more principal building elevations.
• Color concepts for driveways, walkways, perimeter walls and fences.
A full presentation of exterior colors must be included in the final submittal for
construction documents revew.
This presentation should include a sample board containing examples and product
designations for:
• Primary exterior wall colors
• Exterior accent colors
• Glazing colors
• Door and window finishes
• Paving materials
• Permimeter wall colors
• Mechanical equipment colors
D E S I G N D E TA I L S

Design details on buildings should express

a subdued blend of contemporary and
traditional Islamic motifs.

Appropriate design details:

• Simple expression of door and window
frames, lintels and arches in stone or
wood.
• Stone or decorative tile trim around
arches, columns, doors, windows,
balconies and stairs.
• Wood “Mousharabia”grillwork on
windows
• Concealed gutters, downspouts, vents,
stacks, pipes.
Unacceptable design detailing:
• Exaggerated detailing.
• Non-Islamic designs and materials.
• Plaster or stucco mouldings and cornices
that appear fake or clumsy.
• Sloppy fabrication of construction joints
and connections.
• Exposed rebars are not permitted
S E CONDARY S T R U C T U R E S

Garages, pool structures, storage sheds and other secondary structures must be
consistent in design with the primary residential structure.
Pergolas, canopies and trellis structures may not be located inside required setback
areas.
 LANDSCAPE
DESIGN
CRITERIA

L A N D S C A P E C H A R AC T E R
Quality landscaping creates an attractive setting that brings significant value to
Aqaba that contributes to both tourism and community pride. The goals of
landscaping design are to enhance existing streetscapes, heighten visitor
awareness, express heritage, buffer undeveloped sites, and improve water
frontages with promenades and access afforded to all. Landscaping design is
intended to enhance the environment and appearance of all development areas of
the ASEZ by extending the green oasis image of the waterfront palm grove in
Aqaba Town, providing shade for pedestrian areas along streets, public spaces,
recreational areas and residential zones, reducing glare and heat from the sun,
buffering undesirable views and adding color and interest to the harsh desert
conditions.
Landscaping design is required for all development sites within the ASEZ.Design
requirements will vary according to whether the location of the development site
is in Aqaba Town, the Coastal Zone or the Port and Industrial Zones. Specific
criteria for each zone are given in Sections 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. The following criteria
are applicable to all locations.
STREETSCAPES
Landscaping along streets plays a major role in creating a
community environment. This includes establishing an
identity at intersections, creating visual continuity along
medians and parkways and providing shade for
pedestrian sidewalks.

Public Roads and Streets

Landscaping along public roads and streets outside of
individual development sites will be designed, installed
and maintained by the ASEZA according to design
criteria in the Master Plan.
Landscaping design on individual development sites
adjacent to public roads and streets must be compatible
with the streetscape.
Roads and Streets inside a Project Site Landscaping design
criteria for roads and streets inside a large development
site are intended to establish a sense of hierarchy and
orientation within the project, reinforce the identity of
the project and neighborhoods within the project,
provide shade for pedestrians and enhance the
appearance and attraction of the project.

Landscaping design for these roads and streets is to be

designed, installed and maintained by the developer of
the project according to the following criteria.

Streetscape design requirements vary according to the type

of street.Design criteria for each street type are given in
the following sections.
General Streetscape Design

• Use native or common plant materials from the Aqaba area.

• Use formal planting patterns in dense or urban areas.
• Use informal planting patterns in low-density or open space areas.
• Use low groundcovers at intersections.
Shrubs and trees must be set outside the cone of vision from intersections to allow
traffic visibility.
• Use stones instead of plants as groundcover to reduce irrigation.
• Curbs and raised sidewalks are required on both sides of the street.
• Sidewalk paving must be a minimimum width of 2 meters.
• Curbs must be sandblasted after installation and sealed with a clear or earthtone-
colored sealant. Zebra stripped painting of curbs is no longer allowed.
• Sidewalk paving shall consist of individual removable paving tiles that are salt
resistant and earthtone in color to prevent both glare and heat absorption.
Paving patterns and colors must be coordinated along the entire street.
• Tree and shrub planter wells are to be filled with crushed stone mounded to cover
the earth but not mortared to allow for irrigation.
Primary and Secondary Street Design

• Use tall trees or palms to signify major roadways.

