Local

AMMAN — The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), in collaboration with the Jordanian embassy in London, has organised a series of workshops in London and Cambridge to promote Jordan as a leading destination for educational tourism and Arabic language learning.

JTB Director General Abdul Razzak Arabiyat noted that the initiative is part of the board's strategy to position Jordan as a top destination for students interested in learning Arabic and immersing themselves in its rich cultural heritage, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He highlighted that the Kingdom offers a unique environment for international students, combining high-quality education with cultural experiences.

"The workshops aimed to showcase academic programmes offered by Jordanian universities, along with the cultural and tourism opportunities that enhance the educational experience for students," Arabiyat said. 

He added that the JTB continues to foster partnerships with UK academic institutions to attract international students.

The events received "positive" feedback from university representatives, indicating "strong" interest in Jordan’s academic offerings. 

The workshops highlighted how students can benefit from an advanced educational environment while exploring Jordan’s historical and cultural sites.

Jordanian Ambassador to the UK Manar Dabbas stressed that the Kingdom views international students as part of its community. 

He encouraged attendees to visit Jordan for a unique educational experience, highlighting the Kingdom's role as a hub of knowledge and cultural heritage.

"Jordan's historical sites, such as Mount Nebo, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, Petra and Jerash provide a unique backdrop for students to explore the intersection of education, history and culture," Dabbas added.

A second Ramadan event was held at Wimbledon Stadium, where the JTB distributed brochures promoting Jordan as an educational and cultural destination. 

This event aimed to enhance Jordan’s presence in the UK market and attract students to experience the Kingdom's academic and cultural offerings.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, during a phone call with President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sánchez on Tuesday, stressed the need to step up international efforts to put an immediate stop to Israel’s attacks on Gaza.

His Majesty emphasised that the international community needs to put pressure on Israel to commit to re-establishing the ceasefire and implementing all the agreed upon phases, and resuming the flow of humanitarian aid, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King warned that the continuation of the war is endangering the lives of innocent civilians, exacerbating the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and could lead to further escalation across the region, the statement said. 

His Majesty reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, stressing that there will be no peace or stability in the region without a just solution to the Palestinian cause, on the basis of the two-state solution.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday departed on a visit to the United Arab Emirates, according to a Royal Court statement. 

HRH Crown Prince Hussein was sworn in as Regent, in the presence of Cabinet members.

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned the Israeli strikes against Syria's Daraa province as a "blatant violation of the international law and of Syria's sovereignty."

Authorities in southern Syria reported that Israeli bombardment on Tuesday killed at least five people in Daraa province.

In a statement on Tuesday, the ministry described the Israeli attacks as "dangerous escalation" and warned they would increase tension in the region, reiterating the Kingdom’s support for Syria, its security, stability, and sovereignty.

Ministry's spokesperson Sufian Qudah reaffirmed the Kingdom's "rejection and condemnation of the ongoing Israeli attacks on Syria, which constitute a clear violation of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement between Israel and Syria.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday visited the Bunayat Centre for Special Education, which provides education, training, and vocational rehabilitation services for people with mild and moderate intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

His Majesty was briefed by HRH Princess Sarvath El Hassan, founder and honorary president of the Young Muslim Women’s Association and the Bunayat Centre for Special Education affiliated with it, on the centre’s role in helping students increase their self-reliance, qualifying them academically and professionally, and preparing them to engage in the labour market, a Royal Court statement said. 

Princess Sarvath talked about the centre’s programmes and services, which include academic programmes, daily life skills development, extracurricular activities, counselling, behaviour modification, and integration into regular schools, as well as networking with institutions to provide students with employment opportunities.

Her Royal Highness also highlighted the centre’s community awareness efforts, which include communication with parents of children with disabilities and the provision of support services, such as meetings and courses, to empower them to manage and help their children, according to the statement. 

The centre has received ‘gold’ accreditation from the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and has multiple departments that cater to students based on their age and disability. Students over the age of 18 are trained in vocational skills such as ceramics, mosaics, carpentry, weaving, agriculture and nutrition.

During the visit, the King was briefed on the services and vocational activities offered to the centre’s 190 students, and visited a number of departments and classrooms, including ones dedicated to occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, autism spectrum disorder, and home economics, as well as the computer lab.

His Majesty was accompanied by Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafzah.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Monday with his Lebanese counterpart Youssef Raggi to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and the latest developments in Lebanon.

During the meeting, the two ministers underscored the urgent need to stop the Israeli aggression against Lebanon and fully implement the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering support for Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

He also emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to assisting Lebanon in revitalising its state institutions and advancing reconstruction efforts following the election of a new president and prime minister.

Raggi expressed gratitude for Jordan’s steadfast support, led by His Majesty King Abdullah, and its diplomatic efforts to mobilise international action against the ongoing aggression while ensuring full adherence to the ceasefire.

The top diplomats also reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors and reinforcing the deep ties between the two nations.

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the terrorist attack on a mosque in the village of Fambita, western Niger, which resulted in numerous casualties and injuries.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah, reaffirmed Jordan’s solidarity with Niger during this tragic event, emphasising the Kingdom’s firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability.

Qudah also extended condolences to the government and people of Niger, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured, according to a ministry statement.

AMMAN — The Lower House on Monday approved the 2025 draft amended Customs Law by a majority vote and referred the 2025 Buildings and Lands Tax Bill to the Parliamentary Committee on Economy and Investment.

During a session chaired by Speaker Ahmed Safadi and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government team, Articles 13 to 25 of the amended Customs Law were approved, following the approval of Articles 1 to 12 in a previous session.

According to its validating reasons, the amended Customs Bylaw aims to enhance efficiency, streamline procedures, and improve Jordan’s investment climate and economic competitiveness, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

It also grants the Customs Department greater flexibility by allowing specialised personnel to handle clearance and cargo release, enforce relevant regulations and conduct post-clearance audits in line with international standards.

The amendments also accelerate clearance procedures, ensure access to necessary information while maintaining banking confidentiality, and introduce electronic notifications for customs-related decisions.

Additionally, customs officials can now conduct inspections remotely if electronic systems allow monitoring without requiring the physical presence of the concerned party.

Lawmakers also raised a series of parliamentary questions, with government responses on several key issues. MPs inquired about the Attarat project agreement, which was directed to Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh. They also requested information on the progress of genetic mapping, directed to Health Minister Firas Hawari.

Lawmakers questioned the government regarding plans to establish a wastewater treatment plant in the Zarqa River area, requesting specific details on its exact location. In addition, MPs raised concerns about the use of smart applications in public transportation, to which Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni responded that the government is currently reviewing the licensing regulations for the sector.

MPs also sought information on efforts to address traffic congestion in Amman. The minister explained that traffic-related issues are within the ministry’s jurisdiction. Regarding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project between Zarqa and Amman, the minister noted that it is still in the trial phase and has shown encouraging passenger numbers. On the Hejaz Railway project, she confirmed that feasibility studies are currently underway.

AMMAN — The Southern Military Zone on Monday foiled a drug smuggling attempt involving a drone along the Kingdom's western frontier.

A source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) said that the Border Guards in the Southern Military Zone detected the drone attempting to cross into the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Army personnel applied the rules of engagement and shot down the drone inside the Jordanian territory.

The drone was then handed over to relevant authorities.

The source stressed that the JAF deals firmly with all threats along the border fronts and with any attempts aimed at undermining the security of the nation and terrorising its citizens.