The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan lies in the heart of the Levant, in Southwest Asia. With a climate ranging from Mediterranean to desert climate, the air is generally very arid. In early March, Jordan will be transitioning from Winter to Spring, with temperatures averaging 17 degrees Celsius in the daytime and 6 degrees Celsius in the evening during the week of the conference. It's a beautiful time of year with greenery sprouting and a nice crispness to the air.

Jordan's population is 11.3 million according to the latest UN data, including 760,000 registered refugees in Jordan and the total including unregistered refugees around 1.3 million.

The official language is Arabic. English is widely spoken and many Jordanians have travelled or been educated abroad. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken but to a lesser extent. Jordan's population and culture is generally friendly, generous, and welcoming to visitors.

Amman's population is about 4 million people and its topography includes hilly slopes and valleys. Originally, the city was built on 7 hills. The most important areas in the city are named after the hills or mountains they lie on. Amman is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with historical sites and ruins in the capital and throughout the kingdom dating back to ancient times and the earliest civilizations. A contemporary edge combined with ancient appeal makes it one of the Middle East’s most fascinating cities.

You may hear people mention a numbered roundabout or "circle" (in Arabic, "duwwar") in reference to common areas in Amman. These are based on 8 roundabouts that are used as landmarks to guide people around some of the most popular parts of the city. For example, the Summit venue lies between the "2nd circle" and "3rd circle." Zahran Road connects all 8 circles.

All nationalities are able to receive a visa to Jordan upon arrival, unless they are considered restricted nationalities, for which the Government of Jordan has a list of nationalities requiring prior application to receive a visa. Let us know if you need any help with applying for a visa.

By arranging your accommodation through Jordan Select Tours, TBB's partner event planner, you may be eligible for a visa fee waiver (if you are eligible for a visa upon arrival). Please email dina@select.jo to arrange this service.

The Summit will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Amman, located right in the heart of Amman with many touristic and local sites to visit within walking distance. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from Queen Alia International Airport.

Summit attendees who wish to stay at the InterContinental Hotel should contact TBB’s partner event planner Jordan Select Tours who can arrange accommodation for you (email dina@select.jo). By arranging your accommodation through Jordan Select Tours, TBB's partner event planner, you may be eligible for a visa fee waiver (if you are eligible for a visa upon arrival). Please email dina@select.jo to arrange this service.

Our special rate for accommodation at the InterContinental Hotel is US$160 per night for a single room and $175 for a double room, inclusive of taxes, fees, and breakfast included; and the reservation is fully cancellable.

If you would prefer to explore accommodation options, we recommend these other hotels near the Summit venue:

• Grand Hyatt Amman

• Sheraton Amman Al Nabil

• Hotel Fairmont Amman

• Crowne Plaza

• St. Regis Amman

• The House Boutique Suites

Jordan Select can also provide special pricing for these hotels. Email dina@select.jo for assistance.

There are many attractions surrounding the hotel, the nearest being Rainbow Street. A bit further you will find the Downtown/al-Balad and Jabal al-Weibdeh. These are three of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods in Amman, with a foot in modern and artistic flare.

Rainbow Street invites visitors and locals to walk in its historic street lined with numerous places to dine, drink, lounge and shop. Grab a quick bite from Al-Quds Falafel that has been running since 1966, or enjoy Jordanian and Palestinian cuisines at Sufra Restaurant.

If you just want to relax and savor a nice view of Downtown, head to Wild Jordan Center or try out creative and gourmet takes on traditional Arabic dishes at Alee restaurant, also with a stunning view. The Intercontinental hotel has a lounge in the Cinco de Mayo Restaurant, and there are several walkable pubs/bars like Corners Pub or Copas Central.

Arguably, Jordan's best feature is its delicious national and Levantine cuisine and approach to food, sweets, and hospitality.

You will find a range of excellent options spanning all Middle Eastern and global cuisines. Meals at sit-down restaurants can vary in cost from $15.00 to $50.00 without drinks, while meals at quick restaurants offering shawerma, falafel, and the like cost between $5.00- $10.00.

There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options readily available.

The first thing you will notice when you arrive to Jordan is that the people are very warm, helpful, and welcoming to tourists. Please read and follow your country's travel advice for Jordan and take note of your embassy's location and contact information. Albeit unlikely, should you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, the emergency phone number is 911 and English language operators are available. Always take sensible precautions and avoid walking or travelling alone.

No proof of vaccination is needed for visitors to Jordan.

