The Department of Statistics (DoS) expects to finish its census of Aqaba’s residents, tourists and business visitors by 7 December.

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (Aseza), which regulates business in the port city, will use the results of the census to decide how much new building work should be approved.

Fathi Nsour, executive director in charge of the census at the DoS, says Aqaba needs a census every three years because it is growing so quickly.

“The data being compiled is critical for a city where extensive development and investments have taken place and more are being channelled and planned. It will provide policy and development planners with clear and accurate information as a reference rather than estimates,” Nsour says.