Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Bedouin Sand Bottle
Handcrafted glass bottles filled with coloured desert sand arranged into intricate patterns of camels, geometric designs, and Petra motifs. A uniquely Jordanian craft form created by Bdoul Bedouin artisans from the Petra region.
Price: JOD 2-20 ($3-28)
Where: Wadi Musa souk, shops near Petra entrance, Um Sayhoun village
Nabataean-style Pottery
Hand-painted ceramic bowls, plates, and vases inspired by ancient Nabataean designs, produced by local artisans in the Petra region. Look for hand-painted pieces rather than mass-produced imports.
Price: JOD 5-30 ($7-42)
Where: Wadi Musa souk, Petra Visitor Center craft shops
Bedouin Embroidered Items
Hand-embroidered cushion covers, wall hangings, table runners, and clothing featuring traditional Bedouin geometric patterns in red, green, and gold on black or white fabric.
Price: JOD 5-40 ($7-56)
Where: Wadi Musa main street shops, Ma'an city souk
Bedouin Silver Jewellery
Traditional Bedouin jewellery including necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets incorporating turquoise, carnelian, and coral in silver settings. Genuine antique pieces are rare — most sold are modern reproductions.
Price: JOD 5-50 ($7-70)
Where: Petra souk, Wadi Musa jewellery shops
Jordanian Za'atar Mix
A blend of dried thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt used throughout Jordanian cooking. Available pre-mixed and packaged as an authentic, easy-to-pack food souvenir.
Price: JOD 2-5 ($3-7)
Where: Wadi Musa market, Ma'an city souk
Dead Sea Mineral Products
Although the Dead Sea is north of Ma'an, Dead Sea mineral salts, mud masks, and skincare products are sold throughout the region as popular Jordanian souvenirs.
Price: JOD 5-25 ($7-35)
Where: Hotel gift shops and souvenir stores in Wadi Musa
Jordanian Rose Water
Distilled from Damascene roses grown in the Jordan Valley, rose water is used in Jordanian cooking and sold as a food and beauty product. Comes in decorative glass bottles.
Price: JOD 3-8 ($4-11)
Where: Desert Rose Sweets, Wadi Musa market
Petra Rose-Red Sandstone Carving
Small carved items made from the distinctive rose-coloured sandstone of the Petra region — miniature columns, camels, and decorative tiles that capture the unique geology of the site.
Price: JOD 3-15 ($4-21)
Where: Inside Petra and at Wadi Musa souvenir shops
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Wadi Musa Souvenir Market (Tourism Street)
A 300-metre stretch of souvenir shops, jewellery stalls, clothing stores, and craft workshops lining the main street descending toward Petra. Ranges from genuine Bedouin artisan work to mass-produced imports.
Where: King Abdullah Street, Wadi Musa
Hours: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Ma'an City Central Souk
The traditional covered market of Ma'an city, catering primarily to local residents with stalls selling spices, dried herbs, olives, agricultural goods, clothing, and household items. Less touristy and cheaper than Wadi Musa.
Where: City Centre, Ma'an
Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (closed Friday morning)
Shoubak Village Market
A small weekly market in the hill village of Shoubak where local farmers sell seasonal produce, dried goods, and hand-crafted items. A genuine local experience away from the Petra tourist circuit.
Where: Shoubak village, near the castle
Hours: Saturday morning (weekly market)
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Tourism Street (Wadi Musa)
The main commercial artery of Wadi Musa running from the town centre to the Petra entrance, lined with souvenir shops, cafés, and restaurants
Best for: Petra souvenirs, Bedouin crafts, sand bottles, jewellery
Petra Visitor Center Gift Shops
Shops inside and adjacent to the Petra Visitor Center selling quality Jordanian crafts, books about Petra, and official site merchandise at fixed prices
Best for: Quality souvenirs, books, maps, fixed-price shopping
Ma'an City Market Area
The commercial heart of Ma'an city with local shops, a covered souk, electronics stores, and everyday retail
Best for: Local food products, spices, authentic price comparison away from tourist areas
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected and enjoyed at souvenir markets and independent stalls — start at 50-60% of the initial asking price
Fixed price shops (often marked with signs) do not bargain — respect this
Walking away genuinely often results in the vendor calling you back with a better price
Be polite and friendly throughout negotiations — aggressive bargaining is off-putting
Buying multiple items from one vendor is your strongest bargaining chip
Compare prices at 2-3 shops before buying — competition between adjacent stalls keeps prices honest
Sand bottles are highly competitive — prices vary dramatically for similar quality items
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Exporting genuine antiquities from Jordan is illegal and punishable by imprisonment. All artefacts sold to tourists are modern reproductions — real pieces cannot be legally sold.
Tax Refund: Jordan has no tourist VAT refund scheme as of 2025
Duty Free: Duty-free allowances into Jordan: 200 cigarettes, 1 litre spirits. Check home country allowances for importation.
Shipping: International shipping available through Wadi Musa post office and DHL agent in Ma'an city. Hotels can often arrange shipping for larger purchases.