The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has signed a landmark cooperation agreement with PetraRide, a Jordanian company specializing in smart mobility applications, to launch Aqaba’s first integrated smart transportation system.
The partnership is part of ASEZA’s ongoing transformation strategy, introduced in May 2024, to position Aqaba as a global, technology-driven urban destination in line with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision (EMV).
Digital Transformation in Transit
Under the agreement, PetraRide will operate a digital platform that enables users to track drivers, view estimated arrival times, make electronic payments, rate services, and submit instant feedback — creating a seamless and transparent commuting experience.
ASEZA Chairman Shadi Majali emphasized that the initiative reflects ASEZA’s commitment to modernizing urban mobility, improving citizen services, and integrating digital innovation into public infrastructure. “Smart transportation is central to improving quality of life and supporting tourism and investment — both key pillars of Aqaba’s economic strategy,” he said.
Majali added that ASEZA plans to sign two additional agreements before the end of 2025 to expand smart city initiatives and strengthen public–private partnerships within the logistics and transport sectors.
Transforming Aqaba into a Smart City
PetraRide Director Iyad Bustanji described the project as “the first official smart transportation system in Aqaba,” noting that it will help reduce traffic congestion, enhance commuter convenience, and generate new employment opportunities within the transport and logistics industries.
By merging technology with infrastructure, the ASEZA–PetraRide collaboration is expected to make Aqaba a model for citizen- and investor-friendly smart urban development in Jordan and the wider Middle East region.
