Fifteen years after ‘Trekkie’ King Abdullah II briefly appeared in an episode of Star Trek, Jordan is planning to construct a $1.5-billion park themed on the cult American science fiction series.

The ‘Red Sea Astrarium’ will be built in the country’s sole port of Aqaba, 350 km south of Amman, spanning 184 acres, and will include a Star Trek-themed centre.

“Revolving around ancient history with Nabatean, Babylonian, British and Roman influences,” the park is scheduled for opening in 2014, according to Jordan’s Rubicon Group Holding (RGH), which announced the plan.

Bordering Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Aqaba is a popular tourist centre and close to the ancient rose-red Nabatean city of Petra and Wadi Rum in the desert.

RGH said in a statement the park would include “technologically advanced attractions, five-star accommodation, captivating theatrical productions,” and night-time spectacles.

It said the Star Trek centre, which “will deliver a variety of multi-sensory 23rd-century experiences, culminating with a state-of-the art space-flight adventure.”

The astrarium “will be the world’s only place where there is a Star Trek attraction,” after a similar facility in Las Vegas closed.

King Abdullah is an acknowledged fan of the Star Trek phenomenon. In 1996, while he was still a prince, 34-year-old Abdullah made a non-speaking appearance in a Star Trek: Voyager episode.

“The project will provide a progressive and entertaining celebration,” RGH said.

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