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AMMAN — Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has signed an agreement to establish the National Advanced Natural Gas Company (Watani) that will work on providing natural gas from Risha Field to key economic sectors.

The company will be established in a joint venture between the Jordan Petroleum Products Marketing Company (JoPetrol) and Jordan Liquefied Gas Company, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the signing ceremony, Minister of Energy Saleh Kharabsheh said that the establishment of the company “marks a major step in Jordan’s efforts to boost energy independence and better utilize domestic natural resources.”

"The creation of Watani aligns with our national strategy to secure reliable energy supplies and reduce dependence on imports. It also reflects our commitment to transforming local challenges into economic opportunities,” he said. 

He also highlighted the importance of the Risha gas field as a cornerstone of Jordan’s energy sector, with plans to ramp up production to 418 million cubic feet per day by 2030 well above the Kingdom’s current needs for electricity generation, Petra said. 

The minister noted that several projects are already underway to extend the natural gas network to industrial cities, as part of a wider endeavor to cut energy costs and support economic growth under the Economic Modernisation Vision. 

CEO of JoPetrol Khaled Zo’ubi described the move as "a strategic leap toward a more sustainable and efficient energy future." He added that the new company will provide integrated energy solutions that support Jordan’s economy and promote clean energy, while Jordan Liquefied Gas Company CEO Salah Khazaleh said the launch of Watani was the “culmination of years of hard work and represents a key part of the company’s vision for a greener, more sustainable energy sector.”

Mohammad Khassawneh, Director General of the National Petroleum Company, emphasised the national priority to boost production from the Risha field, both to serve local communities and to strengthen energy security, according to Petra. 

AMMAN — A new tourist train service will begin operating in Mafraq on Saturday, marking the launch of the first heritage rail trips in the governorate. 

Organised by the Jordan Hijaz Railway Corporation in partnership with the Rahab Municipality, the initiative aims to promote domestic tourism and revive interest in Jordan's historical and cultural landmarks.

The journey will offer more than just scenic views, as passengers will be greeted at the station by a traditional Mafraq folklore group performing cultural dances celebrating the region's rich heritage, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

The itinerary includes visits to Rahab's centuries-old churches and its famous mosaic relics - symbols of the Kingdom's religious and cultural diversity.

A traditional bazaar featuring local cuisine and handicrafts will also be part of the experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to sample regional dishes and purchase artisanal products while supporting local producers and communities.

"This journey is part of our broader vision to expand the role of the railway in heritage tourism," said Zahi Khalil, Director General of the Jordan Hijaz Railway Corporation. "By highlighting historically significant areas, we aim to create memorable experiences that also contribute to local development."

Khalil emphasised the importance of working with municipalities, community organisations and the private sector to create meaningful tourism experiences. He noted that reviving railway stations as cultural landmarks is central to preserving national memory.

The Mafraq route is part of a series of heritage journeys planned by the corporation to reconnect Jordanians with their history through rail travel and to showcase the Kingdom's diverse cultural and geographical identity, Petra added.

AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Wednesday evening said it had thwarted an attempt on the western border to smuggle narcotics into the country using a drone.

A military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF)– Arab Army said that Border Guard Forces in the southern military zone, in coordination with military security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department (AND), detected and tracked a drone attempting to cross into Jordanian territory.

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

The source reaffirmed JAF’s commitment to using all its capabilities to prevent any form of infiltration or smuggling, emphasizing the military’s ongoing efforts to protect Jordan’s security and stability.

Also on Wednesday evening, the Eastern Military Zone said it had foiled an infiltration and drug smuggling attempt from Syrian territory into Jordan.

"Border Guard forces in the Eastern Military Zone, in coordination with military security agencies and AND, were able to foil an infiltration attempt and smuggling of narcotics. The seized materials were turned over to the competent authorities,” JAF source said.

AMMAN — The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) said on Wednesday it had carried out 14 major raids targeting drug dealers, smugglers, and distributors, resulting in the arrest of 44 individuals. 