• Canopy trees and sidewalk paving are required along each parkway to provide
shaded walkways for pedestrians.
• Drifts or hedges of flowering shrubs are required along the median to provide
visual continuity.
• Drifts or hedges of shrubs are required along the outside parkway right-of-way line
to screen undeveloped land or soften perimeter walls of adjacent building sites.

Neighborhood Street Design

• Canopy trees and sidewalk paving are required along each parkway to provide
shaded walkways for pedestrians.
• Drifts or hedges of shrubs are required along the outside parkway right-of-way line
to screen undeveloped land or soften perimeter walls of adjacent building sites.

Local Street Design

• No plantings are required within the parkways.
• Use overhanging trees, shrubs and vines from adjacent building parcels to provide
shade and color to the street.
• Provide pedestrian walkway paving on both sides of street.
Roundabouts and Intersections
• The location of roundabouts on the axes of streets at important intersections
provide a strong opportunity to create a landmark with distinctive landscaping.
• To create a strong visible identity for each location, roundabout and intersection
designs should include tall palm trees, optional canopy trees, and patterns of
plant materials that increase in height from turf, groundcover and accent plants,
to shrubs and stone walls.
Site Entries

Entrances to large development sites, hotels and community facilities offer the
opportunity to create an identity for the project.
• Entry design must be compatible with adjacent streetscape design.
• Entry gates, arches or porticoes must be compatible with adjacent perimeter wall
design.
• Overly elaborate or exaggerated entry designs and not permitted.
R E C R E AT I O N A N D O P E N S PAC E
AREAS
Landscape design in parks, recreation sites and open
space areas should be natural and consistent with
the desert climate.

Public Beaches
Landscaping in public beaches should be designed to
provide shade, soften buildings, conceal service
areas and create an enhanced, but natural desert
environment.Design criteria include:
• No landscaping or development of any kind is
allowed in the 50 meter beach protection zone.
• Vehicular circulation is prohibited inside the 50
meter protection zone.
• Pedestrian circulation should be limited to specific
paths in the 50 meter protection zone to
encourage natural revegetation.
• The 50 meter beach frontage landscape zone behind
the beach protection zone is designed as a
transition zone. In the first 25 meters, soft
plantings, including palm trees, canopy trees,
shrubs and groundcovers are encouraged to
provide shade and natural separations for people
using the beach. In the second 25 meters, more
developed terraces, patios, swimming pools and
shade trellises can be introduced.
• Permanent buildings, driveways and parking areas
must be outside the combined 100 meter beach
protection and beach landscaping zones.
• Permanent buildings and service areas must be
buffered by shrubs and trees.
• Parking areas must be screened by shrubs or
berms.

Public Parks
Landscaping in public parks should be designed to
encourage active and passive use of the
facilities, provide shade, soften buildings,
conceal service areas and create a pleasant
outdoor environment.Design criteria include:
• Use natural plantings of trees, shrubs and
groundcovers to create a strong outside
perimeter.
• Provide both formal and informal planting and
hardscape design patterns.
• Include Islamic garden motifs.
• Provide playing fields with casual seating for
team sports.
• Provide sheltered tot lots for young children and
mothers.
• Recreation buildings, cafes and service areas
must be buffered by shrubs and shaded by
trees or palms.
• Parking areas must be screened by shrubs or
berms.
Pedestrian Paths
Pedestrian paths along beach frontages, natural
areas and rural roadways should be designed to
appear like a natural part of the landscape.

