Day: June 10, 2026

Amman: The Public Prosecutor’s office has taken significant legal actions against MP Wissam Arbihat, including freezing his assets, imposing a travel ban, and issuing an arrest warrant.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has charged MP Wissam Arbihat with money laundering and illegal fundraising. These charges follow the collection of witness testimonies and confessions, leading to the decision to freeze Arbihat’s assets, restrict his travel, and issue a judicial arrest warrant to obtain his statements regarding the accusations.

The investigation has also resulted in the detention of one of the defendants involved in the case, pending further investigation. The Public Prosecutor’s Office had been probing the case for several months, focusing on the unauthorized reception and transfer of funds through the “Click” platform, which were allegedly conducted in violation of legal standards.

The charges highlight the illegal nature of receiving and collecting funds without a license, which is considered a felony. The financial activities in question were carried out suspiciously, with funds not originating from legitimate economic or commercial activities, nor aligning with the income sources of those involved.

Aqaba: The Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) launched the “Coral 157” campaign on Wednesday, coinciding with World Coral Reef Day. The initiative is part of the Aqaba Marine Biodiversity Conservation Project, implemented in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Jordan and with support from the Canadian Government.

According to Jordan News Agency, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of plastic and microplastic waste to coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Aqaba. The name “Coral 157” refers to the 157 species of hard coral found in the Gulf of Aqaba, one of the most unique marine ecosystems in the world.

The campaign’s slogan, “Don’t Let It Go 156”, carries an awareness message urging the protection of this unique natural resource and the avoidance of behaviors and practices that could lead to the degradation of coral reefs or the loss of any of their species.

The campaign included a beach cleanup activity in the Al-Mamlah area of the Aqaba Marine Reserve and the seabed, with the participation of divers, fishermen, representatives of security agencies, community initiatives, women’s and youth committees, and local community organizations. It reflects a growing awareness of the importance of protecting and preserving coral reefs as an essential part of Aqaba’s environmental identity.

Nidal Al Oran, Commissioner for Environment and Public Safety at ASEZA, said scientific findings recorded in the Gulf of Aqaba demonstrate the exceptional resilience of coral reefs in the face of climatic pressures. He noted that bleaching effects remained very limited despite prolonged exposure to marine heat stress in 2024. “This reinforces the importance of continuing joint efforts to protect this unique natural heritage and maintain Aqaba’s standing as one of the world’s leading climate havens for coral reefs,” he pointed out.

Amman: The General Corporation for Housing and Urban Development (HUDC) recently announced the launch of an upgraded housing finance support program. This initiative, approved by the Cabinet, is designed to help low-income Jordanian families secure adequate housing. It works by providing government-backed down payment assistance and offering flexible financing options that extend up to 20 years.

According to Jordan News Agency, HUDC Director-General Jomana Attyat explained that the program allows targeted families to acquire housing finance from local lending institutions through lease-to-own or cost-plus financing systems. These systems facilitate long-term financing for up to 20 years. The program provides government financial support as a refundable down payment, aiding beneficiaries in qualifying for housing loans. While profit margins will reflect current market rates, HUDC is negotiating with financial institutions to offer preferential interest and profit rates to beneficiaries.

Attyat highlighted that eligible groups include public sector employees, members of the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies, private sector workers, and licensed professionals with limited incomes. Financial support will be allocated based on a decile income system, covering 10 brackets with monthly incomes ranging from JD320 to JD1,320.

The program features three financial levels. The first level offers a maximum loan of JD30,000 with a government down payment of JD15,000. The second level provides a maximum loan of JD40,000 with a JD12,000 down payment. The third level offers a maximum loan of JD50,000 with an JD8,000 down payment. A tiered repayment system for the down payment support ensures that the total monthly mortgage installment does not exceed 40% of the household’s income.

The initiative aims to assist 1,000 families over four years, facilitating their transition from renting to homeownership with affordable installments. To qualify, applicants must be Jordanian citizens, married, or the primary family provider, and must not hold dual citizenship. Additionally, they must not have previously benefited from this housing program.

Applications will be assessed using a competitive points system, with priorities based on employment type, age, family dependency size, years of service, and special needs within the family. The Cabinet has approved the direct government financial support, with funds disbursed from the JD3 million allocated in the 2026 state budget.

Amman: The Public Security Directorate (PSD) on Wednesday initiated a campaign by distributing and affixing promotional stickers on citizens’ vehicles across various governorates. This initiative is aimed at rallying support for the Jordan national football team, affectionately known as “Al-Nashama,” as they prepare for their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Jordan News Agency, this effort celebrates the national team’s historic qualification for the tournament and underscores their global campaign as they represent Jordan on football’s most prestigious international stage. The campaign signifies a collective national pride and unity as Jordanians come together to back their team.

All field formations and units were actively involved in distributing these stickers, engaging with citizens to convey their best wishes for the team’s success in the upcoming matches. Security personnel highlighted that the campaign embodies national pride in the team’s milestone achievement and symbolizes the unity and sense of belonging that unites Jordanians behind their national team.