Day: March 9, 2026

Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) on Monday announced a new package of investment and regulatory incentives targeting economic, real estate, and residential sectors in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.

According to Jordan News Agency, Chief Commissioner of the ASEZA, Shadi Majali, revealed that the incentives include significant reductions in fees related to changes in land-use designation, offering discounts of up to 75 percent. These reductions apply to proposed projects involving rezoning, expanded land areas, and increased building heights. Existing buildings will benefit from discounts of up to 66 percent.

Majali emphasized the introduction of a progressive incentive scheme linked to project completion timelines. Projects completed within 12 months can achieve discounts of up to 90 percent, while those completed within 18, 24, and 30 months are eligible for 70 percent, 50 percent, and 30 percent discounts respectively. This initiative aims to expedite project execution.

The incentives extend to parking-related fees across various sectors, including commercial, tourism, hospitality, residential, industrial, medical, and educational activities. The measures also target development areas such as al-Shalala, al-Khazan, the Old City, and Salah al-Din, aiming to lower operating costs and promote urban expansion.

Majali highlighted additional economic incentives to support investment activities, including a full exemption from the initial registration fee with the ASEZA, previously set at JD1,000, and a reduction in economic activity registration fees to JD300 from JD500. Waste collection and transportation fees will also see reductions under the new framework.

In the tourism sector, notably in Wadi Rum and diving villages, the ASEZA has approved a rent exemption for tourist camps for 2025, provided outstanding balances are settled or rescheduled. Camps holding the “Green Key” certification will receive full exemptions from rent and licensing fees for 2024 and 2025, reinforcing sustainable ecotourism efforts.

The package is part of ASEZA’s strategy to enhance Aqaba’s investment environment, stimulate economic activity, and accelerate development projects. It seeks to provide practical support to investors, developers, and residents by encouraging project implementation across multiple sectors.

Mohammad Abu Omar, Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Investment at the ASEZA, stated that the package aims to reinforce Aqaba’s position as an attractive and flexible investment destination. The ASEZA is focusing on attracting investments in priority sectors like industry, information technology, and tourism to promote economic diversification and job creation.

Al-Mu’tasim Hindawi, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Urban Affairs at the ASEZA, noted that the regulatory incentives are designed to stimulate urban development and accelerate project implementation. By introducing greater flexibility in planning procedures and addressing regulatory challenges, the amendments aim to enhance the economic feasibility of projects and facilitate implementation in areas with strong development potential.

Amman: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Hunaiti confirmed the readiness of the Jordan Armed Forces to address current challenges and conditions, emphasizing the crucial role of Border Guard units in maintaining national security and stability. He underscored the necessity of sustained preparedness and vigilance given the exceptional regional circumstances.

According to Jordan News Agency, Huneiti made these remarks during an inspection of several formations and units in the Northern Military Region. His tour began with the 28th Amr Bin Al-As Mechanized Battalion, a part of the 12th Yarmouk Mechanized Brigade. This visit is part of ongoing field tours aimed at reviewing operational duties and unit readiness, and he was received by the regional commander.

During the visit, accompanied by senior officers, the Chief of Staff was briefed on operational and training activities, as well as logistical aspects and planned future initiatives. He stressed the importance of continuing to develop capabilities and enhance readiness to safeguard the nation and protect its achievements and resources.

Huneiti also inspected the 2nd Border Guard Brigade, reviewing security measures in place to prevent border infiltration and smuggling attempts. He affirmed the commitment of the Jordanian Armed Forces to equip Border Guard units with the necessary devices, equipment, and weapons for effective duty execution.

The army chief led Maghrib prayers at the 10th Royal Border Guard Battalion and shared the Iftar meal with its personnel, commending their high morale, dedication, and efficiency in performing their national duties.

At the end of the tour, Huneiti conveyed the pride and appreciation of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to all service members for their outstanding performance and efforts in maintaining the Kingdom’s security and stability amid regional challenges.

Amman: As regional military tensions turn the skies into a high-altitude minefield, Jordanian security experts and officials are issuing an urgent warning: the metallic debris falling from intercepted missiles and drones are not mere scraps, but “timed bombs” that pose a lethal threat to anyone nearby. Military research indicates that intercepted missiles do not simply vaporize in the atmosphere. Instead, they fragment into jagged pieces – some weighing dozens of kilograms – that plummet at terminal velocity, turning into high-speed projectiles upon impact.

According to Jordan News Agency, security experts highlight a critical technical risk: between 10% and 30% of components in certain missile systems remain hazardous after hitting the ground. This danger stems from residual explosives, backup firing systems, and toxic propellants. Warheads or boosters that did not fully detonate, secondary triggers that can be activated by movement or touch, and highly flammable or corrosive rocket fuel remain serious concerns.

Strategic expert Bashir Al-Da’aja emphasized that public awareness is now the “first line of defense.” He warned that “curiosity-driven” behaviors-such as approaching fallen objects to touch, move, or film them from a close distance-can turn a non-lethal event into a tragedy. Al-Da’aja stated that numerous incidents in conflict zones have demonstrated how debris can explode unexpectedly when handled. Pieces weighing 20 to 30 kilograms falling from high altitudes can cause devastating damage even without exploding.

Retired Major General Mahmoud Ardissat echoed these concerns, advising citizens to remain indoors during active aerial escalations. He cautioned that some missiles fall without exploding, making them even more volatile due to contamination with explosive residue that poses the risk of permanent disability or death if disturbed.

Colonel Amer Al-Sartawi, spokesperson for the Public Security Directorate, reported on Saturday that civil defense and police teams have already responded to 207 reports of fallen drones and missile fragments across various governorates. While most debris landed in open areas, some struck residential zones, resulting in 14 injuries, most of which were classified as minor.

The Public Security Directorate has re-issued a strict safety directive for all residents. The guidelines include not approaching foreign objects or metallic fragments, reporting them immediately by calling the emergency number 911, avoiding crowding at impact sites to facilitate the work of disposal teams, and relying solely on official military and government sources to avoid panic-inducing rumors.

Moscow: The Kremlin announced on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump during which he presented proposals to resolve the conflict with Iran.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Kremlin stated, “The phone call between Putin and Trump addressed the conflict with Iran. Putin presented several proposals for resolving the conflict with Iran, stressing the need to restore stability in the region through a return to negotiations. The call also covered updates regarding the conflict with Ukraine.”

Amman: Jordan offered condolences to the United Arab Emirates on Monday following the death of two members of the UAE Armed Forces in a helicopter crash due to a technical malfunction while performing their national duty.

According to Jordan News Agency, in a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs expressed Jordan’s solidarity and full support for the government and people of the sisterly UAE in this tragic loss, expressing its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased.

Amman: Saudi Arabia’s official news agency (SPA) reported on Monday evening that three drones were intercepted and destroyed in the Rub’ Al-Khali (Empty Quarter) desert while heading toward the Shaybah oil field.

According to Jordan News Agency, the spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Major General Turki Al-Malki, said the drones were detected and destroyed before reaching their target. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the security of vital infrastructure in the region. The Shaybah oil field is one of Saudi Arabia’s key energy assets, making it a potential target for hostile actions.

This interception underscores the capabilities of Saudi Arabia’s defense systems in protecting its critical infrastructure from aerial threats. The swift action taken by the defense forces prevented any potential damage or disruption to the oil field’s operations. Further investigations are expected to determine the origin and intent behind the drone activity.