Being of Middle Eastern heritage means I have always loved this part of the world and regularly visiting the Middle East and North Africa has cemented an even deeper love of the people, food and culture there.
I wanted to share my experiences with others, so I joined Audley as a country specialist for Egypt, Jordan, Oman, and Morocco — four of the most impressive countries in the region. I've always loved exploring the downtown markets of Cairo and Amman, spending time with the Amazigh families in the Atlas Mountains and satisfying my sweet tooth with some Omani halwa!
Since joining Audley, I've revisited all countries and have explored their historical and religious sites as well as a series of dramatic landscapes. Wadi Rum in Jordan, and Abu Simbel in Egypt, were trip highlights and places I'd definitely recommend seeing with your own eyes.
Q&A with Jumana
What’s the best local dish you’ve tasted?
Maqlooba is a traditional Jordanian dish and something I look forward to eating before I even arrive. Its name translates as ‘upside down’ because the dish is turned upside down before serving to reveal the layers of meat, vegetables and rice inside. It’s traditionally made with aubergine, potato and cauliflower which are combined with chicken and aromatic rice seasoned with lots of sumac, cardamom, cinnamon and traditional Middle Eastern spice mixes. I was lucky enough to learn how to make maqlooba in a cookery class in Amman, so I can now recreate the dish at home and eat it as often as I want.
What's your most vivid travel moment?
On a tour of Wadi Rum in southern Jordan, I quickly came to understand why the region is known as ‘The Valley of the Moon’. It felt as though I was on Mars, vast areas of red sand stretching in every direction, weird rock formations silhouetted against the sun and giant red dunes undulating across the horizon. I could easily see why it has been such a popular film location. We visited hidden springs, canyons and natural rock arches, but the highlight was lunch in the heart of the desert, a traditional Bedouin experience that I’ll never forget.
Where would you love to travel next?
I would love to visit Turkey to experience the diversity of its cultures and landscapes. I have been lucky enough to explore some of the most beautiful mosques in the Middle East and North Africa, but the Hagia Sophia, in Istanbul, has been on my bucket list for a while.
