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AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani  on Wednesday announced several decisions made during the Cabinet’s session in Maan Governorate, aimed at bolstering the commercial and tourism sectors, stimulating economic growth, and addressing local challenges.

In a press conference held at Maan University College/Al Balqa Applied University, Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, detailed the Cabinet’s decisions, including the exemption of commercial establishments, such as tourist facilities, in the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) from professional license fees for 2025. 

He noted that the initiative aims to support businesses in the region, stimulate economic activity, and promote job creation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The Cabinet also imposed an export fee of JD35 per tonne on specific types of scrap paper and cardboard under designated customs codes for one year, Momani said, adding that this measure aims to support local industries by ensuring the availability of raw materials for Jordanian paper and cardboard factories.

The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply will verify quantities contracted before the decision’s implementation date, and the General Customs Department will allow these quantities to be exported without fees for up to two months after enforcement. 

The decision applies to the Aqaba Special Economic Zone and free zones but excludes transit goods, Petra reported.

The Council of Ministers approved several international agreements, including a partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support the implementation of its 10th country programme (2023–2027), focusing on combating gender-based and domestic violence, protecting children, and strengthening national protection systems.

Additionally, an agreement with Norway was approved to allow Jordanian-certified seafarers to serve aboard Norwegian-flagged vessels, fostering enhanced maritime cooperation. 

A protocol to amend the double taxation agreement with Kuwait was also endorsed, underscoring the mutual commitment of both countries to eliminate double taxation, combat tax evasion, and strengthen economic relations.

The Cabinet also approved proposed amendments to the administrative organisation of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC). 

"These changes aim to streamline operations by reducing the number of divisions, establishing a data management and communication unit, and addressing the growing responsibilities of the commission."

Momani underscored the strategic importance of the dry port project in Maan and its planned connection to the Aqaba Port. 

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the project after years of delays, highlighting its potential to drive economic growth.

“The dry port project is of immense strategic and economic significance. It will serve as a vital link between the southern region, the Aqaba Port, major cities, and border crossings", he said, noting: "This initiative was a primary demand voiced by Maan residents during the Cabinet session.”

Momani also detailed the prime minister’s tour, which included the inauguration of a comprehensive government services centre in Maan, setting a benchmark for quality service delivery.

The centre is one of seven currently operational in the Kingdom, providing 125 services across 24 institutions. 

Additional centres are planned to open later this year, Momani noted. 

Additionally, the tour featured the planting of trees as part of Arbour Day celebrations. 

He also highlighted the government's commitment to establishing a state-of-the-art diabetes and endocrinology centre in Maan within three years, modelled after the centre in Amman.

The Cabinet approved the retirement of Mubarak Khalaileh, secretary-general of the Public Service and Administration Authority, as he reached the legal retirement age.

AMMAN — Oman Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has awarded former Jordanian ambassador to Oman Amjad Quhaiwi the Order of Al Numan of the First Class. 

This honour recognises Quhaiwi's efforts in boosting relations between the two countries during his tenure as ambassador from 2020 to 2024, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.   

The Omani embassy in Amman hosted a special ceremony on Wednesday, where Omani Ambassador to Jordan Fahad Alojaili presented the medal to Quhaiwi.  

Alojaili described the order as one of the sultanate’s most prestigious honours, stressing that its conferment by the sultan reflects appreciation for Quhaiwi's role in fostering friendship and cooperation between the two nations and enhancing bilateral ties across various fields.  

He added that Oman values its relations with Jordan and is committed to continuing a path of cooperation and mutual respect for the benefit of both countries. 

Quhaiwi expressed his gratitude and appreciation for this Royal honour, considering his diplomatic service in Oman a "cherished chapter in his career."  

He also pointed to the advanced levels of trade, economic cooperation and investment between the two nations, reiterating that these relations are marked by diversity and sustainable growth. 

This reflects the forward-looking vision of both leaderships, and the strategic partnership enhanced by Sultan Haitham’s visit to Jordan in May and His Majesty King Abdullah's visit to Oman in October 2022, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein.

Several officials and Arab diplomats attended the ceremony.

AMMAN — The ongoing war in Gaza has negatively impacted Jordan’s security stability in 2024, with four terrorist incidents occurring inside the Kingdom and at its border crossings, according to a study by the Shorufat Centre for Globalisation and Terrorism Studies (SCGTS).

