Ayla’s Chef Completes Historic Swim Along Aqaba Coastline

Thomas Brosnan, Executive Chef at Ayla, swam the entire Jordanian coast of the Red Sea in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at promoting Aqaba as a leading tourist destination and raising awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources, biodiversity, and coral reefs.اضافة اعلان
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Brosnan swam approximately 27 kilometers along the shores of Aqaba, completing the journey in nine hours. He was accompanied in relay by a select group of elite athletes from the Jordanian Finswimming National Team, who supported him throughout the challenge.
The event, launched in the early morning under the patronage of Ramzi Al-Kabariti, Commissioner of Youth and Entrepreneurship at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, began at Ayla’s lagoons and concluded at the Jordan-Saudi border, marking the first time anyone has undertaken such a feat in Aqaba.
Sahl Dudin, Managing Director of Ayla Oasis Development Company, expressed pride in the accomplishment, noting that it highlights the importance of preserving Aqaba’s stunning natural environment and resources, while also supporting efforts to promote the city’s unique tourist destinations.
Ramzi Al-Kabariti emphasized the importance of such distinctive initiatives for raising awareness on natural resource preservation, particularly Aqaba’s coral reefs, and promoting both tourism and sports in a way that benefits the local community.
Lieutenant Colonel Dirar Moteer Al-Hawamleh of the Royal Jordanian Naval Forces shared insights on their involvement, explaining that the Navy and Royal Jordanian boats supported the swimming challenge, organized and sponsored by Ayla Oasis Development. They ensured the route was safe, using Coast Guard patrol boats to keep the waters clear, and provided an ambulance boat equipped with advanced medical equipment, first aid, nurses, and trained divers to monitor Brosnan’s journey from the naval operations center.
Mohammad Abdel-Maghribi, President of the Royal Jordanian Marine Sports Federation, praised the initiative as an inspiring event for athletes, underscoring Aqaba’s potential as a marine sports hub and the opportunity to utilize its facilities in support of national tourism efforts.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Brosnan expressed gratitude and joy, saying: “I’ve always had a strong connection to the sea. Growing up on the Irish coast, the water has been a huge part of my life. Now, at 50, I’m pushing my limits again. But this swim is more than an endurance challenge; it’s about promoting Aqaba and the Red Sea as a premier marine destination and raising awareness about the need to protect coral reefs and beautiful marine life.”
Brosnan expressed his gratitude to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the brave members of the Royal Jordanian Navy and Boats, the Royal Jordanian Marine Sports Federation, Ayla Oasis Development Company and all its team, the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla Resort, the “Alrayes Boat,” the Ruhi Clinic for Health and Emergency Medical Services, and all the volunteers for their support in helping him achieve this significant challenge.
“I’m thrilled by the incredible support I received for this tough challenge,” he added. “I achieved my goal because Aqaba deserves it. Together, we’re making history.”
Ayla’s support for Brosnan’s challenge aligns with its commitment to promoting Jordan’s tourist destinations and emphasizing the importance of environmental conservation in Aqaba.