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National Geographic Lists ‘Jordan Trail’ among Best 21 Tourism Destinations for 2018

The Jordan Trail. (AFP)
The Jordan Trail. (AFP)
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National Geographic Lists ‘Jordan Trail’ among Best 21 Tourism Destinations for 2018

The Jordan Trail. (AFP)
The Jordan Trail. (AFP)

The Jordan Trail has been listed among the best tourism destinations for 2018 by National Geographic Travel.

This list features the top 21 cultural and nature destinations worth visiting during the upcoming year. The choices were divided into three main categories: cities, culture and nature.

George Stone, editor of National Geographic Traveler said: "Our mission is to inspire curiosity among our readers and encourage them to explore the world with passion and purpose.”

“The 21 destinations we chose for 2018 will definitely lead to a great year of delightful explorations, which represent a dream program for inspired travelers.”

“This list relies on the values adopted by National Geographic Travel ​​in learning about cultures and civilizations, and preserving heritage, environment, and sustainability,” he added.

For her part, Muna Haddad, president of the Jordan Trail Association, said: "This rank is well deserved. We are grateful to encourage visitors to take this amazing journey, to get to know Jordan closely, by hiking in the trail and experiencing the Jordanian hospitality.”

“Many adventurers have worked for many years to make Jordan's diverse nature available for all, by fulfilling the dream of Jordan Trail. This important recognition is a celebration of their efforts in placing Jordan on the global map of tourism,” she added.

The Jordan Trail is a long route that extends over 650 km, crosses the entire Jordan, from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south.

Haddad highlighted the continued support of partners and supporters for further development of the trail and to transform it into an economic catalyst in the regions it passes through.

The best tourism destinations in the world for 2018 are: Albania, Cleveland in Ohio, Dublin in Ireland, Friesland in the Netherlands, Harar in Ethiopia, Jordan Trail in Jordan, Jujuy in Argentina, Labrador in Canada, Madagascar, Malmo in Sweden, Oahu in Hawaii, Oaxaca in Mexico, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Rua Neb in Tanzania, San Antonio in Texas, Santiago in Chile, Suraxan National Park in South Korea, Sydney in Australia, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tetouan in Morocco, and Vienna in Austria.

The Jordan Trail, run by the Jordan Trail Association, passes through 52 villages and crosses various natural areas, including forests, deserts and valleys. The Jordan Trail Association was established by a group of adventure enthusiasts in 2015 to develop and manage the trail.

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Diriyah Art Futures Announces Summer Program Alongside Maknana Exhibition

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Diriyah Art Futures Announces Summer Program Alongside Maknana Exhibition

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the MENA region's first hub dedicated to New Media Arts, has announced a program of activities running throughout June and July. Visitors can immerse themselves in the dynamic world of New Media Art and deepen their understanding through a series of interactive talks, hands-on workshops, and masterclasses led by local, regional, and international artists, SPA reported.

According to a recent DAF press release, these sessions are presented as part of DAF's current exhibition, Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World, which explores the evolution of New Media practices across the region. Featuring more than 70 artworks by over 40 artists, Maknana sheds light on how Arab artists have navigated and reimagined technology through four key curatorial themes: Automation, Autonomy, Ripples, and Glitch.

From creating immersive narratives to exploring 3D scanning technologies and from motion design to pixel art, the program caters to artists, enthusiasts, and kids alike. It offers an opportunity to deepen their understanding of New Media Art or explore new technologies.

The release highlighted that on June 19, 2025, a session titled "Experimental Concepts in Educational Practices of Media Arts" will review the experimental strategies and pedagogical approaches that have shaped the teaching of digital and media arts in Egypt and the wider Arab region since the early 2000s. It also addresses the evolving role of education in supporting creative engagement with new technologies.

On June 20-21, a masterclass titled "Ready-Made Dreams – Immersive Narratives" will enable participants to explore the creative potential of archival and found visual materials. Attendees will learn how to layer and transform content into immersive narratives through hands-on exercises using video, photography, text, and animation.

Moreover, on July 3, a dialogue session entitled "Talk and Screening: Cartographies of a Future" delves into how digital tools are reshaping our understanding of photography and perception itself. ScanLAB Projects utilizes 3D scanning to transcend the boundaries of traditional photography, offering new ways to capture, preserve, and critically reflect on the world. Following the session, two short films will be screened.

On July 4-5, a masterclass titled "Memory in Three Dimensions" explores the intersection of cutting-edge 3D scanning technology and the intricate workings of human memory. The two-day, hands-on session will challenge participants to rethink the nature of personal archives in the digital age. Through a blend of practical demonstrations and interactive exercises, participants will explore 3D scanning technologies and create 3D scans, delving into the potential and pitfalls of creating perfect digital replicas of their lives.

On July 5, a workshop entitled "Motion Design for Film and Media" will explore the art and impact of motion design and computer graphics. Participants will delve into the history of these formats, analyze key examples, and ultimately create their title design project. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how motion design influences media and the skills to apply it creatively.

A book symposium, "Rewiring Narratives: New Media Art from the Arab World," will be held on July 12. This symposium marks the launch of Rewiring Narratives: New Media Art from the Arab World, a landmark edited volume.
On July 17, a dialogue session titled "Traces of Change: Processing Reality Through Art" will take place.
A workshop titled "Pixel by Pixel: Introduction to Pixel Art" on July 18 will explore the history and evolution of pixel art, from its roots in early video games to its place in contemporary digital art. Participants will learn key techniques and experiment with creating their pixel artwork in a guided hands-on session.

Also, on July 18, a kids' workshop titled "Art Bot" will teach kids to build drawing robots. Using simple motors, markers, and everyday materials, children will build kinetic machines that move, spin, and scribble, creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind artworks. Blending play with invention, the workshop fosters creativity, curiosity, and a deeper understanding of how design and motion work together.