Day: April 22, 2025

Gaza: Hospitals across the Gaza Strip have recorded 26 deaths and 60 injuries within the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported on Monday.

According to Jordan News Agency, in its daily statistical update on casualties resulting from the ongoing Israeli aggression, the Ministry confirmed that several victims remain trapped under the rubble and scattered across roads that civil defense and ambulance teams are unable to access due to continued hostilities.

The Ministry stated that the total death toll since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign on October 7, 2023, has climbed to 51,266, while the number of injuries has reached 116,991.

It also reported that, since the resumption of military operations on March 18, 2024, the toll stands at 1,890 killed and 4,950 wounded, underscoring the continued escalation and humanitarian crisis in the region.

Aqaba: Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), the primary maritime gateway to Jordan and the Levant, has announced the introduction of a cutting-edge gantry crane worth $13 million. This advanced equipment is expected to streamline container operations between ships and the quayside, marking a significant step towards enhancing the port’s operational capabilities.

According to Jordan News Agency, the announcement was made at a ceremony attended by Nayef Hmeidi Fayez, Chairperson of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Hussein Safadi, CEO of the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC), and other dignitaries, officials, and company employees. The acquisition of this crane forms part of ACT’s comprehensive development strategy, following the recent renewal of its partnership with APM Terminals. This move underscores the port’s commitment to maintaining regional leadership and aligning with global logistics and shipping advancements.

Fayez emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership with APM Terminals, noting that the arrival of modern equipment reflects the strong cooperation in managing and operating the port. He highlighted that the upgrade to environmentally friendly equipment aligns with the Aqaba Port Authority’s strategy for 2024-2028, which aims to establish a green port as part of a broader vision for a green city in Aqaba. This strategy focuses on reducing carbon emissions, promoting alternative energy in operations, and enhancing Aqaba’s competitiveness as a regional logistics hub.

Safadi described the crane’s introduction as a strategic achievement that aligns with the vision to bolster Aqaba’s transport and logistics ecosystem. He noted that this development is a tangible advancement under the extended concession agreement with APM Terminals, which now extends through 2046. The agreement underscores the robust partnership and shared vision for the port’s future.

Adnan Yaqoubi, Executive Director of Operations at ACT, highlighted the transformative nature of the investment. Equipped with advanced technologies, the new gantry crane will expand port capacity and improve handling capabilities, allowing the port to accommodate the world’s largest container vessels while maintaining high standards of safety and efficiency. Standing at approximately 56 meters with a boom span of 71 meters, the crane has a lifting capacity of up to 100 tons. It includes features such as ship shape scanners, container positioning systems, vibration-reduction technology, and a self-diagnosing maintenance system. Operated remotely, the crane is supported by a comprehensive camera system, facilitating high-precision movements.

The crane’s arrival is part of ACT’s broader modernization initiative. Under the extended agreement between APM Terminals and the Aqaba Development Corporation, the terminal’s annual capacity is expected to increase by an additional 180,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs). The agreement also enables the port to accommodate vessels up to 400 meters in length, reinforcing Aqaba’s status as a strategic hub in regional and global supply chains.

Amman: The Engineering Offices and Companies Association, the Engineers Academy for Development and Engineering Training, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) held a workshop to highlight the importance of green buildings in achieving sustainable development and to introduce the EDGE green building certification.

According to Jordan News Agency, the workshop underscored the construction sector’s role as a major contributor to resource consumption, particularly in terms of energy and water usage, and its impact on carbon emissions.

Samar Kilani, Director of the Engineers Academy for Development and Engineering Training, said the EDGE system aims to enhance the efficiency of energy, water, and materials used in buildings, while promoting improved methods, systems, and sustainability concepts. She noted that sustainability is a priority topic for the Engineers Association.

Kilani underlined the vital role engineers play in shaping a sustainable future and mitigating environmental impact. She also emphasized the growing importance of sustainability and green buildings in the work of engineering offices and companies, particularly through the adoption of systems such as LEED and EDGE.

