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AMMAN — The Kingdom's total public debt fell by 1 per cent to JD44.161 billion by the end of 2024, compared to its level at the end of November the same year, according to Ministry of Finance data.

Jordan's debt-to-GDP ratio fell to 116.8 per cent by the end of the year, compared to 118 per cent at the end of November, the government-owned Al Malakah TV said, citing the ministry's figures.

The data also showed that the government's debt to the Social Security Investment Fund fell by 3.2 per cent over the same period, reaching JD9.9 billion.

In 2024, the government repaid JD3.7 billion of debt while issuing treasury bills and bonds worth JD 5 billion.

AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday marked the 69th anniversary of the Arabisation of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF).

His Majesty King Abdullah paid tribute to the JAF and security agencies on the anniversary of the Arabisation of the JAF in a post on his official X platform account.

"On the anniversary of the Arabisation of the JAF, greetings to our Arab Mustafawi Army, our source of pride and honour. May God protect our homeland and bless the efforts of the Nashamas of the JAF and security agencies," His Majesty wrote.

On the occasion, His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein received cables of congratulations from senior officials and officers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In 1956, His Majesty King Hussein Arabised the high command of the JAF through the removal of British officers, particularly Lt. Gen. John Bagot Glubb, the British commander of the Arab Legion.

In March 1957, the Anglo-Jordanian Agreement was abrogated, followed by the evacuation of British forces from the Kingdom.

AMMAN — Secretary-General of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) Hussein Shibli on Friday reiterated Jordan’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasising efforts to maximise aid deliveries.

Speaking to Al Mamlaka TV, Shibli said that since October 7, Jordan has dispatched 176 aid convoys, comprising 7,700 trucks, to Gaza, noting that 42 convoys entered the Strip since the start of the truce. 

He also that the volume of aid sent during this period was three times higher than in previous comparable periods.

Shibli highlighted that JHCO has ramped up aid deliveries ahead of Ramadan, ensuring the distribution of essential food supplies to meet growing needs. He also stressed that the organisation will continue intensifying efforts throughout the holy month.

He also underscored the World Food Programme (WFP) as a key partner in coordinating aid shipments and facilitating their entry into Gaza. 

Cooperation with the WFP and other international organisations, he said, enhances the efficiency of aid distribution by optimising logistics, resources, and supply chains.

Shibli also noted that friendly nations recognise Jordan’s Humanitarian Corridor as the official route for aid deliveries to Gaza through international organisations and governments.

AMMAN — The Royal Hashemite Documentation Centre (RHDC) on Friday unveiled a historical document dated March 1, 1956, which outlines official orders issued by then-Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Radi Annab.

The orders were issued in response to Royal directives regarding the designation of certain army brigades with the title "Royal."

In a statement released, the centre explained that the document details the renaming of military brigades to include the royal title, a move that reflects Jordan’s national sovereignty and strengthens the country’s military identity.

The document also includes regulations on the leave policies for Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) personnel travelling abroad.

AMMAN — The Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), in cooperation with the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF), has announced that the traditional Ramadan cannon will be fired from Al Nakheel Square in Ras Al Ain at sunset throughout the holy month.

GAM spokesperson Nasser Rahamneh said that all preparations have been finalised at the designated site, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He highlighted that the Ramadan cannon tradition is an important part of Amman’s heritage, serving as a symbolic announcement of the time for breaking the fast.

AMMAN — Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) Nayef Fayez on Saturday said that launching Aqaba's new identity marks a significant strategic step in strengthening its standing as a global tourism and investment destination. 

Speaking at an introductory and consultative workshop organised by ASEZA, Fayez highlighted the initiative as a transformative step in Aqaba’s development, enhancing its regional and international competitiveness, the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The workshop was attended by members of the ASEZA board of commissioners, government and private sector representatives, investors, tourism stakeholders, and local community members.

Fayez emphasised that the new identity aligns with a broader vision to establish Aqaba as a key economic and tourism hub, reinforcing its role in sustainable development.

ASEZA Deputy Chairman and Commissioner for Economic Development and Tourism Hamza Haj Hassan noted that the initiative reflects Aqaba’s ambition to become a fully integrated investment and tourism destination. He said it aligns with the Royal Vision and ASEZA’s 2024-2028 strategy, aiming to attract international investment and enhance the city’s competitive edge.

AMMAN — Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa on Friday said that no fundraising campaigns will be allowed during Ramadan without prior approval and licenses from the relevant authorities.

Bani Mustafa noted that the ministry is fast-tracking the approval process after thoroughly verifying the financial and administrative status of organisations seeking permits, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

She emphasised that organising public Ramadan iftar meals requires coordination with the regional governor to ensure these events comply with legal frameworks, adding "The ministry is actively monitoring associations through its field directorates to ensure compliance with licensing requirements."

Bani Mustafa also highlighted that the new Social Development Law, which took effect in 2024, has introduced harsher penalties for unauthorised fundraising.

she said that a new fundraising regulation is set to be approved soon, aiming to better regulate donation collection and ensure that aid reaches those in genuine need, particularly with the increasing number of charitable organisations.

The minister stressed that the ministry fully supports social solidarity but seeks to regulate it to guarantee transparency and accountability. She urged citizens to be mindful of the legal regulations surrounding donations, warning that unauthorised fundraising could result in legal consequences under the Crimes Law. 

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a July 2023 State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug dealer to over three years in prison after convicting him of possessing illegal narcotics in Amman in January 2022.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent on January  31.

The SSC handed the defendant five years in prison for the offence of possessing illegal narcotics and ordered him to pay JD5,000 in fines.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD3,500 and the prison term to three years and four months in prison to give the defendant a second chance in life.

Court documents said the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) learnt the defendant was in possession of illegal narcotics and sent one of its agents to pose as a buyer.

“The AND agent got in touch with the defendant and asked him for five Captagon pills in return for JD10,” court documents said.

When the two met, AND agents immediately arrested the suspect, court papers added.

The defendant contested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to implicate his client”.

The lawyer argued that the prosecution also used “weak evidence to implicate my clients”.

Meanwhile, the SSC prosecution office asked the higher court to uphold the sentence and the fine imposed on the defendant.

The higher court maintained that the SSC had followed the proper procedures in issuing the sentence against the defendant.

“It was clear to the court that the defendant confessed willingly to possessing the illegal drugs to sell in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassation judges were Yassin Abdullat, Nayef Samarat, Mohammad Khashashneh, Qassem Dughmi and Hammad Ghzawi.