Aqaba: Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Dr. Thabet Nabulsi, emphasized the protection of Aqaba's cultural heritage as a developmental and investment priority. Nabulsi outlined that this vision is part of ASEZA's strategy to invest in national talent and empower the youth to lead archaeological work professionally using advanced standards. He highlighted the significant role of the archaeological sector in enhancing the city's historical identity and reinforcing its position on the cultural tourism map. His comments were made during the launch of the authority's ad hoc training program, "Guardians of Antiquities," in collaboration with the Aqaba Department of Antiquities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the program aims to train specialized national workers and align training outcomes with the needs of Aqaba's archaeological and tourist projects. It targets 55 job seekers from the local community, who will be trained in the exploration and maintenance of archaeological sites based on scientific principles. The program's professional approach enables trainees to engage directly in the fieldwork environment, thereby enhancing performance efficiency and supporting existing projects with skilled personnel.
The program was developed after a thorough study of the needs of archaeological sites and the identification of required specializations, in coordination with the Department of Antiquities. Nabulsi remarked that the program is a practical step towards supporting the tourist sector, preserving Aqaba's historical identity, and providing sustainable employment opportunities for young people. He emphasized that ASEZA is committed to developing specialized training activities for strategic projects in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. These future activities are expected to enhance institutional integration and establish Aqaba as a national model for using cultural heritage to drive economic and social development.