Amman, July 21 (Petra) – Preparations have been completed for the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, with organizers unveiling upgraded infrastructure, expanded visitor services and a diverse cultural and artistic program featuring Jordanian, Arab and international performers.
Jerash Festival Executive Director Yazan Khudair, who also serves as adviser to the minister of culture, announced the preparations during a Government Communication Forum held Tuesday at the Ministry of Government Communication under the title, "Jerash Festival Events in Its 40th Edition." Khudair said this year's edition will feature major infrastructure upgrades, including 3D lighting at Hadrian's Gate and the newly built Hippodrome Theater, which has a seating capacity of about 3,000 and is expected to become one of the festival's main venues in future editions.
He said the festival's crafts market will feature broad participation by local women displaying food products, handicrafts and traditional embroidery, alongside a pavilion showcasing products made by inmates of the Rehabilitation and Reform Department. Eleven Arab and foreign embassies will also participate through dedicated pavilions equipped with enhanced visitor facilities.
The festival has also redesigned the Oval Plaza (Forum) with additional seating and rest areas, while the Colonnaded Street has been transformed into an arts corridor hosting exhibitions by Jordanian artists, live music performances, painting and caricature displays.
Khudair said the theatrical program includes performances of One Thousand and One Nights by Lebanon's Caracalla Dance Theatre and Umm Kulthum's Musical Play, which chronicles the life of the legendary Egyptian singer.
The festival's main stage will also host performances by Majida El Roumi, Tamer Hosny, George Wassouf, Abadi Johar, Ahmed Saad, Al-Shami, Elissa, Abeer Ne'me, Marwan Khoury and the Circassian Ensemble.
The North Theater will present a diverse lineup of Jordanian and international performances featuring Lebanese-French trumpeter and composer Ibrahim Maalouf, Moroccan artist Amin Manchar, Jordanian composer Talal Abu Ragheb, Tunisian singer Dorsaf Hamdani and the Phoenix Light Show Group.
Khudair added that the Hippodrome Theater will host folklore and cultural exchange groups from more than 20 countries, noting that all participating artists and troupes have confirmed their attendance, reflecting confidence in Jordan's security and stability.
To facilitate access to the festival, organizers have partnered with the Jordan Express Tourist Transport (JETT) Company to provide round-trip transportation from Amman and several governorates to Jerash for JD6 per person. Shuttle buses will operate between parking areas and festival venues, while a ride-hailing company will provide transportation services at competitive rates.
Ticket prices for South Theater performances range from JD25 to JD50, with a new "Families and Friends" category introduced at JD15 per ticket. North Theater tickets range from JD15 to JD25, while seats in the right and left wings are priced at JD10.
Khudair said visitor services have also been expanded, including increasing the number of restrooms from six to 16. A total of 115 volunteers were selected through the Crown Prince Foundation's "Nahno" platform, with priority given to residents of Jerash Governorate.
For the first time, the festival also accepted applications for emcees through an online platform. More than 90 candidates applied, and a specialized committee representing Jordan Television, the Jordanian Artists Association, the Ministry of Culture and the festival administration selected 10 presenters following auditions.
Khudair said the opening ceremony will feature an artistic production tracing the evolution of Jordanian music from singer Abdo Mousa to today's generation, enhanced by 3D visual technology to mark the festival's 40th edition.
He credited the successful preparations to close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, Jerash Governorate, the Ministry of Culture, Jordan Television, Royal Jordanian Airlines and security agencies.
Speaking at the forum, Ministry of Government Communication Secretary-General Zaid Nawaisah said the Jerash Festival reflects a national vision that promotes culture and the arts while reinforcing Jordan's cultural standing regionally and internationally.
He said the festival has become a leading platform for Jordanian and Arab creativity, fostering cultural dialogue and exchange while showcasing the Kingdom's artistic, cultural and civilizational achievements.
Nawaisah also stressed the importance of local community participation, noting that the festival contributes to promoting Jordan as a cultural and tourism destination while supporting economic and social activity in Jerash Governorate.
//Petra// AJ
