Day: April 22, 2025

Amman: Jordan will experience a significant rise in temperatures on Tuesday, accompanied by dusty conditions in several regions as a Khamasini low-pressure system begins to affect the country.

According to Jordan News Agency, the weather will be relatively hot in most areas and hot in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba. High-altitude clouds will appear throughout the day. By noon, the western parts of the Kingdom are expected to witness increasingly dusty conditions as the low-pressure system moves in. Winds will be moderate and southwesterly, becoming occasionally active in desert areas.

The impact of the Khamasini system is expected to intensify on Wednesday, with temperatures projected to exceed the seasonal average by 10 to 12 degrees Celsius. The weather will remain dry, dusty, and hot across much of the country, with medium- and high-altitude clouds. Winds will be active from the southwest, with strong gusts in the southern and eastern regions reaching speeds of up to 50 km/h.

On Thursday
, temperatures will drop noticeably. The weather will be relatively hot in most regions and warm over the highlands and plains. Clouds at medium and high altitudes are expected, while winds will shift to moderate northwesterlies, becoming active at times, particularly in the Badia.

Another temperature drop is forecast for Friday. The weather will be moderate in most areas and relatively hot in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba. Northern and central parts of the Kingdom will see clouds at varying altitudes, while northwesterly winds will continue to blow at moderate speeds, occasionally becoming active in desert regions.

Today’s high and low temperatures are expected to range between 34 C and 20 C in East Amman, 32 C and 18 C in West Amman, 29 C and 17 C in the Northern Highlands, and 30 C and 18 C in the Sharah Highlands. In the Badia regions, temperatures will range from 38 C to 21 C, while the plains will see highs of 35 C and lows of 20 C. The Northern Jordan Valley is forecast to reach 38 C during
the day and 22 C at night, with the Southern Jordan Valley peaking at 40 C and dropping to 25 C. The Dead Sea will record temperatures between 39 C and 24 C, and the Gulf of Aqaba is also expected to see highs of 40 C and lows of 25 C.

Amman: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the World Bank, on Tuesday inaugurated the “Digital Public Infrastructure” conference, a two-day event aimed at advancing discussions on the foundational systems enabling digital transformation and inclusive service delivery.

According to Jordan News Agency, the conference is part of Jordan’s broader efforts to implement the National Digital Transformation Strategy (2021-2025) and the Public Sector Modernization Roadmap. Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, the ministry’s Secretary-General, Samira Al-Zoubi, emphasized the government’s commitment to citizen-centered digital governance.

Al-Zoubi noted that the Citizen-Centric Digital Government Project, launched in 2023, has played a key role in strengthening Jordan’s digital infrastructure. “The project supports the delivery of high-quality, efficient digital government services that address citizens’ needs and expectations,” she said.

She added that digital public infrastructure serves as the backbone of any effective digital system, enabling data exchange and interoperability among government entities while ensuring the highest standards of security and efficiency. Al-Zoubi highlighted ongoing investments in key components such as digital identity, cybersecurity, electronic payment systems, and digital and financial inclusion.

“The digital transformation journey is not just a technical initiative; it is a comprehensive development path with economic and social dimensions,” she said, adding that it contributes to transparency, citizen empowerment, skilled human capital development, and a regulatory environment conducive to innovation.

Al-Zoubi also cited the success of Jordan’s integrated government service centers, nine of which are currently operational across the Kingdom. These centers have processed more than 2.9 million digital transactions to date and achieved a citizen satisfaction rate exceeding 96.6 percent. They offer a range of services, including digital appointment scheduling, online payments, and real-time inquiries, all through a unified platform that connects multiple government entities.

Speaking at the event, World Bank Digital Development Specialist Abdullah Jbour commended Jordan’s progress in digital service delivery and praised the integrated service centers as a model of efficiency and accessibility.

Throughout the conference, participants will examine the essential building blocks of digital public infrastructure, including digital identity systems, secure data exchange mechanisms, and digital payment platforms. Sessions will also address global best practices, challenges to adoption, and innovative policy and technical solutions to foster wider implementation.

The event underscores the growing importance of digital infrastructure in enabling more efficient, secure, and inclusive services across both public and private sectors.

Amman: The price of 21-karat gold, the most in-demand among consumers in Jordan, reached JD 71 per gram for retail sale in jewelry stores on Tuesday, while the buying price stood at JD 69 per gram.

According to Jordan News Agency, the daily bulletin issued by the Jordanian Jewelers Syndicate reported that the selling price of 24-karat gold was JD 80.80 per gram, while 18-karat gold was priced at JD 63.50. The price for 14-karat gold stood at JD 48 per gram.

Ajloun: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday warned that “the Jordanian state’s forbearance cannot be subjected to testing, nor can any entity prevail against it through performative displays or populist demagoguery, or jeopardize public welfare for any cause whatsoever.”

According to Jordan News Agency, the Prime Minister, during a Cabinet session in Ajloun, articulated a robust defense of national primacy. He asserted that “the homeland constitutes the paramount cause, with nothing transcending Jordan’s interests,” while emphatically stating that “within Jordan’s borders, sovereignty is exclusively vested in constitutional legitimacy, with authority concentrated solely in state institutions and our independent judiciary, leaving no space for external loyalties or subversive elements seeking to propagate instability and impede national progress.”

