Queen Rania visits Umm Qais accompanied by Princess Iman

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania, accompanied by HRH Princess Iman, visited the village of Umm Qais in the governorate of Irbid, on Monday, to learn about sustainable tourism efforts that aim to stimulate economic growth and protect Jordan’s cultural heritage and natural resources.

Welcomed by the founder of Baraka Destinations, Muna Haddad, Her Majesty and Princess Iman toured Beit Al Baraka, a Bed and Breakfast that offers tourists authentic experiences of Umm Qais, according to a statement from Her Majesty’s office.

At Beit Al Baraka, Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness attended a session on basket weaving and traditional Jordanian scarf embroidering, designed to introduce tourists to this tradition. They also joined local women in preparing Eid cookies at Galsoum’s Kitchen, where visitors can try home cooked Jordanian meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

The Queen and Princess also passed by the Bed and Breakfast’s living room to take a look at items produced by locals, and stopped at a stone masonry class on traditional rock carving, before learning about local plants and making seed bombs at Beit Al Ward.

Located in the heart of Umm Qais, Beit Al Baraka overlooks prominent landmarks including the Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, and the Yarmouk Nature Reserve. It houses six bedrooms and offers guests a farm to table breakfast.

Baraka Destinations is an initiative that works with communities in Jordan and 130 families in Umm Qais to promote lesser-known touristic sites and provide visitors with purposely-curated cultural and touristic experiences.