Amman: The Amra city project has emerged as one of Jordan’s flagship development initiatives, designed to address demographic and environmental pressures, improve quality of life, and reflect the country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Experts in population and urban planning have highlighted the project’s potential to rebalance population distribution, ease congestion in densely populated areas, and promote the sustainable use of agricultural land and natural resources.
According to Jordan News Agency, Secretary-General of the Higher Population Council Issa Al-Masarweh emphasized that the city responds to a major demographic challenge by providing a long-term solution to the uneven spread of the population and urban expansion into productive and scenic land. He noted that Amra would facilitate home ownership for young people amid prohibitive housing costs in Jordan’s three largest cities.
Al-Masarweh pointed out a significant demographic imbalance, with only about one million people or 8.1 percent of the population residing in the southern half of the country, despite its wealth of natural and economic resources. In contrast, the northern half houses 11 million people, or 91.9 percent of the population. He underscored the need for legislative measures to regulate land use and amend the Cities and Villages Planning Law to align with the Economic Modernization Vision.
President of the Jordan Green Building Council, Abdullah Bdeir, stated that the project connects various sectors, including green finance, banking, construction, and professional associations. Bdeir explained that integrating global standards and involving Jordanian engineers and young professionals from the design phase would enhance the project’s success and attract external financing.
Chair of the Architectural Engineering Department at Al-Balqa Applied University, Maysaa Al-Shomali, emphasized that sustainability is central to the development of modern cities, particularly amid global environmental challenges. She highlighted the importance of water conservation and efficient public transport planning, advocating for the “15-minute city” concept to reduce car reliance and foster sustainable urban living. Al-Shomali also stressed the importance of maintaining cultural identity in modern developments, ensuring that contemporary life is reflected without sacrificing Jordan’s rich heritage.