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Learning to see what has always been there: As-Salt residents document their own living heritage

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 15:08:44 +0300

Jordan Daily - In Manqala, a traditional board game played with seeds, the seeds pass from hand to hand the way they have for generations in As-Salt. It is a game most residents grew up watching or playing, without necessarily thinking of it as heritage. But for local guide Odai Arabiat, it recently became something else: a subject worth studying with the same rigour as any historical monument."There are researchers and enthusiasts who have spent 10 or 15 years documenting Manqala," Odai says. "The material is rich, and the people who hold that knowledge are still here; that's what made me want to record it in the finest detail."Photos/ UNESCOOdai is one of 15 As-Salt residents, tour guides, architects, and recent university graduates who spent 6 days learning to document the traditions that make their city more than its stone, from crafts and foods to games, stories, and social customs.As-Salt was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as “The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality,” recognized for a dense urban fabric where homes, faiths and daily life have long intertwined. But safeguarding the city means looking beyond its buildings to the knowledge, skills and practices carried by its residents.Through the Green Al-Salt project, implemented with UN-Habitat and supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, UNESCO trained residents to document their own living heritage using the methodology of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.The training did more than introduce a new methodology. It changed how participants understood the heritage they encountered every day.For architect Bayan Qtishat, the training offered a new perspective on practices and traditions she had long known. "These are elements we already use every day, they're part of our daily life, not something new to us," she says. What surprised her instead was the fieldwork itself: engaging directly with practising craftspeople and hearing them describe their traditions in their own words. “The field experience is what really helped me understand heritage documentation," she says, an experience she now hopes to carry into her own architectural designs, working traditional features, such as wooden doors, back into new construction.Isra Zoubi, an agricultural engineer, described a similar shift. “We used to see these elements, but we never really felt their value until we took this training,” she says. Familiar everyday practices began to take on new significance. “Now we feel like this could become part of As-Salt's identity.”For tour guide Shaima Abu Taleb, the 6-day training went one step further: it helped her see that she could play a role in safeguarding the heritage herself. " It created a motivation in me," she says, "that in my current position, I could actually have a real role in preserving this heritage for my city."Working street by street and practitioner by practitioner, the group documented 25 elements of As-Salt's intangible cultural heritage over 1 month: crafts such as pottery, rug weaving and basketry; oral traditions including chanting and storytelling; foods such as Shrak bread, Jameed and Samn baladi; and social customs from Manqala to traditional women's dress, Madraga and Khalga.The inventory is more than a record of As-Salt's living heritage. It provides a foundation for safeguarding it. For these 15 residents, learning to see what has always been there became a first step towards keeping As-Salt's living heritage alive.Read more: [Green Al-Salt project] | UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Jordan’s next security test: Keeping water, power and essential supplies flowing

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:39:55 +0300

By: Dr. Kamran YeganegiJordan Daily - Aqaba’s growing role as an alternative trade route is giving Jordan an economic opening. Sustaining that role depends on reliable delivery and on keeping domestic supplies moving when regional disruption puts shared transport networks under pressure. The opportunity brings a practical security question into focus: how well can Jordan’s essential services withstand disruptions that spread from one sector to another?Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II’s recent emphasis on supply chains and strategic stocks provides a timely starting point. Jordan Daily reported that government discussions addressed supplies through Aqaba and reserves of essential commodities and energy. Translating that emphasis into operational readiness requires examining how supplies reach their users during difficult conditions.A hospital’s fuel reserve, for example, buys time only if replenishment arrives before it runs out. Delivery depends on transport availability and an emergency contract that the supplier can fulfil. National inventory figures capture part of this picture; service-continuity assessments establish how long critical facilities can function and how quickly interruptions can be resolved.Aqaba’s opportunity rests on reliabilityReuters reported on September 1 that transit volumes at Aqaba Container Terminal rose by 155.1 per cent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier. Increased cargo movements to Iraq, following disruptions to Gulf routes, were a principal driver.This creates an opening for Jordan to establish lasting commercial relationships. Cargo owners assess a route through the predictability of final delivery. Efficient unloading loses some of its value when clearance is delayed or inland transport cannot keep pace.The concentration of Jordan’s maritime access in Aqaba makes coordination particularly important. Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb risks affect shipments using that route, while increased traffic can place additional demands on trucking and storage. These pressures meet along the same delivery chain.Transit growth therefore strengthens the case for reviewing shared capacity. During periods of peak demand, operators need arrangements that preserve domestic deliveries of essential goods while handling regional cargo. Better scheduling and clearance coordination can ease pressure before expensive expansion becomes necessary. Where additional infrastructure is justified, operational evidence can identify the bottlenecks worth addressing first.Water security depends on operating connectionsThe relationship between water and electricity exposes another critical dependency. Pumping facilities rely on power, and prolonged equipment failures can alter distribution schedules. Repair capacity depends on access to replacement components and specialised personnel.The Aqaba–Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project makes continuity planning especially relevant to future investment. According to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the project is designed to produce 300 million cubic metres of drinking water annually through a conveyance system extending approximately 438 kilometres. A solar power plant forms part of the scheme.Its scale gives maintenance access and equipment availability lasting importance. Identifying components with long procurement lead times during development allows operators to plan storage and replacement arrangements. Assessing backup power requirements early also helps integrate continuity costs into investment decisions.Existing networks offer another route to stronger preparedness. Reducing water losses lowers the production and energy required to meet demand, easing operating pressure. The World Bank’s 2023 approval of $250 million for water-network rehabilitation, energy efficiency and drought management illustrates this connection. Evaluating such investments against service reliability would help establish their wider economic value.Test the connections between essential servicesJordan’s National Centre for Security and Crisis Management provides an institutional setting for coordinating a focused assessment across essential-service operators. A joint exercise could examine dependencies that remain difficult to assess through separate organisational plans.A manageable scenario would combine a delayed fuel delivery with an electricity interruption affecting part of the network. Operators could then record the time required to activate alternatives and observe how fuel-allocation priorities work when several facilities seek replenishment simultaneously.The exercise would also reveal where decisions become delayed. Some responses fall within an operator’s authority; others require national coordination. Establishing these boundaries in advance reduces uncertainty when time is scarce.Contracted suppliers and hauliers belong in the exercise because they carry out delivery commitments. Their participation allows emergency agreements to be tested against actual capacity and competing demands. Excluding them leaves a substantial part of the supply chain unexamined.This approach can begin with existing resources. Mapping dependencies and testing procedures would generate evidence for subsequent spending. Backup power at a critical facility or a component with a long delivery time may achieve a substantial reduction in downtime at relatively modest cost. The assessment provides a basis for comparing those options.Direct spending towards recoverable servicesReserve planning becomes more useful when linked to local access. Storage location and transport time influence how long a facility can continue operating. Each operator needs a credible estimate of accessible resources and replenishment time.The consequences of interruption also vary. Patients requiring continuous treatment have limited room to wait, while low-income households struggle to absorb higher costs. Assistance arrangements gain practical value when they identify these needs before disruption occurs.The proposed exercise would produce a defined set of corrective actions, each with an accountable organisation and an implementation deadline. Measurable recovery targets would allow progress to be checked. Its findings could then guide infrastructure and maintenance budgets towards the weaknesses that cause the longest interruptions. That would give Jordan a concrete basis for strengthening essential services as its regional economic role expands.Dr. Kamran Yeganegi is an academic and researcher specialising in energy diplomacy, geo-economics, regional connectivity and strategic foresight.

TOYOTA RACING celebrates dramatic home victory at ‘6 hours of Fuji’

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 13:22:45 +0300

Jordan Daily - TOYOTA RACING celebrated another memorable home victory at the ‘6 Hours of Fuji’, with Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryō Hirakawa claiming first place in the No. 8 TR010 HYBRID. The victory, Toyota’s 10th at Fuji, extends the team’s lead in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) manufacturers’ standings to 23 points. It also moves the No. 8 crew into the lead of the drivers’ standings, while the No. 7 crew of Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi and Nyck de Vries sits second, 10 points behind, with two rounds remaining.Hiroki "Giano" Nakajima, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, commented, “We achieved victory at our home race, the 6 Hours of Fuji. To all the fans who fought alongside us, to everyone who came to the circuit and continued supporting us until the very end, and to everyone around the world who cheered for us – thank you very much. Congratulations on this victory. With so many fans watching, you turned expectations into strength, overcame immense pressure and delivered this result.” Nakajima added, “I am truly proud of what you have achieved. But what makes me even happier, and prouder, is the process that led to this result. With ‘For the Engineering Race’ in our hearts, every individual continued to refine their skills, learn from past failures, communicate openly, support one another and build a stronger team. This was not a victory earned through speed alone; it was a victory earned through human effort. That is TOYOTA RACING. Thank you for your continued support of TOYOTA RACING.”In front of a 72,326-strong weekend crowd at Fuji Speedway, the race began on a damp track after poor weather caused qualifying to be canceled, with the No. 8 TR010 HYBRID starting from eighth. Buemi quickly gained two positions as the crew worked its way through the field, moving into the top six during the opening half of the race.The second half brought a further setback when Hartley was pushed into a spin early in the fifth hour. Hirakawa subsequently took over the No. 8 in sixth place, with the crew remaining outside the podium positions as the race entered its final hour.A safety car with 55 minutes remaining opened the door for a decisive strategic call. Anticipating a longer interruption while barrier repairs were carried out, the No. 8 crew refueled the TR010 HYBRID without changing tires, a bold strategy that put Hirakawa into the lead when racing resumed with 20 minutes remaining.With rain beginning to fall and pressure building in the closing stages, Hirakawa held his position to cross the line just 0.591 seconds ahead and secure a home victory for TOYOTA RACING. Toyota’s history in motorsports dates back more than 60 years, competing worldwide across various disciplines. Guided by the concept ‘roads build people and cars’, the knowledge and technologies gained through motorsports support the development of ‘ever-better’ cars. In endurance racing, TOYOTA RACING competes in top-level categories such as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), supporting vehicle and technology development under extreme conditions.The penultimate round of the 2026 FIA WEC is the inaugural ‘6 Hours of Barcelona’, to be held on 18 October at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.Those interested can follow the official Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages for the latest updates and results from local, regional and international races. Motorsport enthusiasts are also invited to discover the GAZOO Racing lineup at Markazia Toyota’s showroom on Mecca Street.

Azerbaijan marks Independence restoration, honours statehood legacy

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 11:25:12 +0300

Jordan Daily - Azerbaijan marks Restoration of Independence Day on Sunday, commemorating the adoption of a constitutional act in 1991 that restored the country's independence and reaffirmed its historical ties to the first Azerbaijani republic established in 1918.On Oct. 18, 1991, Azerbaijan's Supreme Council adopted the Constitutional Act “On the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan,” establishing the legal basis for the country's sovereignty as the Soviet Union approached collapse.The act recognised the continuity of Azerbaijani statehood by referring to the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, proclaimed on May 28, 1918. The republic, one of the pioneering democratic states in the Muslim world, lasted 23 months before Soviet rule was established in April 1920.The restoration of independence in 1991 marked Azerbaijan's return to sovereign statehood after more than seven decades under Soviet rule. The decision was subsequently put to a nationwide referendum on Dec. 29, 1991, when voters were asked to endorse the constitutional act.The country also revived its national symbols following independence. Azerbaijan's tricolor flag, national anthem and state emblem became expressions of national identity and links to the legacy of the 1918 republic.The distinction between the two key dates was formalised in 2021, when legislation designated May 28 as Independence Day and renamed Oct. 18 Restoration of Independence Day, replacing its previous designation as State Independence Day.The change clarified the roles of the two dates in Azerbaijan's national history: May 28 marks the establishment of the first republic, while Oct. 18 commemorates the restoration of independence in 1991.The country's post-independence period brought significant political and economic challenges, alongside armed conflict over the Karabakh region.Today, Restoration of Independence Day serves as a reminder of Azerbaijan's historical experience and its efforts to consolidate sovereignty, develop independent state institutions and pursue its own foreign policy.The anniversary connects the aspirations of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic with the modern state, underscoring the enduring place of independence in the country's national identity and political development.

