Khaberni - The number of visitors to the archaeological city of Umm Qais in Bani Kinana district, Irbid governorate, during (January-November) of last year, was 111,519 Jordanian and foreign visitors, compared to 75,665 visitors during the same period in 2024.
The figures show that the increase rate in visitor numbers to the city reached 47.4% during the 11 months of last year compared to the same period in 2024.
Regarding the first 11 months of the year 2025, the number of foreign visitors reached 22,519 tourists, while Jordanians totaled 89,000, making a total of 111,519; whereas in 2024, the number of foreign visitors during the same period (11 months) was 15,913, while Jordanians were 59,752, totaling 75,665.
Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan inspected the Umm Qais archaeological site in December 2025, where he reviewed the rehabilitation and development work underway; with the aim of enhancing its tourist appeal. He directed the maintenance and rehabilitation of the Umm Qais Museum, and urged the rapid implementation of the plan to restore the heritage village; to enhance the site's presence on the Jordanian tourist map, and to preserve its significant historical and tourist value; considering Umm Qais as one of the best tourist villages in the world chosen by the World Tourism Organization a few years ago.
The village of Umm Qais, located in Irbid governorate in the north of the Kingdom, was formerly known as "Gadara", and was renowned as a cultural center, being home to a number of poets and philosophers. Umm Qais sits on a beautiful hill overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Tiberias, and is famous for its fascinating streets lined with columns and an arched terrace.
The World Tourism Organization announced in 2022 the selection of Umm Qais village as one of the best tourist villages in the world, after meeting all the requirements and criteria set by the organization.
