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AMMAN — Fitch Ratings has maintained Jordan’s long-term foreign currency credit rating at ‘BB-’ with a stable outlook, citing strong economic fundamentals and continued reform efforts.

In its latest report, the American credit rating agency said the grade reflects “Jordan’s track record of macroeconomic stability, ongoing fiscal and administrative reforms, and access to flexible domestic and international financing,” the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Fitch Ratings also cited the Kingdom’s “strong banking sector and consistent international support” as key strengths.

Despite regional instability and financial pressures, the Jordanian economy has remained resilient, Fitch said.

The agency highlighted that Jordan has managed to maintain both economic and political stability amid heightened regional tensions, particularly the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. It accredited the Kingdom’s robust relationships with international partners, especially the United States, as a stabilizing factor.

Fitch Ratings also lauded the government for pushing ahead with a broad reform agenda across economic policy, public administration, and governance, despite facing social and institutional challenges, Petra reported.

AMMAN — Under the patronage of HRH Princess Sarvath El Hassan, with HRH Prince El Hassan in attendance, the second International Scientific Conference on Learning Difficulties: “Current Challenges and Future Prospects” was inaugurated on Wednesday, with the participation of experts and researchers from Jordan and the Arab world.

The event was organised by Princess Sarvath Community College’s (PSCC) National Centre for Learning Difficulties.

In her opening speech, Her Royal Highness highlighted the centre’s key achievements, including the training of more than 1,500 teachers in coordination with the Ministry of Education and the diagnosis of over 11,500 students with learning difficulties using the latest diagnostic tools and assessment tests since the Centre’s establishment in 1992, according to a statement from PSCC.

She also announced the launch of the Arabic version of the WISC-5 (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition), the statement said, adding , “This version has been adapted and standardized for the Jordanian context and the Ministry of Education curricula, under license and exclusive rights from the publisher (Pearson) to the college.

The Princess also announced the release of a new assessment tool designed to evaluate learning difficulties in the English language, “the first of its kind in Jordan and the region.” The centre had previously issued diagnostic tools for Arabic language and mathematics.

The conference saw the signing of an agreement and memorandum of understanding between PSCC and the Sharjah Centre for Learning Difficulties to jointly develop Arabic language and mathematics assessment tools tailored to the curricula of the United Arab Emirates, according to the statement.

The conference produced a number of scientific and practical recommendations, focusing on the importance of enhancing the training of specialized teachers and diagnostic experts in alignment with the Economic Modernisation Vision and the Ten-Year Inclusion Education Plan launched by the Ministry of Education, aimed at ensuring a fair and diverse educational environment.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday commended the Jordan Electric Power Company (JEPCO) for allocating 5 per cent of its profits to support key sectors such as education, health, and public transportation.

During a meeting with JEPCO Chairman Othman Badir and Director General Hassan Abdullah, the prime minister underscored the importance of institutionalising corporate social responsibility (CSR) to ensure sustained support for vital national sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Abdullah emphasised that CSR should be permanent, institutionalised and implemented through a cross-government approach based on a partnership triangle involving the public sector, private sector and local communities.

Abdullah also reviewed JEPCO’s current efforts and future plans to enhance the quality of services, in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision.

Badir reiterated the company’s commitment to advancing its social responsibility initiatives in alignment with government strategies aimed at improving services provided to citizens.

The social responsibility initiative was launched in March. The Association of Banks in Jordan pledged JD90 million over three years to support the health and education sectors. The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company followed with a JD40 million commitment, while the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company and the Jordan Duty Free Shops each pledged 5 per cent of their annual profits. The Arab Potash Company also joined the initiative, contributing JD30 million.

AMMAN — HRH Prince El Hassan, President of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS), on Wednesday inaugurated the “Christians in the Arab Levant and the Aspirations of Unity and Enlightenment” conference, organised by the institute.

In his address, Prince El Hassan stressed that freedom of belief and full, equal citizenship are the cornerstones of a modern, inclusive society, underlying the necessity of acknowledging the legitimacy of pluralism in the Levant, which is considered the “Levant of the Levantines,” and of upholding the right to difference and full equality among its citizens, based on a solid foundation of citizenship, partnership, and solidarity in the face of polarization and hatred."

