Umm al-Jimal Village Added to UNESCO World Heritage List

Jordan's Umm al-Jimal village has officially been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a development celebrated by the country's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram al-Qaisi, as a significant achievement. The announcement was made during a meeting of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, highlighting the village's historical significance, with structures dating back to the first century AD when it was part of the Nabataean Kingdom. The site features inscriptions in multiple languages, including Greek and Arabic, reflecting the evolution of its inhabitants' religious beliefs. Located near the Jordanian-Syrian border, approximately 86 kilometers north of Amman, Umm al-Jimal is often referred to as "the black oasis" due to its distinctive black volcanic rock. Al-Qaisi expressed hopes that the UNESCO designation would attract both local and international investors, positioning Umm al-Jimal as a prime tourist destination. The village's name is derived from its historical use as a stop for trade caravans, initially settled by the Nabataeans and later occupied by the Romans, becoming a vital agricultural and commercial hub. Umm al-Jimal is the seventh site in Jordan to be included on UNESCO's World Heritage List, joining other notable locations such as Petra and Wadi Rum. Tourism plays a crucial role in Jordan's economy, contributing between 12 and 14 percent to the GDP. In 2023, the kingdom welcomed over six million tourists, generating approximately $7 billion in revenue. However, the ongoing conflict in Gaza has negatively impacted tourism, with a reported 4.9 percent decline in revenue and a 7.9 percent drop in visitors in early 2024.