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AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the “terrorist” attack that targeted the Somali army’s Damaanyo camp in the capital, Mogadishu, resulting in several deaths and injuries.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah reiterated Jordan’s full solidarity with Somalia in confronting the “heinous act”, stressing the Kingdom’s rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising security and stability.

Qudah extended condolences to the government and people of Somalia, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a swift recovery, according to a ministry statement.

Several people were killed and others wounded when a suicide bomber, thought to be from the Al-Shabab militant group, targeted an army recruitment centre in Mogadishu on Sunday, Somali authorities and witnesses said, according to AFP.

The attacker, disguised as a civilian, detonated explosives outside the XeroDamaayo camp in southern Mogadishu at 9:20 am (0620 GMT), the information ministry said.

"Casualties have been reported, but details are still being verified," the ministry said.

"Security forces are on the scene and have launched an investigation."

Islamist militant group Al Shabab, which is linked to Al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the bombing.

"The Mujahidin carried out an explosion targeting apostates who stayed in front of XeroDamaayo in Mogadishu's Hodon district. They were enlisting to join the forces," the group said.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and casualties near the blast site.

Adan Yare, a Tuktuk driver who was passing close to the area, said the road had been crowded with civilians when the explosion occurred, with people waiting to enter the military camp.

"I was very lucky because when the explosion occurred, I had already driven past the area.

"The explosion shook my Tuktuk and when I stopped and looked back, there were several people lying (on the ground), some of them dead and others wounded," he said.

Another witness, Saalim Nur, said he saw the bodies of five civilians.

"I was in a minibus. We were about a few hundred metres away from the scene when the explosion occurred.

"The whole area has become rubble, with stones and sand flying," he said.

Somalia has suffered a resurgence of attacks by Al Shabab in recent months.

The group, which is fighting to overthrow the government, has intensified its campaign in the impoverished and climate-vulnerable country.

In March, Al Shabab claimed responsibility for a bomb that narrowly missed the presidential convoy in Mogadishu, and in April, militants fired mortar shells near the capital's airport.

AMMAN — Jordan has secured more than $2.1 billion in grants and concessional loans to fund a number of high-impact national development projects, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation announced on Monday.

According to a government performance report released by the Ministry of Government Communication, the financing agreements were finalised in April with major international partners, including the World Bank, Germany’s KfW Development Bank, the Embassy of the Netherlands, and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development (AFESD).

The funds are intended to support Jordan’s economic modernisation programme, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen social safety nets, the ministry said.

Agreements signed with the World Bank total $1.1 billion and target initiatives that stimulate economic growth, promote start-ups and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), expand social protection, and improve the reliability of the Kingdom’s electricity supply, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

A key component includes a $400 million Development Policy Loan aimed at improving competitiveness, boosting exports, and increasing employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. Another $400 million will support the Resilient and Sustainable Social Protection Programme, designed to strengthen the country’s response to economic shocks and protect vulnerable populations.

Additionally, the second phase of the Jordan Entrepreneurship Fund, with a $50 million investment, will support high-growth start-ups in sectors such as ICT, fintech, green tech, and health tech. A further $250 million is allocated to enhance the efficiency and financial sustainability of the electricity sector, part of Jordan’s transition to cleaner energy sources.

The ministry also signed a 200 million euro ($215 million) loan agreement with KfW to support the Kingdom’s economic modernisation vision. The German development bank described the funding as “unconditional financial credit” offered at a pivotal time for Jordan’s reform agenda.

In a bid to bolster water security, The Netherlands committed 31 million euros ($33 million) in grant funding for the National Water Carrier Project, which aims to desalinate 300 million cubic metres of water annually. The project is expected to serve nearly four million residents and address worsening climate-related water shortages.

Meanwhile, Jordan launched a new five-year Country Partnership Strategy (2025–2029) with the AFESD, valued at $690 million. The strategic partnership will prioritise investments in water and energy infrastructure, vocational training, and private sector development.

The Kingdom secured a $65 million soft loan to finance the development of the Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah LNG Port.

AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session on Sunday chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved a package of incentives it said aiming at enhancing Aqaba’s appeal as a global destination for tourism, residential living, and real estate investment.