Design criteria includes:

• Curvilinear alignment and varying widths.
• Paving at same level as adjacent grade.
• Use of berms and gentle grades instead of cuts, fills
and retaining walls.
• Natural, earthtone paving color.
• Irregular groupings of palms and canopy trees for
shading.
• Separation from roads and undeveloped areas with
shrubs and berms.
Pedestrian paths in traditional concentrated village
style neighborhoods, including Al Hafayer, Old
Town, Shallalah and Qaboos Village should be
designed to encourage an active pedestrian street
life characteristic of traditional Arab
neighborhoods.Design criteria includes:
• Irregular alignments and narrow widths.
• Street paving with stone or intelocking concrete
pavers that provide texture and character.
• Palms, canopy trees and colorful vines and shrubs
should be planted wherever possible behind
courtyard walls of adjacent buildings so that they
overhang and add color to the streets.
ON-SITELANDSCAPINGCRITERIA

The goals of on-site landscape design are to extend and the overall green appearance
of Aqaba with plantings of trees, enhance the landscaping of adjacent streets
with trees and colorful plantings that overhang the street frontage perimeter wall
and to create a pleasant on-site environment for users of the site.
To coordinate this effort, landscape design within individual development sites in
Aqaba Town is determined by the landscape zone in which the site is located and
the type of street fronting the site. These zones include:
• Downtown Area
• Corniche / Al Hafayer Area
• Residential Streetscapes
• Old Town / Shallalah Area
Landscaping for each development site must be designed according to the criteria for
each landscape zone as given in the following sections.
General on-site landscaping criteria
• All land areas within a development site that are not covered by buildings and can
be seen from outside the site must be landscaped.
• Landscaping includes walls, planter boxes, paved terraces, steps,
driveways,walkways, swimming pools and game courts, as well as soft plant
materials.
• Open space or courtyards facing any street entrance must be landscaped.
• Undesirable views of utilities equipment, mechanical equipment, trash containers,
and service areas must be screened by walls or landscaping or both.
• Landscaping must be maintained at a height that does not block views for nearby
neighbors.
• Plant selection and irrigation systems must maximize water conservation.
 PLANTSELECTIONLIST
Plant materials used in landscaping projects in the ASEZ must be native or
compatible with the existing desert environment. To meet this objective, all plant
materials used in landscaping on any project must be selected from the following
plant lists.

Accents
Adenium Obesum (A. multiflorum, A. Coetanum)
Agave Americana
Agave attenuata
Agave Neomexicana
Aloe Arborescens (A. prefoliata var. Arboerescens)
Aloe Vera (a. barbedensis, A. Arabica, A. Indica))
Yucca Hesperoyucca

Grass
Stenotaphrum Secundatum (St. Augustine)
Zoysia Japonica ‘Meyeri’ (Meyer zoysia)
Ground Cover

Alternanthera Bettzickiana
Alyssum Spinosum (phtlotrichum spinosum)
Aptenia Cordifolia
Asparagus Densiflora Sprengeri
Carpobrutus Edulis
Crassula
Cynodon Dactylon
Gazania
Lampranthua Roseus (mesembryanthemum
mulitradiataum)
Lantana Camara
Lantana Montivedensis (L.Delicatissima Sellowia)
Myoporum Parvifolium
Pennisetum Setaceum
Phyla nodiflora (lippia Repens)
Plumbago Auriculata
Portulaca
Verbena Peruviana
Wedelia Triloba
Palms

Cocos Nucifera
Howea Forsteriana (Kentia Forsertiana)
Phoenix Canariensis
Phoenix Dactylifera
Washingtonia Filifera
Washingtonia Robusta

Trees
Acacia Arabica (a. Nilotica,ma.Decurrens)
Acacia Farnesiana
Acacia Ligulata
Acacia Salicina
Albizia Julibressen
Albizia Lebbek
Canocarpus Erectus
Carica Papaya
Cassia Fistula
Casuarina Equisitifolia
Citrus Spp.
Cordia Sebestana
Delonix Regia (Poinciana Regia)
Erythrina Variegata (e. indica)
Eucalyptus Camaldulensis
Eucalyptus Microtheca (e. coolibah)
Ficus benghalensis (f. indica)
Ficus Benjamina (F. nitida)
Ficus Carica
Ficus Elastica
Guaiacum Sanctum (lignum Vitae)
Melia Azaderack
Millingtonia Hortensis
Moringa Oleifera (M. Pterygosperma)
Myoporum Laetum
Parkinsonia Aculeata
Peltophorum Inerma (pterocarpum)
Pithecellobium Dulce
Plumeria Spp.
Pongamia Pinnata (glabra)
Prosopis Spp.
Punica Granatum
Schinus Terebinthifolius
Sschinus Molle
Terminalia Cattapa
Thespesia Populnea
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Shrubs

