Publications
A machine learning-enhanced virtual museum for preserving Jordanian cultural heritage: Predicting user satisfaction and engagement profiling
A machine learning (ML)-enhanced virtual museum for preserving Jordanian cultural heritage demonstrates that data-driven approaches can effectively predict user satisfaction and engagement, offering deeper insights than traditional descriptive statistics. The study, which reconstructed seven historically accurate 3D Bedouin costumes from Wadi Rum, Ma'an, and Petra into a VR environment, found that Logistic Regression achieved the highest accuracy (84.67%) in predicting user satisfaction, with cultural understanding, visual realism, and navigation being the strongest predictors. K-Means clustering identified three distinct user profiles, highlighting divergent interaction patterns. The research underscores the potential of ML to enhance adaptive and personalized virtual museum experiences, providing a robust framework for future heritage preservation efforts.
Assessing the impact of sustainable tourism practices on Petra and Wadi Rum
Sustainable tourism practices significantly impact environmental outcomes and stakeholder perceptions at Jordan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Petra and Wadi Rum, but have negligible effects on economic growth or cultural heritage protection. The study, involving 214 participants through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews, highlights the need for more inclusive, culturally responsive, and community-based tourism strategies to foster equitable development. Enhanced cross-sector cooperation and policy implementation are emphasized as key advocacy goals for sustainable tourism in Jordan.
From fine to giant: multi-instrument assessment of the dust particle size distribution at an emission source during the J-WADI field campaign
A groundbreaking study conducted during the J-WADI field campaign in Wadi Rum, Jordan, revealed that super-coarse and giant dust particles (diameter >10 µm) dominate the mass concentration of emitted dust, accounting for approximately 90% of total mass. This finding challenges previous assumptions about dust particle size distributions at emission sources, emphasizing the significant role of these larger particles in climate interactions. The research utilized a multi-instrument approach, combining aerosol spectrometers with overlapping size ranges to systematically validate and characterize particle sizes from 0.4 µm to 200 µm. Results showed that dust concentrations and the abundance of super-coarse particles increased with friction velocity (u*) above 0.22 m/s, particularly under neutral to unstable atmospheric conditions. Physical samples collected confirmed the derived particle size distributions, despite challenges posed by instrument sensitivity at larger sizes.
Geo-tourism Perspectives on the Impacts of Climate Change in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Climate change is significantly threatening tourism and natural assets in Wadi Rum, Jordan, with rising temperatures, declining rainfall reliability, and increasing frequency of extreme weather events. Research reveals a marked increase in mean annual temperature from approximately 20.7°C (1980–2000) to over 22°C by 2017, alongside a decline in rainfall and a surge in flash floods—from one event in 1990 to seven projected by 2025—and heatwaves, which were previously absent but reached six occurrences by 2025. These shifts pose risks to visitor comfort, safety, infrastructure, and revenue potential. Stakeholders emphasize the need for adaptation measures such as renewable energy integration, flood-resilient design, heat-sensitive scheduling, and community engagement to sustain Wadi Rum's attractiveness and ecological integrity. The study combines long-term climatic data (1990–2025), regional climate model projections, and stakeholder perspectives from literature and field evidence to synthesize key indicators like temperature trends, rainfall variability, flashfloods, and heatwaves with assessments of tourism infrastructure, visitor behavior, and economic vulnerability. This comprehensive synthesis advances understanding of how desert destinations can balance heritage preservation, ecosystem sustainability, and tourism competitiveness under intensifying climate pressures.
Analysis of a Cultural and Natural Destination: Wadi Rum (Jordan)
Wadi Rum, Jordan's UNESCO-listed natural reserve, stands out as a significant cultural and economic hub due to its tourism-driven growth. The region's unique geological features and historical importance have made it a global attraction, notably inspiring films like 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'Mars.' Tourism in Wadi Rum began post-1946, with UNESCO recognition further boosting its profile. The study highlights the sector's crucial role in employment generation while noting the profound impact of regional political instability on tourism dynamics. This analysis underscores Wadi Rum's dual significance as a natural wonder and a cultural landmark, offering insights into sustainable tourism strategies for similar destinations.
Application of Controlled-Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotellurics (CSAMT) for Subsurface Structural Characterization of Wadi Rum, Southwest Jordan
Research using controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) reveals that Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan, features a graben-like subsurface structure with two prominent faults trending northeast and southwest. The study identified four distinct layers based on resistivity values: a surface layer of alluvial sediments and mud flats (<200 Ω·m), an intermediate layer of medium-grained sandstone (80–100 Ω·m), another intermediate layer of coarse conglomerates and sandstone (100–800 Ω·m), and a deep basement rock layer (>1000 Ω·m). These findings provide critical insights for urban sustainability, hazard assessment, and infrastructure planning in the protected area.