European diplomats attacked by Israeli settlers in West Bank

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 07:13:23 +0300

BBC- A delegation of European diplomats has been attacked by masked Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.Belgium condemned the assault on its consul general and the other envoys and called for Israel to bring those responsible to justice.The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also condemned what they called "the severe act of violence" and said they were investigating.But the office of the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cast doubt on what happened and suggested it was part of a "coordinated campaign to smear Israel".The attack came only a day after a number of Palestinians and Heidi Levine, a Washington Post photographer, were injured in a separate assault by settlers in another village in the West Bank.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the attack on Levine was "disturbing" and "not a good look".It was also condemned by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who called it a "despicable act of terror carried out by masked cowards". A staunch ally of Israel, Huckabee said the assailants must face "prosecution to the fullest extent of the law".In Saturday's incident the European diplomats - from Belgium, France, Poland and the Catholic Church - had come to the largely Christian village of Taybeh near Ramallah.They were there to assess the situation on the ground after almost near daily attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians trying to bring in their olive harvest.Video footage from the scene showed masked settlers confronting the convoy. Reports suggest stones were thrown.The Belgian authorities said a car from its consulate had a window smashed and a French mayor was assaulted. Video showed a man wearing a French tricolor sash slumped beside a vehicle.Belgium's foreign minister Maxime Prevot condemned the attack and said Israel had a responsibility to bring those responsible to justice."Palestinians face this violence every day. Settlers also target journalists reporting on it and diplomats. Harvesting olives, reporting the news or carrying out diplomatic duties should never put anyone at risk of attack," he said."As the occupying power, Israeli authorities must protect Palestinians, ensure the safety of diplomats and journalists, and bring those responsible to justice.“Impunity for violent settlers must end. Belgium will continue to press for EU sanctions against those responsible for this violence and those who support them.”

Keen for change, Israel’s Arab minority sees election as existential

Sun, 18 Oct 2026 06:46:00 +0300

AFP- After boycotting Israeli parliamentary elections his entire life, 55-year-old Said Kabat will head to the polls for the first time on October 27.For him, the vote is existential — if a right-wing government is returned to power, he fears for the future of Israel’s Arab minority, to which he belongs.The pharmacist from the Arab village of Majd Al-Krum in northern Israel told AFP he used to boycott elections “all the time.”“But now, I will go out and vote,” he said, concerned that a low turnout among the Arab population would embolden the far-right elements of the current ruling coalition.Arab Israelis, also known as Palestinian citizens of Israel, account for about 21 percent of the country’s population.They are descendants of Palestinians who remained within Israel’s borders after the state’s creation in 1948, and have long complained of discrimination compared with Israel’s Jewish majority.The close-fought election is sparking calls for a mobilization push among Israel’s Arab population, after their situation worsened under the outgoing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — one of the most right-wing in the country’s history.Driven by far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, settlement construction in the occupied West Bank has soared, and their attention is now turning to predominantly Arab areas inside Israel.In September, land belonging to Kabat’s family in Majd Al-Krum was the site of a confrontation between residents and Jewish Israelis who came to establish an outpost — a tactic used by West Bank settlers to take control of land.Israeli police eventually removed the outpost, which had garnered the backing of Smotrich, who held a rally at the site and in August unveiled a plan to “Judaise” Israel’s predominantly Arab regions.“In light of the events, whether in Majd Al-Krum or other villages, I urge every young person and everyone with a vote to cast it,” Kabat said.‘Battle for existence’Turnout among the Arab minority has traditionally been lower than Israel as a whole.In the last election in November 2022, turnout among Arab and Druze voters was around 53 percent, while the country’s overall figure stood at around 70 percent.In Majd Al-Krum, activists like 31-year-old Dana Salameh were touring the village to explain the importance of voting.“Everyone, even those boycotting and those unconvinced about voting, has begun to see the danger very close to them if this government remains in power,” Salameh said.“They don’t want Arabs in this state at all... whether here or in Gaza or the West Bank,” she added.On October 27, the Arab vote is expected to be split among four parties running on two lists.The far-left Joint List brings together three parties, while Raam, or the United Arab List, is more open to negotiating with the right.Raam became the first Arab party to join an Israeli government in a 2021-2022 coalition, and it could again play a kingmaker role this year.A recent poll by Israel’s Channel 12 projected that the two lists would garner 13 seats in the next Israeli parliament. They currently have 10 between them.For Salameh, the poll is evidence of a growing conviction among Israel’s Arab citizens that they are facing “a battle for existence.”Surging crime levels within the community could also push people toward the ballot box.Since the start of 2026, at least 175 Arab citizens have been killed in violent crime incidents, according to the Abraham Initiatives coexistence organization.The violence is predominantly driven by criminal gangs, with Arab Israelis accusing the police — under the ministerial responsibility of Ben Gvir — of lax enforcement.“The state has completely withdrawn from the scene,” said criminologist Walid Haddad.‘Change is in our hands’In Majd Al-Krum, home to about 17,000 people, campaign billboards for the Joint List have popped up bearing the slogan “The change is in our hands.”Several homes in the village face the threat of demolition, reflecting the reality for Arab localities across the country.Israeli authorities say the houses were built without permits or on state-owned land, but Palestinians say permits are near impossible to obtain.In the city of Tayibe in central Israel, around 40 members of the Abu Mtair family face the looming threat of displacement, waiting for a decision on demolition orders that have been temporarily frozen.“I cannot imagine this right-wing government returning,” said Akram Abu Mtair, 47, urging the city’s residents to vote.Further south, in the Negev desert, Israeli bulldozers recently demolished around 80 structures housing about 400 people in the Bedouin village of Al-Dahiya.For Adnan Abu Wadi, who was left homeless with his four children, the demolitions were nothing more than an election stunt.“People will turn out to vote in large numbers. We will vote as Arabs to change the government and remove the extremists.”

Iraq says lost $60bn as Mideast war hits oil exports

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 05:35:46 +0300

AFP- Iraq has lost around $60 billion during the Middle East war, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said on Thursday, with Iran blockading a waterway that is crucial to global energy flows.OPEC member Iraq was producing about four million barrels of oil per day before the conflict, exporting about 3.5 million bpd — mostly shipped from the country’s south via the Strait of Hormuz.But Iran’s stranglehold on the waterway forced Iraq, lacking storage capacity, to halt most production and fall back on limited exports via Syria and Turkiye, by truck and pipeline respectively.“Iraq has suffered losses estimated at around 60 billion dollars during the recent war between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Hussein told his Italian counterpart in Rome, according to a statement from the Iraqi foreign ministry.After a heavy drop in production, Iraqi oil exports, which provide about 90 percent of the country’s revenues, recovered modestly last month, reaching 2.6 million barrels per day between September 1 and 21, according to the oil ministry.But at the same time, Iraq’s foreign currency reserves have shrunk by 20 billion dollars and consumer prices have risen sharply, plunging it into economic crisis.To try to contain the fallout, the Central Bank of Iraq last week devalued the dinar against the dollar for the first time in more than three years.Iraq relies heavily on foreign currency generated by oil sales to finance imports, stabilize the dinar, and pay the salaries of public sector employees and retirees.According to the authorities, Iraq is seeking to diversify its economic resources and raise non-oil revenues from 10 percent to 45 percent by 2037.

Minister Abu Ghazaleh holds talks in Brussels to boost participation in Jordan- EU Investment Conference

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 07:32:38 +0300

Jordan Daily - Minister of Investment Dr Tareq Abu Ghazaleh held talks with senior European Union and Belgian officials in Brussels to expand investment partnerships and encourage European companies to participate in a Jordan–EU Investment Conference scheduled for Nov. 19 at the Dead Sea.The visit included meetings with EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič, Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica, and Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment, Economy and Agriculture David Clarinval, as well as European Commission officials responsible for the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf region.Discussions focused on investment cooperation and translating shared interests into projects, with Jordan’s ambassador to Belgium and the EU, Yousef Bataineh also attending.Abu Ghazaleh also took part in a roundtable organised by the Arab-Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, where he discussed investment opportunities and ways to increase European private-sector participation in the conference.He said Jordan offered European companies a competitive investment destination and a gateway to regional and international markets, citing its strategic location and skilled workforce.The conference would provide a platform for investors, companies and financial institutions to identify specific opportunities and advance them towards negotiations, financing and implementation, he said.Abu Ghazaleh stressed the importance of following up on opportunities after the conference to turn them into commercially viable projects that support Jordan’s economy, create jobs and facilitate technology and expertise transfer.During the visit, Abu Ghazaleh and Šuica also reaffirmed preparations for the conference and called on European businesses to participate.

Netanyahu says he spoke directly with Syria's Sharaa during 2025 Druze violence

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 06:06:41 +0300

Jordan Daily - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday he had spoken directly with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during deadly clashes involving the Druze minority in southern Syria in July 2025, marking his first public acknowledgement of direct contact."I called al-Sharaa. It was a very short, very sharp conversation, and the slaughter stopped," Netanyahu said at an election rally with Israel's Druze community, according to footage broadcast by Israeli public broadcaster KAN. He did not specify when the call took place.The clashes in Sweida province pitted Druze armed factions against Bedouin fighters, before Syrian government security forces and tribal groups became involved. A Syrian government committee said it had documented 1,760 deaths.Israel, which has its own Druze community, intervened militarily during the violence, striking targets in Sweida and Damascus and saying it was acting to protect the minority. Government-aligned forces later withdrew from Sweida city, leaving a fragile ceasefire in place.A Syrian government source told state news agency SANA on Thursday that Damascus "categorically rejects any attempt to politicize" the Druze minority or involve it in Israeli propaganda and elections. The source neither confirmed nor denied that the call had occurred.Since the ouster of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria and deployed troops in a United Nations-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, as well as making incursions deeper into Syrian territory.

