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AMMAN — Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi has affirmed Jordan’s “firm” commitment to upholding human rights and public freedoms, citing ongoing legislative reforms and Royal initiatives.

Speaking at the National Human Rights Forum in Irbid on Friday,Safadi said that under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Kingdom has made human rights a top national priority.

He pointed to the establishment of a Royal commission for enhancing human rights and the creation of the National Centre for Human Rights, which is “guided by Islamic values, Jordan’s Constitution, and international conventions,” the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Safadi also highlighted the King’s international advocacy, particularly his condemnation of the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, calling it a form of genocide and ethnic cleansing. He urged the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities.

“The legislature continues to prioritise human rights and public freedoms, reflecting Jordan’s efforts to strengthen its rights system and reinforce the rule of law,” he said.

Safadi noted recent amendments to the Penal Code aimed at promoting restorative justice, including reduced fines and increased reliance on non-custodial measures such as community service.

First Deputy Speaker Mustafa Khasawneh highlighted the launch of the 2016–2025 national human rights planand the establishment of the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the National Centre for Family Affairs, the Government Coordination Unit for Human Rights and the Constitutional Court as “milestones” in enhancing the status of human rights and public freedoms in the country.

NahlaMomani, Acting Protection Commissioner and Head of Freedom of Expression at the National Centre for Human Rights, said Jordan is evolving a "deepening human rights identity" and remains committed to addressing ongoing challenges.

The event was organised by the Nour Al Salam Society for Human Rights.

AMMAN — Former Palestinian prime minister Rami Hamdallah on Saturday visited the Jordanian field hospital in Nablus, accompanied by Director of An-Najah National University Hospital Iyad Maqbool and several Palestinian officials.

The visit aimed to assess the medical services provided to residents of Nablus Governorate and surrounding areas, while underscoring the importance of continued medical cooperation between Palestinian and Jordanian institutions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The commander of the hospital force welcomed the visit, highlighting its significance in reinforcing bilateral ties and cooperation. He reiterated the hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering medical and humanitarian services in support of the Palestinian healthcare sector.

During the tour, Hamdallah was briefed on the hospital’s services, including specialised care, emergency treatment, and the use of advanced medical equipment that contributes to improving patient outcomes. He also received a detailed overview of the operational mechanisms behind the hospital’s healthcare delivery.

Hamdallah expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) in bolstering medical capacities in Nablus. He commended the continued support of His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein for the Palestinian cause, describing it as a reflection of the strong and historic ties between the two peoples.

AMMAN — Cloud kitchens and delivery-only food services are transforming Jordan’s food industry, according to stakeholders, who say the trend is gaining momentum amid shifting consumer habits and economic challenges.

“Driven by changing consumer behaviour, rising operational costs, and the expansion of digital platforms, the model is opening new economic avenues and diversifying the local dining scene,” said Omar Awwad, president of the Jordan Association for Restaurants and Sweet Shops Owners, in remarks to The Jordan Times.

He noted that cloud kitchens represent a smart evolution in the food economy, as they significantly reduce overhead costs, foster culinary innovation, and offer new opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

For young entrepreneurs like 28-year-old Nour Awad, a home cook-turned-business owner, cloud kitchens have provided a low-risk entry into the competitive food industry. Awad now operates a virtual kitchen that delivers traditional Palestinian dishes to dozens of customers each week.

Marketing consultant Baraa Ahmad told The Jordan Times that food delivery platforms are also adapting to this trend by offering integrated support services, including marketing tools, logistics, and data analytics.

“We’re seeing a noticeable rise in independent food brands,” Ahmad said, adding that the cloud kitchen model is fueling local entrepreneurship and enabling more people to enter the food business without the need for a physical storefront.

As Jordan works towards economic recovery, cloud kitchens are proving to be more than a passing trend. Stakeholders say the model is an inclusive and innovative solution that lowers entry barriers and contributes to a more vibrant and diverse food culture.

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

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics (hashish) with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent on March 7.

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 one gram of Crystal meth in return for JD45,” court documents said.

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

Upon searching the defendant, court papers said, AND personnel found an additional small quantity of Crystal meth on him". 