In a statement on Wednesday, AND said that large quantities of illicit drugs were seized during the operations, adding that someof those arrested are classified as “extremely dangerous criminals”.

Public Security Directorate spokesperson said that AND personnel have intensified their efforts in recent days to combat drug trade in the country, adding that the major operations were carried out in Amman and the Central Badia region, where security forces raided several locations linked to drug dealers and distributors. “Twelve individuals were arrested, including two who are classified as "extremely dangerous" and have criminal records. A large cache of narcotics and firearms was also confiscated during the raid.”

In the eastern city of Mafraq, a separate operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals involved in drug trafficking and distribution, among them, one suspect was found with 4 kilogrammes of hashish, the spokesperson said. 

He also said that AND had thwarted three major attempts to transport drugs out of Jordan. The first case unfolded at the Jaber border crossing [with Syria], where customs authorities intercepted a cargo vehicle carrying 800,000 narcotic pills and three firearms. “Four suspects were arrested in connection with the attempted smuggling operation.”

In another case, the spokesperson said that intelligence had led to the discovery of four individuals storing large quantities of narcotic pills in preparation for smuggling them to a neighbouring country. “Following a surveillance operation, authorities raided a storage facility in Amman, seizing 30,000 pills hidden in a secret compartment of a cargo vehicle. The four suspects were arrested.”

The third operation took place in the remote desert area in the southern port city of Aqaba, where a suspect was storing narcotic pills for smuggling, the spokesperson said, adding thatone person was arrested at the scene and 170,000 pills hidden at the location were seized.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday received United States House of Representatives Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and a delegation of accompanying lawmakers.

The meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, covered the strategic ties between Jordan and the United States, as well as ways to enhance cooperation, a Royal Court statement said.

Speaking about regional developments, His Majesty called for an end to the war on Gaza, the resumption of aid flow, and support for the Arab plan to reconstruct Gaza without displacing its residents, noting the United States’ pivotal role in supporting regional stabilisation efforts, according to the statement.

The King warned of the dangers of continued Israeli attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank and violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

His Majesty reiterated the importance of creating a political horizon to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, which fulfils the legitimate rights of Palestinians, the statement said. 

The meeting also touched on the situation in Syria and Lebanon.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.

-CCU, JMC warn public, media against engagement with disbanded group

-Under new regulations, publishing, sharing, commenting on content related to group is now illegal  

AMMAN — Following the Ministry of Interior’s announcement on banning the Muslim Brotherhood, authorities have launched a wide-ranging crackdown on all activities linked to the disbanded group, reinforcing earlier court rulings that declared the organisation illegal.

Earlier on Wednesday, Interior Minister Mazen Farayah said the government would move immediately to enforce the law against the group, which he described as an "illegal entity". 

Farayah stressed that any action taken in the name of the dissolved group would be treated as a violation of the law and subject to prosecution.

The Cybercrime Unit of (CCU) the Public Security Directorate issued a public warning to social media users, urging them to refrain from publishing, promoting, sharing or commenting on content related to banned or unlicensed organisations, including the Muslim Brotherhood.

In its statement, the unit said that violations would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the Cybercrime Law and the Penal Code, stressing the need for full compliance with the legal framework governing online behaviour.

"The CCU will not tolerate any violations and will take the necessary legal action against violators in accordance with the Cyber Crime Law and the Jordanian Penal Code," Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

"We urge social media users to fully abide by the law by refraining from publishing, promoting, sharing or commenting on any material as stipulated in the law and under legal prosecution," Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

The Jordan Media Commission (JMC) issued a circular prohibiting any media engagement with the disbanded group or publication, broadcast or rebroadcast of materials related to the Muslim Brotherhood. 

It warned that any media outlet or platform that violates the regulations will face legal consequences in accordance with the law.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday presided over the 163rd regular session of the Council of the Arab League at the ministerial level.

