Phase one slated for completion by end of 2017

Amman (Jordan), 18th August 2015

Ayla Oasis Development Company (AODC) has announced the completion of over half of its first phase after finishing more than 65% of the project's phase one. Anticipated to include retail, hospitality and entertainment, phase one will be completed at the end of 2017.

Featuring a range of entertainment and tourist amenities, Ayla successfully completed the construction of 150 apartments, offering breath taking water views overlooking Ayla's marina. This development will also add 17 km of man-made lagoons to its marine façade which gives visitors and residents the unique chance to live on islands completely surrounded by sea water.

Commenting on the impact of the project, the Managing Director of Ayla, Sahl Dudin says: "This success of our development operation in Aqaba is a key milestone for Jordan as well as the region. Ayla is strategically important for Jordan's sustainable economic development and will be creating around 1200 permanent jobs by 2017, and is a powerful step forward in the country's overall development in line with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II to position Jordan as an economic and tourist destination."

In addition, Ayla is establishing the first International Golf Course in the country to create a diversity of leisure and tourism activities. The Golf Course designed by the renowned golfer turned golf course designer Greg Norman and the Golf Academy will attract both amateurs and professional golf players throughout the whole year after its completion at the end of 2016. The designer himself has praised the Ayla Golf Course as "one of the top three eco-friendly golf courses in the world".

Sahl Dudin added: "Ayla also marks our transformation from our long-term vision for the development, to contribute positively and significantly to the local community in Aqaba, the country, the region as well as globally into realizing the project. The next phase of our operations will focus on completing further amenities to ensure a sustainable future for the Ayla development, for the community and for the business. The project will continue to incorporate the country's biggest solar energy project which will provide a high proportion of Aqaba's daily energy requirements through the generation of solar electricity."

The Marina Village modeled to be a new commercial center as well as tourist attraction within the city of Aqaba is offering integrated services and amenities. Overlooking the scenic views of the Red sea, Marina Village will comprise a wide range of lifestyle amenities including five star hotels and different Food and Beverage concepts - offering space suited to a demanding lifestyle. Additionally, Ayla's Marina will be Aqaba's largest  marina with a capacity of 202 boats in its first phase, reaching approximately 300 berths after completing the second phase.

The recent progress of the nearly completed phase one is a significant progress for the project by creating a new vibrant all-in-living environments switching between work, play, community, and family life for all residents.

Operated by Ayla Oasis Development Company, the Saudi Arabian owner Astra Company has invested 250 million to develop 432 hectares of commercial, retail, leisure and residential space of the highest standards.

-Ends-

About Ayla
Ayla Oasis Development Co. is a private shareholding company registered in Aqaba, Jordan and is committed to quality and innovation. Acting as a master developer, Ayla's objective is to create a premier waterfront destination that features world-class residential and tourism components. Perched strategically at the juncture of old world and new, in a town renowned globally for being Jordan's single seaport, Ayla delivers a pioneering blend of cutting edge commercial spaces and upscale residences that promise to collectively catapult the port of Aqaba from the access point it is today, into a world class trade and tourism destination.

Spanning over 432 hectares (4,320,000 m2) and boasting 235 meters of sea front on the Gulf of Aqaba, Ayla which is built around a 17km manmade lagoon will feature a range of facilities and amenities, including a variety of up-market hotels, unique residential communities, an 18-hole signature golf course designed by "Greg Norman" along with a 9-hole golf academy, Jordan's largest marina and encompassing the marina village which will serve as a commercial hub and centre, a range of different retail units, cafes, entertainment and recreational facilities.

For more information on Ayla, please visit www.ayla.com.jo or contact:
Ayla PR Team (Dubai)
Weber Shandwick -Linda Dabbagh
Tel: +971 4 445 4222
E-mail: ldabbagh@webershandwick.com

Ayla PR Team (Jordan)
iJordan - Rita Shahin
Tel: +962 6 461 1014
E-mail: r.shahin@ijordan.org

Ayla PR Manager (Jordan)
Ayla Oasis Development Co. - Nidal Majali
Tel: +96232050500
E-mail: nmajali@ayla.com.jo

© Press Release 2015