The number of visitors to the archaeological site of Umm Qais in the Bani Kinanah district of Irbid Governorate reached 111,519 Jordanians and foreigners during January–November of last year, compared to 75,665 visitors during the same period in 2024, according to official figures reviewed by Al-Mamlaka.
اضافة اعلان
The numbers indicate that visitor numbers increased by 47.4% during the first 11 months of last year compared to the same period in 2024.
During the first 11 months of 2025, foreign visitors totaled 22,519, while Jordanians numbered 89,000, bringing the total to 111,519. In comparison, during the same period in 2024, foreign visitors totaled 15,913 and Jordanians 59,752, for a total of 75,665.
Prime Minister Jafar Hassan inspected the Umm Qais archaeological site in December 2025, reviewing ongoing rehabilitation and development work aimed at enhancing its tourist appeal. He directed the maintenance and upgrading of the Umm Qais Museum and expedited the restoration plan for the heritage village to strengthen the site’s presence on Jordan’s tourism map and preserve its significant historical and cultural value. Umm Qais is recognized as one of the world’s best tourist villages, as selected by the World Tourism Organization a few years ago.
Historically known as "Gadara," Umm Qais in northern Irbid was a center of culture, home to several poets and philosophers. The site sits on a picturesque hill overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, famous for its remarkable streets lined with columns and arched balconies.
The World Tourism Organization named Umm Qais as one of the best tourist villages worldwide for 2022, having met all the organization’s required criteria and standards. — Al-Mamlaka
