Watch Jordan's underwater military museum

Authorities will open the museum at the beginning of 2020 to allow the marine life around it to develop. Until then, only fishes will be able to visit.

Aqaba: Adding a new flavor into the diving world, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority is all set to open its first underwater military museum in the Gulf of Aqaba.

The exhibits include various tanks, an ambulance, a military crane, troop carrier, fighter, a helicopter and others. The pieces are placed at different depths to create a unique diving experience.

Avoiding any damage to coral sites, pieces were specifically put in sandy areas and were also cleaned and emptied of oils, grease, and contaminants before submersion.

Chief Commissioner of Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Nayeh Bakhit said, "The (Underwater) military museum is the first product of its kind in the region, and I think in the world. It is important because the sport of diving in Aqaba is attracting tourists, and many tourists from around the world come here to practice this sport, therefore the existence of the military museum will attract extra numbers of divers from all around the world.

"Apart from diving people can see the museum on-board a boat through a glass viewing point. The selected location is relatively poor with marine organisms, coral reefs and biodiversity that ensure the safety and protection of the marine environment. The museum was a public and private partnership between Aqaba Economic Zone Authority, Aqaba Ports Company, Aqaba Marine Services, and the Royal Jordanian Maritime Force. Authorities will open the museum at the beginning of 2020 to allow the marine life around it to develop. Until then, only fishes will be able to visit.