She added that sustainability has become a benchmark for professional excellence, and that the Syndicate’s engagement in this field is driving a shift from conventional practices toward a more sustainable built environment. Investment in this sector, she said, is not only an environmental necessity but also a professional and ethical responsibility.

The workshop, presented by Maysoun Khreisat, introduced the concept of green building and its contribution to reducing the construction sector’s strain on resources and limiting carbon emissions. The session also covered green building tools and methods.

Participants discussed the importance of green building certifications in quantifying and documenting building impacts, supporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measurement, and gaining recognition from local and international institutions. The workshop featured an overview of the EDGE green building certification, which has been implemented in Jordan over recent years.

Abeer Shaalan, representing the International Finance Corporation, affirmed the IFC’s full commitment to collaborating with the Engineers Association to promote sustainability and the EDGE system. She noted the corporation’s willingness to organize further workshops to raise awareness and support efforts toward building a sustainable future.

Amman: The Social Security Corporation (SSC) renewed its call for indebted establishments to benefit from its Board of Directors’ decision to extend the 0% interest waiver on debt instalments. The deadline ends on June 30, while the ultimatum granted for Jordan’s tourism sector businesses falls on December 31.

According to Jordan News Agency, the SSC has facilitated procedures for outstanding payments for businesses, allowing a repayment period of up to 120 instalments. This initiative is designed to address the financial circumstances of these businesses, assisting them in maintaining their economic activities for the benefit of society and citizens.

For businesses within the tourism sector, the SSC has extended additional benefits, permitting them to pay their debt instalments over a period of up to 180 tranches. This decision aims to alleviate the significant impact on Jordan’s tourism sector, which has faced challenges due to regional circumstances adversely affecting tourist activity and the sector’s work environment.

The SSC also noted that establishments with an existing active installment or rescheduling agreement can take advantage of this waiver by submitting a rescheduling request.

Amman: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs, Ayman Safadi, on Tuesday met with a delegation of assistants to members of the US Senate and House of Representatives to discuss ways to enhance Jordan-U.S. “strategic” relations and address regional developments. Safadi reiterated Jordan’s position on the “urgent” need to achieve a permanent ceasefire and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

According to Jordan News Agency, the FM also warned that the humanitarian catastrophe is worsening due to Israel’s continued ban on aid entry for 50 consecutive days to the strip. Reviewing regional developments in Syria and Lebanon, Safadi underlined Jordan’s commitment to support efforts that achieve security and stability across the Middle East.

Amman: Jordan News Agency (Petra) has secured the 2025 Arab Union of Tourism Media Award for Best Tourism Report for its feature, themed: “Wadi Rum… A Piece of the Moon on Earth,” authored by journalist Hakim Khadeer.

According to Jordan News Agency, addressing the honoring ceremony, Lamia Mahmoud, Secretary-General of the Arab Union for Tourism Media (AUTM), greeted Petra and Khadeer on this achievement, which marks the second consecutive year the agency has garnered one of the union’s awards. Mahmoud said this recognition reflects Petra’s professionalism and objectivity in promoting Jordan’s tourist sector and its destinations.

Lauding Petra’s role in both local and regional tourism promotion, she hailed the agency for producing media content that showcases the Kingdom’s true image as a destination. Mahmoud also praised Khadeer’s media performance, noting that his consecutive win is a testament to his dedication to highlighting Jordan’s natural and cultural heritage.

Mahmoud emphasized that the Union’s awards aim to honor Arab journalists and media institutions that contribute to tourism awareness and development. Petra’s win, she said, highlights the strength of Jordanian media and the talent of its professionals in advancing tourism narratives across the region.

This year’s awards saw intense competition across multiple categories, including Best Tourism Report, Investigation, Article, TV Report, Program, Photography, Short Video, and Social Media Tourism Platform. Entries were judged by a panel of tourism and media experts from across the Arab world, using criteria such as accuracy, creativity, impact, and contribution to Arab tourism promotion.

The Arab Tourism Media Awards are viewed as the most prestigious recognitions in the region, celebrating the efforts of individuals and institutions committed to advancing tourism through media and innovation.