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Jordan’s Umm al-Jimal village has been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking a significant achievement for the country’s tourism and antiquities sector. The site, located near the Jordanian-Syrian border, dates back to the first century AD and was part of the Nabataean Kingdom. Inscriptions in various languages on the site shed light on its inhabitants’ religious beliefs.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Makram al-Qaisi expressed pride in the village’s inclusion on the World Heritage List, emphasizing the potential for Umm al-Jimal to attract local and international investors as a tourist destination. The village’s name is derived from the use of camels in trade caravans, and it was initially settled by the Nabataean people before being occupied by the Romans.
Umm al-Jimal is the seventh historical site in Jordan to be recognized by UNESCO, joining the likes of Petra and Wadi Rum. Tourism plays a significant role in Jordan’s economy, accounting for 12-14% of the GDP and supporting millions of residents. The country welcomed over six million tourists in 2023, contributing $7bn to the economy.
Despite the tourism sector’s importance, Jordan has experienced a decline in revenue and visitors due to external factors such as Israel’s conflict with Gaza. However, efforts are being made to promote Umm al-Jimal and other heritage sites to attract visitors and boost the economy. The addition of Umm al-Jimal to the World Heritage List highlights the rich history and cultural significance of the site, offering a new opportunity for tourism development in Jordan.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
