Aqaba, Sept. 15 (Petra) -- Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat Tuesday reviewed projects and programs at Aqaba Digital Hub, including data centers, telecommunications, international connectivity, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies.
During the visit, Smeirat and attendees reviewed the Klstrai hosted AI computing platform, operated at Aqaba Digital Hub facilities, which provides advanced computing infrastructure for hosting and processing data and running AI applications within the Kingdom, contributing to digital and data sovereignty.
Smeirat highlighted Jordan’s skilled workforce, strategic location, and advanced telecommunications infrastructure as key assets for strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a regional technology and digital services hub. He stressed that partnerships with the private sector are essential to developing the digital economy ecosystem.
He also underscored the importance of continued investment in advanced digital infrastructure to enhance Jordan’s competitiveness and attractiveness to technology investments, support the growth of digital companies, and expand the Kingdom’s capacity to host advanced services and technologies.
Smeirat described the AI computing platform as an important step in supporting the government’s efforts to expand the adoption of AI applications by providing advanced computing infrastructure within the Kingdom for local data processing and application operations.
He noted that the platform will strengthen digital and data sovereignty and enable government entities to develop and use AI solutions in a secure and reliable digital environment.
Shadi Majali, Chair of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority’s Board of Commissioners, said the platform’s presence within an integrated digital infrastructure and its operation by Jordanian expertise and talent would strengthen Jordan and Aqaba’s presence in the field, support national capacity building in future technologies, and reinforce Aqaba’s position as a regional technology and digital services hub.
Aqaba Digital Hub Chair and CEO Eyad Abu Khorma briefed the minister and attendees on the hub’s key projects and services, as well as its future plans to develop its capabilities in digital infrastructure and advanced technologies.
The minister and attendees toured several facilities, including the data center and infrastructure dedicated to hosting and operating digital systems, services, cloud solutions, and AI applications, as well as the submarine cable landing station, Internet exchange center, and cybersecurity system.
They were also briefed on the platform’s role in enhancing Jordan’s readiness to adopt AI solutions in the public and private sectors and providing local infrastructure to meet growing demand for AI-related computing services, helping reduce reliance on infrastructure outside the Kingdom.
Aqaba Digital Hub, inaugurated by Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II in October 2025, is the Kingdom’s first integrated digital project. It includes a data center covering about 17,000 square meters with an operating capacity of up to 12 megawatts, in addition to infrastructure for international connectivity, cloud services, cybersecurity, AI, training, and capacity building.
//Petra// AJ