Connecting Jordan’s local experiences with travellers through digital tourism

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 14:04:07 +0300

By : Rami Odeh Jordan Daily - Across Jordan, local communities offer experiences that bring visitors closer to the country’s people, culture and landscapes. A guided walk, a traditional meal, a desert excursion or a boat trip can introduce travellers to a side of Jordan they might otherwise miss.Yet offering a memorable experience and reaching potential customers require different skills. Local guides and activity providers may have valuable knowledge and services, while finding it difficult to present those services online and connect with travellers planning their visit.This is the opportunity we are working to address through Excursions Jordan.Helping Local Providers Present Their Experiences OnlineExcursions Jordan connects local tour guides, tourism service providers and activity operators with travellers exploring Jordan.Our aim is to help providers digitize their offerings: describe their experiences, share photographs, present practical details and make their services easier to discover through one platform.For a traveller, this means being able to explore activities across different destinations. For a provider, it creates an additional way to reach potential customers beyond personal contacts and their immediate location.We invite Jordanian tourism providers to register and list their services free of charge, helping more local businesses take part in the country’s digital tourism economy.Bringing Communities into the Visitor JourneyWhen people search for Petra tours, Wadi Rum experiences or things to do in Aqaba, they are often drawn first to the destination. The people delivering those experiences give the journey its character.A local guide can explain the history behind a site. A desert host can introduce visitors to traditions and daily life. A boat operator or diving provider can help travellers experience Aqaba’s Red Sea coast.By making these services more visible, we aim to encourage travellers to connect with local providers and include more community-based experiences in their itineraries.The opportunity extends beyond Jordan’s best-known attractions. Experiences in places such as Ajloun, Madaba, Jerash and other destinations can give visitors more reasons to explore the country and spend time with the communities that welcome them.Making Jordan Easier to ExploreTravellers planning to visit Jordan need clear information to turn an interest into a practical itinerary.Excursions Jordan brings tours and activities together so visitors can explore different options—from cultural visits and guided tours to outdoor adventures, culinary experiences and water activities.Someone planning to visit Aqaba, for example, may also be interested in a Wadi Rum excursion or a trip to Petra. Helping travellers discover those connections can introduce them to more providers and a wider range of experiences.A Shared Opportunity for Jordanian TourismAfter many years working in Jordan’s tourism sector, I believe digital tools can help more local businesses participate in promoting our country.Our ambition is to support a tourism environment where smaller providers have greater visibility and travellers can more easily discover what those providers offer.This is an ongoing effort. Its value will depend on participation, the quality of the information presented and the experiences delivered to visitors.Through Excursions Jordan, we invite local guides, activity operators and tourism businesses to help showcase the diversity of Jordan- its landmarks, its communities and the people who make each visit memorable.Travellers and tourism providers can learn more at www.excursionsjordan.com.

Optimiza to digitize 23 government services for Ministry of Awqaf

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:22:42 +0300

By : News EditorJordan Daily - Optimiza, a regional systems integration and digital transformation solutions provider, has been selected by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs to implement a project to digitize 23 government services offered by the Awqaf ministry.The project aims to simplify administrative procedures, accelerate transaction processing and improve the experience of service recipients, the company said.The initiative aligns with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and Public Sector Modernisation Roadmap, which aim to modernize government services, improve operational efficiency and advance the kingdom’s digital transformation.Optimiza provides systems integration and digital transformation solutions to help clients improve operational performance and profitability.

European tourist arrivals in Jordan rise 8.4% in first nine months

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 06:23:44 +0300

Jordan Daily - The number of European tourists visiting Jordan rose 8.4% in the first nine months of the year compared with the same period in 2025, data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities showed.European tourist arrivals reached about 771,000 between January and September, up from around 711,000 a year earlier, the data showed.The number of overnight tourists visiting Jordan also increased, rising 3.2% in the first nine months of the year to about 4.6 million, according to the ministry.

Russia’s Lavrov, China’s Wang discuss cooperation, Ukraine, Iran at Asia security meeting

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 05:52:51 +0300

Reuters- The Russian ‌and Chinese foreign ministers discussed the state of bilateral cooperation as well as the crises in Ukraine and Iran during an Asia security meeting, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping reaffirmed ‌their strategic ‌alliance at a ‌regional summit last August and both praised prospects for closer cooperation.The statement on Wednesday said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi met in Azerbaijan at a meeting of the ‌Conference on ‌Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.It ‌said the two ministers “praised the ‌development dynamics of comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation” and “synchronized watches on bilateral political dialogue.” It said discussions ‌also focused on “relations with the United States and the situation around the Ukrainian and Iranian crises.”Both Russia and China have called for an end to the Iran conflict, saying it could expand and threaten stability throughout the region.China has affirmed its “no limits” partnership with Russia throughout the 4-1/2-year-long war in Ukraine, while calling for diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

Community-based peacebuilding Jordanian Wrestling Pilot announced

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 19:25:00 +0300

Jordan Daily - Wrestling for Peace (W4P) and the Jordan Wrestling Federation (JWF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Amman on October 12th to establish a community-based wrestling pilot program in Jordan. The signing ceremony was held at the Generation’s For Peace headquarters in the presence of HRH Aysha bint Faisal. The President of the Syrian Wrestling Federation, Mohammad al Kazzaz, and other relevant activists were also present. Attendees heard Lama Hattab review Generations for Peace's work and strategy.Generations for Peace will support the community wrestling program and combine wrestling instruction with W4P to promote respect, discipline, leadership, teamwork, conflict resolution, and peaceful engagement among participating youth.Under the agreement, Wrestling for Peace will provide a ten-thousand-dollar grant over a twelve-month period to support the salary or compensation of a designated wrestling coach.Mohammad Al-Awamleh, the President of the Jordanian Wrestling Federation, who is also President of the United World Wrestling Asian Federation, welcomed the W4P grant and said that he is encouraged about the long-term cooperation with friends who have proven to be truly committed to the sport of wrestling as a means of encouraging communities and advancing principles of peace. “We have grown from 60 to three thousand wrestlers, hosting three world championships and three regional championships in a short period.”Dan Russell, the executive Director of Wrestling for Peace, said the MOU's goals are to encourage and support community-based wrestling in Jordan for both men and women. “Over the next year, a dedicated coach will be commissioned to workunder the auspices of the federation with local clubs, with the goal of recruiting, training, and positioning qualified Jordanians to compete in local, regional and international wrestling Championships,” Russell said. The grant will ensure Jordanians outside the capital can participate in wrestling, build leadership, and develop their sporting abilities.The Jordan Wrestling Federation will provide a suitable wrestling mat and coordinate with a qualified wrestling coach for the pilot program. JWF will work with the appropriate governorate or authorized government entity to secure a facility, which a willing government or governorate partner is expected to provide before the program begins. JWF will also collaborate with W4P to implement the Wrestling for Peace curriculum, support participant recruitment, ensure appropriate coaching and participant safety, and assist with program evaluation and local arrangements needed to establish and sustain the pilot.Both parties will cooperate to deliver regular wrestling instruction and Wrestling for Peace educational activities during the pilot period.International wrestlers and coaches explained how wrestling is instrumental to building well-being, resilience, leadership, social cohesion, and community engagement. Unlike many other sports, wrestling is low-cost to participate in and allows participants to break down differences.The Jordan Wrestling Federation was established in 1982. Its founding followed the emergence of Olympic-style wrestling in the early 1980s, creating a need for an official entity to sponsor and organize the sport and train technical personnel such as referees and coaches. In 1984, the Federation officially joined the World Wrestling Federation (UWW). The Jordanian Federation’s President was recently elected as President of the Asian Wrestling Federation.Wrestling For Peace began in 2017 as an initiativeby two-time US World Cadet Champion and former Olympic wrestling coach Dan Russell, under the auspices of the US Wrestling Federation. It was formally incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 2025. W4P is a worldwide nonprofit organization that aspires to use sports diplomacy and humanitarian outreach to unite diverse communities.

King holds talks with Australia PM

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:50:17 +0300

Jordan Daily - His Majesty King Abdullah held talks with Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday, during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.During the talks, held in Canberra, His Majesty highlighted that relations between Jordan and Australia continue to grow in strength and importance, and expressed the Kingdom’s readiness to deepen the partnership, particularly in the economic and defence sectors, according to a Royal Court statement.The King commended Australia’s role in supporting humanitarian relief efforts in the region, particularly with regard to Gaza and UNRWA.His Majesty underscored the need for the international community to step up efforts to achieve comprehensive regional de-escalation, and to put an end to Israel’s attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and Jerusalem, noting that the repercussions of their actions extend across the entire region.The King reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians and expand settlements.For his part, Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the importance of continuing to develop relations between Australia and Jordan, and strengthening cooperation in a number of areas, the statement said.The prime minister also commended Jordan’s efforts, under the leadership of His Majesty, to bring about stability in the region and de-escalate tensions, as well as the Kingdom’s support for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism and extremism.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Australia Janti Kalajoqa attended the talks.

Azerbaijan media council warns of coordinated online campaign over student dress code

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:10:57 +0300

Jordan Daily - Azerbaijan's Media and Broadcasting Council has warned of what it described as a coordinated online campaign aimed at politicising regulations on student and educator dress codes and fuelling public tension.In a statement, the council said identical or similar posts, including negative comments and reactions, had been disseminated rapidly across multiple social media accounts, alongside calls encouraging violations of public order.The council said the repeated activity of a limited number of accounts across numerous posts, particularly during specific time periods, suggested a coordinated effort to manipulate public opinion.It described the activity as a possible "troll attack" and alleged that the information campaign was being orchestrated from a single centre abroad.The council said the apparent aim was to create an artificial impression of widespread public discontent, divert attention from the substance of the dress code regulations and use the issue to advance political objectives.The regulations are intended to uphold the principle of secular education and ensure a uniform approach to dress within educational institutions, the council said.It urged citizens, media organisations and social media users to exercise caution, verify information before sharing it and remain alert to potentially coordinated activity by suspicious accounts.

Yemen escalation strains healthcare as thousands flee fighting, MSF says

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 14:17:07 +0300

Jordan Daily - More than 200,000 people have been displaced by a recent escalation in fighting in Yemen, with humanitarian needs mounting as clashes along the western coast disrupt access to healthcare and threaten to worsen outbreaks of disease, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said.Ansar Allah forces launched a rapid military operation along Yemen's western coast in September, capturing strategic areas including the city of Mocha and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The advance reached areas near Taiz, Yemen's third-largest city, disrupting roads and access to the south.The internationally recognised government, based in Aden and backed by Saudi Arabia, announced a counter-offensive on Oct. 5, with fighting reported along fronts towards Bab al-Mandab and Dhubab. Territorial control remains unclear, MSF said.The escalation is adding to a protracted humanitarian crisis in which more than 22 million people across Yemen need urgent assistance and around 5.2 million are displaced, according to figures cited by MSF from the United Nations and the U.N. refugee agency.Displaced families have undertaken long journeys, often on foot through desert areas in high temperatures and with limited access to food and shelter. Many have sought refuge in Lahj governorate and on the outskirts of Aden, settling in informal locations including schools and mosques.The lack of clean water and sanitation in these overcrowded settings is increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera, MSF said. Malnutrition, measles and acute watery diarrhoea are also among the major health concerns.Food insecurity and lost livelihoods are contributing to rising malnutrition, while insecurity and damaged or overstretched health services are making medical care harder to access.Women and children account for about 70% of patients treated by MSF mobile clinics in camps across Lahj and Aden, the organisation said. Patients have presented with skin infections, fever and diarrhoea, as well as foot injuries and eye and ear infections linked to long journeys.MSF continues to support paediatric and maternity services at Mocha General Hospital, where its teams received 567 patients in the emergency department between Sept. 10 and Oct. 6 and assisted 45 deliveries.At a primary healthcare centre supported by MSF in Khokha, north of Mocha, teams conducted 2,122 triage assessments over the same period, while a cholera treatment unit was reactivated. Mobile clinics in Aden and Lahj have provided 775 consultations since Sept. 15, and 20 children were diagnosed with severe acute malnutrition.MSF has also supplied medical kits to healthcare facilities and supported trauma services in Aden and hospitals in Taiz.The organisation called for an urgent expansion of humanitarian assistance, including food, clean water, sanitation, shelter and essential supplies, as well as improved access to healthcare.Civilians and medical facilities must be protected at all times, MSF said, as the conflict continues to place additional pressure on Yemen's already fragile health system.

