Month: May 2026

Amman: HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation and Center, launched an awareness campaign under the slogan: “Don’t Choose This Path,” coinciding with World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31. Talking at the launching ceremony, Princess Ghida stated that smoking is a global health disaster, emphasizing that combating this phenomenon is a duty toward future generations. She urged for altering the painful reality of smoking prevalence in Jordan by using all available resources and scientific expertise.

According to Jordan News Agency, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks of smoking and nicotine addiction, which are directly linked to more than 16 types of cancer. Smoking is recognized as a leading cause of lung cancer and the second leading cause of death after heart disease. Official statistics reveal that approximately 9,000 deaths are recorded annually in Jordan due to smoking, with smokers accounting for 51% of Jordanians. This places the Kingdom among the countries with the highest smoking rates globally.

The campaign, launched with support from the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company, comes amid the spread of smoking among young people in the Kingdom. Data indicates that smoking rates stand at 59% among those aged 25-34, 50% among those aged 18-24, and 31% among those aged 15-17. Furthermore, about 38.6% of smokers began using tobacco or nicotine products before the age of 18, which negatively affects brain development and lung growth.

Early smoking is also associated with poor concentration, increased anxiety, and lower academic achievement during childhood and adolescence. Smoking cessation services are available in Jordan through Ministry of Health clinics across the Kingdom, as well as the smoking cessation clinic at the King Hussein Cancer Center. These services offer treatment programs that include behavioral and medical support for individuals wishing to quit smoking, delivered by physicians specialized in treating tobacco addiction.

Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) wrapped up its Eid Al-Adha festivities on Saturday evening as part of the Amwaj Al Aqaba Festival 2026, drawing significant attendance from residents and visitors at the Great Arab Revolt Square.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Eid celebrations marked the launch of the revamped Amwaj (Waves) Al Aqaba Festival 2026. The event, which ran from May 28 to May 30, was funded by ASEZA and executed by the Golden Nawasi Company as part of ongoing efforts to expand the coastal city’s tourism and entertainment offerings.

The festival featured a family-oriented entertainment program designed for all age groups, including children’s activities, face painting, balloon modeling, interactive games, competitions, and prize giveaways, alongside live heritage and musical performances.

Salam Al-Maliki, director of tourism at ASEZA, said the festival will continue to host specialized events throughout the year. She noted that the authority will soon launch the “Waves Plus” program, which will feature major live concerts headlined by prominent Arab singers.

Al-Maliki added that these initiatives align with ASEZA’s strategy to develop Aqaba’s tourism sector, diversify visitor experiences, and strengthen the city’s position as a vibrant year-round destination.

Amman: The Board of Commissioners of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) decided on Sunday to set the fuel price adjustment charge on electricity bills for June at zero. EMRC Chairman Ziad Saideh stated that the June rate remains the same as the level applied in May, indicating the stability of the fuel price adjustment item for the upcoming month.

According to Jordan News Agency, this decision underscores the EMRC’s commitment to maintaining consistent electricity costs for consumers. The unchanged rate suggests that the factors influencing fuel prices have remained stable, allowing the commission to avoid passing on additional charges to electricity users for the month of June.

Amman: President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry Fathi Al-Jaghbir praised the inauguration of six new factories operated by China’s Jinsheng International Group in the Qatraneh area of Karak Governorate, describing the move as further evidence of Jordan’s success in attracting foreign industrial investment and supporting its expansion across the kingdom.

According to Jordan News Agency, Al-Jaghbir also welcomed Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan’s directive to proceed with converting the industrial complex into a development zone, calling it a strategic step that would strengthen the attractiveness of industrial investment and help attract additional high-value production projects in the coming years.

Hassan on Sunday inaugurated six factories belonging to Jinsheng International in Qatraneh, which are expected to create 700 jobs for residents of Karak and neighboring areas and serve as the nucleus of an integrated industrial complex. The prime minister also directed authorities to begin procedures for designating the industrial complex in Qatraneh as a development zone to facilitate further investment expansion.

The newly opened factories form the foundation of a broader industrial hub, following the company’s establishment of two factories in 2022 that currently employ nearly 830 workers. Speaking to Petra, Al-Jaghbir said the project embodies the objectives of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which identifies industry as a key driver of economic growth, employment, and exports. He added that the project reflects the government’s continued efforts to create a favorable investment environment, particularly in governorates and less-developed regions, contributing to more balanced and inclusive economic development.