The decision followed a recommendation by the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and forms part of a broader strategy aligned with the Economic Modernisation Vision. The move seeks to position Aqaba, 330km south of Amman, among the top 100 cities worldwide in terms of livability and investment potential, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

The new measures include customs exemptions and benefits aimed at encouraging long-term residency for foreigners. For the first time, incentives will also be extended to Jordanian citizens purchasing residential units in gated communities in the port city of Aqaba, the statement said.

As per the new incentives, buyers acquiring a residential property for the first time directly from a certified developer will be eligible for temporary import approval of a small personal vehicle. Properties must be valued at no less than JD150,000, and customs exemptions for the vehicle may not exceed 25 percent of the property’s value.

The Cabinet approved a one-time customs and sales tax exemption of 5 percent and 16 per cent respectively for individuals importing a personal boat. Each person will be allowed to import one boat, for personal and non-commercial use only. The sale or transfer of ownership will require prior approval and customs clearance from ASEZA.

The statement said that around 1,100 residential units, ranging from apartments to villas, are currently available within gated communities in Aqaba. Another 1,200 units are scheduled for development in the coming months.

The Cabinet also approved a series of innovative educational and environmental projects in Aqaba’s southern coastal area.The projects include coral farming and marine biodiversity research using modern technologies, as well as the establishment of advanced laboratories for marine life studies. The Marine Science Station and surrounding facilities will also undergo comprehensive rehabilitation to serve as an internationally recognized research and education center.

The Cabinet also approved the Jordanian National Plan to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security for the years 2025–2027.

The plan, developed by the Ministry of Youth, aims to empower young people through leadership development, entrepreneurship support, and social inclusion. It also focuses on addressing the needs of marginalized groups, including youth with disabilities and refugees, according to the statement.

The initiative builds on efforts led by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, which culminated in the adoption of the resolution by the UN Security Council in 2015. It emphasizes the role of youth in peace building and national development.

The Council of Ministers also approved the framework for establishing a high coordination council between Jordan and Syria, to be co-chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries, with the aim of fostering cooperation in key areas including trade, transport, energy, and health.

The Cabinet approved an agreement between the Jordan Cooperative Corporation and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to provide technical support for capacity-building in the field of decent work.

Under the agreement, 30 agricultural cooperative associations will receive training this year, with an additional 60 to be trained during 2026 and 2027. The initiative also includes the development of software for the national cooperative services portal, the statement said.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday met with Jordan Press Association (JPA) President Tariq Momani.

Hassan emphasised the government's support for enhancing media independence and professional performance, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He said that the government is open to the sector and keen on maintaining direct communication with it.   

During the meeting, which comes as part of the premier's communication with representatives of various national sectors, Hassan underscored the government's efforts to digitalise the media.

He noted the importance of partnership with JPA to implement the digitalisation project, which would contribute to improving the national media and enhancing its role. 

The prime minister congratulated Momani and the JPA council on winning the elections, expressing his wishes for a successful performance.

For his part, the JPA president commended the government's commitment to communicating with various sectors, including the media, stressing that the association strives to enhance the media environment and journalistic practice in accordance with the standards of professionalism and responsibility.

Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani attended the meeting.

AMMAN — Newly deployed medical teams at the Jordanian Field Hospital in northern Gaza began receiving patients on Sunday, delivering vital medical and therapeutic services to help relieve the suffering of residents in the war-torn enclave.

The hospital’s commander said the efforts of the medical staff reflect Jordan’s steadfast humanitarian and medical commitment to the Palestinian people, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He also commended the dedication of the medical teams, who continue to provide advanced healthcare despite challenging conditions on the ground.

On its first day of operations, the hospital treated 485 cases, including minor surgeries, laboratory tests, and follow-up care for chronic conditions. It also received several emergency cases through specialised, fully equipped clinics across various medical disciplines, Petra reported.

The facility includes surgical clinics in orthopaedics, dentistry, and internal medicine, along with departments for paediatrics, gynaecology, and general medicine. It is also equipped with major and minor operating rooms, radiology and laboratory units, and a pharmacy, ensuring comprehensive medical services.

The hospital is also staffed by a team of qualified doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals, all working together to deliver high-quality care.

Residents of Gaza expressed deep gratitude to the Kingdom and His Majesty King Abdullah for the ongoing support, describing the initiative as a reflection of the strong fraternal ties between the two nations.

