In a Jordanian context, characterized by an ongoing search for national identity and a constant attempt by the power in place to gain political legitimisation, a “new downtown” in Amman has emerged. It comes out of an urban regeneration project clearly influenced by Western model, which raises the question of its explicit versus hidden objectives. On a smaller scale, it also questions the degree of urbanity, of its citadinity, and even the social cohesion of Jordan's capital city.