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Prime minister inspects public facilities in Aqaba's Wadi Araba, orders improvement to services

By - May 21,2025 - Last updated at May 21,2025

Prime Jafar Hassan at Rahmeh Primary Health Centre in Wadi Araba during his visit to the southern district on Wednesday (Photo courtesy of Prime Ministry)

AMMAN — Prime Jafar Hassan conducted an inspection tour on Wednesday across five sites in Wadi Araba district, Aqaba Governorate, as part of his routine field visits to different parts of the Kingdom.

During the visit, the prime minister inspected two healthcare centres, a school, the Faynan Museum, and the Feynan Ecolodge.

At the Rahmeh Primary Health Centre, Hassan listened to feedback from medical staff, patients, and local residents, directing that the centre be equipped with essential medical devices and specialties, and undergoes general maintenance, according to a Prime Ministry statement. 

He also visited the Risha Comprehensive Health Centre, where he met with citizens and patients, instructed the provision of needed equipment and specialties, and called for the expansion and modernization of the laboratory and its devices.

At a mixed secondary school, the Prime Minister heard from teachers regarding the school's needs and directed the creation of new classrooms, a library, a garden, and the upgrade of school facilities and its playground.

Accompanied by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab, Hassan toured Wadi Faynan, where he visited the Faynan Museum, home to artefacts dating back to ancient times and a key tourism attraction in the area. 

On the sidelines of the visit, he met with local community leaders to hear their feedback on improving tourism and public services.

Established in 2018, the Faynan Museum features a scale model of Wadi Faynan, stone tools from ancient periods, and various archaeological and natural displays.

The Prime Minister also visited the Feynan Ecolodge, recognized as one of the world’s top eco-lodges.

 He directed the expansion of the solar energy project powering the lodge, aimed at reducing operational costs and boosting tourism.

The solar expansion is expected to allow year-round operation of the lodge, especially during the high-demand summer months, thus increasing its visitor capacity.

The lodge supports the livelihoods of around 80 local families and is regarded as a global model for eco-tourism, having won more than 40 international awards.

Prime Minister Hassan was accompanied on the tour by Aqaba Governor Khaled Hajjaj.

Committee threatens proceedings against concealing assets linked to banned Muslim Brotherhood

By - May 21,2025 - Last updated at May 21,2025

Headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood group in downtown Amman (JT file)

AMMAN — The Ministry of Social Development's committee tasked with dissolving the Muslim Brotherhood on Wednesday warned individuals and entities against covering assets belonging to the dissolved association.

The committee warned that those hiding assets could face money laundering charges and other legal consequences, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

"All individuals possessing movable or immovable property belonging to the now-dissolved association, whether registered in their names, transferred to them or acquired through contracts with the association (including lease agreements), who fail to rectify their legal status and reach a settlement with the Ministry of Social Development before the set deadline will be subject to legal accountability and prosecution, "the committee said.

The committee said that "thorough’ investigation is underway into certain assets and properties that were not disclosed by individuals who acquired them through the dissolved group, either directly or through inheritance, Petra reported.

On 14 May 2025, the Ministry of Social Development gave individuals a one month deadline to rectify their status with the committee and submit supporting documents, warning against legal proceedings against those failing to do so.

"These actions are based on the dissolution committee's decision and the Court of Cassation's ruling no. 8392/2019, dated 10 February 2020, which declared the Muslim Brotherhood Association, established in 1946, legally dissolved as of 16 June 1953, the committee said in a statement, cited by Petra.

"All assets and holdings of the dissolved association will be transferred to the Associations Support Fund under the Ministry of Social Development, in accordance with Article 25 of the Associations Law in force."

 

Jordan denies reports of attack on ambassador in Ramallah

May 21,2025 - Last updated at May 21,2025

AMMAN — An official source on Wednesday denied claims circulating on social media, claiming  that the Jordanian ambassador in Ramallah had been targeted in an attack.

