Time Zone |
America/New_York |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-5 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-4 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Hebron |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Foster is a town in Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, located in the west-central part of the state. Being one of the most sparsely populated towns in Rhode Island, Foster is known for its serene countryside and natural beauty. With an area of approximately 140 square kilometers and a 2020 population of approximately 4,600, the town retains a strong rural New England character.
Foster was founded in 1781 and takes its name from Theodore Foster, an early settler in the area. The terrain is predominantly hilly and forested, with several nature preserves, including portions of the famous George Washington Managed Forest. Scattered throughout the town are farms, historic buildings, and winding country roads, presenting a typical 18th and 19th century New England countryside.
The economy is based on agriculture and small businesses, and the area is known for its production of maple syrup, cider, and crafts. Residents live at a leisurely pace, and community activities revolve around historic preservation societies and agricultural shows. Although Foster does not have a major commercial center, it is only a 40-minute drive from the capital city of Providence, offering a combination of rural tranquility and urban convenience.
Visitors can explore the Foster Historical Society Museum, hike the Primitive Forest Trail, or attend the Fall Harvest Festival. Its well-preserved stone walls, old churches and seasonal farmers' markets offer an immersive experience of the rural Northeastern United States.
Located about 25 kilometers north of Jordan's capital Amman, Rawabi is the first smart city in the Middle East to be planned and built from scratch. The project was initiated in 2005 with the impetus of Jordan's King Abdullah II, with the aim of easing the demographic pressure on Amman through sustainable design.
Rawabi is planned to cover an area of 38 square kilometers and is expected to accommodate 150,000 residents. With a focus on 'green, technology and livability', the city will be developed in a layered concept that integrates residential areas, commercial centers and natural parks. The name "Rawabi" means "high ground" in Arabic, echoing its mountainous geography.
The urban design incorporates 40% green space with solar power systems, rainwater harvesting and smart waste disposal facilities. The transportation network uses light rail as the backbone, combined with bike paths and pedestrian systems, with the goal of achieving zero-carbon mobility. core amenities such as the Rawabi American School and a shopping mall have been built since the first residents moved in in 2015.
Rawabi focuses on the information technology, healthcare and cleantech industries, attracting international companies such as the Microsoft Innovation Center. The city's tax incentives and startup funds have helped transform Jordan's economy, and it has been hailed as a testbed for the "Silicon Valley of the Middle East.