The study, based on the 2024 Global Terrorism Index, revealed that Jordan ranked 75th out of 163 countries in global terrorism rankings, dropping from its 68th position in 2023.

The SCGTS study noted that Jordan had experienced 172 terrorist incidents, including 30 failed attempts, from 1921 to the end of 2024. Of these, 34 incidents were attributed to unknown entities.

“The effects of the Gaza war have heightened security concerns, especially in securing borders, monitoring protests, and managing public gatherings in the Kingdom,” SCGTS founder and chairman Brig. Gen. Saud Sharafat said..

Sharafat explained that the Gaza war was a significant factor behind the four security incidents reported in 2024 within Jordan and its borders.

Sharafat, who served in the General Intelligence Department until 2016, said the centre had conducted seven studies on terrorism in Jordan. 

“The centre decided to conduct the index studies for Jordan because we do not have specialised studies in this field,” according to Sharafat.

The centre based its studies on terrorism incidents and trends in Jordan quantitatively and scientifically, Sharafat told The Jordan Times.

He added that the centre “closely monitors the regional incidents, including new trends or developments and offers results and conclusions to the regional and national decision-makers”.

Sharafat pointed out that the year 2024 continued to witness “new types of smuggling methods at the Jordanian-Syrian border, such as drones, missiles and explosives”.

He added that these methods “constitute an environment for the recruitment and funding of terrorist groups and sleeper cells, while also facilitating the execution of plans by lone wolves”. 

“There are many global indicators that prove a positive correlation between terrorism and illicit operations such as arms and drug smuggling, as well as organised crimes on border areas,” he added.

He also said that social media platforms continue to play a major role in “spreading terrorist ideologies and work to recruit individuals to join terrorist groups”.

Established in 2015, the SCGTS mandate includes conducting studies, security and strategic consultations, analysis, intelligence services, geopolitical studies, as well as asylum and immigration issues.

AMMAN — Experts and specialists in the field of climate change convened to discuss mechanisms for increasing youth participation in climate action and shaping national climate policies. 

The initiative seeks to strengthen Jordan’s capacity to address climate challenges, foster innovative solutions, and build resilience to achieve the Kingdom’s climate objectives, according to a Royal Scientific Society statement.

The discussions took place during an interactive dialogue session on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and Climate Action document. 

The session was organised by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in cooperation with the Royal Scientific Society, and the Ministry of Environment, and with the support of the project titled “Enhancing Youth Participation in Reviewing Nationally Determined Contributions and Climate Policies at the National Level.”

Held within the framework of the "Preparing the First Transparency Report" project, the session aimed to empower youth in climate action and policymaking.

Young climate activists and decision-makers from various ministries and national institutions participated, the statement added. 

Vice President of the Royal Scientific Society Raafat Assi noted the longstanding cooperation between the Ministry of Environment, the UNDP, and the Scientific Society in various environmental domains, particularly climate change.

Assi highlighted the Society’s partnerships with international and national institutions on numerous climate studies. 

"These include contributions to the preparation of the second National Communications Report, formulating emission mitigation strategies across sectors, developing national greenhouse gas inventories, and updating the nationally determined contributions document."

Since its establishment, the Scientific Society has implemented various initiatives in energy conservation, renewable energy, water harvesting, and water reuse, aligning with Jordan's energy and water priorities, he said, adding that these projects support national and global efforts in climate change mitigation and adaptation while raising awareness across diverse local communities.

Director of the Environment and Livelihoods Improvement Program at the UNDP Nidal Oran emphasised the necessity of coordinated efforts among international and national stakeholders to address climate change effectively. 

He underscored that collaboration and partnerships across all levels are essential to confronting its adverse effects.

Oran further elaborated that the dialogue aligns with Jordan’s national efforts to enhance sustainability and tackle climate challenges. 

He regarded youth involvement as a cornerstone for building a sustainable, resilient future.

Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment Jihad Sawaeer stressed the significant role of youth in climate action, referencing HRH Crown Prince Hussein’s address at the current Conference of the Parties, where the vital contributions of youth to environmental efforts were underscored.

Sawaeer emphasised the importance of amplifying youth voices and involving them in various forums to communicate their aspirations, achievements, and demands globally.

During the dialogue, Sawaeer and Khaled Haisa from the Ministry of Agriculture discussed Jordan’s climate challenges and the opportunities available for advancing climate action. 

