If you are saying olive oil when you say oil in the desert, olive oil is EXCELLENT for both the brain and heart health, so long live zaitoon. I lived in Doha for about six and a half years on and off, and found that it was a LOT more restrictive than either the UAE or Jordan.
I found it hard to go out on my own, which of course I can do in Amman (be very very careful crossing the road!!!
The food in Jordan is also yummy, and local Palestinian and Jordanian food is delicious. Keep as far away as possible from the horrible American fast food outlets which are disgusting and full of flavour enhancers such as Texan Chicken - Yuck
Jennie