Day: May 4, 2025

Amman: The Parliamentary Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Committee has approved the 2025 Virtual Assets Regulation Law during a meeting held on Sunday, chaired by MP Hussein Krishan.

According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting was attended by the Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Smeirat, the Minister of State for Legal Affairs, Fayyad Al-Qudah, and the Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Muhannad Shihadeh. Krishan emphasized that the new law represents a key milestone in Jordan’s digital transformation, aiming not only to regulate the emerging virtual assets market but also to enhance the country’s legal framework, attract international investments, and create a competitive environment for Jordanian platforms in this growing sector.

“This is a golden opportunity for investment in the digital economy, backed by a transparent and fair legal framework that safeguards rights, boosts national economic growth, and positions Jordan as a leader in financial technology both regionally and globally,” Krishan stated. The law is designed to regulate virtual asset activities, creating a balanced regulatory environment that supports technological innovation while ensuring financial stability. It also aligns with international standards, especially in terms of combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

The bill outlines the role of the Securities Commission in overseeing the sector, which includes issuing licenses, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and taking necessary regulatory actions. Minister Smeirat noted that this law marks the culmination of ongoing efforts to build a solid legislative foundation that protects the rights of users and investors while adapting to fast-evolving industry trends. He highlighted that Jordan will be among the first countries in the region to implement comprehensive legislation for virtual assets, enhancing the country’s digital investment climate.

Minister Al-Qudah added that the law was developed in collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure a balanced approach between digital empowerment and legal protection. He stressed that the regulatory framework is designed to foster transparency and prevent the misuse of virtual assets. Minister Shihadeh stressed that the law will play a critical role in boosting the digital economy, creating job opportunities, and encouraging innovation in the virtual asset sector. A clear legal environment, he said, will increase investor confidence and attract global players to the Jordanian market.

MPs Fleyha Al-Khdier, Dina Al-Bashir, Moayed Al-Alaouna, Hamed Al-Rahmanah, Ahmad Olimat, and Abdulbaset Al-Kabarti all agreed on the importance of ensuring adequate protections for investors and users, strengthening transparency, and adhering to international standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing.

Amman: The curtain came down on a rollercoaster 2024-2025 Jordan CFI Pro League season Friday night, with Al-Hussein Irbid lifting the trophy in dramatic fashion, sealing back-to-back titles and denying Al-Wehdat at the death.

According to Jordan News Agency, twelve teams battled it out across 132 fixtures, producing 350 goals in a season that delivered everything from shock managerial shakeups to last-minute title twists and relegation heartbreak.

The final matchweek was a storybook ending, with Al-Hussein routing Shabab Al-Ordon 4-1 to edge out Al-Wehdat by a single point after the latter were held to a stunning 1-1 draw by Al-Ramtha. Al-Ramtha’s late equalizer from Abdullah Al-Mneis (90′) denied Al-Wehdat the title after Mohannad Samreen had given them a 62nd-minute lead.

Goals from Rizeq Bani Hani (17′), Mahmoud Al-Mardi (25′), Yousef Abu Jabloush (45+3′) and Majdi Al-Attar (90+5′) sealed the deal for Al-Hussein, while Hamza Al-Nuaimi netted a consolation goal for Shabab.

In one of the season’s wildest narratives, coach Ahmad Hayel, sacked by Al-Faisaly just two games into the season, returned to Al-Hussein Irbid late in the campaign and steered them to glory in just three matches, replacing Portuguese coach Joo Mota.

“It was a dramatic finale. Everyone thought the title was heading to Al-Wehdat, but football writes its own scripts,” said veteran coach Mohammad Ababneh, reflecting on a nail-biting title chase that went down to the wire.

Elsewhere in the final round, Al-Faisaly thumped Mughayer Al-Sarhan 3-0 to claim third place with 39 points, thanks to a brace from Amadou Moutari (48′, 86′) and a late strike by Ahmad Ersan (88′).