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

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 Mahmoud Ebtoush, Majid Azab, Hayel Amr, Fawzi Nahar and Ibrahim Abu Shamma.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Saturday held bilateral meetings with his Lebanese and Spanish counterparts, as well as the secretary-general of the United Nations, on the sidelines of the 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad.

Hassan met with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam, where they stressed the “brotherly” relations between Jordan and Lebanon and expressed mutual commitment to developing these ties, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Talks also focused on aspects to enhance cooperation, with an emphasis on the necessity of sustained coordination and consultation to advance collaborative efforts in various fields.

Hassan reiterated Jordan's “unwavering” support for Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty, aimed at ensuring its progress, prosperity, and meeting its citizens' aspirations.

Salam underscored Lebanon's dedication to boosting ties and commended Jordan's pivotal role, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah, in supporting Lebanon and pan-Arab causes.

In a separate meeting, Hassan met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and highlighted the “deep-rooted friendship and cooperation ties” between Jordan and Spain.

Hassan praised Spain's proactive efforts concerning regional issues, particularly its endeavours to mobilise international support for an end to the war on Gaza and for reaching a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

He stressed that such a solution would ensure the Palestinian people regain their full legitimate rights on their national soil.

Hassan also held discussions with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which focused on the latest developments in the region and the ongoing war in Gaza.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the need of an immediate cessation of the war on Gaza, delivering sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave, and reconstructing Gaza without the displacement of its population.

Hassan praised Guterres for his “dedicated” efforts and principled stances aimed at achieving peace in the region and seeking political resolutions to global and regional crises.

AMMAN — In line with the Royal directives, Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Saturday inaugurated several Royal Initiative projects across different areas in Irbid Governorate and inspected progress on other projects under implementation.

These projects are part of a series of Royal initiatives aimed at improving the quality of services provided to citizens and promoting sustainable development in various regions of the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

In Ramtha District, Issawi, accompanied by minister of social development, Irbid governor, and Sahel Houran mayor, inaugurated the new expansion of the disability centre affiliated with the Sahel Houran Association.

Issawi toured various facilities of the project, which includes the construction of an additional floor comprising five classrooms and administrative and health facilities.

As part of ongoing Royal efforts to expand social, educational, and rehabilitation care for people with disabilities, seven Royal initiative projects have been carried out in Irbid. 

These include the establishment and development of specialised disability centres across the governorate through annual funding provided on the occasion of His Majesty King Abdullah’s birthday.

In the districts of North Mazar and Bani Kinanah, Issawi, accompanied by several officials, inaugurated two public parks, where each park includes a five-a-side football field, safe and equipped play units for children, including those with disabilities, green areas planted with trees, paved walkways, and seating areas.

These public parks and fields offer open urban spaces that enhance quality of life, particularly for children and youth in these areas.

Nine public parks have been established across Irbid Governorate under the Royal initiatives. 

In Umm Qais in Bani Kinanah District, Issawi checked on the progress of the eco-lodge project in the Yarmouk Nature Reserve.

Issawi toured the project facilities, which will include 20 chalets, 10 hotel rooms, a visitor centre, various tourist amenities including a restaurant and additional services, as well as open areas with panoramic views and eco-tourism trails within the reserve.

The eco-lodge is expected to boost eco-tourism and local tourism in Jordan and attract local and foreign tourists. 

In the Northern Jordan Valley District, Issawi inaugurated two five-a-side football fields.

As part of the Royal initiative, integrated buildings were constructed for clubs, fully equipped with necessary supplies and a transportation service to support the players.

Irbid has also witnessed the construction of 20 diverse sports fields under the Royal initiatives, including 14 five-a-side fields distributed across the governorate’s districts, three standard football fields, in addition to the renovation and grassing of existing fields.

In a statement to the press, Issawi said that the projects inaugurated and inspected in Irbid on Saturday were established upon directives from His Majesty.

Issawi added that King Abdullah is always keen, through his visits and meetings with the people of the governorate, to personally assess their needs, listen to their demands, and direct the implementation of priority projects that improve service quality and provide job opportunities for local communities.

