AMMAN — Petra District was chosen as "Jordan's Olive Capital for 2026", in recognition of its agricultural and heritage status, as well as the economic, environmental and cultural significance of the olive tree to the area’s landscape, Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat said on Monday. 

 

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Khreisat said that selecting Petra aligns with the ministry's strategy to highlight the comparative advantages of governorates, reinforce local agricultural identities, support farmers and promote indigenous produce, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

He noted that this year’s initiative carries a broader developmental dimension, leveraging agricultural assets to stimulate tourism and economic activity in Petra.

 

The minister added that the olive tree constitutes an integral part of the Kingdom's agricultural heritage and holds vital socio-economic and environmental importance.

 

The ministry seeks to support the olive sector and enhance its value chain to boost productivity, improve quality and expand market opportunities for Jordanian goods, he highlighted.

 

Selecting Petra at this time offers an opportunity to integrate agriculture with tourism, particularly given the current challenges facing the tourism sector and the decline in visitor numbers, Khreisat said.

 

This will be achieved by creating a comprehensive tourism experience that goes beyond visiting the archaeological site, directly connecting visitors with local agricultural, rural and heritage products, the minister noted.

 

Khreisat pointed out that the event aims to contribute to stimulating economic activity in the city and maximising local community benefits from tourism.

 

This will be achieved by promoting agricultural and rural products, encouraging visitors to buy them and learn about their production methods, and connecting farmers and producers with hotels, restaurants, tourism facilities and local markets, he added.

 

The minister noted that the events will serve as a platform to highlight the importance of the olive tree and its products, while showcasing the efforts of local farmers and producers.

 

He added that the scheduled activities will include exhibitions, olive oil tasting sessions, and cultural events highlighting Jordan's agricultural and culinary heritage to enhance the presence of local produce within Petra's tourism experience.

 

The ultimate objective is to transform agricultural produce from a simple commodity into a core component of the tourism journey, Khreisat said, noting that this strategy enables visitors to engage with Jordanian heritage, purchase souvenirs, extend their stay and increase spending within the local economy.

 

The initiative will unlock wider market opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs, women, youth and local families, driving community development and capitalising on Petra’s global renown, he highlighted.

 

Khreisat said that the designation follows the ministry’s annual approach of spotlighting major olive-producing areas to showcase the Kingdom’s agricultural diversity and create added value for the sector.

 

Similar designations were granted to Irbid in 2023, Ajloun in 2024 and Mafraq in 2025.

 

"Petra, Jordan's Olive Capital 2026" seeks to establish a sustainable model linking agriculture, tourism and heritage, Khreisat noted, adding that the effort will lay the groundwork for long-term agritourism routes and durable partnerships between local producers and the tourism industry.

 

Investing in Petra's agricultural and cultural assets offers a “powerful” tool to leverage its international profile, reinforcing the district as a destination that seamlessly blends cultural tourism with an authentic Jordanian agricultural experience, he said.