Iran and Russia are stepping up hybrid campaigns in Britain, UK spy chief says

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:40:44 +0300

Reuters- Iran is stepping up attempts to hit harder targets such as military sites in Britain and Russia is increasing its hybrid warfare against Ukraine’s allies, the UK’s domestic spy chief said on Tuesday.In his annual speech on wide-ranging threats to Britain, MI5 Director General Ken McCallum also said the greatest concern about the misuse of AI was terrorists being able to develop bioweapons or even create new pathogens.McCallum said state threats had quadrupled over the last decade, and his organization now devoted more resources to the issue than during the Cold War.On Monday, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said Tehran was “highly likely” behind a suspected plot against RAF Fairford, an air base used by US bombers to carry ‌out strikes on Iran. ‌It prompted a security alert and led to US President Trump withdrawing planes ‌from ⁠the air base.Tehran ⁠has rejected accusations of involvement in the Fairford incident or any other accusations of malign activity in Britain where the authorities have for a number of years accused it of being involved in plots and attempted assassinations against dissidents and Israeli and Jewish targets.Russia also denies involvement in hostile acts in Britain and other Western countries, but McCallum said it remained the “aggressor number one.”Russia’s embassy in London said in a statement: “Attributing every cyber incident, drone mishap and criminal case in Europe to Moscow is convenient, particularly when no evidence is offered.”It said promoting a “supposed Russian threat” was ⁠being used to justify expanded security powers and militarization as well as to deflect ‌from domestic problems. “However, repeating baseless accusations does not turn them into facts,” ‌it added.MORE THAN 50 ARRESTS LINKED TO IRAN, MCCALLUM SAYSMcCallum said he could not speak about the Fairford ‌incident because of an ongoing investigation, but he said there had been a major shift this year in “Iranian ‌ambitions to come at harder targets, like military sites.”“The RAF Fairford incident ... is not unique. There have been other examples, not just in the UK but around the world,” he said.McCallum said over the past year Iran-linked operations had led to more than 50 arrests.Asked if Iran had the capability to launch complex attacks perhaps using explosive drones, McCallum said it was ‌limited by the sophistication of the criminals and proxies it used for operations in Britain.“Given what we’ve actually seen in practice in the UK in recent years, ⁠that has not been anywhere ⁠near (that) level of capability,” he said.“That said, clearly it is the case that in countries closer to its own homeland, the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) has quite deep experience of using more conventional and hybrid technology in a more aggressive and sophisticated way.”AI ‘SUPERCHARGING’ THREATMcCallum echoed comments from other European spy agencies that Russia was using tactics just short of conventional conflict, citing the attempted drone attack on a cargo plane at a German airport and a cyberattack on Polish energy infrastructure.“It’s no accident that Russian aggressors are trying to unsettle other European homelands at a time when their military progress in Ukraine is minimal and horrifically costly.”Russia has rejected Germany’s accusations over the incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in August as “entirely fabricated.”Speaking about AI, McCallum said the technology was “supercharging the cybersecurity contest between attackers and defenders” and terrorists were exploiting it to improve reconnaissance and attack methodologies.“Not yet realized — the misuse case to which I’d attach greatest weight — is AI’s potential to change the stakes on existing or even new bioweapons,” he said, adding it was the area on which he and his colleagues were “particularly focused.”“These risks are real.”

Crown Prince visits model farm in Mafraq, reviews use of modern agricultural technologies

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:14:09 +0300

Jordan Daily - HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the Regent, on Tuesday paid a visit to a model farm in the eastern city of Mafraq.During the visit to Al Zaben Farms in Mafraq’s Sabha district, His Royal Highness was briefed by the farm’s owner, Abdullah Zaben, on their use of scientific research and modern agricultural technologies to improve the quality of the farm’s produce and use water more efficiently.Covering an area of approximately 1,300 dunums and producing around 250 varieties of fruit, Al Zaben Farms uses modern irrigation systems and measures to reduce water evaporation, and has dedicated facilities for research and development, packaging, and storage.The Crown Prince praised the farm’s agricultural production, noting that it demonstrates how Jordanian expertise can drive the development of advanced farming practices.His Royal Highness also highlighted the importance of building on successful approaches to water resource management, as well as boosting local production capacity.The Crown Prince emphasised the importance of ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality local produce and agricultural products for the domestic market.

King meets with representatives of Association of Mining and Exploration Companies in Australia

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:18:00 +0300

Jordan Daily - His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday met with representatives of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), which comprises more than 575 Australian companies operating in the mining sector and related services.The meeting, held in Canberra, covered prospects for cooperation between Jordan and Australia in the mining sector, and ways of promoting promising investment opportunities in the Kingdom. During the meeting, an invitation was extended to AMEC members to explore available investment opportunities in Jordan, according to a Royal Court statement.His Majesty emphasised Jordan’s readiness to exchange expertise and leverage the Jordanian mining sector’s strengths, in order to drive national economic growth.Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.

Rawan Al Adwan’s from Stone to Screen selected for Projektraum DOSE 2027

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:26:18 +0300

Jordan Daily - The interactive installation, one of eight projects selected from 74 applications, will explore how people leave signs and preserve memories- from ancient inscriptions in Jordan to digital traces in contemporary Hamburg.Artist Rawan Al Adwan’s project From Stone to Screen: Ancient Symbols, Contemporary Signs and the Human Need to Communicate has been selected for the 2027 programme at Projektraum DOSE in Hamburg, Germany. It is one of eight projects by different artists chosen from 74 applications and is scheduled to be presented in October 2027.The project examines how people communicate, express identity and record their experiences across time. Its point of departure is the Safaitic inscriptions carved into basalt rocks in the Jordanian Badia. Dating broadly from the first millennium BCE to the early centuries CE, these inscriptions preserve traces of names, journeys and lives connected to the landscape.Al Adwan brings this ancient visual language into dialogue with contemporary signs, including emojis, hashtags, digital maps, messaging icons, QR codes and transport symbols. Rather than proposing direct translations between old and new, the project considers the shared human purposes of these marks: communicating, expressing emotion, locating oneself, documenting movement and leaving a trace.Conceived as an indoor and outdoor installation, *From Stone to Screen* will combine photography, projected imagery, sound, sculpture and mixed-media works. A sculptural wall made from cardboard and other materials will evoke the texture of weathered stone, bringing inscriptions inspired by the Jordanian landscape into visual conversation with digital symbols. Photographic and audiovisual material from the Badia will be set against references to Hamburg’s urban environment, including its harbour, transport systems and digital maps.Audience participation will form a central part of the installation. In an activity titled Leave Your Trace: From Stone to Screen,visitors will be invited to create a personal mark on a small stone. The mark will be photographed or scanned and incorporated into a digital projection; the stone will then join an outdoor arrangement. As contributions accumulate, they will form a collective archive of signs and memories. Alternative materials will be available for visitors who choose not to carve stone.The project’s soundscape will combine sounds associated with stone carving and the desert with recordings from Hamburg’s city and harbour, as well as electronic tones. Spoken words in Arabic, German and English will reflect the work’s engagement with different cultural and linguistic contexts.At the heart of the project is a question: If people in the past left messages on stone, what traces do we leave on screens today—and how long will they last? Moving between landscape, material and digital media, Al Adwan’s installation invites audiences to reflect on how communication changes over time, and on what remains of the marks people leave behind.

President Aliyev visits Turkmenistan for regional summits, Caspian environmental talks

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 11:26:00 +0300

Jordan Daily - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev concluded a working visit to Turkmenistan on Friday after attending regional summits focused on political cooperation, transport links and environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea.Aliyev took part in the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asia, a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) leaders and a Caspian environmental summit during his visit on Oct. 8-9.In a statement obtained by the the Azerbaijan Embassy in Amman, the meetings highlighted Azerbaijan's efforts to strengthen ties with Central Asian countries, expand its role as a regional transport and logistics hub and coordinate responses to the Caspian Sea's declining water levels.Regional cooperationAt the consultative meeting on Thursday in the Awaza complex in Turkmenbashi, leaders of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan signed a joint statement and a decision on the meeting's organisational documents.Aliyev thanked the host country for organising the gathering and reiterated Azerbaijan's appreciation for unanimous support for its admission as a full participant in the Central Asian consultative format in November 2025.In talks with Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the two leaders discussed political and economic relations, transport and transit, logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as cooperation on Caspian Sea issues and within international organisations.Azerbaijan also took part in a CIS national food festival, showcasing traditional cuisine, tea culture, carpet weaving, kelaghayi silk headscarves and ceramics.Transport and CIS prioritiesAt the CIS Council of Heads of State meeting on Friday, Aliyev praised the organisation's role in maintaining political dialogue and promoting humanitarian and cultural cooperation.He thanked member states for supporting the selection of Lachin as a CIS cultural capital and highlighted the third CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan across seven cities.Transit freight through Azerbaijan rose 10% in the first half of 2026 to about 8 million tonnes, Aliyev said, outlining a medium-term goal of increasing freight volumes along both the east-west and north-south corridors to 15 million tonnes each.The targets underscore Baku's ambition to strengthen its position as a key link between regional markets and international trade routes.Aliyev also welcomed support for Azerbaijan to serve as co-chair of the CIS in 2027, saying the country was ready to assume the organisation's chairmanship in 2028 and host a meeting of CIS leaders that autumn.Caspian Sea concernsAt the environmental summit, Aliyev called for stronger regional coordination to address falling Caspian Sea water levels.He said the sea's surface area had shrunk by more than 20,000 square kilometres, while nearly 30,000 hectares of dry land had emerged in Azerbaijan's sector.The decline threatens ecosystems, coastal communities, economic activity, ports and transport infrastructure, he said.Aliyev renewed a proposal he made at the sixth Caspian summit in Ashgabat in 2022 for a permanent cooperation mechanism, comprehensive scientific assessments and coordinated measures to identify the causes and consequences of the decline.He cited reduced river inflows, human activity and climate change as factors requiring further assessment, and called for continued cooperation among the five Caspian littoral states under the 2018 convention on the sea's legal status.Berdymukhamedov reaffirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to work with its partners on Caspian environmental issues.

Jordan celebrates teachers’ impact and strengthens connections with the global teaching community

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:32:24 +0300

Jordan Daily - Jordan marked World Teachers’ Day with a celebration of teachers’ lasting impact on learners and communities, highlighting Queen Rania Teacher Academy’s joining the Teacher Task Force as a new connection between Jordan’s experience in teacher development and the international teaching community.Held under the patronage of Dr. Azmi Mahafzah, Minister of Education and Human Resources Development, the event was organized by UNESCO, and Queen Rania Teacher Academy (QRTA), under the title “From Jordan to the World: Celebrating Teachers and Their Impact.”The celebration brought teachers’ experiences into a shared conversation with national and international education experts, drawing attention to the people whose daily work shapes learning, supports students and influences communities far beyond the classroom, according to a joint statement.Minister Mahafzah, emphasized that the teacher is the cornerstone of the education journey, stating: "To speak of teachers is to speak of those who shape individuals and build generations to come." His Excellency added: "At the Ministry, we believe that the standing of the teaching profession is inextricably linked to the standing of the nation itself. Advancing education begins with investing in teachers—empowering them, fostering their professional development, listening to their voices, and creating an enabling environment to carry out their mission with efficiency and competence." His Excellency noted that "the Ministry has succeeded in confronting challenges and transforming them into opportunities to empower and support teachers, striving to forge academic and educational partnerships with local and international partners to place the teacher at the heart of the transformation process."Personal accounts from a teacher, a student and a parent illustrated how teachers’ influence extends beyond academic achievement. These voices placed the relationships between teachers, learners and families at the heart of the celebration, giving a personal perspective on the contribution of the teaching profession.Noha Bawazir, The UNESCO Representative to Jordan said: “On World Teachers’ Day, we celebrate the dedication of teachers across Jordan and the lasting difference they make in the lives of learners and communities. Sixty years after the adoption of the ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, supporting teachers remains a shared priority. UNESCO values its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and Queen Rania Teacher Academy to advance quality education and support teachers in shaping a better future for every learner.”QRTA’s joining the Teacher Task Force added an international dimension to the occasion. Highlighted under the theme “From Jordan to the World,” this step connected the Academy’s work in teacher development with a wider international community focused on teachers and the teaching profession.Abdelmajeed Shamlawi, CEO of Queen Rania Teacher Academy, said: “World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate teachers and recognize the lasting difference they make in the lives of their students and communities. At Queen Rania Teacher Academy, we believe that empowering teachers through continuous professional development is key to strengthening education. Today, we are also proud to mark an important milestone by joining the Teacher Task Force, connecting Jordan’s experience with the global teaching community and reaffirming our commitment to supporting teachers and shaping a better future for education.”