Prince El Hassan underscored the importance of cultural and human dialogue among followers of different religions and of strengthening shared values to foster a cooperative independence in the Levant, while reaffirming the common humanity of its people.

The Prince also noted that developing a shared understanding of regional policies in the Mashriq is an urgent need to preserve the Levant's balance amid today’s turbulent world. Highlighting the region’s diversity and centrist worldview, he affirmed that Islam is rooted in justice, equality, and the protection of the rights of all citizens regardless of race, gender, or faith.

Prince El Hassan also referred to the Sykes-Picot Agreement as a prelude to further religious and sectarian fragmentation.

The opening session featured the participation of several prominent Christian leaders, including Patriarch Theophilos III, Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem; Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II, Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch; Catholicos Aram I, head of the Armenian Orthodox Catholicosate of Cilicia; Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church; and Patriarch Raphael Bedros XXI Minassian of the Armenian Catholic Church.

Patriarch Theophilos III praised His Majesty King Abdullah’s role in interfaith dialogue and protection of holy sites in Jerusalem, warning of the demographic, economic, and violent challenges facing Christians in the Middle East, particularly in the war-torn Gaza Strip, where Christians continue to hold on to their homeland.

Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II highlighted the historical coexistence and shared heritage of the region’s peoples. He noted that Christians and Muslims co-authored the Arab civilization from the 7th century onward, especially through the contributions of Christian and Syriac scholars during the Abbasid era.

Catholicos Aram I said religious and cultural tolerance is now a necessity rather than a choice, calling for a new, context-sensitive dialogue framework and warning against the politicization of religion. He emphasized the need to transition from dialogue to peaceful coexistence amid regional religious and cultural diversity.

Patriarch Younan called for strengthening values of brotherhood and coexistence, asserting that Christianity is deeply rooted in the culture of the East and that enlightenment is essential for resisting extremism.

Patriarch Minassian expressed appreciation for the generosity of the Jordanian people and the Hashemite leadership in welcoming Christians, including Armenians at the onset of the last century and Iraqi and Syrian Christians fleeing the Daesh terror group’s violence.

AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Wednesday launched the first national workshop to modernise Jordan’s Energy Sector Strategy for 2025–2035, with broad participation from government ministries, institutions, private sector representatives and local and international partners.

In his opening remarks, Kharabsheh said that recent years have brought major shifts in the energy sector, particularly in storage technologies, renewable energy, and green hydrogen, changes that require a revised strategy to keep pace with international developments, according to a ministry statement.

He noted that the previous strategy aimed to raise the share of renewable energy to 31 per cent of the total energy mix by 2030, a target now expected to be reached earlier, by 2027–2028, adding that this progress encourages higher future ambitions.

Kharabsheh added that the updated strategy will also reflect key new developments, including the discovery of additional natural gas reserves by the National Petroleum Company, which will shape Jordan’s energy outlook over the next decade.

Underscoring the need for a cooperative approach, he urged public and private sector stakeholders, along with financial institutions, to help develop a comprehensive strategy that reflects the aspirations of all parties, beyond purely technical considerations.

The minister stressed that existing challenges in the energy sector will be transformed into tangible opportunities, making the sector a pillar of sustainable economic growth in line with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision.

He also reiterated that the updated strategy will drive economic expansion, generate employment, increase exports and promote inclusive national development.

The strategy update is supported technically by the advisory team of the Green Economy Support Programme in Jordan, which began its work late last year and is providing expert assistance to ensure the development of a scientific, participatory strategy.

AMMAN — The Eastern Military Zone on Wednesday foiled an infiltration and smuggling attempt from Syrian territory, preventing large quantities of narcotics from entering Jordan, according to an official military source.

A source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) said that the Border Guards, in cooperation with security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department, successfully intercepted the smuggling operation.

The source noted that a group of smugglers was detected attempting to cross the border illegally. Rapid response patrols were deployed, and rules of engagement were applied, forcing the smugglers to retreat into Syrian territory, the source added.