Meanwhile, four teams Al-Sareeh, Shabab Al-Aqaba, Ma’an, and Mughayer Al-Sarhan were relegated to the First Division, with the latter finishing bottom on just 13 points.

Fan turnout remained modest throughout the season, attributed to regional conditions and economic challenges, although crowd numbers picked up in the decisive final weeks. “Low attendance hurts clubs financially. We need stronger engagement,” said longtime fan Issa Al-Jabr.

The final standings saw Al-Hussein top the table with 53 points, followed by Al-Wehdat (52), Al-Faisaly (39), Al-Ramtha (33), Al-Salt (32), Al-Jazeera (30), Al-Ahli (26), Shabab Al-Ordon (25), Al-Sareeh (21), Shabab Al-Aqaba (20), Ma’an (18), and Mughayer Al-Sarhan (13).

The 72nd edition of the Pro League delivered high-octane action, managerial drama, foreign talent rotations, and a title race that will be remembered for years.

Amman: Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah met Sunday with Norway’s Ambassador to Jordan, Mona Juul, to discuss bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on education.

According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, underscored the strength of the long-standing partnership between the two countries and explored avenues to enhance collaboration across all sectors, especially in education.

Mahafzah emphasized the importance of maintaining and expanding the collaborative framework between Jordan and Norway, highlighting the ministry’s ongoing reform and development programs aimed at improving the quality of education. He noted that Jordan currently hosts around 250,000 students from over 85 nationalities in its schools, and despite the significant pressure on its educational infrastructure due to regional crises and the refugee burden, the Kingdom remains committed to providing quality education to every child on its soil.

“Ensuring equitable access to quality education during times of crisis and emergency remains a core priority,” Mahafzah said. “Education is the lifeline that helps communities recover and thrive.”

The minister also shared updates on a major structural reform initiative aimed at merging the Ministry of Education with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to create a unified Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development. The reform would also centralize educational policy under a single authority by transferring responsibilities from other agencies.

Ambassador Juul reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting Jordan’s education sector and praised the Kingdom’s leadership role in the region, particularly its efforts in hosting refugees and delivering vital services, including education, despite limited resources. She highlighted Norway’s readiness to back the ministry’s development plans and recognized Jordan’s resilience and humanitarian stance in addressing regional challenges.

Amman: Minister of Government Communications and official spokesperson Dr. Mohammad Momani has emphasized the vital role of science journalism in safeguarding societies from misinformation. He stated that well-informed, credible journalism serves as the first line of defense in a world increasingly plagued by fake news and misleading content.

According to Jordan News Agency, Momani spoke at the opening of the second scientific conference titled “Science Journalism: Between Reality and Leading Change” at Middle East University. He underscored the importance of strengthening connections between media outlets and research institutions. He stated that when journalists have access to scientific knowledge and engage meaningfully with research centers, media becomes a more powerful force for shaping informed public opinion.

Momani acknowledged the tools artificial intelligence brings to content production but noted that it also raises concerns around accuracy, trust, and ethics. He emphasized the need to reinforce editorial standards, publishing ethics, and professional integrity in the age of AI. Furthermore, he highlighted that King Abdullah II’s comprehensive modernization drive, which includes political, economic, and administrative reform, places media at the heart of national development, especially in keeping pace with digital transformation.

He described the conference as a significant milestone in developing journalism into a serious partner in producing and explaining scientific knowledge. Momani stressed the growing importance of trained, specialized science journalists in fields such as health, the environment, and the economy. He called on universities to nurture science journalism by creating support units and training platforms that equip students with digital skills and critical thinking.

Momani also mentioned the government’s commitment to supporting a media environment built on transparency, credibility, and specialization, aligning with the national reform agenda. He welcomed the participation of Arab scholars and researchers, noting that science journalism across the region can advance through shared vision and cross-border cooperation.

