Saḩāb, Jordan
Region: Saḩāb is located in the Amman Governorate
Geographic Coordinates: 31.866700, 36.000000
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Dry and hot summers, mild winters with occasional rainfall.
Population: 169434
Language: Arabic
Saḩāb is a small town located in the eastern part of Jordan, Approximately 20 kilometers southeast of the capital city Amman. It is situated on the edge of the desert and has a population of around 50, 000 people. The town is known for its industrial activities and serves as an important transportation hub for goods traveling between Jordan and neighboring countries. The name Saḩāb means clouds in Arabic, Which reflects the town’s unique climate. Due to its location on high ground, Saḩāb experiences cooler temperatures than other parts of Jordan during summer months.
The area also receives more rainfall than other parts of the country, Which supports agriculture in nearby villages. Saḩāb has a long history dating back to ancient times when it was an important stop on trade routes between Arabia and Syria. Today, Visitors can explore several historical sites such as Qasr Al-Hallabat, A Byzantine-era fortress that was used by Umayyad caliphs during their travels through Jordan. In addition to its historical significance, Saḩāb is also home to several modern industrial zones that have helped boost economic growth in Jordan.
These zones include factories producing textiles, Plastics, And electronics – all contributing to job creation opportunities for local residents. Despite its industrial focus, Visitors can still find cultural attractions throughout Saḩāb such as traditional markets selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. The town also hosts several annual festivals celebrating local traditions such as music and dance performances. For those looking for outdoor activities near Saḩāb can visit nearby nature reserves like Azraq Wetland Reserve or explore Wadi Rum Desert – both offering breathtaking scenery that showcases Jordan’s natural beauty.
Overall, Saḩāb offers visitors a unique blend of history and modernity with plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion while exploring one of Jordan’s fastest-growing towns.
Important Landmarks
- Queen Alia International Airport
- The Dead Sea
- Madaba Mosaic Map
- Mount Nebo
- Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan)
- Amman Citadel
- Roman Theater in Amman
- Rainbow Street in Amman
- The Royal Automobile Museum
- The Children’s Museum of Jordan
Primary Industries
- Manufacturing: The Saḩāb industrial zone has a large number of manufacturing companies that produce various products such as textiles, plastics, chemicals, and food items.
- Construction: Several construction companies in Saḩāb specialize in building residential and commercial properties.
- Logistics: Due to its strategic location near the capital city of Amman and the country’s major highways, Saḩāb has become a hub for logistics companies that provide transportation services across Jordan.
- Information technology: The city also houses several IT firms that offer software development, data analytics, cybersecurity services among others.
- Renewable energy: In recent years there has been an increase in renewable energy projects such as solar power plants being developed in the area.
Overall, Saḩāb’s economy heavily relies on industry and manufacturing with many businesses taking advantage of its strategic location near major transportation routes.
Noteable History
- The town was part of the Roman Empire and was known as Sagabe during that time.
- During the Islamic era, Saḩāb was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Mecca.
- In modern times, Saḩāb has become an industrial hub for Jordan and is home to many factories and businesses.
- Notable people from Saḩāb include Mohammad Al-Jawarneh, a former Minister of Justice in Jordan’s government.
- The town also played a role in Jordan’s independence movement in the mid-20th century as it served as a base for guerrilla fighters against British colonial rule.
Overall, while Saḩāb may not have many well-known historical events or figures associated with it, its rich history and contributions to modern-day Jordan make it an important part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Museums and Things To See
- The Royal Automobile Museum is a museum dedicated to the history of cars in Jordan and the Middle East.
- The Jordan Museum showcases the history and culture of Jordan from prehistoric times to the present day.
- The King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Jordan, known for its stunning architecture and intricate design.
- The Al-Hussein Cultural Center is an art center that hosts exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.
- The Roman Theater is a well-preserved ancient theater that was built during Roman times and is still used for performances today.
- The Amman Citadel is an ancient hilltop fortress that offers panoramic views of Amman and houses several historic structures including Temple of Hercules, Byzantine Church, Umayyad Palace etc
- Madaba Archaeological Park is a collection of ruins dating back to 3000 BC including mosaics from Byzantine era.
- Wadi Al Seer is a scenic valley with hiking trails through olive groves.
- Jordan National Gallery Of Fine Arts is a modern gallery showcasing contemporary art by local artists
- Darat al Funun Art Centreis an arts centre housed in three renovated buildings which have been converted into exhibition spaces showcasing contemporary art from across the Arab world
Cultural Events
- Jerash Festival: A popular annual festival held in July that celebrates music, dance, and theater performances.
- Al-Balad Music Festival: A three-day music festival held annually during the summer months.
- Jordan Food Week: A food festival that showcases traditional Jordanian cuisine and local delicacies.
- Eid al-Fitr: A Muslim holiday celebrated at the end of Ramadan with feasting and gift-giving.
- Independence Day: Celebrated on May 25th each year to commemorate Jordan’s independence from British rule.
- Christmas Eve Mass at Our Lady of Peace Center: An annual event where Christians gather for a midnight mass celebration on Christmas Eve.
- Mawlid al-Nabi: A celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birthday with prayers, feasting, and charity work done by Muslims across the country.
Please note that these events may be subject to change or cancellation due to various factors such as weather conditions or political situations in the region.
Cuisine
- Mansaf Al-Saheb: This restaurant is known for serving authentic Jordanian cuisine, especially the national dish of Jordan called mansaf. It is a traditional Bedouin dish made with lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce and served over rice.
- Al-Faridah Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma, kebab, falafel, hummus, and more.
- Abu Mazen Restaurant: This eatery serves delicious grilled chicken and meat dishes along with Arabic bread and salads.
- Al-Khaleej Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes like fried fish, shrimp curry, grilled octopus, and more.
- Sajouna Cafe & Restaurant: This cozy cafe serves freshly baked saj bread stuffed with cheese or zaatar (herbs) along with other breakfast items like omelets and pancakes.
- Shawerma Falafil Al-Shamali: As the name suggests, this place is famous for its shawarma (roasted meat sandwich) and falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls) sandwiches that are served hot off the grill.
- Knafeh Bakery & Sweets Shop: If you have a sweet tooth then you must try knafeh at this bakery which is a popular Arab dessert made with shredded phyllo dough filled with cheese or cream topped with sugar syrup or pistachios.
- Al-Hussein Public Park: This park is a popular spot for families to enjoy picnics, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
- Saḩāb Sports City: This complex offers a range of sports facilities including football fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts.
- Al-Mahatta Park: This park features walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Al-Quds Park: This park has a large green space for picnics and outdoor activities.
- Wadi al-Seer Forest Reserve: This nature reserve offers hiking trails through the forested hills outside of Saḩāb.
- Qasr al-Azraq Castle: Visitors can explore this historic castle that was used by Lawrence of Arabia during World War I.
- The Dead Sea: Located just south of Saḩāb is the famous Dead Sea where visitors can float in the salty water or enjoy spa treatments at one of the many resorts along its shore.