Dubai: After Burj Khalifa, Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Liwa desert in the UAE and the pyramids in Egypt, Jordanian treasures are getting their turn to be displayed to the rest of the world.
But this time, it is the biggest ever street view Google launch in the Arab world.
“Today, anyone with an internet connection can explore Rose-city of Petra, the Dead Sea, the monuments of Jerash, Qasr Al Kharana, Mount Nebo and more,” Google said in a statement announcing the launch of the 360-degree street view imagery of Petra and 30 other landmarks in Jordan for the first time.
The project, which took some 12 months to complete, has received considerable support from Queen Rania Abdullah of Jordan and her office, explained Najeeb Jarrar, Head of Consumer Marketing at Google in Mena.
“We wanted to show the long and diverse history of Jordan, and show the country’s touristic attractions,” Jarrar told Gulf News.
The result was more than 30 attraction in Jordan were captured by Google.
“The Google Street View team tries to go to amazing places around the world because we know that our users love to see them and experience them online,” said Ulf Spitzer, Global Head of the Google Street View Programme in a statement.
“Jordan is one of the most spectacular places that we have visited — thanks to the amazing support and warm hospitality that was extended. We hope our imagery conveys all the grace, beauty and deep heritage of the country,” he added.
And when the project was offered to Queen Rania Abdullah, Google asked the Queen if it would be possible to say few words on her feelings and how she would like to introduce Petra to the visitors.
“When you watch the video, you will feel as if it is a personal invitation from the Queen to visit Jordan,” said Jarrar.
Queen Rania was among the first high profile figures to have her own YouTube channel.
Queen Rania wrote in a blog post praising the project that “it is a great taster of what visitors can expect when they come to Jordan… .” The Queen added that this technology also “provides a lens on the past. And when we understand more about each other’s stories and cultures and histories, we realise that we are more alike than we are different. That’s why we must preserve these treasures for future generations. They’re a doorway to our shared narrative.”
Jordan’s historical landmarks now joins other world sites on Street View such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben; and natural wonders such as Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Antarctica and the Alps.
Google Maps Street View began in 2007 and today covers thousands of cities in 72 countries. The programme includes capturing 360 degree imagery of theme parks, university campuses, pedestrian malls, landmarks and zoos.
