The ancient city of Umm Qais in Bani Kinanah District, Irbid Governorate, received 71,289 Jordanian and foreign visitors from January through July 2026, compared with 82,266 visitors during the same period in 2025, according to official figures reviewed by Al Mamlaka.
The figures show that the number of visitors to the archaeological site fell by 13.3% during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.
During the first seven months of 2026, the site received 8,648 foreign visitors and 62,641 Jordanian visitors, for a total of 71,289. In the same period of 2025, the number of foreign visitors stood at 13,669, while Jordanian visitors totaled 68,597, bringing the overall figure to 82,266.
Umm Qais, located in northern Jordan’s Irbid Governorate, was historically known as Gadara and was once renowned as a center of culture and a home to several poets and philosophers.
The village is situated on a picturesque hill overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee. It is also known for its remarkable colonnaded streets and arched balconies.
The World Tourism Organization selected Umm Qais as one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages for 2022 after the village met all the organization’s required criteria and conditions.
Source: Al Mamlaka
