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Al-Muwaqqar
ℹ️Practical info — Al-Muwaqqar
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Renting a car is the best way to explore the surrounding desert and archaeological sites.
- Visit the ruins of the desert palace early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
- Respect local Bedouin traditions if invited for tea or coffee.
- Dress conservatively, as it is a traditional area.
- Bring a good sun hat and plenty of water for outdoor excursions.
🍽 Food
Look for local eateries offering Jordan's national dish, often served on special occasions.
Enjoy traditional Arabic coffee with cardamom if visiting local hospitality tents.
Ask around for places preparing this traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked underground.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
You might find local woven goods and traditional crafts in small shops or from local families.
Check out the small local markets for regional desert herbs used in tea.
The archaeological site gives a quiet place to reflect on the region's Umayyad history.
Drive slightly out of the city center to experience the profound silence of the open desert at dusk.
Water temperature…
Al-Muwaqqar is a prominent historical site in the Amman Governorate, situated about 30 kilometers east of the Jordanian capital. The town is widely recognized as the location of one of the Umayyad desert castles, which were pivotal during the early Islamic era. Qasr al-Muwaqqar was built in the early 8th century during the reign of Caliph Yazid II, serving as both a palatial residence and a strategic desert outpost. Archaeological excavations have revealed intricately carved capitals with Kufic inscriptions and sophisticated water management systems, including a massive cistern. The settlement lies on a historic route connecting the fertile regions with the desert interior. In modern times, Al-Muwaqqar has evolved into a key industrial and logistics hub, significantly benefiting from its proximity to Queen Alia International Airport. Despite modern expansion, the ruins of the Umayyad palace remain a testament to the region's rich Islamic heritage.
- Location: Jordan
- Nearby: Sahab (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Sep, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 8 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 21 | 14 | 9 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 43 | 23 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 18 | 35 |
Geography
Facts
- Qasr al-Muwaqqar was constructed around 720 AD under Caliph Yazid II.
- Archaeological finds at the site feature some of the earliest Kufic inscriptions.
- The town is positioned along the main highway connecting Amman to Saudi Arabia.
- A massive ancient reservoir at the site originally measured 60 by 40 meters.
- Al-Muwaqqar is now home to one of Jordan's largest industrial estates.
- The desert palace was significantly damaged during the earthquake of 749 AD.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Al-Muwaqqar (1)
Frequently asked questions
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