Melbourne imam denies links to suspected flydubai hijacker

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 06:02:03 +0300

AFP- A Melbourne imam whose Islamic community center has been linked by prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates to the co-pilot who allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai jet has said he “never met” the man and insisted he has “consistently preached peace.”The Omani co-pilot, now in custody in the UAE, had drawn inspiration from Al-Qaeda’s September 11, 2001 suicide attacks, and carried out his attempt “with the aim of causing the greatest possible loss of life,” according to the Emirati prosecutor’s findings published by state media last week.The prosecutor said the co-pilot first became radicalized while studying in Australia “through reading extremist literature and following online content glorifying terrorist organizations and suicide attacks.”The prosecutor alleged he was acquainted there with an organization known as “My Center” managed by a Lebanese man called Abu Hamza.Neither “My Center” nor Abu Hamza are accused of any criminal wrongdoing.In a statement posted on social media late on Monday, Abu Hamza — also named by local media as Samir Mohtadi — said he had “never met” the co-pilot identified in reports as Hamam Al-Hammami.“We have no record of him ever attending our center,” he said.“The relevant authorities should have verified these claims with me before releasing or publishing such information,” he added.He said he had “consistently preached peace” throughout his life.“We unequivocally reject violence in all its forms.”Police and intelligence services in Australia have said they are investigating the co-pilot’s links to the country.And police in New Zealand said last week he had spent time in the country on a six-month student visa, where he completed a portion of his flight training, national broadcaster RNZ said.

King meets with Malaysia PM

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:57:39 +0300

Jordan Daily - His Majesty King Abdullah II met with Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Monday, to discuss ways of strengthening Jordanian-Malaysian relations and cooperation in a number of areas.His Majesty emphasised the importance of building on this visit to further enhance bilateral ties, which span more than 60 years, as well as to increase dialogue on regional and international issues of mutual interest.The King reaffirmed Jordan’s support for efforts to achieve peace and stability at regional and international levels, as well as diplomatic endeavours to resolve conflicts, protect civilians, and facilitate the delivery of aid, noting the importance of close cooperation with Malaysia in this regard.His Majesty highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to mobilise an effective international response to halt Israel’s dangerous actions in the West Bank and its violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.The King reiterated the need to support Syria and Lebanon in their efforts to maintain their security, stability, and sovereignty.For his part, Prime Minister Ibrahim emphasised his country’s pride in its close relations with Jordan and its commitment to strengthening joint cooperation, particularly in the fields of technology and defence.The two sides also agreed to reactivate the Jordanian-Malaysian Trade Committee.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ismail Maaytah attended the meeting.

King holds talks with Malaysia monarch in Kuala Lumpur

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:10:51 +0300

Jordan Daily - His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday held talks with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar at the Istana Negara in Kuala Lumpur, during which they discussed the long-standing relations between Jordan and Malaysia and recent regional developments.His Majesty thanked Sultan Ibrahim for his warm hospitality, noting that the visit reflects the depth of relations between the two countries, and will contribute to building on that close partnership to develop cooperation across all fields, according to a Royal Court statement.Speaking about regional developments, the King underscored that current dangerous escalations must be halted, expressing Jordan’s readiness to work with Malaysia to address challenges facing the region and enhance regional peace and security.His Majesty emphasised the need to stop Israel’s violations in the region, including its actions in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and attempts to alter the existing historical and legal status quo of Muslim and Christian holy sites, noting that the immense suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza continues unabated.The King also highlighted Jordan and Malaysia’s shared position on the centrality of the Palestinian cause, and on the two-state solution as the only way to resolve the conflict.His Majesty remarked on the situation in Syria and Lebanon, stating that their sovereignty and security must be respected, the statement said.The King called on the international community to take action to halt Israel’s dangerous trajectory in the region, in order to prevent the conflict from escalating further, emphasising the need to respect the sovereignty of states and the security of their peoples.For his part, Sultan Ibrahim highlighted the significance of His Majesty’s visit, noting the rich heritage of the Royal families of Malaysia and Jordan, the close ties between them, and their role in preserving Islamic heritage.Sultan Ibrahim also emphasised the depth of relations between the two countries, highlighting areas in which they could strengthen their cooperation, particularly in the military sphere.The King bestowed on Sultan Ibrahim the Order of Al Hussein bin Ali, in recognition of the distinguished relations between the two countries and their peoples.Sultan Ibrahim presented the Darjah Utama Seri Mahkota Negara (The Most Exalted Order of the Crown of the Realm) to His Majesty, in recognition of the King’s efforts to strengthen relations between the two friendly nations.An official welcoming ceremony was held for His Majesty upon arrival at the Istana Negara.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ismail Maaytah attended the talks

Why has Jordan never had a woman prime minister?

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:00:55 +0300

By : Dr. Ahmad “Jordan” Al-Zu'BiJordan Daily - Jordan has spent generations building female human capital. Women have reached some of the country’s most important institutions. Yet one office remains untouched. Why?Jordan has changed enormously over the past century. Governments have come and gone. Institutions have been built and rebuilt. Generations have changed. Jordanian women have become ministers, senators, diplomats, judges, executives, academics, physicians, engineers and leaders across public life.Yet one chair has remained exclusively male: the chair of the prime minister. Why has Jordan never had a woman prime minister?It is a simple question, but after more than a century, it deserves a serious answer. Jordanian women do not need another test to prove that they can lead. They have already done that. Nor is the argument that a woman would necessarily govern better than a man. The more interesting question is why all the education, experience and professional capability accumulated by Jordanian women has never travelled all the way to the country’s highest executive office.The relevant question is no longer whether Jordan produces qualified women. It demonstrably does. The question is why the mechanism that converts qualifications into authority has never converted one of them into a prime minister.Jordan may not have a female talent problem at all. It may have what I would call the economics of the missing promotion.The Economics of the Missing PromotionEconomists call education, experience, skills and accumulated professional knowledge human capital. Families invest in it, governments invest in it, and individuals spend decades building it. But producing human capital is only half the economic equation. A country must also know how to identify it, use it and allow it to reach positions where it can generate the greatest return.Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision makes this question particularly relevant. Its 2026–2029 executive program explicitly seeks to “at least double female economic participation.” That is not merely a social objective. It is an economic one: making greater use of productive capacity that already exists within Jordan.Women can acquire education, build careers, enter public institutions and assume substantial responsibility. Yet no woman has crossed the final threshold into the premiership. Jordan may therefore face a last-mile problem in human-capital allocation: the country has succeeded in producing highly qualified women, increasingly succeeded in placing them inside important institutions, but has never completed the final conversion from accumulated capability to the highest executive authority.Familiar Faces. But Never This FaceLast week, in my article Mr. Prime Minister, Why Does Jordan Keep Recycling the Same Faces? I asked why Jordan so often returns to familiar political figures when filling senior public positions. But hidden inside that question was another one. Among all the faces Jordan has recycled, why has the face forming the government never been a woman?There is an economic logic behind familiarity. Appointments are decisions under uncertainty. With someone already known to the political system, decision-makers know more about that person’s experience, relationships, governing style, strengths and weaknesses. Familiarity therefore carries what we might call a familiarity premium.But that creates another question: what happens when women become familiar too? Jordanian women have accumulated decades of experience across public institutions and professional life. If experience and familiarity matter when governments are formed, the question is no longer whether women have entered the pipeline. It is why that pipeline has never ended at the premiership.The economic cost of repeatedly searching among familiar candidates is not only whom a country appoints. It is also whom it never discovers. King Abdullah himself connected modernization with this idea in his 2022 Speech from the Throne, calling for the empowerment of women and youth and for “new leadership” capable of contributing to future governments. Perhaps new faces and the missing female prime minister were never two separate questions.When Leadership Changes What a Little Girl Can ImagineThere is another economic effect, one much harder to put into a national account. My little niece Maria says she wants to become prime minister. To an economist, that innocent ambition raises a serious question about expectations. People invest in education, careers and difficult professional paths partly according to what they believe is possible. What we see around us helps shape what we imagine for ourselves.Queen Rania has long emphasized the importance of successful women serving as examples for others. The economics is straightforward: precedents can alter expectations. Seeing a woman in a position that no woman has occupied before does not determine what a young girl will become, but it changes what she knows she can become.Economists may call that belief updating. Maria would probably just call it possibility.Women Do Not Need to Prove They Can LeadI have lived and worked across five continents, and one observation about Jordan has followed me surprisingly far: people know Queen Rania. Across countries and cultures, I have repeatedly encountered admiration for her international presence, her advocacy and the way she represents Jordan abroad. For many people beyond our borders, she is among Jordan’s most recognizable figures.That matters because Jordanian female leadership does not need to be imagined theoretically. Queen Rania once described King Abdullah as one of the strongest believers that “capability is not defined by gender.” She has also celebrated accomplished Jordanian women and the responsibilities they carry across their professional and family lives.Economists have documented differences in the experiences, information and perspectives that men and women can bring to leadership in particular settings. The larger point is simpler: narrowing the search for leadership carries an opportunity cost. The economic question is not whether a woman can outperform a man. Women should not have to pass a test we do not impose on men before being considered capable of governing.And perhaps this principle does not end at the premiership. Jordanian women already serve across the Armed Forces and security institutions. Over time, why should the highest positions in the military, intelligence or public security remain unimaginable for women too?What If Jordan Made History Twice?Imagine Jordan making history twice at once: its first woman prime minister forming its first broadly gender-balanced cabinet. Imagine new faces alongside experienced ones, younger and mid-career professionals alongside institutional veterans, and people chosen not because they satisfy a demographic spreadsheet but because they bring the expertise the country needs.The economics is talent matching: search more widely for qualified people and put them where their expertise is most valuable. There could also be a diversity dividend, including what risk economists might call information diversification. The argument for a broader cabinet is not that demographic diversity mechanically produces better decisions. It is that broader search can diversify the information entering the room. Different professional, generational and lived experiences can reveal different constraints, risks and policy responses. Diversity is valuable when it expands the government's information set, not when it merely improves the photograph.Jordan does not have to choose between experience and renewal. It needs them in the same room, working together. Keep the experienced hands at the table, but make the circle bigger and pull up more chairs for exceptional new faces. After all, today's newcomers, if given the opportunity to serve, become tomorrow's experienced leaders.And perhaps that is the real sequel to my previous article: can a new face travel all the way to the premiership?The Palace Has Already Set the BenchmarkNone of this sits outside Jordan’s own modernization agenda. King Abdullah has repeatedly connected modernization with empowering women and producing new leadership. In a Speech from the Throne, he put the principle particularly plainly, calling on institutions to support young people and women “in deeds, not words” and make way for their progress.Queen Rania has offered an even simpler benchmark: “capability is not defined by gender.” Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, meanwhile, explicitly seeks to at least double female economic participation.Taken together, the direction is clear. If Jordan wants new leadership, greater female economic participation and better use of its human capital, what does the century-long absence of a woman from the premiership tell us about the final stage of that process?The Last DoorJordan does not need a woman prime minister to prove that Jordanian women can lead. They have already answered that question themselves. Nor would one woman at the premiership automatically solve low female economic participation, childcare constraints, workplace barriers or the other structural problems women encounter. Those require policy, institutions and sustained implementation.But firsts matter for another reason. Eventually, they stop being firsts. What once seemed exceptional becomes ordinary. What once required explanation becomes part of the institutional landscape.My little niece Maria says she wants to become prime minister.I hope that when Maria is old enough to understand this article, Jordan’s first woman prime minister will already be history.And the question in this headline will no longer need to be asked.