AMMAN — Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat met on Saturday with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov on the sidelines of the Kazan Forum 2025, which kicked off in Tatarstan with the participation of 103 countries.

The meeting addressed a number of issues of mutual interest, reflecting the “deep” relations between Jordan and Tatarstan, and mutual keenness on further enhancing cooperation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Hneifat stressed the importance of enhancing the exchange of farm products, adding that Jordan holds "promising" opportunities for investment in the sector, especially after introducing modern agricultural methods and “high-quality” crops.

He urged strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors in both countries to ensure the flow of goods and increase the trade volume.

Hneifat added that the ministry is open to cooperation with partners in Tatarstan in agricultural research, exchange of expertise and launching joint projects to boost food security and promote sustainable development.

Minnikhanov commended relations between the two countries, pledging to further boost the partnership with Jordan in various fields, particularly in food security and modern agriculture.

Kazan Forum 2025 is a "key" international platform for dialogue and cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries in economic, investment and cultural fields, and provides an opportunity to showcase available opportunities and boost regional and international partnerships.

AMMAN —  Jordan is grappling with one of the most severe water crises in the world, with per capita water availability dropping to just 60 cubic metres per year, one of the lowest rates internationally, according to the Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud.

Speaking at a recent policy dialogue hosted by the Jordan Economic Forum, Abul Saud described the water crisis as a matter of national security, warning that if water availability falls below 30 cubic metres per year, the impact on sectors such as tourism, agriculture and industry would be catastrophic.

 “Water is no longer just a service, it is a matter of national security,” he told forum members, stakeholders, and environmental experts during the session, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The minister outlined two strategies that the government is pursuing to secure Jordan’s water supply: the National Water Carrier Project, which involves the construction of a massive pipeline, and a nationwide effort to reduce water losses through modern technology and infrastructure upgrades.

He described the National Carrier as the "cornerstone" of future water sustainability, adding that it is the largest strategic infrastructure project in Jordan's history. Once complete, it is expected to supply approximately 300 million cubic metres (mcm) of desalinated water annually from Aqaba to major population centres across the Kingdom.

Abul Saud said that the project is being financed through a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model with support from international donors and financial institutions in order to avoid adding to the state’s budgetary burden.

Attaching importance to addressing infrastructure gaps, Abul Saud said that Jordan’s ageing water infrastructure is one of the major obstacles that the Ministry of Water and Irrigation faces. Some of the pipelines have been in use for over five decades.

 By replacing outdated networks, installing pressure-monitoring systems and using early leak detection technology, the ministry is targeting a 2 per cent annual reduction in water losses, equivalent to around 5 mcm, he added.

Water theft remains another critical challenge, Abu Saud said, noting that illegal wells and unlicensed desalination plants have been discovered across the Kingdom, with some supplying water to tourist facilities without permits.

Warning that the water crisis is already beginning to affect Jordan’s key economic sectors, the minister said that the tourism industry, which has high water consumption, may suffer from increased operating costs and reduced competitiveness. Meanwhile, rising water prices could increase production costs for factories and reduce the competitiveness of Jordanian exports.

In the agricultural sector, shrinking water resources are leading to reduced farmland and lower yields, he added.

In order to improve the efficiency of the water system, the ministry has expanded the use of SCADA control systems. The ministry has also started using artificial intelligence to manage water pressure and detect faults in the network. A successful pilot project in Amman’s Khaldah district has improved water supply to residents in high-altitude areas, according to the minister.

Jordan produces between 150 and 200 million cubic metres of treated wastewater each year from over 35 sewage treatment plants, and the government plans to involve the private sector in operating and managing these facilities under long-term, performance-based contracts, he added.

In the Jordan Valley, the minister said that a number of farmers have started using smart irrigation systems fitted with soil moisture sensors. These systems have helped to reduce water usage by up to 50 per cent, while also improving crop quality and cutting energy costs.

The session concluded with an open discussion between the minister and attendees, who called for the National Water Carrier Project to be implemented more quickly, for greater investment in water-saving technologies and for a stronger national campaign to raise awareness about water conservation.

Abul Saud reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to transparency and collaboration with all stakeholders.