By Fariha Eshrat
Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts. From the fertile and ever changing Jordan Valley to remote desert canyons and splendid desert castles to the modern Dead Sea spas, Jordan is a haven for every kind of traveller. It is the perfect holiday getaway: rich in culture and history and continuously growing to accommodate the needs of modern adventurers.
Jordan is strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, which has helped the very hospitable people of Jordan host many travellers since the beginning of time. Jordan has been inhabited by humans since the Paleolithic period. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Jordan is home to around 100,000 archaeological and tourist sites. Nowadays, the Jordanian Tourism Board is still encouraging people from all across Jordan and abroad to come experience the rich culture of heritage of the nation. The Tourism Board is promoting many new locations all across the city, including the modern spa facilities along the Red Sea and Dead Sea. Jordan also attracts a significant amount of medical tourism due to its well developed health sector.
Jordan is a Kingdom ruled by the Hashemite family, with King Abdullah II on the throne. The Hashemites are much loved and respected across Jordan. King Abdulah II and Queen Rania’s four children – Crown Prince Hussein, Princess Iman, Princess Salma and Prince Hashem – are also very popular and loved by the Jordanians.
Saudi Arabia and Jordan have many strong and old ties, making the relationship important and special. The countries share long borders, hence political cooperation and economic trade has existed for a long time between the two nations. Many trade agreements exist and new ones are always being made, making the relationship strong and progressive. Improvement in long term commitments is very important to both nations and the most important is the relations shared between the two countries which are strong allies.
In November 2018, King Abdullah II of Jordan awarded the military chief of staff of Saudi Arabia, Major General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Jordan’s Order of Military Merit, First Class in recognition of Al-Ruwaili’s efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries. Al-Ruwaili thanked the King, saying that strong military ties between Saudi Arabia and Jordan are vital for regional security.
In June 2018, Jordan’s King Abdullah II arrived in Saudi Arabia to perform religious pilgrimage and held meetings with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and King Salman.
Important future projects include the “Saudi Investment Fund” on which Jordan and Saudi Arabia are diligently working to develop mutual projects in the sectors of health, education, and tourism.
Where To Go
Petra, one of UNESCO’s seven wonders of the w
orld, is also known as the red rose city. It is a whole city in the South of Jordan carved in the mountains by the Nabateans in the 1st AD.
Jarash is a complete Roman city in the North, known for its beautiful Roman columns and large amphitheatres. Jarash is also known to host annual festivals and concerts in the summer, with many famous singers performing for hordes of tourists and locals.
Qasr el Yahud is identified as the site of Jesus’ baptism and is frequented by many Christian pilgrims every year. The place is located in the wilderness of the Jordan River Valley, north of the Dead Sea.
Madaba is a Southern city of many old churches and mosaic maps. The Greek Orthodox Basilica of Saint George and Mount Nebo, where Moses stood on top are also worth seeing.
What To Do
Try Mansaf, the most popular and traditional dish of Jordan that is a must-have for all festivities in all households. Mansaf is a combination of rice and lamb meat cooked with special yogurt.
Dead sea spas and resorts are a popular destination in all weathers because of their temperate weathers all year round. Only half an hour away from the capital Amman, the modern facilities at the spas and resorts attract tourists and locals alike.
Scuba dive at the beautiful coral reefs in Aqaba Marine Park on the south of the Red sea. The Aqaba beach resorts are also popular destinations for windsurfing and other watersports.
Camping and hiking in the deserts of Wadi Rum can be an exciting and adventurous experience. A sunset at the summit of these beautiful mountains is a unforgettable experience.
