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28 March 2024

Arabtec wins Aqaba project

Published
By Wam

Arabtec Holding announced today that its subsidiary, Arabtec Construction, has been selected to execute an Dh5.7 billion ($1.55 billion) contract for construction of the Red Sea Astrarium, a themed entertainment resort in Aqaba, Jordan.

The Astrarium is an integrated entertainment, hospitality, and leisure development that is sure to become a family destination, attracting visitors from across the Middle East, as well as thrill seekers from all over the world. The Astrarium will provide significant boost to the tourism industry in Jordan, in addition to significant economic benefits for nearby communities and businesses.

Developed by an international fund, Red Sea Astrarium LP, the themed entertainment park will be home to four leading international luxury hotels offering over 2,000 rooms. These include a themed boutique hotel, a 5 star hotel, a family leisure hotel, and a hotel specialising in meetings and conferences. The entertainment park will also feature authentic and modern retail, dining and entertainment waterfronts overlooking a man-made lagoon and constituting the cultural and social hearts of the Astrarium. The waterfronts will have a number of unique entertainment attractions including a 4D cinema, Adventure Centre, Theatre, Water park and a signature Star Trek immersive experience, created in collaboration with Paramount Parks & Resorts and CBS Consumer Products.

Other components of the park will include the luscious ‘Hijazi’ and ‘Hanging Gardens’ that are a horticulturist’s dream; a water feature; and the iconic ‘Summit’ building, which will house eight different entertainment attractions.

Hasan Abdullah Ismaik, Managing Director and CEO of Arabtec Holding, commented, "We are pleased to be involved in this important project which will further boost the Jordanian economy and enhance the country’s attraction as a tourist destination. We are already actively involved in two major projects in Jordan and look forward to expanding our presence there to take advantage of Jordan’s huge potential."

Ismaik added, "Apart from its high value and significant contribution to our long term investment, which will translate in sustainable returns to our shareholders, this project provides further recognition of Arabtec as a leading international provider of complex mixed-use developments."

Apart from generating around 4,000 jobs for Jordanians, it will be an exemplary environment-friendly project relying heavily on green energy and applying the latest renewable energy technology.

Construction work on the project is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014, with the third quarter of 2017 targeted as the soft opening date.