In his opening remarks, Safadi expressed appreciation to Yemen for its leadership during the 162nd session and reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to enhancing joint Arab action to address regional challenges, promote shared interests, and advance peace, security and stability across the Arab world, according to a Foreign ministry statement.

“During the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's presidency of the current regular session of the Arab League at the ministerial level, we will work together, dear colleagues, to activate our collective action to address the challenges facing our region, serve our interests and contribute to achieving security, stability and a just peace.”

“True peace will remain elusive until the Palestinian people gain their full rights,” Safadi said, stressing the need to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the pre-1967 borders. "This is the only path to achieving the fair and comprehensive peace that we all seek, as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy," he added.

Jordan’s top diplomat called for an immediate end to the war on Gaza, denouncing the ongoing killing, destruction, and deprivation endured by Palestinians in the besieged enclave. He also reaffirmed Jordan’s commitment to working with Arab partners and the international community to secure an immediate ceasefire and ensure the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid.

Safadi also acknowledged the ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar and the US, emphasising the importance of implementing the prisoner exchange agreement reached through their efforts.

He also reiterated Jordan’s rejection of Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank, warning that such measures threaten to escalate tensions and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. 

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the historic Hashemite custodianship, preserving the city’s religious identity and the legal status quo.

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned the armed attack on civilians in the resort town of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah expressed Jordan’s full solidarity with India in the aftermath of the “heinous” assault, reiterated the Kingdom’s absolute rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism that threaten regional and global peace and stability.

Qudah also extended heartfelt condolences to the government and people of India, as well as to the families of the victims, and wished a swift recovery to those injured, according to a ministry statement.

AMMAN — As the government moves forward with fiscal reforms affecting the real estate sector, Jordan’s banking community has stepped up efforts to ensure that legislative changes support sustainable investment and financial stability.

In line with its commitment to fostering institutional dialogue, the Association of Banks in Jordan recently held a specialised roundtable discussion on the draft Buildings and Land Tax Law. 

The session brought together representatives from Jordanian banks and officials from the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) to examine the law’s potential implications.

The discussions centred on proposed legislative and technical amendments, with particular focus on new mechanisms for tax valuation. 

A technical presentation showcased the use of advanced digital tools aimed at reducing human intervention in the valuation process. These tools are designed to promote fairness, transparency, and a more accurate reflection of real market property values, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.

Director General of the Association of Banks Maher Mahrouq underscored the importance of maintaining the attractiveness of real estate as an investment sector. 

He warned against any tax reforms that might deter investment flows, noting that “banks prioritise financing real estate projects due to their significant impact on economic growth.”

GAM clarified that the draft law does not include any increases in existing tax rates. On the contrary, case studies presented during the session indicated that the new valuation approach could, in many cases, result in lower tax burdens compared to the current system.

The roundtable is part of a broader series of policy dialogues hosted by the Association of Banks to enhance cooperation with government bodies on economic legislation, with the goal of ensuring a balanced legal framework that supports both financial sector development and national economic goals.

AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources  Saleh Kharabsheh on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to advancing women’s participation in the energy sector, aligning with the Kingdom’s vision for economic modernisation and sustainable job creation.

Speaking at the launch of the Jordanian chapter of the Regional Energy Network for Women in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Kharabsheh emphasised that the current phase of the energy sector’s transformation demands innovative thinking and skilled professionals, qualities he said Jordanian women have consistently exemplified.

“We are proud of our partnership with both local and international stakeholders, particularly the World Bank, as we work to empower women in this vital sector,” Kharabsheh said. “A core objective is to double the number of women employed in the energy field.”

He also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between private energy companies and international institutions, highlighting the need to build professional capacity in response to the sector’s rapid evolution, according to an Energy Ministry statement. 

World Bank Senior Energy Specialist Yusra Asaker commended Jordan’s leadership and progressive approach, describing the Kingdom as a model within the regional network. She reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to strengthening collaboration to expand training programmes and increase leadership opportunities for women in the sector.