After a series of negotiations among academics, writers and members of the press, Bait Al-Anbat was launched and officially recognized in 1997 as a non-governmental Arab organization that is both non-partisan and unaffiliated with any ideology. Its chief concern is to contribute to the development of cultural life in Jordan, to raise awareness of cultural heritage, and to develop improved dialogue among civilizations. When carrying out activities or initiating programs Bait Al-Anbat depends primarily on voluntary efforts. The name‘Bait Al-Anbat’ was taken from the Nabataeans - the people who built Petra - and chosen to show respect for a people whose civilized manner of communicating with other peoples was and still is highly admired.