Israeli occupation forces had opened fire near Jenin while a diplomatic delegation comprising more than 25 Arab and European ambassadors, including Jordan's envoy, were visiting the region with the city's governor, the source said, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

The source confirmed that Ambassador Issam Bdour remains at his post and continues to carry out his duties at the Jordanian embassy in Ramallah.

Jordan receives third batch of children from Gaza for treatment within medical corridor initiative

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) on Tuesday implements a new medical evacuation operation for six child cancer patients from Gaza along with 19 family members, as part of the Jordan Medical Corridor initiative (JAF photo)

AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) on Tuesday implemented a new medical evacuation operation for six child cancer patients from Gaza along with 19 family members, as part of the Jordan Medical Corridor initiative.

The patients and their accompanying family members were received at the King Hussein Bridge on the border, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO). They were then evacuated by Royal Jordanian Air Force helicopters to Marka Airport and from there to the King Hussein Cancer Centre to receive treatment, according to a JAF statement. 

The operation was conducted in line with the highest standards, implemented by specialised medical cadres who accompanied the patients.

A total of 39 children and 75 family members have been medically evacuated to Jordan since the medical corridor initiative was launched. Seventeen of these children have since returned to Gaza with their families after concluding their treatment at public and private hospitals in Jordan, the statement said. 

The Jordan Medical Corridor initiative was launched in March this year with the goal of providing treatment for 2,000 Gazan children at Jordanian hospitals.

 

Circassians mark Day of Mourning with cultural commemoration

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

Circassians wearing traditional clothes perform a cultural dance (Photo courtesy of the Circassian Charity Association)

AMMAN — Every year on May 21, the Circassian community in Jordan joins Circassians around the world in commemorating the Day of Mourning — a solemn remembrance of the end of the Caucasian War in 1864.

This year, the Circassian Charity Association (CCA) hosts a commemoration in Amman, bringing together community members in traditional dress to honour their ancestors, share oral histories and reaffirm cultural identity through dance, food and storytelling.

A cultural cornerstone

Founded in 1932, the CCA is one of the oldest community institutions in Jordan.

“The association was established by Circassian students who had studied at Al-Azhar University in Cairo,” said Ibrahim Ishaqat, president of the CCA, in an interview with The Jordan Times.

He noted that the association currently has around 7,000 members and operates several branches across the Kingdom, including a dedicated women’s branch. Its headquarters in Amman houses a number of key facilities such as a traditional kitchen, a cultural and conference hall, a library, a school, and training centres.

Tradition in practice

In the association’s kitchen, traditional dishes are prepared regularly for community events. Among the most iconic is chepse and pasta — a hearty Circassian dish made from bulgur, flour and other staple ingredients, often served on special occasions as a symbol of hospitality and cultural pride. These culinary traditions are passed down through generations and serve as a key expression of cultural pride.

Music and dance are also essential components of community life. The Qafa dance, for example, is a signature Circassian group dance characterised by upright posture, precise steps and circular movements. It is often performed during weddings and formal gatherings to symbolise unity, discipline and grace.

 

Voices of continuity

For many Circassians, cultural preservation begins at home.

“We speak our native language at home to keep it alive for the younger generations,” said Sirine Shhlatough, an elder member of the association. “I teach my grandchildren to respect elders and women — these are Circassian values. We also hold gatherings to share our stories and keep our culture alive,” she added.

These personal efforts complement the institutional role played by the CCA in providing a platform for community engagement and intergenerational exchange.

A legacy of leadership

Ishaqat also highlighted prominent Circassian figures like former prime minister SaeedMufti and minister Wasfi Mirza have been associated with the CCA, reflecting the community’s contributions to Jordan’s development while maintaining cultural distinctiveness.

 

A living heritage

As Jordanian Circassians mark the Day of Mourning each year, the event serves not only as a memorial, but also as a celebration of cultural resilience.

