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AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah received President of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq Nechirvan Barzani on Sunday at Al Husseiniya Palace.

The meeting, attended by HRH Prince Ali, the escort of honour, touched on the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Iraq, as well as ways to enhance cooperation with the Kurdistan Region across various sectors, according to a Royal Court statement. 

His Majesty urged stepping up international and regional efforts to achieve comprehensive calm, in order to enhance security and stability, the statement said. 

The meeting also covered the latest regional developments, particularly in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon.

For his part, President Barzani expressed appreciation of Jordan’s support for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, according to the statement. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Iraq’s Ambassador to Jordan Omer Berzinji, and President Barzani’saccompanying delegation attended the meeting.

AMMAN — Royal Jordanian Airline (RJ) on Sunday held its ordinary and extraordinary annual general meeting virtually.

The meeting chaired by RJ’s Board of Directors Chairman Said Darwazeh; was attended by Vice Chairman/CEO (Designated) Samer Majali, RJ board members, Companies’ General Controller Deputy, representatives of the Government Investments Management Company, RJ accounts auditor Ernst and Young and some shareholders and RJ employees.

The AGM discussed the board’s report on the financial results of 2024 and the business plan for 2025, as well as the auditors’ report, budget, and profits and losses. The General Assembly members approved all the discussed articles, according to a statement for The Jordan Times.

Addressing the shareholders, Darwazeh highlighted RJ’s steady progress throughout 2024 toward achieving its strategic goals, despite the significant challenges posed by regional and international conditions, most notably the repercussions of the war on Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the political and economic fluctuations that have directly impacted the air transport sector and travel to and from Jordan.

He also pointed out the “pivotal” role to connect Jordan with the world, serving as a stable and reliable bridge amid instability, particularly in light of the war on Gaza and its extension into Lebanon.

Its continued operations during such turbulent times echo the airline’s resilience during past crises, including the air blockade on Iraq and the COVID-19 pandemic, when many international carriers suspended their operations, whereas Royal Jordanian continued to fulfil its national duty—maintaining connectivity and serving passengers through the most challenging circumstances.

CEO Samer Majali said that the company attained operational and financial growth in 2024, along with improved performance indicators.

The airline registered a growth in revenues and operating profit, whilst it reduces losses. The company's revenues in 2024 went up to JD745.6 million, compared to the revenues of 2023, which amounted to JD733.2 million, the said.

The company recorded an operating profit of JD11.8 million in 2024, against JD3.2 million in 2023 – an increase of over 260 per cent. Royal Jordanian also reduced its post-tax losses to JD3.5 million in 2024, down from JD8.7 million the previous year, reflecting a 59 per cent decline in losses, he added.

These positive indicators reflect the results of sustained efforts to control costs, enhance performance efficiency, and strengthen operational flexibility amid highly complex regional conditions.

Majali added that Royal Jordanian has enhanced operational performance and achieved further growth and excellence; 2024 witnessed many positive indicators mirroring its continued progress.

“Royal Jordanian successfully transported 3.7 million passengers in 2024, recording a 4 per cent increase over 2023,” the CEO said.

He added that the company has maintained an excellent level of on-time performance, with high commitment and adherence to the scheduled departures within 15 minutes, reaching 88 per cent since the beginning of the year.

On the network level, RJ introduced direct flights to significant destinations, including London Stansted, Manchester, Moscow, Berlin and Tripoli. The route network expansion coincides with the company’s fleet modernization project.

He stated that the financial results achieved this year reaffirm the soundness of the company’s approach in addressing challenges and restoring financial stability.

He stressed the company's commitment to continuing the implementation of integrated reform plans, which include cost restructuring, revenue diversification, network expansion, the development of air cargo operations, and investment in support units.

A particular focus is also placed on the human element, by qualifying national talent through comprehensive training and institutional programmes. The fleet growth plan of 41 aircraft by 2028 is supported by a clear strategy to ensure the readiness of qualified human resources, aligned with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, the statement said.

This strategy strengthens the company’s ability to meet expansion needs efficiently and competently, while reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility and sustainability within the aviation sector, Majali noted.

He stressed that these efforts — driven by commitment, discipline, and a clear vision —lead the company to achieve its strategic objectives, reinforce shareholder confidence, and solidify the carrier’s position as a leading national carrier in the regional air transport sector.