Hassan reinforced that Jordan would invariably remain “an arena for development and achievement,” with the national flag “perpetually maintaining its preeminent position, through the unwavering resolve of our Hashemite leadership and the devotion of those who remain steadfast in their commitment to this nation’s noble mission and immutable principles.”

With particular emphasis on social cohesion, the Prime Minister declared that “national unity represents our fundamental source of strength, and its sanctity shall remain inviolable,” adding with conviction: “Our Jordanian identity is universal among us, with our allegiance to this nation measured through tangible contributions, fulfillment of civic responsibilities, and fidelity to our judicious Hashemite leadership.”

He reaffirmed the non-negotiable status of national unity as an absolute red line, asserting that any attempt to compromise it regardless of contextual circumstances “constitutes direct opposition to Jordan’s national interests and its citizenry.”

Ajloun: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan delivered a substantive policy address during Tuesday’s Cabinet session in Ajloun Governorate, offering a detailed exposition on the contested Buildings and Lands Law while unveiling an extensive developmental framework for the northern region. In his remarks regarding the Buildings and Lands legislation, Hassan categorically refuted speculation about increased taxation, emphasizing that “there is absolutely no intention to raise taxes on citizens.”

According to Jordan News Agency, the Prime Minister articulated that the government remains committed to pursuing systemic tax reforms aimed at curbing evasion and avoidance practices to bolster economic stability and fiscal equity, while explicitly stating that such measures “do not entail additional tax burdens on the citizenry.” The Premier elucidated that the legislative initiative, which modernizes a 71-year-old statute, was specifically designed to streamline processes for citizens and resolve longstanding regulatory infractions, rather than augment property-related fiscal obligations.

He clarified that the updated framework aims to align with contemporary legislative and technical standards, eliminate distortions in valuation assessments, and ensure equitable treatment among citizens, reiterating that “no increases in taxes or fees will be imposed under this legislation, which will be implemented with transparency and fairness.” Addressing the public discourse surrounding the draft law, Hassan acknowledged the significance of the debate, including misconceptions and misinterpretations, while pledging full governmental cooperation with the House of Representatives to “eliminate ambiguities, reaffirm the law’s objectives and rationale, and enhance its provisions to maximize public benefit and fulfill our commitments to citizens.”

Highlighting the administration’s economic governance record, the Prime Minister disclosed that since assuming office seven months ago, the government has enacted over 90 economic decisions designed to alleviate citizen burdens, provide solutions to pressing challenges, stimulate growth indicators, and revitalize economic sectors. “These initiatives have encompassed support for industries and productive enterprises, enhanced incentives within development zones to attract investment to governorates for job creation, establishment of agro-industrial and food production zones, implementation of tax settlements, exemptions for residential apartments and buildings, disbursement of long-delayed tax refunds, and numerous other measures that have facilitated citizens’ affairs that were previously unaddressed,” Hassan detailed.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to this approach, stating: “This constitutes our methodology and obligation, which we shall persist in until the targeted objectives within the modernization program are achieved.” Hassan underscored the administration’s determination to execute the economic modernization vision, emphasizing that the government “will neither remain passive nor defer necessary measures to resolve citizens’ difficulties, safeguard the economy, and secure the future of citizens and youth without resorting to populist rhetoric.”

Turning to regional development, the Prime Minister outlined an ambitious portfolio of initiatives for Ajloun Governorate, noting that its environmental, natural, and historical diversity “represents a significant opportunity that must be capitalized upon through developmental support and strengthening of productive sectors.” “This governorate has witnessed extensive development thanks to His Majesty the King’s efforts, who launched its comprehensive master plan. Our duty is to build upon these achievements and advance this trajectory within a clear vision of goals and priorities,” Hassan stated.

In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister announced ongoing work to complete the third phase of the Iman Government Hospital project at a cost of JD 2 million, with the new facility set to include educational halls and a helipad, scheduled for completion by the end of next year. Additionally, he revealed plans for establishing the Ajloun Comprehensive Health Center valued at JD 1 million, to be completed by 2026, along with three additional health centers in Ba’oun, Sana’ar, and Halawa at an approximate cost of JD 2.5 million.

Addressing water infrastructure, Hassan confirmed that complaints regarding water delivery would be resolved through a package of projects this year and next, including supply and extension of the transfer line from Kufranja Dam station to the base reservoir in Anjara, and restructuring and rehabilitation of water networks in Anjara, Ain Janna, and other areas to reduce water losses. The Prime Minister also outlined initiatives to enhance productive projects and employment opportunities, including the completion of a garment factory in the Al-Junaid area aimed at employing 182 young men and women from the governorate.

In transportation infrastructure, Hassan confirmed plans to proceed with rehabilitating and improving numerous roads in the governorate, particularly the new Ajloun road, to facilitate citizen mobility and access to tourist areas, thereby increasing visitor numbers, within available allocations and feasible options, as well as the Wadi Al-Tawahin road. For the education sector, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of nine new schools during the current year and the next two years, and a vocational school aligned with the new vocational education system that corresponds with future professions, in addition to afforestation of 20,000 dunums in Ajloun within the National Afforestation Project, and the establishment of a Comprehensive Government Services Center this year.

The Prime Minister concluded by expressing condolences to the families of those who perished in yesterday’s tragic accident on the Jerash-Ajloun road, noting that he had directed the Minister of Health to provide the injured with full necessary medical care.