Aqaba: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

• Helloمرحبا
  [marhaba]
• Goodbyeوداعا
  [wada'an]
• Yesنعم
  [na'am]
• Noلا
  [la]
• Please/You're welcomeمن فضلك / على الرحب والسعة
  [min fadlik / 'ala al-rahb wa al-sa'ah]
• Thank youشكرا
  [shukran]
• Excuse me/Sorryعذرا
  ['udhran]
• How are you?كيف حالك؟
  [kayfa halak?]
• Fine. And you?بخير. وأنت؟
  [bi-khayr. wa ant?]
• Do you speak English?هل تتحدث الإنجليزية؟
  [hal tatahadath al-inglizia?]
• I don't understandأنا لا أفهم
  [ana la afham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseأريد أن أرى القائمة، من فضلك
  [uridu an ara al-qaimah, min fadlik]
• I don't eat meatأنا لا آكل اللحم
  [ana la akl al-lahm]
• Cheers!صحتين!
  [sahatin!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseأود أن أدفع، من فضلك
  [awadu an adfa', min fadlik]

• Help!النجدة!
  [al-najdah!]
• Go away!انصرف!
  [ansarif!]
• Call the Police!اتصل بالشرطة!
  [iatisil bialshurta!]
• Call a doctor!اتصل بالطبيب!
  [iatisil bialtabib!]
• I'm lostلقد ضللت الطريق
  [laqad dalalt al-tariq]
• I'm illأنا مريض
  [ana mareed]

• I'd like to buy...أريد أن أشتري...
  [uridu an ashtari...]
• I'm just lookingأنا فقط أتطلع
  [ana faqat atatallu']
• How much is it?كم هو ثمنه؟
  [kam huwa thamanuh?]
• That's too expensiveهذا غالي جدا
  [hatha ghali jiddan]
• Can you lower the price?هل يمكنك خفض السعر؟
  [hal yumkinuka khafd al-sa'r?]

• What time is it?كم الساعة؟
  [kam al-sa'ah?]
• It's one o'clockالساعة الواحدة
  [al-sa'ah al-wahidah]
• Half past (10)النصف بعد (العاشرة)
  [al-nisf ba'd (al-'ashirah)]
• Morningالصباح
  [al-subah]
• Afternoonالعصر
  [al-'asr]
• Eveningالمساء
  [al-masa']
• Yesterdayأمس
  ['ams]
• Todayاليوم
  [al-yawm]
• Tomorrowغدا
  [ghadan]
• 1واحد
  [wahid]
• 2اثنان
  [ithnan]
• 3ثلاثة
  [thalathah]
• 4أربعة
  [arba'ah]
• 5خمسة
  [khamsah]
• 6ستة
  [sittah]
• 7سبعة
  [sab'ah]
• 8ثمانية
  [thamaniah]
• 9تسعة
  [tis'ah]
• 10عشرة
  ['asharah]

• Where's a/the...?أين ال...؟
  [ayn al...?]
• What's the address?ما هو العنوان؟
  [ma huwa al-anaan?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?هل يمكنك أن تريني (على الخريطة)؟
  [hal yumkinuka an tarini (ala al-kharitah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?متى يأتي الحافلة التالية؟
  [mata ya'ti al-hafilah al-taliyah?]
• A ticket (to ....)تذكرة (إلى ...)
  [tadhkirat (ila ...)]

Aqaba, historically known as Ayla, has a history that dates back to around 4000 BCE. The city's strategic location along the Red Sea made it a significant hub for trade and commerce. Archaeological evidence indicates that it was an important settlement for the Edomites, who were known for their copper mining and trade activities.

During the 4th century BCE, Aqaba came under the influence of the Nabateans, a nomadic Arab people who built the remarkable city of Petra. Aqaba, known as Ailana during this period, served as the Nabatean's key port, facilitating trade across the Red Sea and beyond. The Nabateans’ sophisticated water management system and architectural prowess left a lasting mark on the region.

In 106 CE, the Roman Empire annexed the Nabatean Kingdom, including Aqaba, renaming it Aelana. The Romans recognized its strategic importance and developed it further, constructing roads and fortifications. The city continued to thrive under Byzantine rule, becoming an important center for Christianity, evidenced by the ruins of early churches found in the area.

Aqaba was conquered by Muslim forces in the 7th century CE during the rapid expansion of Islam. Under the Umayyad Caliphate, the city was known as Ayla and became an important station on the pilgrimage route to Mecca. The Umayyads built the Ayla Fort, remnants of which can still be seen today, underscoring the city's continued strategic and religious significance.

In the 12th century, the Crusaders captured Aqaba and built a fortress on Pharaoh's Island to control the trade routes. However, their hold on the region was short-lived. Saladin's Ayyubid forces recaptured Aqaba in 1182, restoring Islamic rule and reinforcing its importance as a trade and pilgrimage hub.

Aqaba fell under Ottoman control in the early 16th century and remained part of the Ottoman Empire for around four centuries. The Ottomans constructed the Aqaba Castle, which stands as a significant historical landmark. During this period, Aqaba's importance waned slightly due to the shifting trade routes but remained a vital stop for pilgrims.

In 1917, during World War I, Aqaba gained international attention as the site of a pivotal battle. Led by T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, and the Arab forces, Aqaba was captured from the Ottomans. This victory was a significant milestone in the Great Arab Revolt, contributing to the eventual downfall of Ottoman rule in the region.

Post-World War I, Aqaba became part of the Emirate of Transjordan, which later became the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. In recent decades, Aqaba has transformed into a bustling economic hub, thanks to strategic investments in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone. The city is now a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and historical landmarks.

Aqaba is accessible by air through King Hussein International Airport, located approximately 10 kilometers north of the city. Direct flights are available from several major cities in the Middle East and Europe. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and take a domestic flight or a four-hour drive to Aqaba. There are also bus services from Amman to Aqaba operated by JETT and other companies. Additionally, Aqaba can be reached by ferry from the Egyptian port of Nuweiba.

Aqaba is a small city, making it easy to navigate on foot. For longer distances, taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Many hotels also offer shuttle services to popular attractions. Public buses operate within the city and connect to nearby areas, but schedules can be irregular. Renting a car is an option for those looking to explore the surrounding regions, including Wadi Rum and Petra.

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases and in local markets. ATMs are available throughout Aqaba, and many offer services in multiple languages.

Aqaba is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure personal safety. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. While Aqaba does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Aqaba has a well-equipped hospital and several clinics for medical emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious or public sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Men should wait for women to extend their hand first. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Aqaba like a local, visit the local souks and markets, where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and traditional Jordanian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and history. Don't miss the chance to try local seafood dishes, as Aqaba is known for its fresh seafood. For a unique experience, take a glass-bottom boat tour to see the vibrant marine life of the Red Sea.