The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Jordan is an Arab Muslim country located in the north of the Arabian Peninsula and in western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north,
Iraq to the east, Saudi Arabia to the south and southeast, and Palestine (the West Bank) to the west.
The country is named after the Jordan River, which runs along its western border. Its capital is Amman.
Official Language:
The official language is Arabic.
System of Government:
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. His Majesty King Abdullah II sits on the throne.
Flag of Jordan:
The flag symbolizes the Kingdom’s deep-rooted connection to the Great Arab Revolt of 1916, as it is derived from its flag.
The colors black, white, and green represent the Abbasid, Umayyad, and Fatimid Arab dynasties respectively,
while the red triangle uniting the parts of the flag represents the Hashemite dynasty. The seven-pointed Islamic star
in the middle of the red triangle symbolizes the seven verses of the opening chapter of the Holy Qur'an (Al-Fatiha).
Administrative Divisions:
Jordan is divided into 12 governorates: Amman (the capital), Irbid, Zarqa, Mafraq, Ajloun, Jerash, Madaba, Balqa, Karak,
Tafila, Ma'an, and Aqaba. Each governorate consists of several districts and sub-districts.
Area and Climate:
The total area of Jordan is about 92,300 square kilometers. The lowest point is the surface of the Dead Sea at -408
meters below sea level, while the highest point is on Mount Umm al-Dami at 1,854 meters above sea level.
Official Currency:
The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD).
Tourism:
Tourism is a major contributor to Jordan’s national income, bringing together a variety of languages, cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
Tourism also plays a significant role in showcasing the true image of Jordan internationally. Among the most famous tourist sites are Petra
— one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — and Jerash, alongside many other tourist destinations spread from the north to the south of Jordan.
Jordan has a diverse climate, ranging from a Mediterranean climate in the center and mountainous regions to a dry desert climate in the Badia (desert areas).
Temperatures generally range between 0°C in winter and 40°C in summer. Annual rainfall varies between 800 mm in the mountains and 50 mm in the desert.
Jordan consists of three distinct climatic and geographic regions:
The Jordan Valley (Al-Ghor)
The Highlands
The Eastern Desert (Badia)The Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea is the lowest point on the surface of the Earth.
The Gulf of Aqaba:
The Gulf of Aqaba serves as Jordan’s only outlet to the sea.
Al al-Bayt University
Al al-Bayt University is located on the outskirts of the city of Mafraq , 65 Kilometers to the north-east (about 45 minutes drive) of the capital Amman - Jordan .
The university has integrated academic facilities, student housing, and social services on one site, extending over an area of 7539 dunums (dunum=1000 square meters).
Brief History :
On August 17, 1992 (18 Safar 1413 H), a Royal Decree was issued ordaining the establishment of Al al-Bayt University.
As stated in the Royal Message, the University is to meet an urgent need for a new kind of university; one that combines
the requirements of scientific methodology in teaching and research, on one hand, and the requirements of belief
and clarity of vision on the other, thus, creating harmony between the rounded personality of the Muslim and his new environment.
The University is also intended to uphold the principles of freedom, justice, tolerance, respect of other people's beliefs and faiths, and co-existence.
On December 16, 1992 (21 Jumada II 1413 H), another Royal Decree was issued approving the formation of Al al-Bayt Special Royal Committee,
under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hassan, and the membership of a selected high-standing scholars and intellectuals
from Jordan and other parts of the Islamic world. The main task of this committee was to lay the foundation of the University,
and to submit its decisions on operational and administrative issues to his Majesty the King for his final approval/decision.
The Royal Decree pertaining to the appointment of the first President of Al al-Bayt University was issued on May 22, 1993 (1 Thu al-Hujja 1414 H).
Immediately thereafter, a number of administrative, academic and technical committees were set up to carry out the mission of establishing the University,
each in accordance to its assigned responsibilities. After completing its infrastructure, recruiting distinguished faculty members, and defining its courses and programs,
the University was ready to receive its first group of students on October 1, 1994. Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hussein,
and the presence of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hassan, Al al-Bayt University was officially inaugurated on March 6, 1995 (6 Ramadan 1415 H).
Since the establishment of the University, the area has been transformed into an Oasis in the Desert through the implementation of new schemes of plantation,
combating desertification and preserving the indigenous species. Water harvesting in this arid area has proven to be successful.
