From RIYADH to Jordan: Ancient Wonders & Desert Dreams

About the destination: People have inhabited Rum for thousands of years, enduring its severe conditions. They've been hunters, herders, farmers, and traders, given Rum's proximity to national borders. The renowned Nabateans once resided in Rum, leaving behind several structures, including a temple. The locals gained fame when they joined the Arab revolt forces under King Faisal's leadership and fought alongside Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt (1917/18) against the occupying Turkish and German armies. Lawrence frequently mentions Wadi Rum in his book 'The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,' a title seemingly inspired by one of Rum's towering mountains. Lawrence's exploits have become part of local folklore, with some popular tourist sites named after him, although whether he used these exact sites is subject to debate. Almost all the people living in and around Wadi Rum today are of Bedouin origin and, until recently, led nomadic lives, depending on their goat herds. They are resourceful, welcoming people who have largely contributed to developing Wadi Rum as a tourist destination. Recognizing Wadi Rum's unique natural and cultural history and the crucial role of tourism in the local economy, the Jordanian government declared Wadi Rum a protected area in 1998. With support from the World Bank, they commissioned the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, a national NGO, to prepare a conservation plan and assemble a team of locals to manage the area. This team, now under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, is pioneering ways to restore and protect Rum's delicate desert habitats from increasing human pressure.

About the destination: The legendary "Pink City, in the 6th century, was the capital of the ancient Nabatean kingdom known in the southern Kingdom of Jordan, and due to its fabulous ruins, Petra was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985. The kingdom was absorbed by the Roman Empire in the year 106 and the Romans continued to expand the city.After the conquest of the Middle East by Saladin in 1189, Petra was abandoned.The ruins remained hidden to most of the world until the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt , disguised as an Arab scholar, infiltrated the city occupied by the Bedouins in 1812. The site was included in the Steven Spielberg film, Indiana Jones and the last crusade in 1989 and was chosen in July 2007 as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

About the destination: Aqaba is the only port city in Jordan, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba at the very southern tip of the country. It serves as Jordan's gateway to the Red Sea. In recent years, Aqaba has seen significant growth, leading to enhancements in its infrastructure and facilities. Aqaba has been a populated settlement since 4000 BC due to its strategic position at the intersection of trade routes between Asia and Africa. During World War I, the Ottoman forces were compelled to retreat from Aqaba following a raid, known as the Battle of Aqaba, led by TE Lawrence (also known as Lawrence of Arabia) and the Arab forces of Sharif Hussein in 1917. The most notable places to visit in Aqaba include: • Aqaba Fort: Originally built in the 14th century AD, the current structure was constructed by the Mamluk Sultan el-Ghawri Qansawh (1501-1516) and has undergone numerous modifications since then. • Ayla: Located next to the Moevenpick complex, this ancient city was established when Islam arrived in the region in 622 AD. • 4th Century Roman Church: This is the oldest known Christian church in history. • Aqaba Museum: This unique museum is certainly one of Aqaba's main attractions as it showcases a range of artifacts, as well as life-sized models of traditional life in one of Jordan's oldest cities. It also houses a collection of rare historical photos from the early 20th century to the present.