Time Zone |
Asia/Hebron |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+2 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Time Zone |
America/Chicago |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-6 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-5 |
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.
Grayson is a small unincorporated community in Caldwell Parish, located in northeastern Louisiana, USA. The area is characterized by a rural setting and natural beauty, with a sparse population and a quiet pace of life. Grayson's proximity to the Black River and Choctaw Lake provides residents and visitors with fishing, boating, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The local economy is dominated by agriculture and forestry, with farms and woodlands scattered around the area. Community amenities are simple, including small stores and public service points, and amenities are dependent on neighboring towns such as Columbia. Grayson embodies the typical culture of rural Louisiana, emphasizing community ties and traditional lifestyles. Transportation-wise, it is connected to major cities via the state's highway network, and Monroe is about an hour's drive away.