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AMMAN — The Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) on Tuesday released a report outlining the Kingdom's key economic challenges, drawing on the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025.

The report highlighted growing concerns over unemployment and lack of economic opportunity, urging the government to accelerate its Economic Modernisation Vision to tackle these pressing issues. 

The forum stressed the urgent need for labour-intensive investment to generate sustainable employment opportunities, calling for faster implementation of economic policies that stimulate growth, attract investment, and foster economic and social stability, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

“Unemployment remains the biggest challenge facing the Jordanian economy,” the forum said. “While the government has taken positive steps in recent months, these efforts may not be sufficient to address the risks identified in the Global Risks Report 2025.”

While acknowledging recent government measures to strengthen economic stability and promote growth, JEF warned that efforts should be directed towards attracting investment in sectors capable of absorbing large numbers of workers.

The forum also cautioned that Jordan’s improved public debt risk rating does not necessarily indicate the resolution of deeper economic challenges. It urged continued structural reforms, an enhanced business environment, and a stronger focus on innovation and entrepreneurship to bolster economic resilience.

Water scarcity was another critical concern, with the report calling for greater investment in water security and environmental sustainability to stabilise vital sectors and support long-term development.

The findings also addressed regional geopolitical shifts and their impact on supply chains and energy markets, recommending that Jordan diversify its energy sources, strengthen regional integration, and invest in digital infrastructure to maintain competitiveness.

Emphasising the role of human capital development, the forum called for greater investment in training programmes, vocational education, and regulatory reforms to attract long-term investment in productive sectors. "These steps are essential for reducing unemployment and fostering economic and social equity."

small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in productive sectors should be prioritised to enhance productivity and drive inclusive economic growth, the JEF said.

The 2025 Global Risks Report, based on a survey of over 900 experts across various sectors, identified global risks as uncertain events or conditions that could significantly impact countries and industries over the next decade. 

These risks span economic, environmental, technological, social, and geopolitical areas and are interconnected—meaning the occurrence of one risk could intensify others.

For Jordan, the report ranked unemployment and lack of economic opportunity as the top risks for 2025-2026, followed by inflation, economic recession, water scarcity, and public debt.

While the risk associated with public debt has dropped from second place in 2024 to fifth in 2025, suggesting possible improvements in debt management, JEF stressed that the underlying economic challenges remain unresolved.

The forum also said that Jordan must adopt comprehensive national and regional strategies to tackle these risks. It emphasised the need for greater economic flexibility, investment in sustainable sectors, and balanced economic growth to ensure the Kingdom’s long-term resilience.

AMMAN — Livestock farmers in Mafraq are facing a severe shortage of subsidised fodder, forcing many to turn to the open market where prices are well beyond their financial reach.

Several farmers told The Jordan Times that bran has been unavailable at the Directorate of Industry and Trade warehouses for over two weeks, while barley supplies have also been limited.

“The allocated quantities are insufficient for our needs,” said Ahmad Qadi, a local livestock owner. “For 500 heads of livestock, we received just one ton of barley and only half a tonne for 150 heads. This is far from enough, and we are left with no choice but to buy at inflated market prices.”

As feed prices continue to rise, the financial strain on farmers is intensifying. “The market prices are unpredictable, and government allocations alone don’t suffice. If this situation persists, many small-scale farmers may be forced to sell their livestock or leave the business altogether,” said Ahmad Khalidi, a livestock trader.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has denied reports of shortages. Ministry spokesperson Yanal Barmawi told The Jordan Times that all registered livestock farmers in Mafraq have received their full fodder allocations for the first month of the year.

“There is no shortage,” Barmawi said. “While some farmers may prefer to receive their full allocation at once, we distribute fodder in three instalments per month to ensure a steady supply.”

Despite these assurances, many farmers argue that the current distribution method does not meet their operational needs. They are calling for adjustments to the system to ease the growing financial burden on the sector.

AMMAN — The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), in partnership with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), has successfully concluded the "Kanaf 3" project for 2024-2025, benefiting 17,452 underprivileged individuals across Jordan.

The initiative provided winter clothing through purchase vouchers, allowing families to choose essential winter items while maintaining their dignity and autonomy, according to a JHCO statement.  

The project was carried out with high standards of efficiency and transparency, with voucher distribution coordinated through local partners to ensure aid reached those most in need.

Director of the KSrelief branch in Jordan, Nayef Bin Saleh Shammari highlighted that "Kanaf" has been implemented for the third consecutive year, addressing winter clothing needs for Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as members of the host community. 

