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Jordan to host MENAPAR conference

By - Apr 12,2025 - Last updated at Apr 12,2025

AMMAN — Jordan will host the 9th Middle East and North Africa Public Administration Research (MENAPAR) Conference from April 28 to 30, bringing together senior officials, researchers, and experts from across the region and beyond.

Themed “Public Administration in the MENA Region: Transitions, Resilience and Future Prospects,” the conference will feature wide participation from public administration institutions, civil service agencies, and international organisations, according to Service and Public Administration Commission (SPAC) President Fayez Nahar.

Nahar said the conference serves as a key platform for exchanging expertise and discussing best practices in governance and public service reform, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

He noted that the conference will explore transformations in public administration across the region and examine strategies to boost institutional resilience, improve service delivery, modernise public policies, and promote innovation.

Topics on the agenda include innovation and adaptation in policymaking, service design and delivery, institutional reform, human resource development, and leadership in times of crisis. Participants will present and discuss 129 research papers covering both theoretical and applied approaches.

Delegations from 19 countries, including 14 Arab states, are expected to attend, alongside international experts and practitioners, he added.

Hosting the MENAPAR conference in Amman reflects Jordan’s regional leadership in administrative modernisation and aligns with the Kingdom’s public sector modernisation roadmap, Nahar said. The event underscores the country’s commitment to building a more efficient, transparent, and responsive public administration capable of advancing national development goals.

Cassation Court upholds 12-year sentence for attempted murder

By - Apr 12,2025 - Last updated at Apr 12,2025

File photo

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a November 2022 Criminal Court ruling, sentencing a man to 12 years in prison after convicting him of attempting to murder his friend with a broken bottle in Zarqa in July 2021.

The Criminal Court declared the defendant guilty of attempting to murder his friend by slashing his neck with a broken alcohol bottle on July 21.

The defendant was given the maximum sentence.

Court papers said the defendant and the victim were consuming alcohol in a deserted area in Zarqa.

An argument ensued between the two, and the defendant grabbed the bottle he was drinking from and broke part of it.

“The defendant used the bottle as a weapon to attack his friend and injure him severely in the neck,” according to court papers.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital and survived the assault due to medical intervention.

The defendant did not contest his ruling at a higher court.  

The Criminal Court’s attorney general asked the higher court to uphold the 12-year sentence ruling.

The higher court ruled that the Criminal Court proceedings were accurate and that the defendant was given the appropriate punishment.

The Cassation Court bench comprised judges Mahmoud Ebtoush, Nayef Samarat, Mohammad Shreiri, Mohammad Khashashneh and Hammad Ghzawi.

 

 

Jordan, other countries to present legal arguments at ICJ on Israel’s obligations

By - Apr 12,2025 - Last updated at Apr 12,2025

AMMAN —  The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced that public hearings will be held on April 28 for an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations regarding UN activities in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the court announced the hearing will last five days, beginning on 28 April and ending on 2 May. The hearings will be held the request for an advisory opinion "on the Obligations of Israel in relation to the Presence and Activities of the United Nations, Other International Organizations and Third States in and in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory".

Jordan's statement will be made on Wednesday, April 30, based on the ICJ's pleadings schedule.

The ICJ said that 40 states and four international organisations have expressed their intention to participate in the oral proceedings before the court, including Palestine, the US and the UK alongside other states from Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

The UN, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and African Union, will also participate, ICJ said. 

The advisory opinion was requested following the adoption of a UN General Assembly resolution on 19 December 2024, which asked the court to outline Israel's obligations to the UN and third parties regarding the provision of services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the occupied Palestinian territories.

The resolution, which expressed the General Assembly’s “grave concern about the dire humanitarian situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” demanded that Israel comply without delay with all of its legal obligations under international law, including as set out by the ICJ and called on all parties to comply with their respective legal obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

The General Assembly also expresses its appreciation for the work of UNRWA, recognises the vital role of the Agency in providing humanitarian and development assistance to the Palestinian people, notably Palestine refugees, and particularly in the Gaza Strip, and endorses the efforts of the agency to continue operations as far as possible in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, pursuant to resolution 77/123 of 12 December 2022.

In November, Israel ended its 1967 cooperation agreement with UNRWA, which provides lifesaving services to around 2.4 million Palestine refugees across the region, including to approximately 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza. 