AMMAN — Senate President Faisal Fayez on Sunday inaugurated the “Digitisation for Economic Empowerment in a Rapidly Changing World” conference in Aqaba, organised by the Pioneering Centre in partnership with the Arabia Centre for Entrepreneurship and Empowerment.

The conference aimed to explore pathways for economic empowerment and entrepreneurship in the context of rapid digital transformation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

It also brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts from across the Arab world to exchange experiences, highlight success stories, and present innovative models for digital and economic growth.

In his opening remarks, Fayez underscored the significant strides Jordan has made in advancing women’s participation in economic, social, and political spheres, attributing the progress to the continuous support of His Majesty King Abdullah, who has long championed women's role in national development.

“Jordanian women have become active partners in society and a cornerstone of sustainable development,” Fayez said, noting that women in Jordan have achieved remarkable accomplishments across diverse fields and assumed leadership positions at national and international levels.

He emphasised that Royal support has translated into legislative and regulatory reforms that uphold women’s rights, strengthen their role in both the civil and military sectors, and ensure their inclusion in decision-making processes. "Reforms to municipal, parliamentary, and decentralisation laws have also institutionalised women’s political participation by allocating quotas and providing affirmative measures to bolster their presence," he added.

“Today, Jordanian women serve as ministers, judges, ambassadors, parliamentarians, senators, military officers, and occupy senior leadership roles in local, regional, and international institutions.”

Fayez also commended the transformation of Aqaba from a Royal vision into a national success story, citing the leadership of HRH Crown Prince Hussein in steering the city’s development into a modern, future-ready hub on the Red Sea.

On the subject of digital transformation, Fayez stressed that digitisation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national progress. He highlighted its critical role in advancing women’s economic empowerment by improving access to technology, digital education, and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly in online platforms and small-scale personal ventures.

The conference featured a series of discussions focused on women’s entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, and the role of public and private sector institutions in enhancing women’s participation in economic and social development.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture on Sunday announced suspending imports of live poultry and untreated poultry products from Brazil following the confirmation of avian influenza cases in the South American country.

The ministry said that the move is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting animal health, public safety, and national food security, in line with Jordan’s risk management protocols, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The suspension would remain in effect until further notice to be reviewed once the epidemiological situation in Brazil improves, the ministry said.

"The measure was based on veterinary risk assessments and international surveillance data. It applies to all types of live birds and poultry products that have not undergone sufficient heat to neutralise the virus," the ministry noted.

It also pointed out that poultry products that have been properly thermally processed and proven safe through international health standards are exempt from the ban, adding that it was closely monitoring animal health developments in exporting countries through coordination with the World Organisation for Animal Health and other international monitoring bodies.

It also stressed its readiness to take further necessary steps to safeguard public health and the integrity of Jordan’s agricultural sector.

Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a type of zoonotic (or animal) influenza that affects wild birds and poultry and is caused by virus sub-types A(H5N1), A(H9N2), according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Avian influenza has occasionally infected humans; however it does not easily transmit between humans, the organisation added.

The majority of human cases of avian influenza have been associated with direct or indirect contact with infected live or dead poultry, the WHO said.

AMMAN — In the face of rising living costs and stagnant wages, a growing number of Jordanians are turning to online thrift shops, not only as a way to save money, but also to express personal style and embrace a shifting cultural identity.

“From curated vintage Instagram and Facebook pages to casual closet cleanouts, secondhand fashion has carved out a buzzing digital space,” said Dalia Qasem, a Jordanian stylist in her 30s.

“I started by selling pieces from my own wardrobe about two years ago,” said 24-year-old Sereen Yousef. “Now I either head to Juma Souk to sell a few items or offer them to online thrift pages.” She added, “Everything is handled through direct messages and local delivery apps.”

For many young Jordanians, especially women, thrifting has evolved into more than a budget-friendly option; it is also a stand against fast fashion and a means of expressing individuality.

“People often assume we thrift just because of financial pressure,” said Lina Karim, an avid secondhand shopper. “But for many of us, it’s a cultural shift. It’s about identity, I don’t want to wear what everyone else is wearing.”

Karim noted that the stigma once associated with secondhand shopping is fading. “Now, people see thrifting as a way to stand out.”

According to those active in the space, Jordan’s growing digital thrift economy is not only rooted in financial necessity but also in a sense of community, a grassroots movement reshaping how people consume, connect, and create value from what already exists.