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National Library's golden jubilee highlights role in preserving Jordan’s cultural legacy

By - Apr 05,2025 - Last updated at Apr 05,2025

Director General of the National Library Nidal Ayasrah on Saturday says that the library is home to some 3 million documents, 500,000 photographs, and 250,000 books and periodicals (Photo courtesy of the National Library)

AMMAN — The Ministry of Culture on Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of the National Library of Jordan, celebrating the institution's "pivotal" role in preserving the Kingdom's historical and cultural memory.

Speaking at a press conference in the library's main hall, Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh described the golden jubilee as a "national milestone" that reflects Jordan's enduring identity and records the Kingdom's collective history through the voices of its people, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Often referred to as the "memory of the nation," the National Library was established in 1975 and moved to its current building in 2003, in response to a Royal decree by His Majesty King Abdullah. 

The library now serves as the main repository for the Kingdom's official documents, cultural records and intellectual output.

Rawashdeh stressed the library's role in documenting the stories of the Kingdom's pioneers and preserving a living memory that links the past with the present and looks to the future.

"This institution houses priceless treasures and reflects a long journey of national achievement," the minister said. 

"We are committed to raising awareness of the importance of the national archives and ensuring access to knowledge for future generations," he added.

The minister also highlighted the importance of developing digital archiving tools and working with academic institutions to widen access to the library's resources, highlighting the launch of the "Wathiq" (document) digital platform, which aims to facilitate access to archival material.

Rawashdeh praised individuals who have donated documents to the library, noting that such contributions help enrich the Kingdom's collective memory. 

He also reiterated Jordan's leadership in protecting intellectual property rights, citing its early adoption of legislation to protect authorship and creative innovation.

Director General of the National Library Nidal Ayasrah expressed gratitude to His Majesty's efforts in supporting the construction of the current library building, which now stands as a "scientific and cultural beacon."

Ayasrah described the golden jubilee as a "turning point" for the institution, showcasing decades of achievement while positioning it for a more dynamic future in cultural service. 

He said that the library has evolved beyond its traditional role to become a modern hub for research, learning and archiving.

"Today, the library is home to some 3 million documents, over 500,000 photographs, and more than 250,000 books and periodicals that reflect Jordan's intellectual heritage," he said.

As part of the jubilee celebrations, the library is scheduled to host a series of events under the theme "Memory of a Nation and a Mission of Renaissance". 

These include academic conferences, exhibitions of rare documents, the launch of digital archiving projects, and cultural events both in Jordan and abroad.

Ayasrah also announced the completion of a specialised restoration laboratory at the library, equipped with "state-of-the-art" sterilisation technology, including ozone and cold treatment equipment, to preserve and protect fragile historical documents.

 

Jordan condemns Israeli strike on school sheltering civilians in Gaza

By - Apr 05,2025 - Last updated at Apr 05,2025

Jordan on Saturday condemns Israel’s bombing of the Dar Al Arqam School, which was sheltering displaced civilians in the Al Tuffah neighbourhood of eastern Gaza City (JT file)

AMMAN — Jordan on Saturday condemned Israel’s bombing of the Dar Al Arqam School, which was sheltering displaced civilians in the Al Tuffah neighbourhood of eastern Gaza City.

The strike resulted in the deaths of dozens of Palestinians, including women and children, and left hundreds injured, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.  

The ministry also condemned the destruction of a medical supplies warehouse affiliated with the Saudi Centre for Culture and Heritage in the Moraj area east of Rafah, in southern Gaza.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah reiterated Jordan’s firm rejection and strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing aggression against Gaza, particularly the systematic targeting of civilians and displacement shelters.

He also stressed that such actions constitute a “flagrant” violation of international humanitarian law and relevant UN resolutions, especially the 1949 Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians during wartime.

Qudah also called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel to immediately cease its military campaign in Gaza. He also urged the urgent opening of humanitarian crossings to facilitate the delivery of aid into the besieged Strip.

The official also reiterated Jordan’s position that lasting peace and stability in the region can only be achieved through the fulfilment of the Palestinian people’s legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

 

New US tariffs could lead to job losses, industry shutdowns - report

By - Apr 05,2025 - Last updated at Apr 05,2025

Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights issues an analytical report warning of the significant economic and social repercussions stemming from the US administration’s decision to impose a 20 per cent tariff on Jordanian exports (Photo courtesy of Aqaba Container Terminal)

AMMAN — Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights has issued an analytical report warning of the significant economic and social repercussions stemming from the US administration’s decision to impose a 20 per cent tariff on Jordanian exports.

“The timing of this decision is particularly concerning for Jordan, whose economy is already vulnerable and heavily dependent on foreign trade, especially with the US. This move raises urgent concerns about the impact on local industries and employment,” a Tamkeen statement sent to The Jordan Times said.

Titled "The Implications of the New US Tariffs on Jordan’s Economy and Workers," the paper predicts that the 20 per cent tariff increase on Jordanian exports will drastically raise production costs, making Jordanian goods less competitive in comparison to imports from other countries. "This shift could force many companies, especially those in the garment and textile sectors, to scale back operations or shut down entirely," the report added.

Early estimates suggest that a 20 to 30 per cent reduction in Jordanian exports to the U.S. could result in the direct loss of between 10,000 and 15,000 jobs, with women bearing the brunt of the impact. Women account for over 60 per cent of the workforce in the textile industry, which is Jordan’s primary export sector to the U.S. and represents 79 per cent of the country’s total exports to that market, the statement said.

The new tariffs, announced by US President Donald Trump on April 2, were framed as part of a broader “economic liberation” agenda. The measures also include a 25 per cent tariff on imported cars and a 20 per cent duty on all other foreign goods. 

In 2024, the textile sector alone generated around $1.75 billion in exports and employed around 77,730 people. Of this workforce, 27 per cent are Jordanian nationals, while the remaining 73 per cent are migrant workers, primarily from South and East Asia. Much of the manufacturing in the sector takes place in foreign-owned firms located in Jordan’s free zones, which benefit from state-provided incentives.

Tamkeen has raised concerns that the new tariffs could potentially violate the US-Jordan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2000 and implemented in 2001.

In 2024, Jordan's exports to the U.S. amounted to $3.4 billion, a 15.4 percent increase from the previous year. Major exports included textiles and apparel ($1.75 billion), jewelry and precious stones ($900 million), fertilisers ($130 million), pharmaceuticals ($90 million), and machinery ($80 million), according to Tamkeen.

Samira Dasouqi, a garment worker, said: “My job is the only source of income for my household. Now we are hearing that factories might reduce shifts. I truly have no other option if this job disappears.”

Economist Waseem Hussein highlighted the broader economic risks, noting, “The ripple effects will be felt across supply chains and employment. Without swift policy responses or trade diversification, the economic shock could deepen.”

 

Royal Court chief checks on Royal initiative projects in Jerash

By - Apr 05,2025 - Last updated at Apr 05,2025

Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Saturday inaugurates a new indoor semi-Olympic swimming pool in Jerash (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi on Saturday inaugurated a new indoor semi-Olympic swimming pool in Jerash, marking the completion of the first phase of developing the Jerash Sports Complex.

The project falls within His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives to rehabilitate and upgrade the complex into a fully integrated sports city, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Spanning 1,300 square metres, the new facility includes seating stands, a service building, administrative offices, and parking spaces.

During a tour of the site, Issawi, accompanied by Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat and Jerash Governor Firas Faour, was briefed on upcoming phases of the project, including five-a-side football fields, volleyball courts, landscaped areas, additional parking and modern multi-purpose halls built according to international specifications.

In the Nahlah area, Issawi, who also heads the follow-up committee for the implementation of Royal Initiatives, joined by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah, checked on the construction of the new Nahleh Basic School for Boys. 

The school, being built under Royal initiatives, aims to address overcrowding, end reliance on rented facilities, and provide students with a "high-quality" learning environment. 

Currently 35 per cent complete, the school will offer modern infrastructure and services upon completion.

Issawi also visited Dibeen to assess the readiness of Hadaat Dibeen Park ahead of the spring tourism season. 

The park, inaugurated in 2017 following Royal directives, spans 176 dunums and is designed to support eco-tourism while offering well-maintained recreational spaces for residents and visitors.

The park also generates income for the local community through the Handicrafts House, operated by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, where families and cooperatives can sell locally made products.