 

 

Jordan will remain strong, unshakable in face of challenges — Momani

By - Apr 12,2025 - Last updated at Apr 12,2025

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said that no casualties were reported after an unidentified drone crashed in Ma’in area in Madaba Governorate on Friday. 

 

In remarks to Jordan TV, Momani  underlined that the Kingdom is “strong and remain resilient in the face of all challenges and dangers it may face.”

 

A military source said that an unidentified drone entered the crashed over Ma'in in Madaba.

 

The source said that the falling debris caused a fire in the wooded area where the drone crashed, and no casualties were reported

 

Momani added that the Kingdom has always overcome challenges and demonstrated resilience in the face of crises, “thanks to the will and wisdom of its leadership, the unity of its people, and the cohesion of its institutions.”

 

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing stability and security, highlighting the importance of national unity in facing regional and international challenges.

 

Momani called on all citizens to obtain information from reliable sources and to stay away from danger zones, warning against rumors and misleading news.

 

“Jordan once again affirms, through the capability of its security apparatus and various institutions, its ability to protect its interests and steer clear of all regional turmoil.”

 

He urged all Jordanians to stand together and stressed that unity is the strongest weapon against anything that threatens the nation's security and stability.

Unidentified drone entered Jordanian airspace, crashed over Ma'in - JAF source

By - Apr 11,2025 - Last updated at Apr 11,2025

AMMAN — A military source in the General Command of the Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) – Arab Army said on Friday that an unidentified drone entered Jordanian airspace and crashed over Ma'in in Madaba.

 

The source said that the falling debris caused a fire in the wooded area where the drone crashed, and no casualties were reported.

 

He added that specialized teams from JAF and Civil Defence managed to extinguish the fire and have begun inspecting the crash site.

 

JAF urged citizens not to approach the site and to report any suspicious objects so that field teams can deal with them appropriately.

Lecture highlights Nabataeans’ water mastery, pottery legacy

By - Apr 10,2025 - Last updated at Apr 10,2025

An aerial view of the Temple of the Winged Lions (Photo courtesy of ACOR)

AMMAN — The ancient Nabataeans were well known for their hydraulic system, water storage and irrigation in a very arid area of Petra and its hinterland. 

They combined the best Greco-Roman practices with water preservation experiences in desert areas of north-western Arabia and Sinai.

The Nabataeans were pioneers in hydraulic engineering, employing techniques that allowed more effective water distribution and storage across vast desert landscapes.

“Throughout history, different cultures have made significant advancements in engineering, particularly in developing systems that facilitated water management and distribution,” noted Yazan Tall at the lecture “The Nabataean Innovative Techniques: Water Systems, Pottery and Queries”, held on Tuesday at American Centre of Research.

The event attracted a number of academics, professors and directors of Jordanian and foreign archaeological missions.

These technological innovations were vital for creating effective water systems in ancient times, and similar water systems were implemented in other parts of the Mediterranean by Greco-Romans.

Water collection and conservation was particularly important in societies that lived in extremely dry weather like the one in Petra during the Nabataean Kingdom.

“Water systems were not just functional: they played crucial role in the social and economic activities of Nabataean society influencing trade and settlement patterns,” Tall explained.

The development of the Nabataean pottery was interconnected with water storage and artistry in pottery had its significant social role.

The Nabataeans skilfully utilised local resources enhancing their pottery's durability and aesthetic appeal, Tall said, adding that it showcased their environmental adaptability.

“By comparing Nabataean pottery with that of other Near Eastern cultures, we can glean insights into cross-cultural influences and shared techniques,” Tall said, noting that exploring traditional methods of forming and firing pottery provides deeper understanding of the technical advancements in the ancient Near East.

Meanwhile, pottery often played a significant role in trade, serving as both a commodity and medium for cultural exchange among ancient societies.

“The variety of pottery styles across different civilisations illustrated the rich tapestry of cultural identities and artistic expressions in the region,” Tall underlined.

The significance of the pottery also testified about the talent of the craftsman and the design was influenced by the local environment. Another major influence for the Nabataean pottery was the trade route that went from the bottom of the Arabian Peninsula all the way to Gaza, Mediterranean ports and Damascus.