AMMAN — The Cabinet on Sunday, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved the draft amendment to the 2025 Awqaf, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Sites Law, aimed at restructuring the Awqaf Council, improving endowment investments, regulating Hajj fund assets, and expanding Quran printing programs.

The amendment grants exclusive responsibility for issuing fatwas to the General Iftaa Department, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

The Cabinet also endorsed the rationale for establishing a new Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, which will replace the current Ministries of Education and Higher Education.

The restructuring aims to unify educational leadership, enhance Jordan’s competitiveness in human capital, and align academic outcomes with labour market needs.

The move also seeks to bolster the independence of Jordanian universities and promote decentralised management.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to rename the Food Security Council as the Supreme Council for Food Security, chaired by the Prime Minister, to reinforce national efforts in securing food resources.

On labour market policy, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the work permit fees regulation for non-Jordanians for 2025. The change aims to reduce financial burdens on employers and encourage investment by offering reduced fees for highly specialised foreign workers who are not available in the local labour market.

For example, the fee for special skills permits will be reduced from JD2,250 to JD1,500, particularly benefiting sectors like automation, AI, and industrial and IT technologies.

The amendment also eliminates the requirement for a temporary leave permit for foreign workers wishing to exit the Kingdom during the validity of their work permit. Additionally, a new category of permit for workers in residential buildings will be introduced to regulate this previously unregulated sector and ensure better supervision.

On the international front, the Cabinet approved several memoranda of understanding to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including electronic communications and digital security with the Romanian Telecommunications Authority and the European Network Coordination Centre.

Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was approved with the Palestinian Civil Service Bureau to enhance collaboration in human resources development and public administration reform.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Sunday received President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Nechirvan Barzani, who arrived in the Kingdom for an official visit.

During the visit, President Barzani also held a meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry.

The discussions during the meeting centered on strengthening the brotherly ties between Jordan and Iraq, bolstering cooperation between the Kingdom and the Kurdistan Region across various sectors, and reviewing key regional developments.

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Sunday congratulated Jordan Press Association (JPA) President Tariq Momani and the newly elected members of the JPA council on behalf of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and the Cabinet.

During a visit to the Association’s headquarters, Momani highlighted the government’s deep appreciation for the JPA’s vital role in strengthening the foundations of a free and responsible media.

He stressed the importance of the continued partnership between the Syndicate and media institutions in supporting Jordan’s reform process, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of openness, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Momani also reiterated the government’s respect for journalists as a cornerstone of the state, underlining the commitment to empowering national media institutions to perform their duties with freedom, responsibility, and integrity.
He also marked the 57th anniversary of the founding of Jordan Television, praising it as a pioneering institution that has long represented the voice of the people and delivered objective, accurate information.

Also on Sunday, Lower House Speaker Ahmad Safadi congratulated JPA President Tariq Momani and the newly elected council members, who earned the General Assembly’s trust.

Safadi stressed the vital role of the media in defending the nation and conveying the message of the Jordanian state across all platforms, reiterating reiterating the House of Representatives' commitment to building a cooperative relationship with the media to better serve citizens and enhance transparency.
Safadi also expressed deep appreciation for the journalistic community, emphasising the House’s ongoing efforts to support media professionals, particularly in covering parliamentary activities.

AMMAN — An official military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) announced that the Northern Military Zone on Saturday thwarted an infiltration attempt by four individuals.

The source clarified that the rules of engagement were swiftly applied, leading to the arrest of the individuals, who were then transferred to the relevant authorities.

The JAF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to deploying all available resources and capabilities to prevent infiltration and smuggling attempts, ensuring the continued security and stability of the Kingdom, the source concluded.

Also on Sunday, the Eastern Military Zone thwarted an attempt to smuggle narcotics into Jordan using a drone along its frontier.

According to another JAF statement, the Border Guard forces, in cooperation with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND), detected and tracked a drone attempting to cross the border illegally.

The drone was intercepted and brought down, and its narcotics cargo was seized and handed over to the relevant authorities.

The source emphasised that the JAF remains committed to utilising all available resources and capabilities to prevent any infiltration or smuggling attempts, reinforcing the military's continued efforts to ensure the security and stability of the Kingdom.

