Amman: On the occasion of Jordan's 80th Independence anniversary, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Saturday inaugurated the Dead Sea Corniche. Spanning an area of 600 dunams, the Corniche is one of several recreational and leisure projects implemented by the Jordan Free and Development Zones Group (JFDZ) on the northern Dead Sea shore, which offer alternatives for domestic tourism for citizens in the region in line with the highest standards.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Dead Sea Corniche features a 1.2-KM promenade, a bicycle path, family seating areas, dedicated sports and recreational areas, children's playgrounds, an open-air theater with a capacity of about 2,500 people for artistic and cultural events, green spaces, service facilities, and parking space for over 1,200 cars.
During a tour, Hassan directed the completion of various sports fields along the Dead Sea Corniche, in addition to existing facilities for opening to the public during the summer. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Dead Sea tourist beach, about 7 kilometers from the Corniche covering an area of about 240 dunams, after undergoing comprehensive development and reopening to the public following a seven-year closure.
The sandy tourist beach features four swimming pools, restaurants, service facilities, shops, and parking for over 650 vehicles. It receives an average of about 35,000 visitors per month, reflecting a high demand and positive impact of the development and modernization efforts.
In addition to the Dead Sea Corniche and the tourist beach, eight kilometers of dedicated cycling paths have been completed, supporting sports and recreational activities. A three-KM promenade has also been developed along the main road of the Dead Sea area, on the tourist waterfront. It is designed to welcome visitors as it offers spaces for various services and activities, as well as 20 kiosks for local residents that meet visitors' needs and boost local economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister also directed the implementation of a comprehensive development and modernization project for the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Park at the Dead Sea, which was opened in 2017 to picnickers. The park includes facilities and family seating areas, children's play areas, sports fields, a bicycle path, parking, and designated barbecue areas, making it an additional option for domestic tourism that complements the corniche, the tourist beach, and the walking and cycling trails.
During his tour, the Prime Minister urged the provision of all necessary services for citizens and visitors, and maintain and preserve the tourist facilities that have been developed at the Dead Sea as a recreational outlet at all times, especially during the tourist season. He commended the JFDZ for completing these projects as quickly as possible, while maintaining high-quality standards.
For his part, JFDZ Board Chairman Sakher Ajlouni said the tourism projects in the Dead Sea offer an integrated tourism and recreational environment that meets the aspirations of citizens and tourists, and will have an economic and developmental impact on the local community. The Prime Minister has made repeated visits to these projects last year to review progress and secure the necessary funding.
The tourism projects in the Dead Sea are part of the economic modernization vision within the quality of life pillar that aim to provide alternatives for citizens, capitalize on the unique environment of the Dead Sea region, and develop local tourism. The Dead Sea tourist sites will host events and activities organized by the Jordan Tourism Board during national holidays and the tourist season.