He noted that distributions were based on pre-planned field studies assessing actual needs across all governorates.

JHCO Secretary-General Hussein Shibli underscored the project's role in easing winter hardships and praised the strong cooperation between JHCO and KSrelief. 

He emphasised that this partnership reflects the deep ties between Jordan and Saudi Arabia and their shared commitment to humanitarian efforts that directly benefit those in need.

The "Kanaf" project continues to serve as a model for effective humanitarian collaboration, providing vital support to vulnerable families and contributing to social welfare in Jordan.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply on Tuesday reaffirmed the legal consequences for merchants who conceal essential goods or refuse to sell price-controlled commodities during Ramadan, warning of fines up to JD3,000.

The ministry also stressed that retailers who hide basic materials, overcharge, or unjustifiably refuse to sell price-regulated goods face penalties under existing legislation, including fines between JD1,000 and JD3,000, imprisonment for two to six months, or both.

The ministry also cited Article 11 of the Industry and Trade Law, which requires merchants to clearly display prices for all merchandise, whether price-controlled or not, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

"When direct labelling is impractical, a visible price list must be placed near the store entrance. Noncompliance carries fines between JD100 and JD500."

As part of its Ramadan consumer awareness campaign, the ministry urged citizens to report violations via its complaints hotline (065661176), Facebook page (facebook.com/mit.gov.jo), or the official website (mit.gov.jo).

AMMAN — The Senate approved three draft laws in its Tuesday session, all referred from the Lower House without amendments.

Two bills, the general statistics law and the agricultural risk mitigation fund law, were sent back to their respective committees for further review and study,  the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The Senate also approved the amended Jordanian National Building Law, as proposed by the Lower House. The amendments include a recommendation to add a representative from the Public Security Directorate to the Technical Committee for the National Building Code. The amendment aims to enhance the effectiveness of the National Building Council and its Technical Committee, ensuring safer and more efficient building practices.

The Senate also passed amendments to the Law on the Regulation of the Surveying Profession and Real Estate Agencies. The amended law sets clear guidelines for surveying practices, real estate valuation, and office regulations. 

It also outlines classification criteria, licensing fees, and penalties for violations. Individuals found practising without a license face fines ranging from JD1,000 to JD1,500, while those in violation of other provisions could be fined between JD500 and JD1,500. Repeat offenders risk double fines.

The Senate approved amendments to the Law on Residence and Foreigners, introducing stricter penalties for foreigners who overstay their residence permits. 

The revised law imposes a fine of JD45 per month (JD3 per day) for individuals who fail to obtain a temporary residence permit, overstay their permitted stay, or neglect to renew their permits within one month of expiration.

AMMAN — As Ramadan starts across Jordan, the southern port city of Aqaba revives one of its most treasured culinary traditions with the preparation of "Al Hoh Al Aqabawi," a pastry that has adorned iftar banquets for generations.

This sweet, emblematic of Aqaba and other Red Sea coastal communities, represents more than mere sustenance as it embodies cultural continuity and family heritage passed down through generations of the city's residents, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

"I learnt to make Al Hoh from my mother, who prepared it every Ramadan as part of our traditional customs," Umm Mohammad, an Aqaba homemaker, told Petra. "It makes a beautiful addition to the Ramadan table, with natural and healthy ingredients ideal for those breaking their fast."

The preparation involves creating a thin dough from water, flour, and salt, which is left to rest before being rolled into paper-thin circular sheets and baked individually on a traditional saj griddle.

The sheets are then layered in a baking dish, each brushed with clarified butter and filled with a mixture of walnuts, cinnamon, and assorted nuts. After browning in butter, the pastry is finished with a drizzle of sugar syrup and served as a sweet conclusion to iftar gatherings.

Abu Ali Yassin, a long time Aqaba resident, noted that Al Hoh has gained popularity among both Arab and foreign tourists visiting the coastal city.

"Several young people in Aqaba have turned this traditional craft into a profession, providing a dignified income for themselves and their families, especially during Ramadan," he explained.

Mohammad Minzlawi, another local resident, stressed the pastry's cultural significance, saying: "The Ramadan table in Aqaba is hardly complete without Al Hoh. Homemakers have maintained this popular tradition inherited from our ancestors, which carries a special flavour during the blessed month of Ramadan."

As the city embraces modern development, Al Hoh remains a symbolic thread connecting contemporary Aqaba with its maritime heritage and communal traditions that continue to define Ramadan celebrations along Jordan's Red Sea coast.