Day: May 9, 2026

Petra: The Jordanian Economic Forum (JEF) held a session titled “Petra… A Roadmap Towards Resilience and Adaptation,” with Adnan Sawa’ir, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, and Dr. Khair Abu Sa’ileek, Chairman of JEF, in attendance alongside several board members.

According to Jordan News Agency, the session, sponsored by Haider Murad and Sons Group, focused on the state of Petra’s tourism sector and the challenges posed by regional events affecting inbound tourism. Discussions included strategies to enhance the resilience of Petra as a tourist destination, diversify income streams, and stimulate development projects and infrastructure to sustain economic activity in the area.

During the dialogue, Abu Sa’ileek highlighted three key themes: investment, infrastructure, and awareness of development issues. He emphasized the need for thorough studies when planning projects like a light industrial zone to meet the actual needs of the area. Additionally, he advocated for stronger coordination with UNESCO to balance preserving Petra’s historical significance and developing its tourism infrastructure.

Sawa’ir pointed out Petra’s heavy reliance on inbound tourism, with around 83% of visitors traveling specifically to see the site. This reliance makes the city particularly vulnerable to regional developments affecting tourism. He explained that the city’s unique situation, compared to other tourist locations in the Kingdom, stems from its dependence on foreign tourist tickets, which fund projects and infrastructure across Petra’s six districts.

Sawa’ir noted the current challenges facing Petra’s tourism sector, particularly the significant drop in foreign tourists, resulting in hotel occupancy rates as low as 6% during the last Eid holiday. He stressed the importance of diversifying income and investment sources, rather than depending solely on traditional tourism.

Amman: Law No. (9) of 2006, amending the Civil Status Law, has been published in the Official Gazette and will become effective immediately upon its publication. This legal update marks a significant shift towards incorporating digital identity solutions within the country’s legal framework.

According to Jordan News Agency, the recent amendments include the integration of a legal provision for adopting a “digital identity.” This new provision is based on electronic applications approved by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. As a result, the electronic version of the national identity card is now officially recognized for all purposes under existing legislation.

The amended law mandates that every Jordanian citizen who has reached the age of 18 must register their address with the Civil Status Department. In addition to the physical address, citizens are now required to register a “digital mail address” and must inform the department of any changes to this digital address within 30 days of making the alteration.

The updated legislation is intended to be read alongside the original Law No. (9) of 2001. It aims to align with the ongoing digital transformation efforts and enhance the quality of services provided to citizens.

Amman: The Ministry of Foreign and Expatriate Affairs on Saturday condemned a terrorist attack in the Moroccan city of Smara. The ministry’s official spokesperson, Fouad Majali, reaffirmed Jordan’s full support for and solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco, and its full backing for Morocco’s legitimate and sovereign rights in the Moroccan Sahara, as well as all measures taken to safeguard its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

According to Jordan News Agency, Majali reiterated Jordan’s rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism that undermine security and stability.

Ma’an: Transport Minister Nidal Qatamin on Saturday made a field tour of vital land, sea, and air transport facilities, as well as logistics services in Ma’an and Aqaba, to assess current operations and follow up on projects and challenges facing the sector.

According to Jordan News Agency, the minister, accompanied by Aqaba Governor Ayman Awaisheh, and top executives and officials, visited the Ma’an Development Zone, the Ma’an Dry Port project, the Al-Durra Border Crossing, the Aqaba Industrial Port and Customs Yard 4, King Hussein International Airport, and the Arab Bridge Maritime Company.

In Ma’an Development Zone, the minister and Executive Director Hani Khatatbeh reviewed development and investment projects and the infrastructure supporting the investment environment in the region. He inspected the Ma’an Dry Port project, which connects production centers with regional trade routes, enhances investment, and creates job opportunities, as well as its compatibility with railway and multimodal transport projects.

At the Al-Durra border crossing with Saudi Arabia, the Minister reviewed a growing operational activity of shipping and transport, stressing the need for updated procedures and developed infrastructure to ensure a smooth flow of goods and reduce congestion, given the rapid growth in trade with Gulf countries.

At the Aqaba Industrial Port, Qatamin examined shipping, export, and import operations, particularly in the phosphate, potash, and mining industries. He emphasized the port’s role in supporting the national economy and enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian exports.

At Customs Yard 4, the minister called for removing obstacles and accelerating the work pace to keep up with the shipping boom and improve operational efficiency and infrastructure.

At King Hussein International Airport, Qatamin reviewed development projects, including updating the airport’s visual identity and improving facilities and services for passengers. He also followed up on the MLAT system, which is about 90% complete, and an integration between Indra and Thales MLAT systems, which is currently undergoing evaluation by air traffic control, with final completion expected in the next three months.

The Minister also reviewed maintenance work at the Meteorological Department building and plans for its development according to the highest technical and engineering standards.

In the final stop of the tour, the minister met with the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, Shadi Majali, and Hussein Safadi, Director General of the Aqaba Development Corporation, at the headquarters of the Arab Bridge Maritime Company. They discussed ways to enhance the transport and logistics system in Aqaba.

The tour is part of the government’s efforts to develop the transport and logistics sector, in line with the economic modernization vision and the Royal directives, to enhance the Kingdom’s regional competitiveness.

Ajloun: The Jordan Free and Development Zones Group (JFDZ) announced on Saturday that the Ajloun cable car will be closed for four days starting tomorrow to undergo periodic maintenance. The closure is part of a comprehensive maintenance plan aimed at ensuring the operational efficiency and readiness of the facility as tourist traffic increases in Ajloun Governorate during the spring season.

According to Jordan News Agency, the maintenance work includes both the first and second phases of the approved plan. The Ajloun teleferic is set to resume operations on Thursday after the maintenance is completed. The work is being carried out by The Doppelmayr Garaventa Group, a leading manufacturer of ropeways, cable cars, and ski lifts, adhering to international standards.

The JFDZ emphasizes the importance of a rigorous maintenance program for the Ajloun cable car to maintain the highest public safety standards. This commitment reinforces the cable car’s status as a significant tourist attraction in northern Jordan.

Zarqa: Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi stated that His Majesty King Abdullah II prioritizes the well-being of Jordanian citizens and enhancing their quality of life and services as a national priority. This commitment is rooted in the belief that a robust state begins with human dignity and empowerment.

According to Jordan News Agency, Issawi addressed a gathering at the Royal Court with approximately 350 representatives from the Zarqa Governorate. The meeting, also attended by His Majesty’s Advisor for Tribal Affairs, Kanaan Al-Balawi, aimed to review the priorities and needs of the governorate, as highlighted during the King’s recent visit to Zarqa.

Issawi conveyed the pride of His Majesty and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II in the people of Zarqa, acknowledging their contributions and sacrifices in safeguarding the country and advancing its progress. The Zarqa Governorate holds significant national and historical importance and plays a crucial role in national development, hence receiving direct attention from the King.

The King’s directives focus on enhancing developmental and job-generating projects in the governorate, improving infrastructure, and elevating the living standards of local communities. Issawi emphasized the King’s approach of direct communication with citizens, addressing their demands and challenges, which strengthens the bond between the Hashemite leadership and the Jordanian populace.

Jordanians are considered “the true asset” to His Majesty, Issawi noted, highlighting that the King’s initiatives, alongside government plans, aim to enhance the quality of life, develop health and education services, improve infrastructure, and empower youth and women economically and socially.

Issawi further emphasized the King’s intense political and diplomatic efforts in defending Arab causes, especially the Palestinian issue. His Majesty perceives a strong and stable Jordan as a cornerstone of the Arab nation, advocating for Arab rights and safeguarding holy sites in Jerusalem.

During the meeting, attendees emphasized that His Majesty’s visit to Zarqa demonstrated a commitment to engaging with the people and addressing the needs of the governorates. They highlighted an industrial city project in Zarqa, inspected by His Majesty, as vital for economic development and job creation, aligning with economic modernization initiatives.

Representatives from Zarqa voiced demands relating to health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, roads, investment, and environmental sectors, urging the expansion of development projects, job creation for youth, and enhancements in public services.