Great Arab Revolt Plaza is the big open square on Aqaba's waterfront where the city's modern story is told in public. It overlooks the middle beach and is anchored by the flag of the Great Arab Revolt, flown from one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, a landmark you can see from boats, from the beach and from many hotel balconies. Jordan's tourism board describes the plaza as holding the Revolt flag and the house of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, and presents it as the first stretch of Jordanian land reached by the revolutionary armies, which is why the square is treated as something between a monument and a civic living room. Families come here in the evening to walk, children run across the paving, and visitors use it as a natural starting point for the fort, the museum and the seafront promenade. There is no ticket to buy and no fixed visiting slot, so it is one of the easiest ways to add some history to a day that is otherwise about the sea and the desert.
The history behind the plaza is the Great Arab Revolt of 1916 to 1918, when Arab forces under Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca and his sons rose against Ottoman rule in the Hejaz. Aqaba was a key objective: its capture in 1917 opened a Red Sea supply route for the northward campaign toward Damascus and made the town famous well beyond the region.
The flag that flies here, with its black, white and green bands and red triangle, is the banner of that revolt and the origin of the colours found on several Arab national flags today. Reading a little before you go, or visiting the Archaeological Museum next door afterwards, makes the open square feel far more meaningful than it does on a first glance.
What to do
There is not a long checklist, and that is part of the appeal. Walk to the foot of the flagpole to appreciate how tall it is, look across the water to the hills on the far shore, and follow the promenade along the waterfront. The Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque, with its white facade and large dome, is within easy walking distance, as are Aqaba Fort and the museum in the old Hejazi-style house.
A few cafes and kiosks in the area sell tea, coffee and snacks, and the surrounding streets have plenty of simple restaurants for a seafood or grill dinner afterwards. If you like photography, the best light is in the last hour before sunset, when the flag glows against the sky and the water turns copper.
Practical advice
Because the plaza is an open public space, there are no entrance gates or timed tickets, and you can drop in whenever it suits you. Summer midday is very hot and has little shade, so visit in the early morning or after the sun has dropped, which is also when local families are out. Dress modestly, particularly if you are combining the plaza with the mosque or the museum, and keep a small amount of cash for drinks.
Wind can pick up near the water, so a light layer helps in winter evenings. Because this is a place of national significance, behave with the same courtesy you would at any memorial, and ask before photographing local families.
How it fits a trip
Most people spend thirty to sixty minutes here as part of a gentle city circuit, rather than as a destination in its own right. A good pattern is the museum and fort first, a stroll across the plaza, then dinner along the waterfront. It is a useful free option on a day when you are waiting for an evening departure, recovering from a long desert trip or travelling with children who need space to move. Check the tourism board's Aqaba page for the latest visitor information before you go.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided stop in an open waterfront square beside the flagpole and the city's Revolt-era sights.
Best time
Late afternoon to sunset, when it is cooler and the light on the flag is at its best.
How long
Thirty to sixty minutes, longer if you add the mosque, fort and museum.
Tips
Little shade at midday, so bring water and a hat. Dress modestly and keep photos of local families respectful.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History-minded visitors and anyone who wants a free, easy evening walk.
- Families
- Space for children to run and no tickets to manage, though shade is limited at midday.
- Couples
- A relaxed sunset stroll with the sea on one side and the old town on the other.
- Pair with
- Aqaba Fort and Museum, the Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque and a waterfront dinner.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Is there an entrance fee?+
No, the plaza is an open public space with no ticket. Museums and other sites nearby have their own fees and hours.
What is the flagpole?+
It flies the flag of the Great Arab Revolt and is one of the tallest flagpoles in the world, visible from much of the waterfront.
When is the best time to visit?+
Late afternoon into the evening, when the heat drops and the square is busiest with local families. Summer midday is very hot.
Can I combine it with other sights?+
Yes. Aqaba Fort, the Archaeological Museum and the Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque are all within easy walking distance.
What is the history behind it?+
The plaza commemorates the Great Arab Revolt of 1916 to 1918, in which Aqaba's capture in 1917 was a turning point.
