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Royal Families · Jordan
The Hashemite family, Jordan's royal house, traces its line directly to the Prophet Muhammad, and its story runs from the holy cities of Arabia to modern Amman; it adds depth to any Jordan luxury travel itinerary.
At a glance
The Hashemites take their name from Hashim, the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, and they descend from the Prophet through his grandson Hasan. For roughly a thousand years, from around the 10th century until 1925, members of the family served as Sharifs of Mecca, the guardians of Islam's holiest city and its pilgrims.
That heritage still shapes the monarchy's sense of duty. The Hashemite custodianship of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem is a role the family holds in deep regard and has long maintained.
From the Great Arab
In 1916 Sharif Hussein bin Ali of Mecca launched the Great Arab Revolt, the movement for Arab self-rule in the closing years of the Ottoman era. His sons carried that vision forward. One of them, Abdullah, arrived in what is now Jordan and became Emir of Transjordan in 1921.
Abdullah I became King when the Hashemite Kingdom was proclaimed in 1946, and he reigned until 1951. His son King Talal reigned only briefly, from 1951 to 1952, yet left a lasting gift: the 1952 constitution, still the foundation of Jordan's system of government. For the country's wider story, read Jordan's history and culture.
King Hussein reigned for nearly 47 years and is remembered across the world as a statesman and modernizer. Under his leadership Jordan built schools, universities, roads and a respected public service, and Amman grew from a small town into a modern capital. Queen Noor, his fourth wife, was born in the United States, one of many personal links between the Hashemite family and America.
A passionate motorist and aviator, King Hussein is remembered at the Royal Automobile Museum in Amman, where his cars and motorcycles tell the story of the kingdom through the decades. It is a rewarding stop on a stay in Amman.
King Abdullah II
His Majesty King Abdullah II has reigned since 7 February 1999. His reign has focused on economic reform, investment, technology and tourism, and on Jordan's role as a steady voice for dialogue in the region. The kingdom's plans to 2033 are set out in the Economic Modernisation Vision.
Her Majesty Queen Rania is known internationally for her work in education, from early learning to teacher training and online learning in Arabic.
The heir is His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, named Crown Prince in 2009. He married Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, born Rajwa Al Saif, in 2023, in celebrations followed across the Arab world.
The King is His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein; the Queen is Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah. The heir is His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II. Other princes and princesses are styled His or Her Royal Highness. Jordanians speak of the royal family with warmth and respect, and visitors do well to follow their lead.
Places that tell the Hashemite story on a Jordan luxury travel itinerary.
King Hussein's collection of cars and motorcycles, arranged as a journey through the kingdom's history.
A blue-domed landmark built in memory of the founding King; non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times, with modest dress.
One of the tallest flagpoles in the world flies the Jordanian flag above the capital, visible from the ancient Citadel hill.
The desert landscape of the Great Arab Revolt, now a protected area and UNESCO site. Stay in a luxury camp; see Wadi Rum.
A giant flag of the Great Arab Revolt flies beside the old fort on the Red Sea shore; plan it with Aqaba.
The Hashemite story gives meaning to many of Jordan's great sights, from the desert of the Arab Revolt to the modern capital. Begin with our Jordan luxury travel guide, and compare the region's royal houses on royal families of the Middle East.
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