Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah visited the House of Roses Ladies Association in Aqaba on Monday, where she met with a group of local women artisans and owners of home-based enterprises.

Based near a number of popular Aqaba hotels, the House of Roses Ladies Association operates as a permanent exhibition spot for its members to display and market their goods to local and international visitors. Products on offer include traditional handicrafts, ceramics, food items, and other handmade goods.

In a meeting with its management team, Association President Rania Nes'ah explained to Her Majesty that the House of Roses was established in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to help struggling owners of home-based projects get back on their feet.

In addition to providing a venue for community members to sell their products, it also offers training to women and people with disabilities to help them develop their marketable skills and boost their income.

The association also offers a number of authentic local experiences to tourists, who can participate in sewing and crafting their own items or learn to cook local delicacies in the association’s kitchen.

During her visit, the Queen toured the House of Roses’ shop, warehouse, and kitchen before stopping in its backyard, where she saw an exhibition of crafts inspired by the city of Aqaba’s unique character and a demonstration of the different tourism experiences the association has on offer.

Also Read: King visits Petra, urges developing city’s infrastructure, diversifying tourism product