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Destination highlights
Whether you need to know local public holidays or highlights through the seasons, we hope you will find the facts gathered below useful tools for your travel planning. Please feel free to contact us if we can assist you further. General informationFounded in 1946, the Kingdom of Jordan is a land of contrasts – from ancient ruins amidst desert sands to leading-edge business. The capital, Amman, is a bustling city of two million people, spread across seven gentle hills. All of its buildings are finished in local white limestone, earning Amman its signature title as the White City. Friendly and safe for walking, the capital features a busy commercial and administrative centre and beautiful residential neighbourhoods. While much of the city has been built over the past 50 years, significant archaeological remains give testament to its place in history. Within an easy day trip lie the ancient ruins of Jerash and Petra. The surrounding landscape ranges from the desert of Wadi Rum to the fertile Jordan Valley to the salty shores of the Dead Sea. Time zoneGMT +2 hours during winter time Language(s) spokenArabic is the official language spoken locally. English is widely spoken. Electrical systemLocal voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters available; please request through the Concierge. Shopping hoursMost Jordanians work five days a week, with Friday and Saturday off, but business and shopping hours are flexible. Some stores open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, but close for a few hours in mid-afternoon. Other stores may remain open all day, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Working hoursGovernment offices are open from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. All businesses and most shops, other than those in the souqs, are closed on Fridays. During the Holy Month of Ramadan, working hours are more flexible and generally shorter. Time and distance to city centre20 minutes/22 kilometres/13.7 miles Time and distance to shopping
Time and distance to financial districtShmeisani financial district is a 10-minute drive (7 kilometres/4.4 miles); Sweifiyah financial district is a 5-minute drive (5 kilometres/3 miles) View in–depth travel advice from Frommers.com
Seasonal highlightsApril–MayDead Sea Ultra Marathon - A gruelling, 50-kilometre run from the highest elevations of the capital, Amman, down to the lowest point on earth. The Dead Sea Ultra Marathon began in 1993 after the Amman Road Runners (ARR), a group of Jordanian and non-Jordanian residents sharing the same passion for running, decided to present themselves with the ultimate challenge. The race is split into four categories: the ultra marathon (50 kilometres/31 miles), marathon (42 kilometres/26 miles), half-marathon (21 kilometres/13 miles) and a relay (50 kilometres/31 miles). Telephone/fax: 962 (6) 5930435 MayJordan International Rally – International, regional and local competitors have long respected this rally, and since its inception in 1964, the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan has striven to improve the quality of this event. The rally which took place in May 2001 covered 1,036 kilometres (648 miles) of the most scenic but challenging territory. The rally is renowned for its long desert stages, which place great demands on the skills and stamina of the competitors. From gravel to desert tracks, the rally poses a daunting task for the runway driver. For more information, please contact the Royal Automobile Club of Jordan, P.O. Box 920, 11118 Jordan, Telephone: 962 (6) 5818131, Fax: 962 (6) 5850626 July - AugustJerash Festival for Culture and Arts – This festival premiered on the international cultural scene in 1981. It brings together Arab and international performances to showcase their unique talents, and has expanded to include theatrical performances, ballet productions and poetry recitals. Telephone: 962 (6) 5675199, Fax: 962 (6) 5686191 September–OctoberJordanian Festival for Child Song NovemberDesert Cup Marathon – This annual event first took place in April 1998 with 500 entrants from 27 countries. The marathon covered 229 kilometres (138 miles) over six or seven days – the equivalent of 5.5 regular marathons. Competitors have to prepare all their own food and carry all their supplies with them throughout the race (except for water and a tent). Runners experience mid-day temperatures of up to 49°C (120°F) while running or walking on uneven, rocky ground and sand dunes. For more details, contact the Jordan Tourism Board. Telephone: 962 (6) 5678294, Fax: 962 (6) 5678295 |
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