Jordan Daily - The Foundation for the Development of Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site is moving forward with its plans for the area and the Bethany Village project, backed by generous financial contributions from the Association of Banks in Jordan (ABJ) and Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC). The support will fund a set of priority initiatives and help prepare the project for its upcoming phases.
The contributions will go toward several fronts – namely designing a green area that meets the project’s environmental standards; studying how to build a sustainable transportation network that improves accessibility and enhances the visitor experience; preparing designs and a business plan for a facility that sorts, packages and markets local agricultural produce; launching community training and empowerment programs; and developing products inspired by the area’s identity and traditional crafts, facilitated by an e-commerce platform. Together, these efforts will establish the technical, financial and strategic groundwork needed for planning and execution, as well as enable the project to attract future funding, investment and partnerships, while also demonstrating the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to UNESCO-related requirements.
The partnership reflects the Foundation’s broader vision for the development of lands adjacent to the Baptism Site in a manner that safeguards the site’s unique character and religious and historical significance worldwide, enriches the visitor experience and creates sustainable growth and economic opportunity for surrounding communities. That work takes on added weight as Jordan prepares for 2030, when the world will mark the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, Bethany Village sits at the heart of this vision. Conceived as a destination that complements the journeys of visitors and pilgrims to the Baptism Site, it offers integrated religious, cultural and spiritual experiences, along with facilities and services that reflect the place’s identity and distinctiveness.
Dr. Tharwat Al-Masalha, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for the Development of Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site, commented, “We appreciate the support extended by the ABJ and JPMC Boards of Directors to the Foundation’s efforts to develop the area. It speaks to how much can be achieved when national institutions align behind a project of this magnitude — one that carries exceptional value for Jordan and for the world. With 2030 fast approaching, coinciding with the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ, this support matters even more, helping us turn our vision into real projects and initiatives worthy of the Baptism Site’s global standing, while delivering lasting benefit to local communities.”
For his part, Dr. Maher Mahrouq, ABJ Director General, stated, “This contribution arises from the banking sector’s keenness to engage in national initiatives that promote development, economic growth and social impact. We are proud to partner with the Foundation for the Development of Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site to back a project of such immense religious and historical importance, fostering real development opportunities and community engagement.”
In turn, Eng. Abdel Wahab Al-Rowad, JPMC CEO, emphasized that the project carries real national significance, given its cultural, historical and developmental dimensions, which can deliver a lasting, positive impact on the area. He added that JPMC is pleased to be part of bringing this vision to life in a way that benefits local communities and showcases the site’s unique global standing.
