Al Maktoum Foundation ready with plans to support Jordan’s development, youth

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday discussed with Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE’s Minister of Finance Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum bilateral ties and ways to increase cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, attended by HRH Prince Feisal, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction with the “advanced Jordanian-Emirati relations, stressing the Kingdom’s keenness on enhancing economic and trade cooperation with the UAE, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty praised the UAE’s constant support for Jordan, under the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as the Kingdom pursues its development goals and progress in other areas, especially the military.

King Abdullah also expressed his appreciation for the contribution made by Al Maktoum Foundation (AMF) to support small and medium enterprises and initiatives in Jordan. His Majesty praised the efforts and directives of Sheikh Hamdan in this matter regarding his capacity as AMF Patron.

During the meeting, which continued over a lunch banquet, the two sides reviewed Jordan’s competitive advantage as an investment destination, and opportunities available in the Kingdom for UAE investors in various sectors, especially transport, health, energy and innovation. 

His Majesty emphasised the importance of cooperation and exchange of expertise between the two countries in the targeted fields of cooperation.

Sheikh Hamdan stressed the UAE’s keenness on strengthening bilateral relations with Jordan and AMF’s willingness to finance projects and initiatives that generate jobs for Jordanian youth.

Sheikh Hamdan was received by HRH Prince Feisal at Queen Alia International Airport.

Last month, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported that Sheikh Hamdan had instructed concerned UAE agencies to increase support to charitable and humanitarian projects in Jordan and small- and medium-sized enterprises that contribute to the employment of the youth.

Member of the Board of Trustees and Sheikh Hamdan’s Office Director Mirza Sayegh was quoted as saying in a statement that the foundation’s operation in Jordan would be expanded, and a joint committee for that purpose would be formed to study the projects that need be implemented in Jordan.

No details of AMF’s plan for Jordan were made available. 

Also on Wednesday, Senate President Faisal Fayez met with Al Maktoum.

During the meeting, they discussed prospects to bolster bilateral relations in various fields.

Fayez voiced appreciation for His Highness’s role in enhancing humanitarian and charitable activities and for directing Al Maktoum Foundation to support charity projects in Jordan.

For his part, Al Maktoum said that the UAE would continue supporting the Kingdom, stressing his country’s keenness on establishing more investments in Jordan.