He noted that developments in Qatraneh are consistent with the royal vision, which emphasizes greater self-reliance, expansion of the national productive base, and positioning Jordan as a regional hub for industry, investment, and value chains. Attracting new and advanced industries, he said, is a central component of achieving those goals.

Al-Jaghbir highlighted that Karak and Qatraneh are already home to several major industrial and strategic projects, including the Qatraneh Cement Factory and the Qatraneh Power Plant, alongside rapidly expanding industrial investments that are helping create a comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem capable of attracting further domestic and foreign investment.

He stressed that the project’s significance extends beyond its investment value and job creation potential, pointing to the industries being localized in Jordan, including porcelain, electrical appliances, stainless steel products, lighting equipment, and sanitary ware. These sectors, he said, will diversify Jordan’s industrial base and introduce new export products, increasing economic complexity and value added.

Al-Jaghbir emphasized that industry remains the sector best positioned to convert investment into sustainable economic impact through production, employment, exports, and technology transfer. He noted that the project currently provides around 700 direct jobs, with plans for further expansion expected to generate additional employment opportunities for residents of Karak and surrounding areas.

He added that both the factory openings and the planned development zone send a positive signal to domestic and international investors and demonstrate Jordan’s ability to attract high-value industrial investments that support exports and sustainable economic development.

For his part, President of the Jordan Exporters Association (JEA) Senator Ahmad Al-Khudari said the opening of Jinsheng International’s new factories represents an important step toward strengthening the export capabilities of Jordanian industry and highlights the kingdom’s success in attracting manufacturing investments capable of serving both domestic and international markets.

Al-Khudari said the investments would broaden Jordan’s export base by adding new value-added industrial products, particularly in porcelain, sanitary ware, electrical products, and construction materials, thereby enhancing the diversity and competitiveness of Jordanian exports in global markets. He added that Jordan offers industrial investors an ideal platform for accessing regional and international markets through its extensive network of free trade agreements, making the kingdom an attractive manufacturing and re-export hub serving hundreds of millions of consumers.

According to Al-Khudari, growing Chinese industrial investment in Jordan will have positive effects on exports, employment, technology transfer, and industrial expertise. He said stronger economic cooperation between Jordan and China would create significant opportunities to expand trade and investment ties in the coming years.

Jinsheng International, a Chinese investment group specializing in porcelain, electrical appliances, stainless steel products, lighting, sanitary ware, and carton manufacturing, is currently completing three additional factories in Qatraneh for glass, porcelain, and plastic products. The company’s total investment in Jordan has reached approximately $830 million since 2022, with plans for further expansion. It also operates raw carton and steel factories in the King Hussein Development Area and is constructing another steel plant in Zarqa that is expected to begin operations before the end of the year.

The Chinese company has benefited from Jordan’s trade agreements with numerous countries and currently exports 60% of its products to Arab countries, Italy, Brazil, and the United States. Its exports reached $60 million in 2025.

Amman: Director General of the Jordan University Hospital (UJH), Dr. Nader Bsoul, stated the hospital’s emergency department received 1,393 patients during the Eid al-Adha holiday.

According to Jordan News Agency, Bsoul noted these cases included pediatric, surgical, obstetric, gynecological, and internal medicine conditions. He added that 375 patients were admitted to various departments, while 59 surgical procedures were performed, and 21 births, both natural and cesarean, were recorded. Additionally, he mentioned that 210 dialysis sessions were provided to patients.

Bsoul commended the efforts of the on-duty staff during the holiday period, praising their dedication to their humanitarian and professional duties. He affirmed the hospital’s continued commitment to providing healthcare around the clock.

Amman: Jordan on Saturday condemned the continued Israeli aggression against Lebanon, the expansion of Israel’s ground incursion into southern Lebanese territory, and the targeting of civilians. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said the actions constitute a blatant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, a flagrant breach of international law and international humanitarian law, and a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability while undermining efforts to de-escalate tensions.

According to Jordan News Agency, the ministry called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, the consolidation of the ceasefire agreement, and full implementation of all provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. Ministry spokesperson Fouad Majali reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering support for Lebanon, its security, stability, sovereignty, and the safety of its citizens.

He reiterated Jordan’s support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to extend its authority over all Lebanese territory, strengthen state institutions, and ensure that arms remain exclusively under state control. Majali underscored the responsibility of the international community to take a firm stance that compels Israel to end its violations and attacks on Lebanon and to comply with international law and international humanitarian law.

He called for intensified international efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and support the Lebanese government in meeting the needs of more than one million people displaced from their villages and towns as a result of the ongoing aggression.