British Council convenes Jordan's education partner schools leaders to strengthen the country's education ecosystem

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:40:05 +0300

Jordan Daily - The British Council brought together more than 500 educators, school leaders, policymakers and international education partners in Amman for its 2026/27 Partner Schools Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Forum and Partner Schools Leaders’ Conference, reinforcing its leadership in advancing educational excellence, strengthening school leadership and equipping young people with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly complex global economy.Held at the Mövenpick Hotel, Amman, under the theme, 'Education That Matters: Building Skills, Creating Opportunity and Driving Economic Growth,' the flagship annual event brought together over 250 teachers, more than 200 school leaders and representatives from +115 British Council Partner Schools, alongside senior government officials, UK awarding organisations and education experts to examine how leadership, innovation and international collaboration can strengthen education and prepare learners for the future.The conference reflects Jordan’s Partner Schools continued investment in teacher development, school leadership and internationally recognised qualifications. Opening the event were the British Ambassador to Jordan, H.E. Philip Hall and Ameera Manna, Head of Market Jordan at the British Council, alongside senior representatives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Cambridge, Pearson, OxfordAQA, and school leadership teams, highlighting the strength of UK–Jordan collaboration in advancing educational excellence. Both days were framed by keynote sessions from Kathleen O'Hare, Educational Leadership Consultant, on what ‘future-ready’ leadership and teaching look like in practice.Why It MattersAs education systems worldwide navigate artificial intelligence, rapid technological change and evolving workforce demands, the need for confident school leadership, empowered teachers and internationally connected learning has never been greater. As one of the British Council's flagship annual education events, the Partner Schools conference has become a leading platform for policymakers, educators and international partners to share expertise, strengthen collaboration and explore practical solutions that improve teaching, leadership and student success across Jordan.Teachers’ CPD Forum The Partner Schools Teachers' CPD Forum celebrated the vital role of educators in improving learner outcomes. A major highlight included specialised, interactive workshops, featuring a prominent session on ‘Make Learning Stick: Refining Practice for Greater Impact,’ delivered by Dr. Audai Ababneh, Senior Teacher Educator from the Queen Rania Teacher Academy team. Simultaneously, sessions led by British Council experts explored Exploratory Action Research, Pedagogy, safeguarding and student wellbeing. The forum concluded with certificates and awards recognising outstanding teacher excellence and innovation.Leaders’ Conference During the Partner Schools Leaders' Conference, the momentum shifted to macro-level strategy; focused on whole-school transformation, the sessions brought together principals and policymakers to examine how strategic leadership improves teaching quality, organisational resilience and student achievement. High-level panel discussions, facilitated by Educational Leadership Consultant Kathleen O’Hare, addressed the alignment of future-ready schools with Jordan's Economic Vision 2030. The Conference also gave the floor to the Students Counselling Committee, whose members spoke on empowering students' voice in shaping their own education, ahead of an awards ceremony recognising outstanding Partner Schools.A Partnership Driving Educational ExcellenceThroughout the conference, contributions from government representatives, the British Embassy, UK awarding organisations, Jordan's leading universities and private-sector employers demonstrated the value of sustained collaboration in strengthening Jordan's education ecosystem.Delegates agreed that investing in teachers and school leaders remains one of the most effective ways to improve educational quality, enhance national competitiveness and equip young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success.Ameera Manna’a, Head of Market, Jordan, British Council, said: ‘Preparing young people for the future requires education systems that embrace innovation, invest in teachers and empower school leaders to lead with confidence. Through the Partner Schools network, the British Council continues to create opportunities for collaboration, professional growth and international partnership that strengthen education and expand opportunity for future generations.’Looking AheadThe conversations that began in Amman will continue throughout the 2026/27 academic year as the British Council works with Partner Schools, government institutions and UK education partners to translate ideas into meaningful action. By connecting schools to global expertise, internationally recognised qualifications and high-quality professional development, the British Council Partner Schools network continues to support educational leaders in raising standards, fostering innovation and preparing learners with the confidence and skills to thrive in a changing world. As Jordan continues to invest in educational reform and human capital development, the British Council remains committed to empowering educators, strengthening school leadership and building international partnerships that create lasting impact, helping shape an education system that prepares young people not only for the future, but to lead it.

AM Best affirms GIG Jordan's A- financial strength rating

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:16:28 +0300

Jordan Daily - Gulf Insurance Group- (GIG Jordan) said on Monday that credit rating agency AM Best had affirmed its financial strength rating of (A-) and long-term issuer credit rating of A- for the company.The ratings were affirmed on Oct. 8, the insurer said in a disclosure to the Amman Stock Exchange.The ratings reflect the company's strong balance sheet, underwriting performance, risk management capabilities and capital adequacy, according to the disclosure, which cited AM Best's assessment.AM Best also highlighted the company's positive investment performance and diversified investment portfolio, as well as its strong liquidity and financial flexibility.The ratings also reflect support from parent company Gulf Insurance Group for GIG- Jordan and its strategic importance within the wider group.

Netanyahu demands probe into sources of award-winning Gaza film

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:49:14 +0300

AFP- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Sunday for an investigation into the anonymous sources featured in the award-winning Gaza war documentary “NAZA.”The film is based on testimony from 24 unnamed Israeli military whistleblowers who accuse the army of killing numerous civilians in Gaza with the use of AI-powered targeting systems.“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this evening asked the chief of staff of the Israeli army, the head of the Shin Bet (domestic intelligence), and the state attorney to open a thorough investigation targeting the participants in the film ‘NAZA’ and to prosecute them,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.“NAZA” takes its name from the Israeli military term for civilian casualties expected in airstrikes, an abbreviated form of the Hebrew phrase for “collateral damage.”Awarded a special jury prize at the Venice Film Festival, the film received a historic 25-minute standing ovation, but it has triggered a political storm in Israel.“This film tells a false, misleading and biased story that defames the State of Israel and the army around the world,” Netanyahu said, according to the statement.He has previously declared his intention to back legislation to strip citizenship from people who “defame” soldiers.The Israeli army, for its part, has “categorically” rejected the accusations contained in the film, expressing doubts about the reliability of the anonymous contributors.Launched in retaliation for Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attacks, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 74,000 people, according to the territory’s health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

Al-Kindi Hospital sponsors Spartan Muay Thai Championship

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 13:47:59 +0300

Jordan Daily - Al-Kindi Hospital served as the medical sponsor of the Spartan Muay Thai Championship, held last Friday, as part of its efforts to support sports activities and promote health and safety awareness.The hospital’s participation reflects its commitment to supporting athletes and sporting events, while encouraging physical activity and raising awareness of the role of sports in promoting health and well-being.

King Abdullah starts state visit to Malaysia

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 13:35:54 +0300

Jordan Daily - King Abdullah II will make a state visit to Malaysia on Oct. 11-12, as the two countries seek to strengthen economic and educational ties and reaffirm their shared support for Palestinian rights, Malaysia's foreign ministry in a statement said on Sunday.The visit, at the invitation of Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim, marks King Abdullah's second state visit to Malaysia since May 2008 and comes as the two countries mark more than six decades of diplomatic relations established in 1965, the ministry said in the statement.The Malaysian king will host an official welcoming ceremony at the National Palace. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is also scheduled to receive the King.Bilateral trade reached 993.4 million Malaysian ringgit ($approximately 213 million) in 2025, up 15.2% from the previous year, according to the statement. Trade grew a further 8% to 740.7 million ringgit in the January-August period of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier.Education is another key area of cooperation, with 1,636 Malaysian students enrolled in higher education institutions in Jordan and more than 1,490 Jordanian students studying in Malaysia, the ministry said.Both countries are working to expand student exchanges, academic collaboration and the sharing of expertise, while strengthening cooperation in higher education and scientific research.Malaysia and Jordan also share a commitment to promoting peace, justice and lasting stability in West Asia, particularly in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, the statement said.

King Hussein Business Park announces new board of directors

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 13:09:26 +0300

Jordan Daily - The Business Park Company has announced the reconstitution of its Board of Directors following the issuance of Jordan Armed Forces Investment Authority Regulation No. 51 of 2026 and as part of the ongoing administrative and organisational developments underway at King Hussein Business Park (KHBP). The new Board is chaired by Mr. Omar Samir Mustafa Khalifeh, with Mr. Hussein Omar Hussein Arkhagha serving as Vice Chairman. Its members include Brig. Gen. Eng. Shadi Rasmi Mohammad Khashashneh, Col. Eng. Tareq Ahmad Mohammad Ghunaimat and Mr. Omar Khaled Rasheed Agha.The Chairman and Board members bring extensive professional and executive experience spanning business, investment, real estate development, management, strategic planning, human resources and engineering, alongside experience serving on the boards of various companies and institutions. Their backgrounds also encompass corporate governance and project management, which gives the Board a diverse range of managerial, investment and technical expertise to support KHBP’s strategic direction and future plans.The new Board has been formed as KHBP continues to pursue its growth plans, expanding its business ecosystem and attracting more local, regional and international companies and investments. These efforts also include upgrading infrastructure, facilities and services, as well as supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, further bolstering KHBP’s position as an integrated business and investment destination and a contributor to sustainable economic development in the Kingdom.

Digital Economy Minister visits MyThings to review local technology, delivery solutions

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 12:52:15 +0300

Jordan Daily - Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat visited Jordanian company MyThings to review its digital technology and logistics operations, including its role in last-mile delivery and quick commerce, the company said.Sameirat met the company’s management team, including Chairman Khalid Saif, Chief Executive Officer Assem Awad, Chief Operating and Logistics Officer Abdulrahman Arafat, Chief Commercial Officer Mohammad Al-Aqqad and board member Diaa Abu Mahfouz.The meeting covered the company’s achievements, future plans, expansion strategy and challenges as it seeks to adapt its business model to changes in the digital economy and meet the needs of the Jordanian market.MyThings highlighted its focus on locally developed technology and expertise, saying it is fully Jordanian-owned and operates a national customer service and communications centre staffed by local talent.The company said its operating model aims to improve the user experience, increase logistics efficiency and create jobs while developing Jordanian skills in digital and operational fields.The management team also outlined plans to continue developing digital solutions and maintain reliable delivery services under changing conditions, while supporting the needs of customers and business partners.During the visit, Smeirat toured the company’s departments, reviewed operational procedures and services, and spoke with employees about their work.

