Aqaba, Jordan – April 9th, 2025

Time away from the media centre this morning at the Westin Saraya Hotel to carry out a bit of filming and photography for local generic footage for the Jordan Baja.

The Arab Revolt Plaza flies the flag of the Arab Revolt near the Red Sea and provides a perfect setting for the backdrop of neighbouring Eilat across the Red Sea.

A stroll through the local bazaars and souk, taking in the spices and artefacts sold here in southern Jordan, and then a quick pic at the statue of Lawrence of Arabia.

The Battle of Aqaba was fought for the Red Sea port of Aqaba during the Arab Revolt of World War I in July 1917. The attacking forces, led by Sherif Nasir and Auda abu Tayi, were advised by Lawrence of Arabia and were victorious over the Ottoman Empire defenders, who were expecting an assault from the sea and were surprised by an Arab assault from the deserts to the north. The attack was unauthorised and came some time after a bombardment of the Ottoman fort by British warships.

Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence) survived the war but died at the age of just 46, in 1935, after a freak and suspicious accident on his beloved Brough Superior SS100 in Dorset. He is buried nearby in the cemetery at Moreton.