They also focused on strengthening dialogue between youth and officials to develop innovative solutions that bolster national resilience and support the Kingdom’s climate goals.

Director of the Climate Change Directorate at the Ministry of Environment Bilal Shaqarin expressed gratitude for the constructive role of youth in enriching the dialogue. 

He assured participants that their recommendations would be incorporated into the updated nationally determined contributions. He also underscored the significance of ongoing participatory dialogues to achieve climate goals and enhance Jordan’s resilience to climate impacts.

The session showcased the current document on nationally determined contributions and outlined plans to update it in alignment with national priorities, as well as regional and global challenges.

The dialogue provided an interactive platform where youth presented innovative ideas and actionable recommendations, which were subsequently discussed with officials from relevant ministries. 

The importance of collaborative efforts to ensure effective youth participation in shaping climate policies was also emphasised.

The Environment, Water, and Climate Change Centre at the Royal Scientific Society plays a pivotal role in advancing Jordan’s climate action agenda. 

Collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and local partners, the Centre leads initiatives focused on boosting national capabilities, building resilient communities, and achieving the Kingdom’s climate goals. 

These efforts include managing natural resources, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing adaptation strategies, demonstrating a unified dedication to sustainable development.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday said that holding Cabinet sessions in governorates is part of an institutional approach initiated by the government.

The prime minister said that these sessions reflect His Majesty King Abdullah's directives to engage with citizens directly, identify priority projects and programmes and ensure the achievement of development goals, as well as the expansion of employment and investment opportunities, , the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

While chairing a Cabinet session in Maan, attended by representatives of elected councils and civil organisations, Hassan stressed the southern governorate's significance in the development process, especially for Petra, Shoubak and the Badia and other regions.  

He pointed to several major national projects planned for the coming phase, which will pass through Maan, including the National Water Carrier Project and the railway connecting Aqaba Port with the phosphate mines in Shidiya and further to Ghor Safi and potash factories. 

The government is actively working to link this vital project to the Maan Dry Port and revive it after years of suspension, placing it among its top priorities, he said. 

The prime minister highlighted these schemes' role in stimulating sectors like transport in Maan.

He also stressed the promising potential of Maan Development Area, which hosts pioneering projects in various fields, referring to the government’s efforts to enhance its competitiveness and attract more investments.  

Hassan announced that the government would complete the natural gas supply project for the Rawdah Industrial Estate within two years, reducing production costs and enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian industries. 

This initiative is expected to double the number of factories in the area.  

Regarding current and upcoming projects in Maan related to health, education and infrastructure, Hassan referred to the construction of a specialised diabetes and endocrinology centre to be completed over the next three years, along with the establishment and maintenance of schools, health centres, roads and water networks. 

He also stressed that the Maan Military Hospital, affiliated with the Royal Medical Services, is scheduled to start receiving patients in 2026.  

The prime minister noted that the purpose of the Cabinet session in Maan is to present projects planned for the next three years, work on their completion and develop new initiatives based on the governorate’s priorities and needs, within the government’s capabilities.  

He also inaugurated the Maan Comprehensive Government Services Centre, describing it as a model for "high-quality" service delivery, expressing the government’s goal to raise the standards of all public service facilities.  

The centre in Maan is the seventh of its kind in the country. 

Similar centres have already been established in Irbid, Tafileh, Madaba, Muqabalein, Queen Alia International Airport and Aqaba, where the centre in the coastal city was inaugurated on a trial basis.

The government seeks to establish 10 additional centres in 2025, bringing the total number of centres to 15 by the end of the year, ensuring coverage across all governorates.

The Maan centre provides 125 government services to citizens, facilitated by 24 government institutions, operating six days a week from 9:00am to midnight.

The centre accommodates an average of 150 to 200 visitors daily and has processed over 7,000 transactions since its trial launch in late November.

AMMAN — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a significant increase in the number of Syrian refugees returning home from Jordan in 2024.

The total number of returnees reached approximately 17,200, including 5,100 who returned in December alone. UNHCR highlighted the sharp increase in returns in the second half of the year, noting that there were more returnees in December 2024 than in the whole of 2023, which totalled around 4,400.

According to official figures, Jordan is home to around 1.3 million Syrians, including nearly 660,000 refugees registered UNHCR, out of more than 5 million Syrian refugees in Jordan and neighboring countries.

