Jordan conjures up images of the big screen with blockbusters such as Indiana Jones and Lawrence of Arabia which were filmed here. But the cinema aside, Jordan is stuffed full of history and so much more with castles, ruins, mosques and churches as well as deserts and scuba diving.

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a rich heritage and the remnants of previous civilisations are still clearly visible. Amongst these gems are a number of nature reserves and protected areas housing rare species of plants and animals. A visit to the lowest point on earth – the Dead Sea – is a must. It’s one of the world’s most saline bodies of water, which provides unusual buoyancy and the Dead Sea is also said to have many health benefits. Whether you believe this or not, surely it’s worth a visit?

Until recently, Jordan could boast only nine golf holes at the 5,226-yard Bisharat Golf Club which is located a short car drive to the south of Amman. With 18 tees that provide a different perspective the second time round, Bisharat is an intriguing layout and worthy of inspection. However, Jordan's first championship course from Greg Norman Design opened in 2017, located on the northern extremity of the Gulf of Aqaba, between Aqaba in Jordan and Eilat in Israel, Ayla Golf Club has certainly raised the Jordanian golfing bar.

Our Middle East rankings were last updated in March 2021. Click the link to read the story.