AMMAN — The Industrial Property Protection Department announced on Sunday that it issued 20 patents in the first quarter of 2025, one of which was filed by a domestic inventor.

Data reviewed by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, revealed that by the end of March, 999 trademarks were registered, while 1,608 trademarks were renewed during the same period.

The department’s activities in this period also included the renewal of 138 patents, the issuance of five industrial property licensing agreements, and the processing of 310 name and address modifications for registered properties. Additionally, 499 ownership transfers were recorded.

In 2024, the department also registered 5,687 trademarks and renewed 6,245, while 111 patents were granted, including eight from local inventors.

According to the law, a patent is defined as a creative idea developed by an inventor in any technological field, whether related to a product, manufacturing process, or both, aimed at solving a specific challenge.

The patent registration process involves a thorough examination, beginning with applicant guidance and culminating in the issuance of the certificate. This includes detailed technical and formal reviews to ensure compliance with statutory requirements, along with public notification mechanisms such as Official Gazette publications and registry access for interested third parties.

Trademarks, by definition, are distinctive visible indicators used to differentiate a commercial entity’s goods, products, or services in the marketplace.

AMMAN — Gold prices in Jordan have risen "sharply" since the beginning of the year, mirroring international trends pushing the precious metal to record highs, according to industry stakeholders.

According to the General Syndicate of Owners of Trade and Jewellery Shops, the price of 21-karat gold, the most popular among Jordanians, has reached JD68 per gramme for selling and JD66 for buying. Meanwhile, prices for 24-karat, 18-karat, and 14-karat gold have climbed to JD78.1, JD60.6, and JD45.9 per gramme, respectively.

President of the Jordanian Jewellers Association Rabhi Allan said that the 7-gramme Rashadi gold coin now stands at JD474, while the 8-gramme English gold coin is priced at JD542. He noted that international gold trading closed last Friday at $3,318 per ounce — the highest level on record.

Amid the ongoing economic uncertainty, demand for gold coins remains strong, with many Jordanians viewing them as a safe haven investment and a secure method to preserve wealth.

Allan noted that Rashadi and English gold coins, in particular, have grown increasingly popular among buyers looking to shield their savings from market volatility.

Despite the surge in gold prices, gold coins remain widely available in the local market, and jewellery shop owners are encouraging consumers to consider investing during this period.

However, the soaring prices are placing a heavy burden on young couples preparing for marriage, as gold remains a deeply symbolic part of Jordanian wedding traditions, especially in preparing the Mahr, or bridal dowry.

Many couples are now revising their wedding budgets, scaling back gold purchases, or even postponing their wedding plans altogether.

“I have always dreamed of a wedding with all the traditions, but with these gold prices, we are being forced to compromise on everything,” said Leen Bakir, who plans to marry later this year. “Even a simple gold set feels out of reach now.”

Jewellers across the Kingdom are witnessing the strain firsthand. "We see more couples trying to negotiate smaller sets," said Salim Samara, a jeweller in Wehdat, noting that many are opting for simpler rings or lower-carat gold options to reduce costs.

Sector experts attribute the price hikes to international gold market volatility combined with local inflationary pressures.

Traditionally, the wedding season boosts demand for jewellery, but this year, rising prices are dampening purchasing power and changing long-held customs, according to stakeholders.

As wedding season approaches its peak, the impact of climbing gold prices extends beyond economics, reshaping an integral part of Jordan’s social and cultural fabric.

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a January 2024 Criminal Court ruling, sentencing a man to 12 years in prison after convicting him of attempting to murder his neighbour in Amman in May 2022.

The Criminal Court declared the defendant guilty of attempting to murder his neighbour following a heated argument on May 25.

The defendant was given the maximum sentence of 12 years for also causing a partial permanent disability.

Court papers said the defendant and the victim were neighbours and would often argue.

On the day of the incident, the court maintained, the defendant had an argument with the victim’s relatives.

The victim decided to intervene and headed to the defendant’s house, according to court documents.

“The minute the victim approached his neighbours’ door, the latter struck him with a wooden stick on different parts of his body,” the court said.

The spleen was badly injured and had to be extracted following a medical intervention, the court maintained.

The defendant contested his ruling via his lawyer, arguing that he court relied on contradictory statements by some witnesses.

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.