Community-based Water Stewardship and Environmental Planning in Arid Landscapes: A Case Study of Wadi Rum, Jordan
A community-driven approach to water stewardship and environmental planning in Wadi Rum, Jordan, demonstrates significant potential for enhancing resilience in arid landscapes. This study highlights the effectiveness of participatory laboratories as platforms that integrate indigenous knowledge with strategic environmental planning, fostering collaboration among local Bedouin communities. By prioritizing community engagement over top-down development models, this method empowers local voices and aligns solutions with regional socio-cultural and ecological contexts. The findings underscore the importance of context-specific, community-led strategies in sustainable heritage conservation, bridging gaps between external interventions and genuine local empowerment.
Ecosystem Restoration as a Nature-Based Solution: A Case Study of Wadi Rum
Ecosystem restoration, when integrated as a nature-based solution (NbS), significantly enhances ecosystem resilience and community well-being, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) in southern Jordan. The study highlights that passive and active restoration techniques—such as habitat protection and community engagement—have led to measurable improvements in biodiversity distribution, soil stability, and local participation rates despite threats from tourism, aquifer depletion, overgrazing, and climate change. Geographical analysis further identified zones where restoration efforts yielded the greatest environmental impact. These findings underscore the importance of adaptive management, interdisciplinary approaches, and inclusive practices for scalable, sustainable outcomes globally.
Geomorphological Structure of Landform Characteristics as a Reference for Development Recommendations in Wadi Rum Protected Area
Research identifies Wadi Rum's geomorphological features as critical indicators for sustainable development, linking landform characteristics to ecosystem dynamics and socioeconomic activities. The study reveals that these unique landforms, shaped by millennia of morphogenesis, offer valuable insights for preserving the area's ecological integrity while guiding responsible tourism and infrastructure planning. Utilizing advanced geospatial tools like Global Mapper and AutoCAD, the research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze terrain evolution and its impact on local ecosystems. By integrating geomorphological data with socioeconomic factors, the findings provide a theoretical framework to assess temporal changes and formulate recommendations that balance development needs with environmental conservation, ensuring Wadi Rum's landform characteristics are safeguarded for future generations.
Living Water
In Wadi Rum, Jordan, the exploitation of deep groundwater—dubbed 'blue gold'—has become a double-edged sword. While it sustains large-scale private farms and urban populations, it also threatens the ecological balance in one of the world's most water-scarce regions. The film Living Water reveals how this resource extraction disrupts traditional Bedouin livelihoods while fueling economic growth and development. It exposes the tensions between competing demands for water, highlighting the environmental risks posed by unchecked extraction. Through a mix of anthropological observation and ecological analysis, the work underscores the urgent need for sustainable water management in Jordan's fragile desert ecosystem.
Plant growth promotion and pathogen protection by the desert endophyte Pseudomonas grandensis R4-79
A strain of Pseudomonas grandensis, R4-79, isolated from the arid Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan, demonstrates significant potential as a biocontrol agent for sustainable agriculture. This desert endophyte, associated with Ifloga spicata, exhibits plant growth-promoting attributes and effectively suppresses key phytopathogens, including Botrytis cinerea, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, and root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). Genomic analysis revealed a 6.18 Mbp chromosome with gene clusters for siderophores, phenazines, hydrogen cyanide, phytohormones, and multiple secretion systems, indicating its multifunctional role in pathogen protection and plant growth promotion. The study highlights the potential of P. grandensis R4-79 to enhance crop yield under harsh environmental conditions, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture.
Slow Mobilities and Heritage Landscapes in the Middle East: A Comparative Study of Oman, Jordan and Saudi Arabia
A comparative analysis of three culturally significant Middle Eastern landscapes—Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams (Oman), Wadi Rum (Jordan), and AlUla (Saudi Arabia)—reveals that slow mobilities, characterized by low-velocity movement patterns, play a pivotal role in shaping heritage landscapes. The study demonstrates how these mobility dynamics influence geological processes, land use, and community spatial organization, thereby contributing to the preservation of both cultural and natural heritage. By integrating extensive field research with geomorphological analysis, the findings underscore the significance of these landscapes as living links between past, present, and future human-environment relationships. This work provides a framework for understanding how mobility patterns can inform conservation strategies in regions where geological and cultural evolution are intricately intertwined.
The Regulation of Adventure Tourism in Jordan Legislatively and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Jordan's adventure tourism sector, while rich in diverse landscapes including Wadi Rum and Aqaba, faces challenges in aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Current regulations, such as the 2019 'Instructions for Organizing Adventure Tourism Trips,' primarily focus on safety, insurance, and age restrictions but lack comprehensive coverage for marine and aerial tourism or inclusive practices. The study identifies critical gaps, including the absence of a centralized digital platform and inadequate community engagement, which hinder transparency and sustainable development. Recommendations include expanding legislative frameworks to cover all adventure tourism types, establishing an inter-agency regulatory body, and enhancing collaboration with local communities. By addressing these issues, Jordan can position itself as a global model for sustainable and legally governed adventure tourism in the Middle East.