Through language, dance, cuisine and values, the CCA plays a vital role in safeguarding cultural identity and ensuring it is passed on to future generations.

Jordan, Saudi Arabia sign MoU in food, drug sectors

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

Director-General of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration Nizar Mheidat and CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority Hisham Jadhei on Tuesday in Amman sign a memorandum of understanding in food and pharmaceuticals (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Director-General of the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA) Nizar Mheidat and CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) Hisham Jadhei on Tuesday in Amman signed a memorandum of understanding in food and pharmaceuticals.

During a visit by a Saudi delegation to the JFDA, both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in food, drug and medical supplies sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Mheidat highlighted that the visit and the memo are a "strategic" step towards strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

He stressed that implementing the memorandum would be expedited to facilitate trade exchange, promote integration and partnership in the food and pharmaceutical industries, and support exports serving the economic interests of both kingdoms.

The director-general noted that discussions focused on exchanging information to ensure the safety and efficacy of food products and medicines, sharing expertise in medicine pricing and medical supplies, establishing electronic connectivity and maintaining ongoing meetings.

He highlighted JFDA's efforts in food control and inspection, including monitoring good health practices across the food supply chain, accrediting laboratories as reference labs and equipping them with advanced technology to ensure accurate results.

Mheidat discussed plans to develop laboratories, expand international accreditation scopes, activate food product tracking systems in markets, implement comprehensive risk assessment systems for imported foods, develop digital tools for food risk monitoring and boost regional partnerships.

Jadhei said that improving food and drug safety directly enhances quality of life and public health, noting that this goal is “central” to the cooperation between the two agencies.

 

Momani highlights role of youth, media in national development

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani on Tuesday stresses that empowering youth is a strategic priority and a key pillar of Jordan’s comprehensive modernisation vision (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani on Tuesday said that empowering youth is a strategic priority and a key pillar of Jordan’s comprehensive modernisation vision.

Speaking at a public gathering organised by the Wadi Youth Charitable Society in the Deir Alla District, attended by young people and local community leaders, Momani emphasised the importance of translating values such as loyalty and belonging into everyday practices, including respect for the rule of law and active civic participation.

Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, underscored the vital role of responsible and professional media in combating misinformation, reinforcing public trust, and supporting national institutions, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He called for greater media literacy to help citizens differentiate between verified facts and false information, stressing that an informed public is essential to complement the work of national media outlets.

The minister also outlined government efforts, through legislation and partnerships with the private sector, in creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship. 

He also highlighted the importance of embracing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and digital transformation, as catalysts for progress in the economy, education and public services.

Addressing the media sector, Momani said its role extends beyond news dissemination, advocating for support to credible media institutions and enhanced cooperation with civil society to promote inclusive national dialogue. 

He commended the Wadi Youth Charitable Society for its initiatives, describing them as “exemplary models” of civic engagement and youth leadership.

 

Vocational Training Corporation, US cultural attaché discuss cooperation

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

Director-General of the Vocational Training Corporation Ahmad Gharaibeh meets with US Embassy Cultural Attaché in Amman Jed Dornburg to explore ways to enhance cooperation and expand cultural exchange opportunities (Photo courtesy of Vocational Training Corporation)

AMMAN — Director-General of the Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) Ahmad Gharaibeh met with US Embassy Cultural Attaché in Amman Jed Dornburg to explore ways to enhance cooperation and expand cultural exchange opportunities.

During the meeting, Gharaibeh stressed the importance of boosting international partnerships, integrating technology and future skills into “promising” professional sectors, according to a VTC statement.

He highlighted VTC’s programmes that aim at achieving the objectives of the Kingdom's Economic Modernisation Vision.

For their part, the US delegation expressed appreciation for the “vital” role played by the corporation in equipping Jordanian youth with skills that meet labour market demands.

Both sides agreed to develop joint initiatives and organise collaborative awareness sessions aimed at familiarising trainees with cultural exchange opportunities and academic scholarships available in the US.

