Jordan invites UAE residents to explore its heritage marvels

"With upcoming long holidays, many residents in the UAE are planning to spend their vacation with their loved ones to explore new places or wherever they find something unique. We are inviting UAE residents and GCC citizens to get this opportunity of long holidays and explore the diversity of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites across Jordan."

This was stated by Dr. Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board while talking to the media in Dubai.

“Our seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a powerful testament to the diverse civilisational influences that shaped Jordan over hundreds of thousands of years. Each of the sites has something unique to offer to visitors, transporting them to the marvels of the past, and opening their hearts and minds to the wonders of nature as well as the rich cultural, trade and architectural legacy of our ancient communities,” he said.

He further pointed that “the Jordan Tourism Board is welcoming visitors especially UAE residents and GCC citizens, to experience the marvels of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which offer enriching experiences of Jordan’s magnificent past and vibrant present.”

The heritage sites include the remnants of ancient civilisations, defined by Petra – one of the world's richest and largest archaeological sites set in a dominating red sandstone landscape – to the breathtaking landscapes of Wadi Rum. Visitors can explore these timeless wonders, all of them preserved with authenticity.

They can also marvel at the ingenuity of people who once walked the land, their rich cultural and artistic legacy, and the mesmerising flourishes that nature has carved for itself.

Responding to a question about the facilities including the flight arrangements, Dr. Arabiyat mentioned, “Just a short flight from all major GCC cities, Jordan's UNESCO sites serve as perfect getaways for short haul visits – offering all members of the family fascinating cultural experiences. For those who love to connect with the pristine soul of nature, there are few other places that offer such a diversity of attractions – all accessible effortlessly.”

To get maximum advantage from their upcoming vacations, the visitors can plan their journey starting with Petra, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and inhabited since prehistoric times.

Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded by mountains riddled with passages and gorges.

The other prominent destinations are the Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) sprawling over an area of 74,200 hectares, As-Salt, built on three closely-spaced hills in the Balqa highland of west-central Jordan, and Quseir Amra, another fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built in the early 8th century beside the Wadi Butum, a seasonal watercourse.

"Our UNESCO sites take visitors to eras that have defined not only the region but also shaped religions and cultures," added Dr. Arabiyat. “For visitors, each of these locations have modern amenities that will make their trips memorable, in addition to the rich insights they gain from expert guides. From luxury hotels to desert camps, and an astonishing variety of authentic culinary delights, tours to the sites will be perfect for visitors from the GCC to gain enriching experiences,” he added.

In a recent WAM report, the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) announced that the country welcomed a record number of visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations in 2024.

Overnight visitors from the GCC reached more than 1.32 million in 2024, a substantial 15% increase from 1.15 million visitors in 2023. This represents one of the highest number of annual GCC visitors, cementing Jordan's position as a preferred destination for Gulf travellers and highlighting the success of the country's strategic tourism initiatives, it said.

The average length of stay reported growth from visitors across all GCC markets, indicating a significant trend toward longer holidays and deeper exploration of Jordan's diverse attractions. Extended stays were particularly evident during the peak summer months and major holiday periods, with many visitors combining multiple destinations within their itineraries.

"The remarkable results we've achieved in 2024 reflect our strategic focus on the GCC market and the strong cultural and tourism ties between Jordan and Gulf nations," said Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat.