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AMMAN — The Kingdom’s imports of crude oil, petroleum derivatives, and mineral oils declined in 2024, totalling JD2.651 billion, compared with JD2.936 billion in 2023.

According to foreign trade data released by the Department of Statistics (DoS),  Jordan’s oil bill decreased by 9.7 per cent in 2024, a reduction of around JD285 million compared with the previous year.

Mineral oils and fuel were the largest petroleum product imports, accounted at JD843 million, followed by crude oil (petroleum) at JD758 million. 

Gasoline imports amounted to around JD479 million, while diesel (solar) imports totalled around JD516 million. Lubricants were valued at JD42 million, and kerosene imports reached around JD13 million, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met on Wednesday with President of the General Federation of Jordanian Trade Unions (GFJTU) Khaled Fanatsah as part of his ongoing engagements with representatives from various sectors.  

The prime minister emphasised the important role that labour unions play in advocating for workers' rights and reiterated the government's commitment to fostering a genuine partnership with the GFJTU and representative unions, particularly in areas such as training and providing suitable opportunities.  

Fanatsah praised the government's approach to maintaining continuous communication with different sectors, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He outlined key issues the federation seeks to address to protect both workers and employers, highlighting that the GFJTU is among the oldest in the country, which was established in 1954.  

Hassan also directed a review of several issues concerning the GFJTU, reaffirming the government's support for workers and its commitment to continuously following up on their concerns.  

The meeting was attended by Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Abdul Monem Odat and Minister of Labour Khaled Bakkar.

AMMAN — Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Minister's Office Khalil Abdallat marked International Women's Day by highlighting the significant strides Jordanian women have made under the Hashemite leadership.

"On International Women's Day, we stand proudly before the achievements of Jordanian women, which are the fruit of the wise Hashemite leadership's vision and the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania to establishing women's role as essential partners in nation-building and enhancing their status across various fields," Abdallat said.

He noted that HRH Crown Prince Hussein continues to support young Jordanian women through innovative initiatives focused on skills development, encouraging innovation, and boosting women's participation in technology, entrepreneurship, and the competitive job market, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Recent years have witnessed fundamental reforms enhancing women's status and rights, Abdallat said, adding that the latest Constitutional amendments reinforced principles of equality and non-discrimination while boosting women's participation in public and political life.

The comprehensive framework of political, economic, and public sector reforms has played a vital role in creating new opportunities for women and providing supportive environments for their participation in decision-making processes, he added.

Abdallat noted that the government, following Royal directives, has enacted progressive policies and legislation aimed at empowering women and ensuring equal opportunities.

These include strengthening women's representation in elected councils, launching economic programmes supporting female-led entrepreneurial projects, and enhancing legal and social protections for women across sectors, he pointed out.

The past several years have also seen "substantial" amendments to labour laws aimed at improving the work environment for women, ensuring equal opportunities, and providing greater support for working mothers to enhance their economic and social stability.

Abdallat stressed the importance of maximising women's roles across various sectors and strengthening their participation in political and parliamentary work.

He highlighted that specialised parliamentary committees play a "key" role in drafting legislation and policies supporting women's rights and ensuring their empowerment in decision-making positions.

Abdallat also underscored the pivotal role of the Jordanian National Committee for Women's Affairs in formulating national policies that promote women's rights and ensure the integration of their issues into development plans, contributing to a comprehensive approach that enhances women's standing in society.

"Economic empowerment of women is a fundamental step towards achieving sustainable development," Abdallat said.

"Modern economic reforms provide greater opportunities for women in entrepreneurship and innovation. The government, in partnership with the private sector, has supported small and medium enterprises managed by women and provided training programmes aimed at enhancing their ability to enter local and global markets, increasing their contribution to the national economy."

Abdallat also highlighted Jordan's achievements in supporting refugee women, describing the Kingdom as an "exemplary model" in providing protection and care under King Abdullah's leadership. 

He noted that Jordan continues to ensure refugee women's rights through health, educational, social services, and economic empowerment.

"Our vision for the future is based on building a state of law and institutions that guarantees the principles of equality, justice, and equity," Abdallat concluded.

"Today, as we celebrate Jordanian women's achievements, we stress that the journey continues, and that Jordan, under its wise leadership, is moving forward in empowering women and enhancing their role, not just for their sake, but for a brighter future for Jordan and all Jordanians."

AMMAN — President of Balqa Applied University Ahmad Ajlouni on Sunday met with Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Jordan Soyoung Kim and a delegation from a South Korean university over progress on a project aimed at developing intermediate university degree programmes at Irbid and Karak university colleges.

Ajlouni stressed the significance of a "strong and productive" partnership to facilitate knowledge exchange and enhance cooperation in advancing technical education programmes. 

He commended KOICA for its role in introducing Korean technical expertise to Balqa Applied University.

Kim highlighted the "deep-rooted" ties and ongoing collaboration with the university under the project, which seeks to improve the quality of technical education by enhancing infrastructure, refining academic curricula, and strengthening faculty capabilities. 

She expressed her commitment to promoting newly developed professional programmes to attract more students.

The Korean delegation outlined key achievements in curriculum development across seven technical fields: fashion technology, knitting, electronics, welding, electric and hybrid vehicle maintenance, dental laboratory technology, and graphic design. 

Discussions also covered progress in infrastructure improvements, capacity-building initiatives, and employment outcomes for graduates, along with the projected work plan for the coming year.

Balqa Applied University had previously signed an agreement with KOICA to advance technical education across several intermediate degree programmes, with a total project cost of $10 million, including a $6 million grant from KOICA and $4 million in self-financing by the university.

This collaboration underscores the university’s commitment to modernising technical education and equipping students with skills that align with labour market demands at the local and international levels.

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti, and Director of the General Intelligence Department (GID) Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni  on Sunday held extensive talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Chief Ibrahim Kalın.

 The talks, which took place ahead of the Jordan-held Syria and Neighbouring Countries Meeting, focused on strengthening the longstanding and historic bilateral relations between Jordan and Turkey across multiple areas, as part of their ongoing strategic dialogue, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Key issues discussed included the situation in Syria, with particular attention to anti-terrorism efforts, drug trafficking, and the illegal arms trade. 

The officials also discussed ways to support the Syrian people in rebuilding their country, emphasizing the importance of establishing a foundation that guarantees Syria's security, stability, unity, and the protection of the rights of all Syrians.

In addition, the meeting addressed ongoing efforts to establish a durable ceasefire in Gaza, ensure the delivery of sustainable humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, and explore opportunities for achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

Safadi, Huneiti, and Husni also held separate meetings with their Turkish counterparts, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing joint coordination, and discussing the latest regional developments.

Earlier, the two countries held extensive discussions within the framework of their strategic dialogue during a meeting in Ankara on January 6, 2025.

-Jordan’s uranium reserves hold around 42,000 tonnes of uranium oxide
-Official expects accelerated operations following agreement with Kazakhstan
-Over 150 Jordanian professionals trained in uranium exploration, extraction, environmental impact

AMMAN — Jordan, home to uranium reserves valued at $6.3 billion, is advancing plans to transform its vast mineral wealth into a cornerstone of energy security and economic growth. With commercial-scale uranium production on the horizon, the Kingdom aims to reduce reliance on imported energy, create high-value industries, and position itself as a regional leader in the global nuclear energy market.

A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kazakhstan, a global leader in uranium production, accelerates this vision by facilitating the transfer of cutting-edge mining technologies and expertise. 

In an interview with The Jordan Times, Mohammad Shannag, General Manager of the Jordanian Uranium Mining Company (JUMCO), the investment arm of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), highlighted Kazakhstan’s pivotal role in transferring advanced uranium mining technologies to Jordan. 

The partnership with Kazakhstan underscores Jordan’s commitment to leveraging international cooperation while prioritising domestic capacity-building, sustainable practices, and technological self-reliance, he said. 

 “Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, will share expertise in exploration, extraction, and sustainable practices,” he said, adding that the partnership aims to optimise Jordan’s operations through cost-effective production and minimised environmental impact.  

Jordan’s Uranium Potential

Jordan’s uranium reserves, concentrated in central Jordan’s carbonaceous rocks and phosphatic deposits, hold around 42,000 tonnes of uranium oxide at an average grade of 150 parts per million (ppm). “While lower than global averages, the shallow depth of these ores reduces excavation costs significantly,” Shannag explained.  

He also noted that uranium-bearing phosphatic rocks in areas like Al Hasa, Al Qatrana, Al Shidya, Al Risha, and Al Ruwaished hold an estimated 200,000 tonnes of uranium oxide, with significant unexplored potential. “These deposits, combined with our ongoing exploration efforts, position Jordan as a future uranium supplier."

With current uranium prices at $150 per kilogramme, Jordan’s reserves are valued at $6.3 billion, a figure Shannag predicts could double amid rising global demand. “Dozens of new nuclear reactors worldwide and depleting reserves elsewhere are driving this surge,” he noted. "Experts predict uranium prices could exceed $300 per kilogramme in the coming years, further enhancing the economic potential of Jordan’s uranium sector."

Shannag also stressed Jordan’s commitment to producing yellowcake domestically rather than exporting raw ore. “This aligns with our national strategy to create high-value industries and jobs,” he said, adding that JUMCO has already operationalised a pilot plant in Swaqa, which processed tens of tonnes of ore in 2021, producing several kilogrammes of yellowcake. 

"The company is now testing heap leaching technology to process hundreds of tonnes of carbonaceous uranium ores, aiming to produce over 100 kilogrammes of yellowcake per heap leaching operation. These trials will provide essential data for scaling up to commercial production.”   

 Financing and return on investment

JUMCO is preparing a bankable feasibility study to determine the expected return on investment and secure funding for commercial-scale mining. “This study will guide our strategic decisions and help us secure the necessary financing,” Shannag said.  

Potential funding sources include local and international loans, financial support from global institutions like the World Bank, and private sector investments from mining companies. “The sharp rise in global uranium prices has attracted interest from regional and international companies, making Jordan’s uranium sector a promising investment opportunity,” he added. 

Water scarcity

Addressing Jordan’s water scarcity, Shannag detailed plans to use treated brackish groundwater for mining. “This water is unsuitable for human consumption, but with proper treatment, it can be used in our operations.Industrial water recycling technologies will also be implemented to maximise efficiency and reduce overall water consumption.”

He also emphasised adherence to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. “Heap leaching residues will be treated and stored securely, away from groundwater and surface water sources. Strict environmental monitoring will include regular radiation checks for air, soil, and water to prevent contamination."  

Shannag also linked uranium mining to Jordan’s nuclear energy strategy. “Local uranium will fuel future reactors, cutting import reliance and operational costs.” He also highlighted export ambitions, citing growing demand in Asia and Europe. “Countries like China, India, Turkey, Poland, and Slovakia are expanding their nuclear capacity, creating significant export opportunities for Jordan."  

He explained that Jordan’s strategic location in the Middle East offers logistical advantages for exporting uranium via seaports or land routes. “Compliance with international safety and quality standards, facilitated by partnerships with organisations like the IAEA, will be crucial for accessing international markets,” Shannag added.  

Investing in Jordan’s workforce

JUMCO has trained over 150 professionals in uranium exploration, extraction, environmental studies, and data evaluation.  “We are actively developing local expertise to minimise reliance on foreign professionals.”   Training programmes include hands-on fieldwork at mining sites and partnerships with international institutions like the IAEA and specialised mining training organisations.  

“These initiatives aim to equip Jordanian youth with the skills needed to manage our uranium resources efficiently and sustainably,” he said. By fostering local talent, Jordan aims to strengthen its capacity to achieve its nuclear energy ambitions independently."  

A visionary step towards energy sovereignty

Jordan’s uranium venture marks a pivotal step toward energy sovereignty and economic resilience. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and a skilled local workforce, Jordan is poised to transform its uranium reserves into a cornerstone of its clean energy future. 

As global demand for nuclear fuel surges, the kingdom’s commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility positions it not only as a regional leader but as a responsible contributor to the world’s clean energy transition. With meticulous planning and international partnerships, Jordan’s uranium ambitions could redefine its geopolitical and economic landscape for decades to come.

AMMAN  — Jordan on Sunday will host a high-level meeting with Syria’s neighbouring countries to discuss practical cooperation on regional security challenges, including counterterrorism, drug and arms trafficking and other shared concerns.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah had previously said that the talks will also focus on supporting Syria’s reconstruction in a way that upholds its unity, sovereignty, security and stability. 

Discussions will also cover efforts to combat terrorism, ensure the voluntary return of refugees, and protect the rights of all Syrian citizens, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

The meeting will bring together foreign ministers, defence ministers, chiefs of staff, and intelligence directors from Jordan, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.

The Foreign Ministry on Friday affirmed Jordan’s support and solidarity with the Syrian government’s efforts to safeguard security, stability and territorial unity. 

Qudah denounced foreign interference in Syria and attempts to destabilise brotherly Syria, ignite sedition and infighting and send it into chaos. 

Qudah stressed the need for intensified and collaborative efforts to support Syria and rebuild state institutions and realise the ambitions of the Syrian people and protect their rights.

AMMAN — Recent rainfall has added 8 million cubic meters (mcm) of water to Jordan’s 15 main dams, raising total storage to 95 mcm, or 33 per cent of their 288.1 mcm capacity, the Water and Irrigation Ministry announced on Saturday.

According to a ministry statement, the heaviest rainfall was concentrated in the eastern and southern regions. Mujib Dam recorded the highest inflow, receiving 4.5 mcm and bringing its storage to 18 mcm, or 74 per cent of capacity. 

Walah Dam received 2.5 mcm, reaching 4.4 mcm (17 per cent of capacity), while Wahidi Dam in Ma'an collected 750,000 cubic meters.

The remaining water was distributed among various desert reservoirs and dams, except for Zarqa Ma’in in Madaba, which did not receive any inflow, according to Al Mamlaka TV. 

Ministry spokesperson Omar Salameh said that despite the recent rainfall, dam storage remains below average, noting that water stored this season is down 26.6 per cent compared with last year. In the same period last year, dams held 143 mcm (45 per cent of capacity), whereas this year, storage has dropped to 95 mcm (33 per cent).

Salameh outlined potential government measures to address the anticipated water shortage, including securing new water sources, transferring water between regions and implementing usage restrictions. He assured that once the rainy season ends, the ministry will announce official plans to ensure a stable water supply.

Jordan Meteorological Department Director Raed Al Khattab said "The precipitation that fell as a result of this weather condition raised the current rainy season by 53 per cent of the seasonal average, especially in the south and east of the Kingdom."

The Ma'an monitoring station recorded 22.1mm, the highest percentage of the seasonal average, at 53%, followed by Ghor Al Safi station at 33mm, he said. However, rainfall across the Kingdom was below average so far, expressing hope for more in the coming period.