 

Yarmouk University hosts Mexican embassy exhibition celebrating Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

As part of the 5th International Education Week, hosted by Yarmouk University in Irbid, the Mexican embassy on Tuesday opens the exhibition ‘Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: A Smile in the Middle of the Way…’ (Photo courtesy of the Mexican embassy)

AMMAN — As part of the 5th International Education Week, hosted by Yarmouk University in Irbid, the Mexican embassy on Tuesday opened the exhibition “Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera: A Smile in the Middle of the Way…”.

The exhibition, which showcases approximately 50 photographs, offers a glimpse into the personal life, artistic work and social activism of the “iconic” Mexican painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, according to a Mexican embassy statement. 

The exhibition will be displayed until June 19 at the university’s Hangar Design Centre Art Gallery. 

It is divided into three sections: the personal life of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, their artistic creations and their social activism and friendships, which highlight the “profound” influence of both artists on Mexican culture and their lasting international impact.

Kahlo (1907–1954) is celebrated for her vibrant and emotionally powerful paintings that delve into themes of identity, pain and resilience. Beyond her art, Kahlo emerged as a global symbol of female empowerment and gender equality, inspiring generations through her legacy.

Rivera (1886–1957), Frida’s husband, is recognised as one of Mexico's “greatest” painters and muralists, known for his monumental works that reflect deep social significance and artistic mastery. 

His murals adorn public buildings in Mexico and around the world, symbolising a commitment to art as a vehicle for social commentary.

The exhibition is part of the Mexican embassy's cultural programme on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Jordan.

 

Jordan Rally to host 22 cars for Middle East championship’s 4th round

By - May 20,2025 - Last updated at May 20,2025

Crews will tackle a dozen special stages and 196.30 competitive kilometres in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas (Photo courtesy of Jordan Motorsport)

AMMAN — Jordan Motorsport on Monday announced that 22 cars grace the official entry list for the upcoming Jordan Rally, which will be the fourth round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) taking place between May 29 and 31. 

Crews will tackle a dozen special stages and 196.30 competitive kilometres in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas. The event will also count towards the new Junior and Master Championships for Drivers, according to a Jordan Motorsport statement.

Nasser Attiyah and Candido Carrera head the field after winning the opening three rounds of the season in Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 

They will be aiming to defend a 31-point lead over Rakan Rashed and Hugo Magalhães in their respective MERC Drivers’ and Co-drivers’ Championships. The record 16-time winner of the event lays trust in his Autotek Škoda Fabia RS Rally2. 

A total of eight Rally2 machines grace the entry list: defending regional champion Abdulaziz Kuwari, the 2023 MERC champion Abdullah Rawahi, Qatari Attiyah, Bassal Abu Hamdan and the Jordanian duo of Sheikh Bader Fayez and Ihab Shorafa complete the list. Both local drivers have entered Škoda Fabias.

Oman’s Zakariya Aamri and Abdullah Zubair are currently locked in their own battle for supremacy in the FIA MERC2 category in a pair of Subarus and they head a list of seven crews aiming for showroom class honours. 

Local knowledge may favour the defending regional champion Shaker Jweihan, while Kuwait’s Jassim Muqahwi and Salem Dhafeeri, Lebanon’s Shadi Fakih and Palestine’s Hamada Uda round off the MERC2 field. All five challengers to the front-running Omani duo wheel out Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Xs.

Qatari Rashid Mohannadi has a commanding lead in the two-wheel drive FIA MERC4 category after three rounds. He faces competition from young Qatar Academy drivers, Mohammed Marri and Saad Harqan, and Indian driver Payyakkal Panikkaveettil (Ford Fiesta). All three Qataris drive French-built Peugeot 208s.

The local duo of Shadi Shaban and Mohammed Shorafa and Lebanon’s Joanna Hasoun round off the entry in a trio of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IXs. All but two of the 22 entrants are registered for the MERC.

 

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