In Souf Refugee Camp, Issawi, accompanied by Director General of the Department of Palestinian Affairs Rafiq Khirfan and Camp Services Committee Head Abdul Mohsen Banat, inspected the completed rehabilitation of the valley stream near the camp.

The 600-metre-long project, implemented under Royal initiatives, was designed to safely channel rainwater and protect surrounding homes and streets from winter flooding. 

The work included the construction of an open concrete canal to facilitate smooth water flow and mitigate flood risks.

King meets with Bulgarian PM

By - Apr 05,2025 - Last updated at Apr 05,2025

In Sofia, His Majesty King Abdullah meets with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov, commending the deep-rooted ties between the two countries, and expressing Jordan’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Bulgaria across various fields (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, in Sofia on Friday, met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov.

 

His Majesty emphasised the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and Bulgaria, as well as Jordan’s readiness to expand cooperation with Bulgaria across various fields, a Royal Court statement said. 

 

The King commended Bulgaria’s efforts in hosting the Aqaba Process meetings in partnership with Jordan, and its role in enhancing coordination between countries and organisations to address common challenges.

 

The meeting—attended by HRH Prince Ghazi, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy—addressed the most pressing developments in the Middle East, particularly the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank, the statement said. 

 

His Majesty stressed the need to achieve a comprehensive calm in the region, starting with stopping Israel’s war on Gaza, reinstating the ceasefire, and resuming the flow of humanitarian aid.

 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Bulgaria Mutaz Khasawneh attended the meeting.

King, Bulgarian president chair new round of Aqaba Process meetings

By - Apr 05,2025 - Last updated at Apr 05,2025

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah II and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev co-chaired a new round of Aqaba Process meetings in Sofia, Bulgaria on Friday.

 

Jointly organised with Bulgaria, the Aqaba Process Balkans III forum is the third round of international meetings centred around the Balkans, addressing concerns and developments in the region, security challenges, ways to enhance cooperation to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and radicalisation, especially online, as well as issues related to illegal migration, according to a Royal Court statement. 

 

The forum—attended by HRH Prince Ghazi, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy—also covered opportunities for closer coordination, partnership and exchange of expertise between countries and international organisations in the field of countering terrorism and extremism, the statement.

 

Participating in this round of the Aqaba Process meetings were heads of state and government, officials and representatives of security and military agencies from Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Romania, Norway, Belgium, Spain, Greece, Italy, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Cyprus, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan, as well as representatives of the European Union, INTERPOL, the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

 

On the sidelines of the Aqaba Process round, His Majesty held separate meetings with Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, Albanian President Bajram Begaj, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, North Macedonia President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova, Montenegro President Jakov Milatović, Serbia President Aleksandar Vučić, and Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin.

 

Previous rounds of the Aqaba Process meetings have been held in Jordan and internationally, hosted by Albania, Brazil, Indonesia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, Singapore, Spain, the United Nations General Assembly, and the United States, in partnership with Jordan.

 

Previous forums have focused on East Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America, West Africa and the Sahel.

 

The Aqaba Process meetings, initiated by His Majesty in 2015, aim to enhance coordination, security and military cooperation, and exchange of expertise and information between various regional and international parties in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

Cassation Court upholds over 3-year sentence for drug dealer

By - Apr 04,2025 - Last updated at Apr 04,2025

AMMAN — The Court of Cassation has upheld a June 2022 State Secu- rity Court (SSC) ruling, sentencing a drug deal- er to over three years in prison after convicting him of possessing ille- gal narcotics in Zarqa in December 2021.

The court declared the defendant guilty of obtaining illegal nar- cotics with the intent of selling the drugs to an undercover agent on""December 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.

However, the court decided to reduce the fine to JD3,500 and the prison term to four years in prison to give the defendant a second chance in life.

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 defend- ant and asked him for 50 grammes of Crys- tal meth in return for JD30,” court documents said.

When the two met, AND agents immediate- ly arrested the suspect, court papers added. Upon searching the defendant, court papers""said, AND personnel found 90 grammes of Crystal meth on him”.

The defendant con- tested the SSC’s ruling through his lawyer, who argued that the court “did not provide solid evidence to impli- cate 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 defend- ant confessed willingly to possessing the ille- gal drugs with the in- tent of selling them in the local market,” the higher court said.

