Petra, March 25 (Petra) – The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) decided to close the Petra Archaeological Park to visitors on Thursday as a precautionary measure in light of prevailing and expected weather conditions.

Yazan Mahadin, PDTRA Commissioner of Petra Archeology Park and Tourism, said the closure decision followed close monitoring of weather reports indicating the area could be affected by heavy rainfall that may lead to continued flash flooding on Thursday, particularly in low-lying areas and narrow passages within the archaeological site.

Mahadin stressed that the safety of visitors and staff is a top priority for the authority, noting that such precautionary decisions aim to avoid any potential risks and safeguard lives and property.

He added that PDTRA’s teams had raised their level of preparedness early on, intensifying inspections of flood channels and water drainage culverts within the reserve and its surroundings, as well as across all communities in the Petra region, in addition to putting in place emergency plans to deal with any developments resulting from weather conditions.

He said emergency teams would remain on high alert around the clock, in coordination with security agencies and civil defense, to monitor weather developments and take necessary measures as they arise.

Mahadin called on citizens and visitors to adhere to instructions and follow PDTRA’s official channels for the latest updates, stressing that the site will be reopened once weather conditions stabilize and the site is fully ready to receive visitors.

//Petra// AF
25/03/2026 21:45:28