Amman

Founded in 1946, the Kingdom of Jordan is a land of contrasts – from ancient ruins amidst desert sands to cutting-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.

April–May

Dead 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

Amman International Theatre Festival - This annual festival is the only one in the Middle East and North Africa to be organized by an independent theatre company. Performances are mainly in Arabic and English. The festival was first held in 1994, initiated by members of Amman's Al Fawanees theatre company to provide a venue for artistic exchange among independent and experimental Arab troupes. It aims to encourage alternatives to the present environment in which artists work in the Arab world, as well as increasing their exposure to a more global spectrum of artistic activity. The eight days of activities are made up of performances from various countries such as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Switzerland, Italy, Palestine, Jordan, Sweden and Turkey, workshops and movie days. Also, a meeting about artistic documentation and oral history is scheduled, and the final part of the festival hosts a meeting to discuss relations between the European directors and the Arab directors.

May

Jordan 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

• Visit the event web site

July–August

Jerash 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

The Hakaya Festival - Held at Amman's Al Balad Theater and across Jordan, promotes storytelling as a central tool in learning, art and life. There are seminars, workshops and screenings of narrative films, as well as storytellers performing in public spaces.

November

Desert 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

December

Amman Stand-up Comedy Festival - The incredibly popular Amman Stand-Up Comedy Festival brings comedians from all around the Middle East, as well as the US, Australia and Canada to Jordan, for seven nights of Arab and international humour. Tickets sell out immediately. The week of laughs is divided into four sections, the International Show (two nights), the Arabic Speaking Comedy Night (two nights), the Arabian Night (one night) and the Closing Nights (last two nights). Each night features an average of six comedians. Al Hussein Cultural Centre: Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm.