Day: April 23, 2026

Amman: The Senate approved six draft laws on Wednesday, concluding its second ordinary session with a legislative package that advances digital transformation, strengthens energy security, and supports investment in key sectors.

According to Jordan News Agency, the session, chaired by Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Cabinet members, endorsed the bills as received from the Lower House, covering education and human resources development, gas regulation, civil status, and traffic, alongside two agreements on mining and external financing.

At the center of the package are reforms aimed at modernizing governance and service delivery. Amendments to the Civil Status Law introduce verified digital identities and registered digital addresses for citizens, enabling their use in official, judicial, and financial notifications, a step aligned with broader efforts to digitize government services.

Changes to the Traffic Law allow the use of electronic communication and digital signatures in transactions, streamlining procedures and reducing administrative burdens, while also addressing the backlog of impounded vehicles that could not be sold through public auction.

In the energy sector, the Gas Law establishes a regulatory framework designed to enhance supply security and attract investment, reflecting a policy shift toward more structured oversight of the sector.

The Senate also approved an agreement to develop and exploit copper resources in the Abu Khushaybah area, aimed at boosting mining investment and supporting local communities, as well as a concessional loan agreement with Italy worth 50 million pounds to support public finances.

In a related recommendation, the Senate called for expanding the membership of the Education and Human Resources Development Council to include additional experts, including representatives from national institutions and international organizations, to strengthen policy formulation in the sector.

The council, chaired by the prime minister, brings together ministers and senior officials across education, labor, culture, and digital economy, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies and the private sector.

The approvals mark the close of the legislative term, with the package reflecting a broader push to align regulatory frameworks with economic modernization priorities and improve institutional efficiency.

Amman: The Senate approved six draft laws on Wednesday, concluding its second ordinary session with a legislative package that advances digital transformation, strengthens energy security, and supports investment in key sectors.

According to Jordan News Agency, the session, chaired by Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Cabinet members, endorsed the bills as received from the Lower House, covering education and human resources development, gas regulation, civil status, and traffic, alongside two agreements on mining and external financing.

At the center of the package are reforms aimed at modernizing governance and service delivery. Amendments to the Civil Status Law introduce verified digital identities and registered digital addresses for citizens, enabling their use in official, judicial, and financial notifications, a step aligned with broader efforts to digitize government services.

Changes to the Traffic Law allow the use of electronic communication and digital signatures in transactions, streamlining procedures and reducing administrative burdens, while also addressing the backlog of impounded vehicles that could not be sold through public auction.

In the energy sector, the Gas Law establishes a regulatory framework designed to enhance supply security and attract investment, reflecting a policy shift toward more structured oversight of the sector.

The Senate also approved an agreement to develop and exploit copper resources in the Abu Khushaybah area, aimed at boosting mining investment and supporting local communities, as well as a concessional loan agreement with Italy worth 50 million pounds to support public finances.

In a related recommendation, the Senate called for expanding the membership of the Education and Human Resources Development Council to include additional experts, including representatives from national institutions and international organizations, to strengthen policy formulation in the sector.

The council, chaired by the prime minister, brings together ministers and senior officials across education, labor, culture, and digital economy, alongside representatives from regulatory bodies and the private sector.

The approvals mark the close of the legislative term, with the package reflecting a broader push to align regulatory frameworks with economic modernization priorities and improve institutional efficiency.

Amman: Jordan’s capital expenditure jumped by JD53.8 million ($75.9 million), or 60.4%, in the first two months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, a move aimed at accelerating economic activity and improving public infrastructure.

According to Jordan News Agency, a Ministry of Finance bulletin released on Wednesday highlighted that total government spending reached JD1.98 billion by the end of February. Current expenditures totaled JD1.84 billion, while capital spending amounted to JD143 million.

The ministry attributed the sharp rise in capital investment to a government policy of front-loading project spending at the start of the fiscal year. Key investments included the development of the Risha gas field, the equipping of the Ma’an Military Hospital, teacher training programs, municipal development initiatives, and support for the Jordan Tourism Board.

Domestic revenues also saw a steady climb, rising by JD36.3 million, or 2.5%, to reach JD1.48 billion by the end of February, up from JD1.44 billion during the same period in 2025. The growth in domestic revenue was primarily driven by a significant increase in non-tax revenues, which rose by JD70 million during the first two months of the year to reach JD424.7 million.

Foreign grants received by the kingdom in January and February totaled JD16.3 million, a sharp increase from the JD3.4 million recorded in the previous year. Consequently, total public revenues, including grants, reached JD1.49 billion, compared to JD1.44 billion during the same comparative period.

Amman: The Eastern Military Zone successfully foiled three drug smuggling attempts early Wednesday involving a large quantity of narcotic substances transported via electronically guided balloons, within its area of responsibility along the front lines. Border Guard units detected the balloons, engaged them, and brought them down, along with their payloads, inside Jordanian territory. This was carried out in coordination with security agencies and the Anti-Narcotics Department.

According to Jordan News Agency, the seized materials were handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary procedures.

Ramallah: A 29-year-old Palestinian man was killed on Wednesday evening after being shot during an attack by Israeli illegal settlers on the town of Deir Dibwan, east of Ramallah in the central occupied West Bank. The incident has raised tensions in the region, already fraught with conflict and unrest.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah stated that the man succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at the hospital. He had sustained a gunshot wound to the back when settlers opened fire on residents. The attack has sparked outrage among local communities and international observers.

Local reports indicate that groups of settlers attacked the outskirts of Deir Dibwan, firing live ammunition. The man was critically wounded in the incident and was later pronounced dead. The situation remains tense as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.

Amman: A Royal Decree was issued on Wednesday to prorogue the ordinary session of Parliament, effective from the morning of 26 April 2026.

According to Jordan News Agency, the decree was announced with the intention to officially end the current session of Parliament on the specified date. The decision comes as part of the regular parliamentary procedures and scheduling within the legislative framework. The prorogation marks the conclusion of parliamentary activities for the session, pausing the legislative process until further notice.