"Subsequent search and inspection operations led to the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics, which were handed over to the relevant authorities."

The source reiterated the JAF’s commitment to using all available capabilities to prevent infiltration and smuggling in all forms, and to safeguard the Kingdom’s security and stability.

AMMAN — The Public Security Directorate (PSD), through its Residency and Borders Department, on Wednesday called on residents and visitors in the Kingdom to promptly regularise their legal status by obtaining or renewing residency permits within the legally stipulated timeframes to avoid financial penalties.

According to the PSD, Article 34/A of the Residency and Foreigners Affairs Law — as amended — stipulates that any foreign national who enters the Kingdom legally but fails to obtain a temporary residency permit, overstays the granted residency period, or does not apply to renew their annual residency permit within one month of its expiry, will be subject to a fine of JD90 for each month or part thereof of overstay, calculated at a rate of JD3 per day.

AMMAN — A rare lunar meteorite has been discovered in the Wadi Rum desert, marking the first confirmed find of its kind in Jordan and the Middle East.

The meteorite, confirmed to have originated from the Moon, was found by Jordanian citizen Moayad Al Atoom during a recent tourist visit to the area, commonly known as the “Valley of the Moon”. The discovery was announced by astronomer and Royal Astronomical Society fellow Imad Mujahid, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

“This is a very rare and scientifically valuable discovery,” Mujahid said. “Most meteorites that fall to Earth originate from the asteroid belt. To find one from the Moon is exceptionally rare.”

A sample of the meteorite was sent to a specialised laboratory in the Canary Islands, Spain, where testing confirmed its lunar origin. The analysis distinguished it from the vast majority of meteorites, which typically come from asteroids.

José Garcia, head of the Canary Islands meteorite lab, described the specimen in a message to Mujahid as “a precious and rare treasure”, confirming that it will be officially registered with the International Astronomical Union and the Meteoritical Society.

According to Mujahid, lunar and Martian meteorites represent only a tiny fraction of all known meteorite finds, with previous discoveries largely limited to the deserts of Oman and parts of West Africa.

Lunar meteorites are fragments of the Moon’s surface that are ejected into space when the Moon is struck by other celestial bodies. These fragments can travel through space and, on rare occasions, fall to Earth.

The meteorite is expected to be sent to NASA for further study. Scientists hope the sample will offer new insights into the Moon’s composition and geological history.

AMMAN — As summer approaches, wedding bookings across Jordan are on the rise, with both farms and traditional wedding halls reporting increased demand, particularly in rural venues, according to sector stakeholders.

Industry representatives told The Jordan Times that the spike in bookings reflects not only seasonal patterns but also evolving consumer preferences and economic considerations.

“Farms in areas such as Madaba and Jerash are becoming increasingly popular for weddings, offering couples more spacious and cost-effective alternatives to city-based venues,” said Mamun Al Manaseer, head of the Wedding Venues and Planning Businesses Association.

“So far, bookings have surged by no less than 25 per cent since the beginning of May,” he added.

These rural venues have seen steadily growing demand in recent years, with many farm owners investing in infrastructure tailored to the wedding market.

Mohammad Hamarneh, a farm owner in Jerash, said bookings at his venue began increasing in late April. “Couples are seeking natural settings that also align with their budgets. We provide complete packages, including sound systems and decorations, at a lower cost than most urban halls,” he said.

In Amman, event organisers also confirmed a rise in bookings. However, they noted that clients are becoming more budget-conscious, often negotiating prices and requesting customised service packages.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand since May,” said Laith Khatib, an events manager and photographer. “Weddings are a form of social and economic expression. When people feel even slightly more financially secure, spending tends to increase in sectors like hospitality and events.”

Industry insiders expect the upward trend to continue into September, with weekends and national holidays remaining the most sought-after dates.

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a November 2023 State Security Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug dealer to five years in prison after convicting him of selling illegal narcotics to an undercover police officer in July 2022.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal narcotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent on July 15.

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.

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 over three kilogrammes of Hashish in return for JD3,900,” court documents said.

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

The defendant was found in possession of 3.55 kilogrammes of Hashish on him, the court 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”.

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.