Acalypha Wilkesiana.
Acothanthera Oblongifolia
(A. Spectabilis, Carissa Spectabilis)
Alcea Rosea (althea Rosea)
Atriplex Halimus
Bougainvilla sp.
Caesalpinia Pulcherima (poinciana pulcherima)
Callistemon citrinus
Callistemon Viminalis
Calotropis Procera
Canna
Carissa Macrcarpa (C. grandiflora)
Cassia Wislizeni
Cestrum Diurnum
Cestrum Nocturnum
Clerodendron Inerme
Cortaderia Selloana (C. Argentea, Gynerium
Argentum)
Cyperus Alternifolius (C. involucratos, C.
Flabelliformis)
Datura Innoxia
Dodonaea Viscosa
Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis
Hymenocallis Littoralis
Ixora Coccinea
Jasminum Grandiflorum (J.Officnale Forma Affine)
Jasminum Sambac
Jatropha Multifida
Lagerstromia Indica
Lawsonia Inermis
Leuophyllum Frutescens
Malvaviscus Arboreus (M.Mollis)
Nerium Oleander
Rosa Spp.
Taberneamontana Diviricata
Tecoma Alata (t. Stans)
Thevetia Peruviana (t. nerifolia)
L A N D S C A P E I R R I G AT I O N
All landscaping must be irrigated with an irrigation system designed by a professional
landscape irrigation specialist.
Wherever possible, roadway landscaping is to be irrigated with reclaimed waste water.
The following irrigation criteria should be used as a guide in preparing development site
irrigation
plans:
• Water conservation techniques must be included in the design and operation of the
irrigation system.
• Irrigation systems shall be designed to meet the peak moisture demand of all plant
materials.
• Irrigation water should be applied at a rate which does not exceed the infiltration rate
of the site’s soil. Ponding and excess runoff must be avoided.
• The irrigation system shall be designed and operated to prevent overspray onto
adjacent hardscape areas.
• Irrigation controller cabinets, if used, shall be screened from off-site view.
• The landscape sprinkler system shall be maintained in proper working order.
• Backflow prevention devices shall be used for all irrigation systems using domestic
water. All backflow preventors shall be screened from
off-site view.
LANDSCAPEMAINTENANCE
Landscaping must be maintained in a healthy and presentable condition.Maintenance
must be performed by trained staff and should include:
• Adequate irrigation and fertilization.
• Timely mowing, edging, clipping and cleanup.
• Proper weed and pest control.
• Recycling or mulching of waste materials.
 EXTERIORLIGHTING
STREETLIGHTING
In order to create a picturesque desert community atmosphere that minimizes glare
and retains visibility of the night sky, street lighting is to be converted from high
glare, pole-mounted lighting to softer illumination on shorter poles and indirect
lighting of street landscaping.
Pole lighting is to be concentrated at intersections and pedestrian crossings. Palm
and shade trees are to be illuminated with uplight and downlight fixtures
concealed on the trunks of the trees. Lamps are intended to give a warm, true
color to the landscaping.

ON-SITELIGHTING
Exterior lighting for individual development sites must consist of soft, indirect
illumination.
To establish this image, all exterior lighting must address the following criteria.
Appropriate lighting design:
• Indirect or shielded illumination to prevent spillover glare onto adjacent building
sites, streets,walkways, waterfront or natural areas.
• Varying light intensities to provide a soft glow at entries and outdoor living areas,
and to accent landscaping and architectural features.
• Walkway and driveway lighting mounted
at a low level in bollards, stair treads or
niches.
• Wall-wash, soffit or down-light
architectural lighting fixtures.
• Shielded game court lighting fixtures that
completely contain illumination within
the court area.
• Landscape lighting concealed behind
landscape walls or plant materials.
• Warm-white Mercury or incandescent
light sources.

Unacceptable lighting design:

• Uniform, high intensity flood lighting
• Concentrated high glare security lighting.
• Floodlighting of beach, wadi or natural
areas.
• Exposed bulbs, spot lights, flood lights,
florescent lamps and reflectors.
• Flashing or colored lighting.
• Exposed light fixtures mounted on or
above roofs.