The Court of Cassa- tion judges were Mah- moud Ebtoush, Majid Azab, Hayel Amr, Mo- hammad  Shreiri  and Ibrahim Abu Shamma."

Eid celebrations drive 40 per cent increase in restaurant, sweets sales

By - Apr 04,2025 - Last updated at Apr 04,2025

Restaurants and sweets shops report sales increases of over 40 per cent compared with regular periods (JT file)

AMMAN — Businesses across various sectors experienced a surge in demand during the recent Eid celebrations, with restaurants and sweets shops reporting sales increases of over 40 per cent compared with regular periods.
 
Speaking with The Jordan Times, industry stakeholders highlighted a significant rise in consumer spending as families and friends gathered to celebrate, indulging in festive meals and traditional desserts.
 
Omar Awwad, president of the Jordan Association for Restaurants and Sweet Shops Owners, said dining out surged by at least 40 per cent, driven by social gatherings and family outings. “Eid is a time when people prefer to celebrate outside their homes, whether for iftar gatherings or post-prayer meals. This year, we saw a notable rise in reservations and walk-ins, especially for large groups,” he said.
 
The sweets sector also witnessed a strong boost, with high demand for treats like Maamoul and Kunafa for family gatherings and gift-giving, according to Fathi Sultan, an employee at a sweets shop in Downtown Amman.  
 
“Customers were buying in bulk during Eid for gifting and family visits, prompting many businesses to expand production to meet demand,” he added.
 
Anas Rateb, a restaurant owner in Amman, told The Jordan Times that his sales increased by 45 per cent compared with regular days.
 
Despite the business boom, stakeholders faced challenges in managing the increased foot traffic and supply chain demands, which impacted food quality and service efficiency.
 

King, German president discuss strategic partnership

By - Apr 03,2025 - Last updated at Apr 03,2025

His Majesty King Abdullah and Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier discuss, during their meeting in Berlin on Thursday ways to enhance the strategic partnership between Jordan and Germany (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, in Berlin on Thursday, discussed with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier ways to strengthen the strategic partnership between Jordan and Germany.
 
His Majesty affirmed his pride in the deep-rooted relations between Jordan and Germany, as well as readiness to expand cooperation across various fields, particularly economic and educational ones, according to a Royal Court statement. 
 
The meeting also touched on regional issues, including developments in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as Syria and Lebanon, with the King reiterating the need for the international community to step up efforts to ensure comprehensive calm in the region, the statement said. 
 
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Germany Fayez Khouri attended the meeting.

Nasser Medical Complex delegation visits Jordanian field hospital in southern Gaza

By - Apr 03,2025 - Last updated at Apr 03,2025

A delegation from Nasser Medical Complex, the second largest healthcare facility in the Gaza Strip, on Thursday visits the Jordanian field hospital in southern Gaza (Petra photo)

AMMAN — A delegation from Nasser Medical Complex, the second largest healthcare facility in the Gaza Strip, on Thursday visited the Jordanian field hospital in southern Gaza.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the hospital's medical and therapeutic services, aimed to alleviate the humanitarian suffering of the Gaza people due to Israeli war and the resumption of military operations in various areas of the Strip, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The delegation was also updated on the efforts of the Royal "Restoring Hope" initiative to install prosthetic limbs for amputees in the Gaza Strip.

Since the initiative's launch during the war, a total of 408 upper and lower prosthetic limbs were installed, which has contributed to restoring hope to Gazan amputees, including their families and children in the Palestinian strip.

The delegates also praised the Kingdom's efforts under His Majesty King Abdullah's leadership in supporting the Palestinian people and defending their just cause.

Praising the hospital's "important" role in supporting Gaza's health sector, they referred to the presence of Jordanian field hospitals in Palestine, which contributed to boosting medical capabilities in support of the Palestinian people.

Jordan runs two military field hospitals in Gaza, one in the Strip's north, which was established in 2009 following the war in 2008.

The second was established in Khan Younis in the south in November 2023 at the peak of the Israeli war of aggression on the coastal enclave that erupted on October 7, 2023.

Besides the field hospitals in Gaza, the JAF established the Jordanian field hospital in Nablus in late November 2023. It has conducted over 900 surgeries and has received more than 83,000 patients ever since.

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