Update (13 October at 2:54pm GMT):
AdventureELEVATE Near East is well underway, with reports on the ground that Jordan remains a calm haven for many, including our delegates. We are monitoring the ongoing conflict closely, well aware that things can change quickly.
We are also hearing that the Jordan Tourism Board and our many partners on the ground are living up to their well-earned reputation as warm and welcoming hosts.
The ATTA team in Amman are on standby to support all our delegates as they begin their journeys home in a few days. We are also here to support those delegates and media who are remaining in Jordan to continue experiencing the hospitality of this remarkable country. We wish everyone a safe trip and we hope and pray for a swift end to this conflict.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected].
Where will AdventureELEVATE Near East take place?
AENE 2023 will be held at the Intercontinental Jordan hotel in Amman, Jordan.
Amman, the Capital of Jordan, is a fascinating city of contrasts between old and new, ideally situated on a hilly area between the desert and the fertile Jordan Valley, a perfect base to delve deep into Jordan as it is no more than a four hour drive from anywhere in the country.
As a modern and prosperous city, almost half of Jordan’s population is concentrated in the Amman area. As one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, there is evidence of the city’s much older past everywhere you turn, you can find modern buildings rubbing shoulders with traditional coffee shops, old souks and archaeological sites.
The downtown area is much older and more traditional, with smaller businesses producing and selling everything from intricate gold and silver jewelry and local fashion wear, to everyday household items.
You can find art galleries, coffee shops and a diversity of artisan shops along Rainbow Street and Weibdeh, which truly embodies the unique blend of old and new that this city manifests.
Getting to Amman
By Air
By Air - Amman can be reached most conveniently by flying into Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), located 20 miles south of Amman and approximately a ½ hour car ride.
Airport Transfers
Please note that a car will be arranged for your transfer from QAIA to your hotel.
We ask that once you are in the baggage claim area and have received your bags, please proceed to the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) Booth which is located next to the baggage claim area on the right.
There will be a JTB representative that will be there to assist and escort you to your driver. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the JTB Team at [email protected].
Taxi - Airport Taxi offers speedy, secure, comfortable and reasonably-priced transport services to any location in Jordan and is the easiest way to get to the city.
Bus Service - A Sariyah shuttle bus, which departs every 30 minutes and travels back and forth between the North Bus station in Amman and the airport, is a convenient and cost-effective way to reach Amman.
Passport & Travel Visa Information
Entry visa fees (please check visa requirements for Jordan here).
Visitors are required to have a valid passport with an expiration date no less than six months from their time of travel and may obtain a visa at any Jordanian embassy, consulate, or legation abroad. Certain nationalities are required to obtain a visa from a consulate prior to departure. For more detailed information please visit www.jordanembassyus.org
Partner Hotels with Special Rates
Intercontinental - Book Now
Grand Hyatt Amman - Book Now
BONITA INN - Book Now
LE ROYAL
Please email Abdallah Al-Hendi at [email protected] with the promo code LeRoyalATTA2023 for the special rate.
*Special rates are for conference days only.
Practical Information
Climate
October is another warm autumn month in Amman, Jordan with an average temperature ranging between max 27.1°C (80.8°F) and min 13.8°C (56.8°F). In Amman, the average high-temperature in October slightly decreases from a tropical 30.7°C (87.3°F) in September to a warm 27.1°C (80.8°F).
What to wear
Event dress code: Adventure/Business casual
Even though Jordan is primarily a Muslim country, the freedom of all religions is protected. Some traditional Muslim and Christian women choose to wear clothing that covers their arms, legs and/or hair, however, this is by choice only and no one is subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is never appropriate and conservative dress is advisable for both men and women in the old part of Amman (downtown) and in smaller cities. Otherwise, you are free to dress as you are accustomed.
Photography & Filming
Jordanians are very hospitable and welcoming people and are generally open to taking photographs, however, before taking photos or filming any individual please make sure to ask their permission first, especially women. Ensure that you walk with enough batteries and memory cards for your cameras and any equipment you may need.
Drones are not allowed to enter the country without special permissions and are not recommended.
Languages
Arabic is the official language of Jordan; however, English is widely spoken.
Electricity
In Jordan the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Most hotels have type A & B electrical outlets, however, there are 3 associated plug types, Type C Electrical Outlet; Type F Electrical Outlet; Type G Electrical Outlet. Visitors from North America will need a converter and adapter.
Currency
The Jordanian Dinar is the official currency in Jordan.
Most local kiosks and souvenir stalls will only accept local/US currency. ATM machines are available in the airport and throughout Amman and major cities, and in some hotels, should you need to use them. Currency Exchange services are also available throughout the country.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and larger shops, including American Express, Visa, Diners Club, and MasterCard. Please note that many smaller shops still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it's essential for shopping in the local souks.
Mobile Phone Service
Free WiFi is widely available around Amman and the Queen Alia International Airport.
Please check with your telephone service provider to see if you can make/receive cellular calls on your telephone from Jordan (roaming rates will vary). For some carriers, it is as simple as requesting activation of the international service feature. The most common companies are Zain, Umniah, and Orange, and the local SIM cards offer affordable data plans that are also easily available for purchase at any phone or electronics store in the city.
Drinking Water
When traveling to any foreign country, health officials advise that you be careful about drinking water from an unknown source, since this may be disruptive to one’s digestive system. Bottled & filtered water is readily available and is highly recommended.
Emergency Calls
911 is Jordan's centralized emergency line. Call this number should you need immediate police or medical assistance.
Travel Insurance
We encourage all delegates to consider purchasing travel insurance anytime you travel or participate in adventure travel experiences.