Of those who returned in December, 64 per cent were men and boys, while 36 per cent were women and girls. Whole families accounted for 36 per cent of returnees, with all family members travelling together. About 27 per cent of the returnees were children and 5 per cent were elderly.

UNHCR also observed a daily increase in the number of registered refugee returns in January 2025. While many returnees were from Dara'a governorate, increasing numbers were returning to other regions of Syria, including Homs. 

UNHCR's helpline continues to receive requests from Syrian refugees on the procedures for returning to their home country.

UNHCR estimates that more than 125,000 Syrians have returned home since the fall of the former regime of Bashar Al Assad [on December 8], noting that the main destinations for returnees include Aleppo, Raqqa and Draa, the birthplace of Syrian uprising in 2011.

The Ministry of Interior last Saturday reported that 1,053 Syrian refugees voluntarily left camps in Jordan to return to Syria, while 10,262 refugees living outside camps also returned voluntarily.

The total number of Syrian refugees leaving through the Jaber crossing reached 11,315. Including non-refugee Syrians and those arriving from other countries, the total number of Syrians crossing through Jaber in 2024 rose to 52,406.

A Ministry of Interior source announced a new policy allowing Syrian citizens residing in Europe, America, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to enter Jordan without prior approval. This is conditional on holding a valid residence permit in their country of origin for at least four months.

The decision is aimed at facilitating the return of Syrian expatriates to their homeland and helping them to rebuild their lives.

AMMAN — The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to improve water efficiency and preserve resources in the tourism sector.

The MoU, signed by Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Fadi Balawi and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation Jihad Mahamid, aligns with Jordan’s national strategy for water conservation, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

The agreement also aims to implement the water demand management policy and enhance efficiency in water usage, particularly in high-consumption tourism establishments.

The Ministry of Tourism, in a statement, underscored that the MoU aligns with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision, where both ministries pledged to assist tourism stakeholders in optimising water use, conserving resources and institutionalising water demand management practices across the sector.

The agreement highlights collaboration between the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, water utilities, private sector entities and water technology providers to identify sustainable solutions. 

It also promotes adopting innovative water-saving technologies and providing tools, systems and training to tourism institutions and professionals to improve water efficiency.

Balawi highlighted that advancing water efficiency in the tourism sector is a shared responsibility essential for achieving environmental and economic sustainability. 

He stressed the ministry's dedication to positioning the tourism sector as a model of conservation and sustainable development, noting that this effort will safeguard natural resources, reduce environmental impact and lower operating costs for tourism facilities.

Mahamid praised the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for its leadership in water conservation, noting that the agreement reflects Jordan’s commitment to optimising water efficiency.

He commended tourism operators who have adopted modern water-saving technologies, highlighting their contributions to environmental preservation.

Part of the National Water Conservation Plan (2024–2026), the MoU is supported by the USAID-funded Water Conservation Project and aims to improve water security, promote sustainable practices and ensure reliable tourism services across Jordan’s governorates.

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday inaugurated the governorates’ celebrations for Arbour Day, which commenced at Maan University College.  

The prime minister, accompanied by Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat, joined nearly 200 young men and women from Maan Governorate in planting trees at the college, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to expand green spaces to combat desertification.  

In addition to the central celebration in Maan, Arbour Day events took place across all governorates, with the planting of tens of thousands of trees. 

These events involved governors, heads of government departments, associations, volunteers and student activities.

The sustainable agricultural plan includes planting in artificial forest sites and alongside roads to promote forestation and protect forest resources.  

Hneifat stressed that the government has translated Royal interest in the agricultural sector into action by expanding green spaces. 

In 2024, the ministry planted one million trees as part of a sustainable plan using treated water, with contributions from official entities, international organisations and local communities.  

He highlighted the ministry’s 2025 plan, which includes planting one million carob trees in Irbid Governorate and establishing a carob processing factory to benefit the local community. 

The plan also involves forestation efforts in various locations across central and southern Jordan, including the establishment of new forests and planting economically viable tree species along main roads.  

The minister noted that the ministry has begun developing forestry nurseries and utilising modern methods to increase seedling production to five million annually, ensuring high quality and economic benefits.  

The government’s plan aims to plant four million forest trees over four years, expanding forested areas in the Kingdom by 110,000 dunums.