Time Zone |
America/Chicago |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC-6 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC-5 |
Time Zone |
Asia/Amman |
Standard Time GMT / UTC |
UTC+3 |
Daylight Saving Time |
UTC+3 |
Ruby is a small incorporated town in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana, United States, located about 60 miles northeast of the state capital of Baton Rouge and adjacent to the Mississippi border, and characterized by a quiet rural atmosphere and a deep community culture. Sparsely populated, with fewer than 500 people according to the most recent census, the town dates back to the late 1800s and, with its early rise to an agricultural economy (e.g., cotton and soybean farming), still retains the rustic look of a traditional Southern town. The town's landmarks include a century-old community church and several Victorian-style homes, and the annual fall "Ruby Family Day," which blends elements of local Cajun and Creole culture, has become a shared memory for the surrounding residents. Despite its small size, Ruby epitomizes the serenity of the American countryside with its simple folk and distinctive Louisiana southern flavor.
Aqaba, Jordan's only seaport city, is located on the southwestern tip of the country, adjacent to the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea and across the sea from Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. With Jordan's only coastal corridor, the city is both an important trade hub and an emerging tourist destination. Its warm climate, coral reefs and crystal clear waters attract divers and water sports enthusiasts, and the famous "Red Sea Shipwreck Dive Site" is a popular destination for diving worldwide.
With a history dating back to 4000 BC, Aqaba was an important stronghold for the Roman, Crusader and Islamic empires. Today, the city combines modern resort facilities with historical sites such as the Mamluk Castle and monuments to the Arab revolution. Tax exemptions have boosted commerce, while beachfront luxury hotels, golf courses and shopping centers enhance the tourist experience. As a transit point to Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, Aqaba plays a central role in Jordan's economy and tourism.