The Aqaba Archaeological Museum lies adjacent to the Aqaba Castle and it is housed in the historical residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali, leader of the Great Arab Revolt, and the great grandfather of King Abdullah II. The Hashemite Coat of Arms over the entrance was added after the Otomans were ousted from Aqaba during World War 1. This was Sharif Hussein’s residence for six years following the war.
The museum houses an important collection from the Islamic site of Ayla, with items that date to the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid and Fatimid periods. The collection thus represents the Islamic periods from the mid-seventh to the beginning of the twelfth century AD.

Among the exhibits is a Kufic inscription of “Ayat al-Kursi” from the Holy Quran, which surmounted the Eastern (Egypt) gate of the city, and a hoard of gold Fatimid dinars minted at Sajilmasa in Morocco.

Artifacts displayed also include foreign pottery and coins left by ancient visitors.