King departs for state visits to Malaysia, Australia

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 11:53:49 +0300

Jordan Daily - His Majesty King Abdullah II departed Jordan on Sunday for a state visit to Malaysia, to be followed by a state visit to Australia.In Kuala Lumpur, His Majesty will meet with Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Sultan Iskandar, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.In Canberra, His Majesty will hold meetings with Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and a number of senior government and parliamentary officials.His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II was sworn in as Regent, in the presence of Cabinet members.

Taiwan seeks deeper economic, technology ties with Jordan

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 10:26:00 +0300

Jordan Daily - Taiwan is seeking to deepen economic, technological and humanitarian cooperation with Jordan, its representative in the kingdom said, highlighting opportunities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy and water management.Ali Yang, representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Jordan, made the remarks during a celebration marking the 115th anniversary of Taiwan.Despite geographical distance, Taiwan and Jordan share a commitment to peace, human dignity and the rule of law, Yang said, describing the two sides as natural partners with complementary strengths in education, technology, innovation and small and medium-sized enterprises.Bilateral trade reached nearly $200 million last year, Yang said. Eight Taiwanese textile factories operate in Jordan, contributing to local employment and accounting for about 6% of the kingdom's total exports, he added.Taiwan also sees Jordan's potential as a regional technology hub, with Taiwanese specialists and academics visiting the country this year to promote scientific and educational exchanges. A leading Taiwanese technology company opened a branch office in Amman last month, Yang noted.Taiwan's economy has benefited from strong demand for artificial intelligence-related industries, Yang said, citing 2025 trade volume of more than $1.12 trillion and gross domestic product of $884 billion. He said the economy grew 8.7% last year and ranked fourth in the world in competitiveness in the 2025 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook.Yang also stressed Taiwan's role in humanitarian assistance, including support for refugees, vulnerable families and emergency relief efforts for people in Gaza, in cooperation with the Jordanian government and local and international non-governmental organisations.He praised Jordan for hosting millions of refugees and thanked partners involved in humanitarian initiatives.

Riyadh airport attack killed 12 people and wounded over 300 more, says Saudi civil aviation agency

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 07:22:52 +0300

Arab News - Twelve people were killed and over 300 more were wounded in Saturday's missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in the Kingdom's capital, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) announced early Sunday.In a statement, GACA said the dead included four Saudi citizens as well as two Bangladeshi nationals, a Palestinian, a US citizen, an Egyptian, a Jordanian, a Syrian and a Sudanese.

"The attack also left (309) others injured, including individuals in critical condition," the statement said.Hours after the attack, the spokesman for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen announced that the King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia’s main eastern airport, also came under attack. Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki announced the incident in a post on X.It was the first time King Fahd International Airport, one of the Kingdom's busiest transport hubs, had been targetted since the Iran war erupted on Feb. 28.Following the attack on KKIA on Saturday, GACA said operations at the airport were temporarily suspended while an assessment of the damage was being carried out.“This attack comes amidst ongoing blatant assaults targeting civil aviation facilities in the Kingdom,” the authority said.

SSIF assets rise to JOD 20.1 billion at end-Q3 2026

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:33:37 +0300

Jordan Daily - Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF) reported total assets of about JOD 20.1 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2026, up from JOD 18.7 billion at the end of 2025, as it expanded investments in major infrastructure and industrial projects.The increase of nearly JOD 1.5 billion represents year-to-date growth of about 8%, the fund said in a statement seen by Jordan Daily.SSIF recorded total comprehensive income of approximately JOD 1.37 billion in the first nine months of the year, including net income of JOD 879 million and a net increase of JOD 492.4 million in the valuation of its strategic equity portfolio. It also received an insurance surplus transfer of about JOD 110 million from the Social Security Corporation.Net income rose 8.6% from the same period in 2025, driven mainly by bonds, which generated JOD 511.4 million, followed by equities at JOD 248.3 million and money market instruments at JOD 86 million.Bonds accounted for 56.2% of the fund’s assets, equities for 21.3%, money market instruments for 11.5%, real estate for 5.6%, loans for 2.4% and tourism investments for 1.6%.SSIF is broadening its investment strategy beyond traditional financial assets to include long-term projects in water, energy, transport and mining, seeking both investment returns and wider economic benefits, its chairman Omar Malhas said.The strategy aims to support the social security system by generating returns and creating jobs that expand the contributor base, strengthening the sustainability of pension funds, Malhas said.Chief Executive Officer Izzeddin Kanakrieh said the fund was entering a new phase focused on growing existing investments, expanding into new sectors and building strategic partnerships. It also seeks synergies between investments to reduce costs, improve efficiency and extend value chains.Recent investments include a 7% stake in the company developing the Aqaba-Al Shidiya-Ma’an railway, under a Jordanian-Emirati partnership. The project is expected to lower transport costs and improve efficiency for SSIF holdings in Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and Arab Potash Company.SSIF has also partnered with Oman Investment Authority to establish the Jordanian-Omani Investment Company, equally owned by both sides, with an investment size of $100 million.For Jordan’s National Water Carrier project, the Social Security Corporation established the wholly owned National Water Investments Company to acquire a 15% stake in the project company. SSIF is also finalising its contribution to project financing through a consortium of Jordanian commercial banks.The Cabinet has approved SSIF’s participation through a 20% stake in the IPP7 combined-cycle power generation project. The fund is also finalising procedures to acquire a 20% stake in a purified phosphoric acid plant being developed in partnership with Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and Arab Potash Company.SSIF said it would continue to assess opportunities in technology, mining and transport while attracting strategic partners to support investment growth and Jordan’s economy.

Investment in Jordan: Between incentives and legal certainty

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 11:17:11 +0300

By: Dr. Haytham Ereifej Attorney-at-LawJordan Daily - An investment project may benefit from generous incentives, yet its economic viability can deteriorate before operations even begin. A delayed license, a location that fails to meet regulatory requirements, or a contract that leaves responsibility for delays unresolved can significantly affect the project's prospects. A sound investment decision must therefore begin with a careful assessment of the relationship between licensing requirements, investment incentives, and contractual obligations, and their implications for project costs, operational timelines, and bankability.Jordan's Investment Environment Law No. 21 of 2022 and Investment Environment Regulation No. 7 of 2023, as amended, constitute key components of the country's investment framework. However, a comprehensive legal assessment requires examining these provisions alongside company, tax, labor, environmental, and sector-specific legislation. Every investment project requires a clear legal roadmap identifying its corporate structure, applicable foreign ownership restrictions, if any, land-use rights, necessary approvals, and the conditions governing the granting and continued enjoyment of investment incentives.Such a legal roadmap is particularly important before purchasing land, importing equipment, or entering into long-term contractual commitments. Company registration does not necessarily establish that a proposed location is suitable for the intended activity, while preliminary approvals may remain subject to additional conditions before operations can commence. Accordingly, contractual obligations should be aligned with the project's development stages, with appropriate provisions addressing licensing delays or refusals, the treatment of advance payments, and the parties' rights to terminate agreements or extend contractual deadlines.Consider an investor who leases premises and purchases equipment, only to discover that commencing operations requires substantial modifications to the property or an additional regulatory approval. Rental and financing costs would continue accumulating before the project generates any revenue. Such risks can be mitigated through preliminary legal due diligence and by making major financial commitments conditional upon obtaining essential approvals, while clearly allocating responsibility for securing them.Against this background, I propose introducing a formal preliminary regulatory assessment issued through coordination among the relevant authorities. This assessment would identify the licenses, fees, conditions, and procedural requirements applicable to a proposed investment project. Its legal effect, validity period, the consequences of an investor's reliance upon it, and the circumstances permitting its amendment following changes in project information or legislation should all be clearly regulated. Official regulatory information becomes a reliable planning instrument only when its legal implications are sufficiently defined.I also propose establishing enforceable deadlines for deciding complete licensing applications, clearly identifying when those deadlines begin, limiting permissible grounds for suspending them, and requiring the competent authority to request missing documents or information in a consolidated manner and provide reasoned decisions when rejecting applications. A system of deemed approval could be considered for precisely defined low-risk activities, while excluding approvals relating to public health, safety, and environmental protection. An expedited administrative appeal mechanism should also be available to address unjustified delays.From a procedural perspective, investors need a unified electronic platform displaying the status of each approval, the authority responsible, the remaining processing time, and the reasons for any delay. Interagency coordination must rest on clearly defined powers and an effective mechanism for resolving conflicting administrative positions. Publishing performance indicators and ensuring consistent service standards across Jordan's governorates would further promote accountability, administrative transparency, and equal treatment of investors.With respect to investment incentives, a distinction must be drawn between initial eligibility and the conditions required to retain those benefits. I propose a unified incentive determination specifying the benefits granted, their duration, the beneficiary's obligations, and the consequences of changing the project's activity, disposing of assets, or breaching applicable conditions. A formal written interpretation mechanism would provide additional legal certainty. Any recovery of incentives following noncompliance should be proportionate to the seriousness of the breach, with appropriate opportunities for corrective action and administrative appeal.Investment incentives should also be linked to transparent and measurable criteria, including job creation, workforce training, local value added, and economic development in disadvantaged regions. Investors must understand how these criteria will be assessed from the outset, while the government must regularly evaluate their outcomes. The fiscal cost of incentives should produce demonstrable economic and social benefits while maintaining fair competition among businesses.Legislative stability represents another essential consideration. Appropriate legal protections should reflect the scale of an investment and the nature of potential harm, while reasonable transitional periods should accompany regulatory changes that impose substantial new obligations. Nevertheless, the financial consequences of legislative changes for existing projects must be distinguished from the state's legitimate responsibility to strengthen protections for workers, the environment, and public health. Regulatory impact assessments, prior consultation, and clearly defined transitional arrangements can help reconcile these interests, improving investment predictability without restricting the state's legitimate regulatory authority.In the energy sector, legal due diligence should focus particularly on licensing, grid connection, power purchase agreements, and the alignment of their respective timelines with financing and construction contracts. In public-private partnership (PPP) projects, special attention must be given to responsibility for land availability and permits, demand risks, changes in law, and compensation and termination mechanisms. I recommend developing model contractual provisions and risk-allocation matrices, accompanied by proper assessment of public financial commitments and enforceable standards governing service quality, continuity, and equitable access.This framework should be complemented by a specialized investment grievance mechanism operating within defined deadlines and issuing reasoned decisions, without prejudice to the right of access to the courts. At the contractual level, dispute resolution provisions must be carefully drafted. Where arbitration is legally permissible and agreed upon, the agreement should clearly determine its scope, applicable rules, seat, language, and arrangements for enforcing arbitral awards. Effective legal protection ultimately depends on dispute resolution mechanisms appropriate to the parties and the nature of their contractual obligations.Before making substantial financial commitments, investors should obtain documented answers to several fundamental questions: Does the proposed activity and location satisfy applicable legal requirements? Which approvals are necessary, and how long should they take? What conditions govern the continued enjoyment of incentives? Who bears the risks associated with delays and regulatory changes? And how can contractual and statutory rights be enforced in the event of a dispute?These answers connect legal due diligence directly to financial feasibility, allowing investors to identify risks at an early stage and determine whether the proposed transaction requires restructuring or a reassessment of its costs.Strengthening Jordan's investment environment requires clear legal rules, disciplined administrative procedures, balanced contractual arrangements, and incentives measured by their actual outcomes. The success of this framework should be reflected in sustainable projects, stable employment opportunities, and economic development extending across the governorates, while safeguarding fair competition, environmental standards, and public resources.Legal certainty is not merely an additional investment advantage. It is a fundamental means of reducing investment risk and providing the confidence necessary for long-term capital commitments.