Dr. Salam Al-Mahadin, President of Middle East University, stated that this year’s conference builds on the success of the inaugural edition and addresses challenges facing science journalism in the Arab world. She pointed out a shortage of specialized training among journalists and insufficient editorial or financial support for science-related reporting, leading to oversimplification or misrepresentation of scientific issues.

Dr. Ramez Abu Hsaira, Dean of the Faculty of Media, emphasized that the conference is part of a long-term academic effort to reposition science journalism as a link between society, academia, and media. He stressed the necessity of promoting science journalism in an age of rapid technological change and growing reliance on AI, highlighting the need for trusted media to deliver accurate and relevant scientific information for a sustainable future.

Amman: The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) closed Sunday’s trading session with a 0.25 percent increase, reaching 2,499 points.

According to Jordan News Agency, trading activity included 4.9 million shares exchanged at a total value of JD11.7 million, executed through 3,579 transactions. Out of the listed companies, share prices rose for 33 firms, declined for 30, while 23 others remained unchanged.

Amman: Public confidence in Prime Minister Jafar Hassan’s government has significantly increased 200 days into its term, accompanied by rising economic optimism, according to a new nationwide poll released Sunday by the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS) at the University of Jordan.

According to Jordan News Agency, the survey reveals a marked positive trend in public sentiment. Sixty-five percent of Jordanians now express confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively, a substantial jump from 51% recorded after its first 100 days and 54% upon its formation.

Among the Kingdom’s opinion leaders, 64% currently endorse the government’s performance, compared to 70% at the 100-day mark and 52% at its inception.

Notably, Hassan’s administration has achieved the highest public confidence ratings for governing capability recorded for any Jordanian government since the CSS began tracking this metric in 2011. Economic sentiment also shows marked improvement; over half (52%) of Jordanians perceive the economy to be on the right track, a dramatic turnaround from only 14% two years ago.

Correspondingly, optimism about the Jordanian economy under the current government is notable, shared by 58% of the public and 47% of opinion leaders.

Confidence in the Prime Minister personally mirrors the government’s upward trajectory. Within the national sample, 71% believe Hassan is effectively handling his responsibilities, surging from 55% after 100 days and 57% when he took office. Among opinion leaders, his approval stands strong at 75% (compared to 76% at 100 days and 55% at formation).

The cabinet also enjoys improved ratings, with 60% of the public expressing confidence in the ministerial team’s performance (up from 47% at 100 days, 50% at formation). Opinion leaders’ confidence registered at 54% (vs. 55% at 100 days, 45% at formation). This translates into broader optimism towards the cabinet, shared by 58% of the public and 50% of opinion leaders.

Trust in the nation’s institutions extends beyond the core government. Jordanian media outlets saw a notable increase in public trust, reaching 63% in this poll, up significantly from 48% at the 100-day mark.

Reflecting the overall increased confidence, a striking 74% of Jordanians now believe the country is heading in the right direction, a significant leap from 47% who felt this way at the 100-day mark and 55% when the government was formed.

Public engagement remains high. Over half (52%) of the national sample are actively following the government’s actions, a figure that climbs to 94% among opinion leaders. Prime Minister Hassan’s nationwide field visits are well-received, approved by 66% of Jordanians, with 40% stating the visits positively impacted their home governorate.

Perceptions of government service delivery have also improved. A combined 75% of citizens now either “strongly agree” (36%) or “somewhat agree” (39%) that the government is making its best effort to provide public services – a considerable increase from the 100-day assessment. Furthermore, slightly more people (55%, up from 51%) feel they can criticize the government without fear. Despite the positive momentum, there is little appetite for immediate change; 65% of the public and 56% of opinion leaders oppose a cabinet reshuffle at this time.

Trust in Jordan’s core state security institutions remains exceptionally robust, with the Jordanian Armed Forces – Arab Army, the Public Security Directorate (PSD), the General Intelligence Directorate (GID), and the Civil Defense Directorate (CDD) each commanding 99% public confidence.