“Pottery also reflected the Nabataean cultural and ethnic identity,” Tall said, adding that the Nabataean queries influenced monumental architecture inside Petra.

The Nabataeans transported stones from queries by dragging them with ropes due to its heaviness.

For Tall, the most challenging part of his study was how to reconstruct the Nabataean hydraulic system and water management.

“We might have tour guides specialised in water management because tourists usually visit The Treasury and a few other spots overlooking other sites that are equally important,” Tall underlined, adding: “We face the lack of visual interpretation of Petra hydraulic system as well as interactive signage.”

This type of tolls would connect researchers, tourists and students who flock Petra and its hinterland Tall concluded.

 

UJH, Islamic Relief USA talk medical cooperation, projects

By - Apr 10,2025 - Last updated at Apr 10,2025

Director-General of the University of Jordan Hospital Nader Bsoul and a delegation from the Islamic Relief USA, headed by CEO Ahmed Shehata, on Thursday discuss ways to enhance cooperation and opportunities for implementing joint medical campaigns (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Director-General of the University of Jordan Hospital (UJH) Nader Bsoul and a delegation from the Islamic Relief USA, headed by CEO Ahmed Shehata, on Thursday discussed ways to enhance cooperation and opportunities for implementing joint medical campaigns.

The meeting addressed ways to enhance joint cooperation with support from the International Medical Centre (IMC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), under several axes, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The collaboration mainly covers treatment of refugee patients and underprivileged Jordanians, as well as doctor training and conduct of cardiac catheterisations, which are expected to take place during June of this year.

During the meeting, Bsoul reviewed the hospital's services as an academic medical centre that provides healthcare to over 630,000 patients annually, with 64 medical specialties and a capacity of 625 beds.

Bsoul said talks reflected interest of international organisations in supporting national health institutions and their aspiration to build "effective" partnerships that contribute to expanding scope of services, amid the challenges due to the increasing number of patients and refugees.

He noted that the hospital implements humanitarian medical initiatives led by international medical teams, mainly child congenital heart defect surgeries, with Smile International.

The director-general pointed out that the hospital's medical teams possess the "highest levels of quality and scientific technology."

Shehata expressed "deep" appreciation for the UJH's "remarkable" efforts in providing "integrated" healthcare, stressing that the organisation seeks to enhance its partnerships with Jordan's "leading" medical institutions to support "sustainable" projects in the fields of health, education, and social development.

UNHCR representatives highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation, as a model for integrating international and national efforts to serve the most vulnerable groups, mainly refugees.

Members of the visiting team toured the hospital's Heart Centre and checked on the cardiac catheterisation ward and the intensive care unit for cardiac diseases.

The delegates were also briefed by head of the Cardiology Section Hanna Makhamreh on the centre’s operating mechanism and advanced medical procedures.

 

ASEZA approves new identity to reinforce Aqaba's global tourism, investment position

By - Apr 10,2025 - Last updated at Apr 10,2025

The Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority approves the adoption of a new brand identity for the port city, to be officially launched in the coming months (File photo)

AMMAN — The Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) has approved the adoption of a new brand identity for the port city, to be officially launched in the coming months.

The decision followed several consultative meetings with stakeholders from all sectors in Aqaba, including members of the local community, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Thursday.

The new identity is seen as a “strategic” move to reinforce Aqaba's position as a leading global destination for tourism and investment.

It also reflects the city's ambitions to become a fully integrated investment and tourism hub, in line with the Royal vision and ASEZA's broader strategic framework.

To support investment and economic development, the board also approved the lease of 300 dunums of land to a specialised mining investment company on the condition that it establishes a manufacturing facility in Aqaba. 

The initiative is part of ASEZA's strategy to attract and incentivise investment by providing support and benefits to projects that create employment opportunities for local youth and promote local industry.

In urban development and public services fields, the board approved the allocation of land for the construction of a waste landfill in the Qweirah district. 

The site is adjacent to the existing landfill used by the Joint Services Council and the Qweirah Municipality. The move aims to prevent indiscriminate dumping and improve the quality of life in the district.

To address animal welfare and public safety, the board agreed to support an animal welfare organisation tasked with managing the growing population of stray dogs in Aqaba. 

The initiative includes providing facilities and resources to safely trap and care for stray animals, keeping them away from residential areas and public spaces.