The Role of Graphic Design and Visual Communication in Natural Heritage Sites of Jordan
Graphic design and visual communication significantly enhance tourist experiences, preserve natural heritage, and elevate cultural value at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A study conducted across Jordan’s Wadi Rum, Petra, Dead Sea, and Dana Biosphere Reserve demonstrated that integrating regional art, culture, and technology—such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual tours—boosts authenticity and visitor engagement while respecting local traditions. The research highlights the potential of immersive experiences to transform heritage sites into interactive learning environments. By collaborating with local craftsmen and incorporating traditional narratives, designers can create more compelling and culturally resonant visual tools.
Utilizing Wadi Rum Silica Sands for Solar Thermal Energy and Heat Storage: A Sustainable Solution for Domestic Use
Research demonstrates that Wadi Rum's high-purity silica sand (SiO₂ > 99%) can serve as an effective and sustainable thermal energy storage (TES) material for domestic-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. Testing over three days showed the system achieved a peak heat transfer rate of 18.7 kW, heating water by 27°C with outlet temperatures reaching 54.9°C while maintaining internal sand temperatures between 67°C and 69°C. The setup generated an average of 11.2 kWh of thermal energy daily with a 50.2% efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 2.07 kg per day. Economically, the system had a payback period of just 1.49 years, which decreased to 1.04 years with a 30% subsidy, highlighting its financial viability and potential to support Jordan's transition toward cleaner, self-reliant energy solutions.
Beyond Service Excellence: Exploring Brand Image as the Bridge between Service Quality and Customer Loyalty in Nature Tourist Camps
Research reveals that brand image acts as a critical mediator between service quality and customer loyalty in nature tourist camps, significantly influencing repeat visitation. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study analyzed data from tourists staying at Wadi Rum Protected Area in Jordan, demonstrating how positive brand perception strengthens the link between service excellence—measured by dimensions like tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy—and long-term customer loyalty. This finding underscores the strategic importance of brand image in outdoor hospitality, particularly as the sector experiences rapid growth.
Jordanian Tour Guides' Communication Competency
A significant gap exists between Jordanian tour guides' self-assessed performance and the importance they place on key communication skills, particularly verbal clarity and non-verbal behaviors. The study analyzed 32 competence measures across 225 expert guides in Aqaba, Wadi Rum, and Petra using factor analysis and importance-performance analysis, revealing deficiencies in grammar, speech manner, word choice, approachability, and maintaining professional yet friendly distance. While guides recognize these skills' critical role, they often fail to apply them effectively during visitor interactions. This insight suggests targeted administrative interventions—such as training programs or resource allocation—to enhance communication quality, ultimately benefiting both guide performance and visitor experience at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wadi Rum.
Service Quality and Organizational Excellence and Their Relationships with the Wadi Rum Protected Area Employees' Job Satisfaction
A significant positive relationship exists between service quality, organizational excellence, and employee job satisfaction at Wadi Rum Protected Area (WRPA) in Jordan. The study, one of the first to examine these factors in a developing country context, found that fostering an organizational culture prioritizing service quality and excellence—through leadership development, employee engagement, growth opportunities, recognition, and work-life balance—enhances job satisfaction while supporting effective natural resource management and tourism experiences. This underscores WRPA's role in preserving Jordan's natural and cultural heritage by investing in both staff well-being and operational efficiency.
Utilizing Controlled Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) Method for Subsurface Structural Characterization of Wadi Rum, Southwest Jordan
Research using the Controlled Source Audio-Frequency Magnetotelluric (CSAMT) method reveals that Wadi Rum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan, features a subsurface graben-like structure with two distinct fault systems trending northeast and southwest. The study identified four distinct subsurface layers, including low-resistivity alluvial sediments, medium-grained sandstone, coarse basal conglomerates, and high-resistivity basement rocks. These findings provide critical insights for hazard assessment and urban development planning in the protected area, which sits at the junction of the African and Arabian tectonic plates.
First Record of the Scorpion Vachoniolus globimanus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Jordan
Researchers report the first recorded presence of the scorpion species Vachoniolus globimanus in Jordan, specifically within the Wadi Rum Protected Area. This discovery extends the known distribution range of the genus Vachoniolus, which was previously documented only from Iran and parts of the Arabian Peninsula (Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates). The study employed morphological analysis, morphometric measurements, and taxonomic features to confirm the species identification. Additionally, ecological notes on the scorpion's habitat in Wadi Rum were provided, contributing valuable insights into its environmental preferences.
Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Isothermal Studies on Methylene Blue Adsorption on Jordanian Desert Sand
Research demonstrates that Wadi Rum desert sand effectively adsorbs methylene blue, a common water pollutant from dyestuff manufacturing waste. The study found the adsorption process follows pseudo-second order kinetics with high correlation (R² = 0.9999), indicating rapid and efficient dye removal. Thermodynamic analysis revealed the process is spontaneous (∆G° = -6.345 kJ mol⁻¹) and exothermic (∆H° = -23.860 kJ mol⁻¹). The Freundlich isotherm model best fit the experimental data, suggesting heterogeneous adsorption. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed methylene blue deposition on sand particles. This cost-effective, environmentally benign method offers a promising solution for water decontamination in arid regions.
Lesson learned from covid-19 pandemic and its impact on business continuity management BCM in the tourism sector in Jordan
Business continuity management (BCM) in Jordan's tourism sector, particularly within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Wadi Rum, Petra, and Aqaba, is significantly enhanced by performance adaptability, innovation, talent preservation, strategic agility, and proactive strategies. These factors not only positively impact BCM but also moderate its effectiveness during disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze these relationships, revealing that strategic agility acts as a mediator, amplifying the benefits of adaptability and innovation on business resilience. These findings provide actionable insights for tourism businesses in Jordan, guiding them toward more robust BCM practices in post-pandemic scenarios.
A First Study of Urginea maritima Rings: A Case Study from Southern Jordan
Researchers document the first occurrence of vegetation rings formed by Urginea maritima, a geophyte species thriving in the arid landscapes of Wadi Rum and Little Petra, Jordan. These rings, typically 40–90 cm in diameter, exhibit distinct soil properties: higher volumetric water content and organic carbon at the periphery compared to the center and surrounding matrix. The study proposes two potential mechanisms for ring formation—soil-water uptake competition among plants with extensive lateral roots, supported by numerical simulations, and negative plant-soil feedback from decomposing biomass releasing autotoxic compounds. These findings advance understanding of vegetation patterning in water-limited environments and highlight the ecological dynamics shaping desert ecosystems.
Community Engagement in Geologic Assessments of Thamudic Inscriptions and Petroglyphs in the Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
A collaborative project in Wadi Rum, Jordan, has demonstrated the effectiveness of community engagement and advanced geologic assessment techniques in preserving ancient Thamudic inscriptions and petroglyphs. By implementing GIS-based Rock Art Stability Index (RASI) analyses, researchers have created a baseline database to assess rock art deterioration, addressing challenges posed by increased tourism, human interaction, and climate change. This approach not only aids site management but also provides critical insights into polygenetic deterioration processes, ensuring the long-term protection of Wadi Rum's irreplaceable cultural heritage.
Desert Insurgency: Archaeology, T. E. Lawrence, and the Arab Revolt
Desert Insurgency reveals the significant archaeological investment by the Ottoman military to fortify the Hejaz railroad during the First World War, providing a nuanced perspective on asymmetrical warfare. The Great Arab Revolt Project (GARP) employed conflict archaeology to investigate guerrilla tactics and the material culture of the Arab Revolt, using interdisciplinary methods including metal detection and historical analysis. While the study highlights well-preserved sites in Wadi Rum Protected Area, it also identifies methodological gaps and interpretative challenges, such as inconsistencies in site documentation and reliance on T.E. Lawrence's narrative. Despite these issues, GARP's findings underscore the need for future research and protection of these archaeological landscapes.
Red Planets
Jordan's Wadi Rum Protected Area, renowned for its arid landscapes and film industry incentives, serves as a backdrop for high-budget science fiction films depicting extraterrestrial environments. This study critiques the cinematic portrayal of deserts as barren and lawless, arguing that such representations perpetuate colonial imaginaries of wastelands. It introduces the concept of 'extractive zones,' where topsoil is captured and circulated as high-definition images, highlighting the complex interplay of laws, labor, and cultural narratives in filmmaking processes.
Between Desert and State: Power Relations and Balance Between Tradition and Modernity Among the Zalabieh Bedouins of Wadi Rum Desert
A 22-month ethnographic study of the Zalabieh Bedouins in Wadi Rum, Jordan, reveals a dual identity marked by balanced opposition between their role as desert nomads and their integration into state institutions. The research demonstrates how these Bedouins, trusted for their loyalty and integrity, serve in the army and police while simultaneously challenging state authority on key issues. Camel races and tourism emerge as cultural practices that both reinforce Bedouin identity and construct 'otherness,' with a comparative analysis to Balinese cockfights highlighting their symbolic significance. The study also explores how spatial dynamics within the desert environment shape their existential identities, integrating biological, environmental, and social dimensions.
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