Between Israel & Saudi Arabia: Jordan's only coastal city! 🇯🇴

Aqaba is the only place where Jordan meets the sea, a small stretch of coastline tucked between Israel, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea. After leaving the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, I spent a day discovering this unique port city with Mohammed, who grew up here and knows every corner by heart. In this episode, we wander through Aqaba Fort (the Mamluk Castle), explore the souk, visit the fish harbour, taste local dishes, stop by bakeries and spice shops, and learn how this narrow coastline bordering Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt has shaped travel and trade around the Red Sea for generations.
MIDDLE EAST VIDEOS: https://shorturl.at/YgCHs
Where I stayed in Aqaba: https://booking.stay22.com/syifaadria...
Explore Aqaba with Mohammed: https://www.guruwalk.com/walks/44394-...
Scuba Diving in Aqaba: https://getyourguide.stay22.com/syifa...

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0:00 Arriving in Aqaba, Jordan’s Only Coastal City
0:34 Exploring Aqaba with a Local Guide
1:50 Aqaba Fort – History of Jordan’s Port City
3:20 Inside the Mamluk Castle (Aqaba Fort)
3:52 Viewpoint Over Aqaba & the Gulf of Aqaba
4:40 Culture & Daily Life in Aqaba
6:25 Why Aqaba Is Jordan’s Only Port City
7:48 Ferries from Aqaba to Egypt
9:46 The Meaning of Aqaba (Aela)
11:28 Aqaba Fish Market & Local Seafood
12:53 Trying Sayadiyya, Aqaba’s Local Dish
14:40 Local Hospitality in Aqaba
15:30 Walking Through Aqaba Souk
18:26 Bedouin Crafts & Souvenirs in Aqaba
21:47 Traditional Aqaba Bakery & Baklava
24:34 Spice Shop & Herbal Tea in Aqaba
25:59 Custom Perfumes in Aqaba
27:58 Rooftop Stay in Aqaba
29:08 Why Aqaba Matters for Jordan

ABOUT ME:
I’m a UK-based solo travel vlogger with a background in International Relations. My work explores culture, history, and everyday life in places often misunderstood or oversimplified. I travel slowly and independently, seeking real conversations rather than tourism that only scratches the surface.

My journey began with long-term travel across Asia, followed by living and working in China. Since committing to YouTube full-time, I’ve documented life across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond, with a focus on context, nuance, and human stories.

Now based in England, I create thoughtful travel videos for viewers interested in geopolitics, culture, and what daily life really looks like around the world.