As part of its commitment to youth empowerment, innovation and community development, ASEZA also approved the sponsorship of a young entrepreneur from Aqaba to participate in the 2025 Jordan International Rally. This will be the first local participation of its kind in an international motorsport event.

 

Mafraq, Irbid development zones attract JD886m, create over 4,200 jobs

By - Apr 10,2025 - Last updated at Apr 10,2025

The King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq and the Irbid Development Area collectively attract JD886 million in local and international investments (Photo courtesy of King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq)

AMMAN — Private sector investments in Jordan’s northern development zones are gaining impressive traction, with the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq and the Irbid Development Area collectively attracting JD886 million in local and international investments. 

These projects have so far created over 4,200 sustainable jobs across industrial, technological, and entrepreneurial sectors, according to a Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) statement. 

The figures were presented during a recent meeting of the Social Security Investment Board held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area, where senior officials and stakeholders reviewed progress and upcoming initiatives.

Chairman of the Board of Directors of Daman for Development Areas Company (DDC) Awwad Hijazi showcased the company’s accomplishments in infrastructure development and investor engagement, which he said have been instrumental in boosting competitiveness and diversifying investment sectors both nationally and regionally.

Highlighting Mafraq’s growing appeal, Salem Khazaleh, chairman of the Mafraq Development Corporation, said that the area has attracted JD641 million in investments, spanning sectors such as solar energy, manufacturing, and logistics. These investments have generated around 1,840 jobs.

Khazaleh also announced plans for a major logistics hub currently under preparation, describing it as a “strategic opportunity” for both local and foreign investors that could position Mafraq as a key logistics gateway for Jordan and the wider region.

In Irbid, the development area is emerging as a center for innovation and technology, according to DDC CEO Liza Dughmi. She noted that JD45 million has been invested in tech-driven and educational ventures, creating 2,370 high-value jobs in advanced specialisations. Dughmi also emphasised partnerships with public institutions and local organisations to strengthen the investment climate and deliver tangible benefits to local communities.

SSIF Chairman Umayya Toukan said the progress in both zones reflects the Hashemite leadership’s vision to channel investments into governorates, supporting economic growth and decentralised development.

“The Fund remains committed to securing sustainable returns that go beyond financial profit,” he said. “Our investments are about creating real economic and social value.”

SSIF CEO Ezzeddin Kanakrieh described the development zones as a model of effective public-private partnership, grounded in strategic planning and focused on viable, impactful projects.

“These investments represent a core pillar of responsible, sustainable development,” Kanakrieh said. “They are fully aligned with the Economic Modernisation Vision and support the government’s efforts to build a resilient, competitive economy.”

Board members commended DDC and its subsidiaries for their role in elevating Jordan’s regional investment profile. They applauded efforts to provide world-class infrastructure, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

Established in 2009, DDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Social Security Corporation and serves as the investment arm of the Social Security Investment Fund.

 The company is responsible for developing, managing, and marketing both the Mafraq and Irbid development areas, which were designated as special economic zones under Royal Initiatives aimed at advancing investment and fostering inclusive growth across Jordan’s governorates.

 

Army foils drug smuggling attempt using drone on western frontier

By - Apr 10,2025 - Last updated at Apr 10,2025

The Southern Military Zone on Wednesday foils a smuggling attempt using a drone along the western front within its area of responsibility (Petra photo)

AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Wednesday foiled a smuggling attempt using a drone along the western front within its area of responsibility.

A military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF), the border guards, in cooperation with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, applied the rules of engagement after detecting and tracking the drone, which was dealt with and brought down inside Jordanian territory, according to a JAF statement.

The source stressed that JAF remains committed to utilising its various capabilities and resources to prevent all forms of smuggling, ensuring the security and stability of the Kingdom.

According to a recent statement to The Jordan Times, the Military Media Directorate said that there has been a noticeable shift in smuggling activities towards the southern borders of the Kingdom.

“The reasons behind this shift are multifaceted, rooted in a combination of rigorous security measures, regional instability, and the ingenuity of the criminal networks involved in drug trafficking,” the directorate added.

“In response to this evolving threat, the JAF has deployed a combination of high-tech solutions and strategic military initiatives, including the use of advanced surveillance technologies such as drones and satellite systems to monitor remote border areas, allowing the military to detect smuggling attempts in real time.”

 

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