During your stay, it is preferable to drink only bottled water, although it is completely fine to shower and brush your teeth using tap water.

Public and private hospitals and clinics are readily available and close. We recommend you purchase travel insurance. There is a pharmacy very close to the hotel.

In Jordan the power sockets are of type C, D, F, G and J. The electrical system is based on 220 AC volts, 50 cycles, and requires rounded two prong wall plugs. If your electronics function at 110 AC volts, you should purchase a transformer.

The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, or “JD”, which is divided into 100 fils. The current exchange rate is US $100.00 = JD 71.000. This rate generally does not fluctuate. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, at banks, exchange shops and at most hotels.

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted in Amman, while Access and Diners Club have more limited use. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability.

Note: Many smaller shops still prefer or require cash payments in Jordanian currency, and local currency is essential for shopping in local souks in the downtown/old city.

It's relatively inexpensive and easy to get a SIM card in Jordan. You can get one right from the airport before you exit.

The mobile carrier options are: Zain, Orange, and Umniah. Please note that in Jordan, Whatsapp audio and video calls are blocked.

Ride-share apps are inexpensive and take credit cards, the two most popular apps are Careem and Uber. Yellow taxis are available and very inexpensive but cash payments are required. If you decide to take a yellow taxi, always make sure that the meter gets reset when you enter the taxi. The hotel can help arrange a taxi for you as well. Jordan Select Tours has driver services for hire as well.

Tipping is not compulsory, but appreciated. If you are happy with the services received these are customary suggestions:

• Local cafes and restaurants: Minimum 10%. A service charge might already be added to the bill.

• Bellmen and porters: 2 JDs, or $2

• Taxis: Pay to the nearest round figure the price on the meter (always make sure that the meter gets reset when you enter the taxi), or however much you prefer.

• All-day driver: US $20-25 per day

• All-day guide: $35–50 per day

• Local guide at sites around $15 -$20 for two hours

Note: Always try to tip in Jordanian Dinars, especially for small amounts

Jordan is a shopper's dream offering hand-blown glassware, inlaid boxes, silver, gold, jewellery, brass, copper, carpets, antiques, leather wear, spices, perfumes, alabaster, embroidered covers, wall hangings and furniture. It is prohibited to export any ancient artefacts.

Be careful when investing in “genuine antiques,” which in many cases are excellent forgeries.

Bring a light jacket, sweater and/or shawl to stay warm during evenings. When visiting mosques and churches, it is appropriate to wear something non-revealing - same goes when visiting the downtown/al-Balad area and Rainbow Street. You may feel more comfortable wearing loose and long clothing in non-touristic areas, but it is not mandatory and up to your personal preference.

Museums, Galleries, Markets:

• The Citadel

• The Roman Amphitheater

• King Hussein Mosque

• National Gallery of Fine Arts

• Jordan Museum

• Darat al-Funun (House of Art)

• Souq Al Bukharieh (market)

• Duke's Diwan

• Friday Market (weekends)

• Children's Museum

• Jadal for Arts & Culture

• Royal Automobile Museum

Restaurants & Cafes:

• Sufra Restaurant

• Wild Jordan Restaurant

• Jordan Heritage Restaurant

• Alee

• Al-Quds al-Jadeed

• Books@Cafe - Rainbow Street location

• Old View Cafe

• Dimitri's Coffee

• Alibi

• Rumi Cafe

• Jameeda Khanum

• Bab-al Yemen al-Saeed

• Jafra

• Zajal

• Hashem Restaurant -downtown

• Habibah Sweets for knafeh - downtown

• Bekdash for ice cream - downtown

Pubs/Bars/Lounges:

• Corner's Pub

• Dali

• Rustic Bar + Eatery

• Copas Central

• La Calle

• Books@Cafe

• Maestro

• The Living Room

• Su Casa

Same-day Excursions:

• Petra

• Dead Sea

• as-Salt City

• Iraq al-Amir

• Jerash roman ruins

• Madaba/St. George Church

• Umm Qais ruins

• Wadi Mujib reserve

• Ajloun Castle

• Karak Castle

• Bergash Forest

• Dibeen Forest

Overnight Excursions:

• Wadi Rum (& Petra)

• Aqaba

• Dana Nature Reserve

• Pella chalets

• Ajloun Forest Reserve

• Azraq Wetland Reserve

• Ma'een Hot Springs

• Dead Sea spas & resorts

Note: Our event organisers Jordan Select Tours would be happy to help you plan any day or overnight tour or excursion. Please email dina@select.jo and mention TBB for a discount.