The Gulf of Aqaba is bordered by four countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
Which country shares the coastline with the Gulf of Aqaba?
Four countries share the coastline of the Gulf of Aqaba: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia
You’ll find the Gulf of Aqaba—known in Israel as the Gulf of Eilat—connecting the Red Sea to the Sinai Peninsula through the Strait of Tiran. That narrow waterway isn’t just a scenic route; it’s a major shipping lane and a magnet for tourists. Each bordering country controls its stretch of coast, with different rules about access and what you can do there.
| Country | Coastline section | Key port city |
|---|
| Egypt | Western shore | Sharm El Sheikh |
| Israel | Northern tip | Eilat |
| Jordan | Southeastern tip | Aqaba |
| Saudi Arabia | Eastern shore | Haql |
Who owns the Gulf of Aqaba?
As of 2026, Saudi Arabia holds sovereignty over the eastern shoreline from just south of Aqaba to the gulf’s entrance
That claim comes from agreements hammered out in the 2018 Saudi–Jordanian maritime border talks and later cemented in the 2022 Jordan–Saudi border treaty. Meanwhile, Israel keeps tight control of its tiny port city, Eilat, at the northern tip. The good news? International law keeps the waterway open for shipping.
Which country has its southernmost point on the Gulf of Aqaba?
Jordan’s city of Aqaba is located at the country’s southernmost point on the Gulf of Aqaba
Aqaba isn’t just Jordan’s gateway to the Red Sea—it’s the only one. That makes it crucial for trade and tourism. The city sits right where Asia meets Africa, rubbing shoulders with Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. From there, you can hop on a ferry straight to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.
Who closed the Gulf of Aqaba?
Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser ordered the closure of the Gulf of Aqaba in May 1967
Nasser shut the Strait of Tiran to Israeli ships, and that move lit the fuse for the Six-Day War. Once Israel won, the strait reopened. Historians still argue over how much this moment shaped Middle East politics and naval strategy.
Are there sharks in the Gulf of Aqaba?
Yes, reef sharks such as whitetip and blacktip reef sharks are commonly spotted in shallow waters of the Gulf of Aqaba
You won’t see whale sharks or tiger sharks cruising the shallows—they prefer deeper water. Still, the gulf teems with over 1,200 fish species, which is why divers and snorkelers flock here. Just check local warnings before you dive in.
Can you swim in the Gulf of Aqaba?
Yes, you can swim in the Gulf of Aqaba year-round due to warm waters and excellent visibility
The water stays calm and salty, perfect for spotting coral reefs and marine life. Aqaba’s Marine Park and Eilat’s Coral Beach Nature Reserve are top spots. Stick to marked areas and watch for posted safety signs.
Is Aqaba worth visiting?
Aqaba is worth visiting for 2–3 days to enjoy diving, beaches, and nearby desert adventures
Honestly, this is one of the best bases in the Middle East for beginners to dive. You’re also a short trip from Petra and Wadi Rum’s otherworldly landscapes. The vibe is relaxed, the prices are fair, and spring or fall visits dodge the worst heat.
Is the Red Sea a Gulf?
The Red Sea is a marginal sea, and the Gulf of Aqaba is a northern extension classified as a gulf
Geographically, a gulf is basically a big bite taken out of the ocean, mostly surrounded by land. The Red Sea splits into two gulfs at its northern end: Aqaba and Suez. Navigational charts worldwide use this same split.
Does Israel touch the Red Sea?
Israel borders the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aqaba at its southern port of Eilat
Eilat is Israel’s only Red Sea coastline, acting as both a trade hub and a tourist magnet. The Red Sea itself laps against Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Israel didn’t get access to these waters until after the 1949 Armistice Agreements.
Why is Aqaba famous?
Aqaba is famous as Jordan’s premier Red Sea diving destination and gateway to Wadi Rum
The city layers history from Nabatean and Roman ruins to a 16th-century Mamluk fort. Its coral reefs and marine diversity draw divers from everywhere. And yes, those dramatic desert backdrops have starred in films like “Dune” and “The Martian.”
Is Jordan near Israel?
Jordan shares a 375-kilometer border with Israel and the West Bank
After signing their 1994 peace treaty, the two countries opened up cooperation on water sharing, security, and tourism. Travelers cross at spots like the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and the Sheikh Hussein crossing.
Is Jordan in Africa or Asia?
Jordan is an Asian country located in Southwest Asia on the northwestern edge of the Arabian Peninsula
Geographically and politically, Jordan sits firmly in the Middle East in Asia. It doesn’t touch Africa, though it does share a tiny border with Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula across the Gulf of Aqaba. Think of it as the hinge between the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula.
Is the Gulf of Aqaba salt water?
The Gulf of Aqaba is salt water, with salinity levels around 4.1%—higher than the global ocean average
That high salt content comes from limited freshwater input and the narrow Strait of Tiran, which restricts exchange with the Red Sea. The result? Unique ecosystems that have adapted to extreme conditions. Divers often rave about the crystal-clear visibility here.
How far across is the Gulf of Aqaba?
The Gulf of Aqaba varies in width from 19 to 27 kilometers (12 to 17 miles)
It runs roughly 177 kilometers (110 miles) from the Strait of Tiran down to Eilat at the northern tip. The narrowest spot—right near the strait—is only about 5 kilometers wide. That pinch point has shaped naval strategy and trade routes for centuries.
Did Moses cross the Gulf of Aqaba?
Some scholars and religious traditions identify a crossing site in the northern Red Sea near the Gulf of Aqaba as the possible location of the Exodus miracle
Exodus 14:21–22 tells of waters parting to let the Israelites pass. Researchers keep hunting for plausible spots, and the gulf’s shallow northern shelf fits the bill under certain wind conditions. It’s still debated, but the geography is intriguing.