Talks with Iran can only succeed without threats, president says

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 06:36:10 +0300

AFP- Peace negotiations with Iran would only succeed without “pressure and threats,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Friday, amid deadlocked efforts to end months of fighting in the Middle East.Diplomatic efforts to end the seven-month conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, have been at an impasse since the summer.The United States and Iran agreed a memorandum of understanding in June that spelled out a framework for ending the conflict, but Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz prompted a resumption of US military operations.Recent indirect talks between Washington and Tehran on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly failed to produce a breakthrough.“Dialogue holds meaning and a chance of success only when based on mutual respect and mutual commitments, and when devoid of pressure and threat,” Pezeshkian said at a summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Turkmenistan.“Negotiation conducted in the shadow of force is not negotiation, it is imposition and coercion,” he said, adding that sanctions on Iran would affect “regional trade, connectivity, energy, and order.”Pezeshkian said on Monday that talks with the United States to end the war were worthless and only resulted in renewed attacks.“With an enemy that everyday resorts to assassination, sanctions, pressure and threats, and that breaks its commitments, negotiations are meaningless,” he said.Washington has in recent weeks dialled back military operations in favor of economic pressure and has not struck Iran since September 1.The US and Israel have said the war was necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons — a goal Tehran has long denied pursuing.Iran Guards say struck tanker transiting Hormuz via ‘illegal route’Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Friday that they had struck a tanker attempting to take an “illegal route” through the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has sought to blockade since the outset of the Middle East war.Iranian forces “have taken control of the administration of the strait,” the Guards said in a statement carried by the state news agency IRNA.“In carrying out this mission, a few hours ago, a giant LPG carrier named NV Sunshine, owned by NatWit, which was attempting to transit via the illegal route south of the Strait of Hormuz, was struck.”The focus of negotiations has recently shifted to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for oil from the Gulf that has been effectively shut since the fighting.Iran has sought to impose its control over the vital shipping lane since the start of the war, striking vessels that attempt to transit without its authorization.The US has imposed its own counterblockade of Iranian ports and has also struck vessels it accuses of violating it.Putin, Pezeshkian meetRussian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he would “do everything” he could to help end the war during a meeting with Pezeshkian ahead of the summit, Russian media reported.“We are ready to do everything that is in our power to contribute to the settlement of this situation,” Putin said.He added that Iran had made “real efforts to end the war” since the US-Israeli attacks started on February 28, according to Russian news agencies.Putin also said there had been a “positive evolution” in Iran-Russia relations.The two countries, heavily sanctioned by the West, have reinforced diplomatic and military links since Russia launched its offensive in Ukraine in February 2022, becoming increasingly reliant on each other.Kyiv and Western countries have accused Iran of supplying Russia with Shahed drones and short-range missiles that Moscow uses in attacks on Ukraine.US media outlets have reported Russia has supplied data to Iran for its attacks on US targets in the Middle East.“We are engaged in dialogue, but every time we negotiate with the United States, they attack again,” Pezeshkian said at the talks with Putin, according to Iranian state media.Tehran wanted to see a “final framework” to end the war, Pezeshkian said.But he accused the United States of “trying to impose its policies and views on all countries.”“If the United States insists on pursuing a unilateral approach, a resolution will not be possible,” he said, according to state media.Trump told the United Nations General Assembly in September that he had to choose whether to “annihilate” Iran if it failed to make a deal.But the US leader has since ruled out attacking Iran again before the US midterm elections on November 3, saying on Thursday that Washington was holding “productive discussions” with the Islamic republic.The CIS was established in 1991 as a platform for dialogue among the former republics of the Soviet Union.Some states have left — Georgia withdrew following a 2008 war with Russia, Ukraine halted its participation after Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and Moldova left in 2023 as it sought closer ties with the European Union.The summit comes as diplomatic efforts to resolve Russia’s offensive in Ukraine also appear deadlocked, with both sides intensifying attacks.

Arab Group for the Protection of Nature stresses food sovereignty rather than food security

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:12:52 +0300

Jordan Daily - The General Manager of the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature (APN), Mariam Al Jaajaa, called for a focus on food sovereignty instead of food security. She made the call during a lecture on the close relationship between environmental protection and sustainable development, and on the role of civil society and institutions in turning environmental awareness into concrete policies and practices.The lecture at the Rotary Club of Amman Cosmopolitan on Wednesday, October 7, highlighted the region's accumulated environmental challenges, foremost among them climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and increasing pressure on natural resources.Jaajaa defined nature as an integrated system that extends beyond parks and reserves, encompassing everything that surrounds humanity: water, soil, food, air, and the ecosystems that support human, animal, and plant life. She emphasized that protecting nature is not a cultural luxury but an existential necessity, as any disruption to the environment directly impacts public health, the economy, and social stability. In this context, she stressed that the Arab region faces complex environmental challenges: the hot, arid climate exacerbates the fragility of water resources, while urban growth and rising demand for energy and water drive up consumption and put pressure on natural systems.The lecturer noted that biodiversity loss is one of the most serious consequences of encroaching on natural habitats, whether through uncontrolled urban expansion, deforestation, pollution, or unregulated hunting. 2Jaajaa explained that different species are not merely aesthetic elements of nature; they play vital environmental and economic roles. Pollinating insects, for example, support food production. Healthy ecosystems help regulate the water cycle and mitigate floods and droughts. Without these balanced roles, costs to societies rise, and the likelihood of environmental and health crises increases.Regional work in Palestine and LebanonJaajaa spoke about APN’s presence in Palestine, with a team in Gaza and another in the West Bank. “From there, our work began to expand to include Lebanon as well. In addition, we have work at the regional and international levels.”APN’s work relies heavily on volunteering, along with the support and participation of large companies and grassroots organizations. “We also sometimes collaborate with private sector institutions and government entities. Our work is related to the concept of food sovereignty, and I was asked to elaborate further on this topic.”Food sovereignty differs from food security. Food security focuses on ensuring food availability and access to it. This is why all UN agencies emphasize food security. Food security, on the other hand, primarily means access to food, regardless of whether it is imported or locally produced. “The difference is that food sovereignty relies on the fact that food is linked to its production and availability: who produces it, where it comes from, and where the capacity to produce it is located.”Jaaja argued that a person may be in dire circumstances but still enjoy food security if someone provides a continuous supply. However, the "food sovereignty" we are discussing is the foundation of economic and political sovereignty. It grants societies genuine resilience during economic, health, or political crises, or when borders are closed. This is painfully evident in what we are witnessing in Gaza: under siege and in the harshest of conditions.They uprooted a tree; we plant tenThe APN project in Palestine is called the "Million Tree Campaign. " Perhaps not everyone has heard of it, but our slogan was " For every tree they uproot, we plant ten." The project began in 2000 with the planting of the first million trees. The second million was planted in 2014, and the third million were planted about a year ago. APN also planted over 270,000 fruit trees in Jordan within the Green Caravan Program in collaboration with 12000 farmersThese trees were planted in cooperation with approximately 38,000 farmers across historic Palestine, in addition to many other projects in related fields such as water and agriculture projects. These projects are taking place in challenging areas, such as Areas “B &C”. A large percentage of the West Bank falls within areas classified as “C,” or agricultural areas, and some villages are effectively besieged by large numbers of settlers.Two years ago, APN started a project targeting besieged villages, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency as much as possible. The number of houses in a village can vary; some villages have around fifty houses, while others are much larger: two thousand, three thousand, or even four thousand. What APN is doing is introducing household and community systems that ensure sustainability, such as... Water storage tanks, irrigation systems, and poultry farming projects. The goal is to have all the necessary elements in place so people can continue their lives and production even if the street is closed, movement is restricted, roads are repeatedly closed, or successive restrictions are imposed.In Gaza, over the past two years, APN has begun reviving the agricultural sector to strengthen people’s ability to survive and prevent the collapse of their livelihoods, in line with the concept of food sovereignty.The general manager of APN commented on the concept of “nature-based solutions” and how they can reduce environmental risks. These solutions focus on using ecosystems themselves by supporting biodiversity and managing resources sustainably, rather than relying on costly measures or partial solutions that do not address the root causes. She explained that restoring green spaces, protecting valleys and water sources, and enhancing vegetation cover can reduce the effects of floods and fires and limit soil erosion. Furthermore, proper waste management and reducing pollutants in water and soil can preserve both environmental quality and public health.Jaja addressed the challenge of widespread pollution, particularly water and air pollution. In major cities, emissions from vehicles and industry are linked to deteriorating air quality, which in turn leads to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In rural areas, poor waste management or unsustainable agricultural practices can result in soil degradation and groundwater contamination. She emphasized that pollution is not just an environmental issue, but also a social, health, and economic one, because public health is a fundamental resource no less important than water or food.From awareness to actionOne of the lecture's key messages was the need to move from "awareness" to "action." Environmental conditions do not change simply through seasonal campaigns or public statements; rather, they require a comprehensive system of action that includes environmental education, community engagement, support for grassroots initiatives, and effective regulatory frameworks. Jaja pointed out that educational, media, and civil society institutions can play a significant role in building a sustainable environmental culture among new generations, so that preserving nature becomes part of daily behavior, not just a slogan.The lecture also emphasized the role of partnerships between different sectors. Addressing challenges such as climate change and protecting natural habitats requires cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and universities and research centers. Environmental organizations, as the lecture notes, serve as a link between scientific knowledge and the field's needs. These organizations document environmental problems, monitor changes, implement awareness and practical programs, and advocate for policies that respect nature's boundaries and its capacity for regeneration.In this context, Jaaja linked nature protection and human security. Environmental crises can escalate into humanitarian crises when basic services, such as clean water, deteriorate, or when droughts and desertification increase. When natural resources become scarce, the likelihood of conflicts over land or water sources rises. Therefore, investing in environmental protection is an investment in societal stability, not merely a reactive measure after damage has occurred.APN’s Jaajaa concluded her lecture with a clear message: protecting nature is possible with will, awareness, and collective action. She called for strengthening initiatives that protect biodiversity, reduce pollution, and promote responsible resource consumption. She also emphasized that changing course begins with daily decisions at the individual and institutional levels, and with national policies that embrace sustainability and ensure the implementation of environmental laws.A lively and important discussion followed the lecture. It reflected local community institutions' growing interest in environmental issues, emphasizing that cultural and humanitarian platforms can become effective channels for sharing knowledge and encouraging participation.As the gap widens between environmental challenges and society’s ability to address them, it becomes increasingly important that calls for nature protection be accompanied by practical plans, ranging from awareness to legislation to implementation, leading to a healthier and more sustainable society for future generations.

Former military secretary accuses Netanyahu of trying to alter Oct. 7 records

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:47:44 +0300

AP- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s former military secretary has accused the Israeli leader of altering official transcripts of phone calls from the morning of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks.

The accusations by Maj. Gen. Avi Gil came in a wide-ranging interview with the right-wing Israel Hayom newspaper.

In excerpts of the interview published Thursday, Gil accused Netanyahu of attempting to change records of their phone calls in the first hour of the attack, possibly in an attempt to shift blame for failures that morning from the prime minister to his advisers.

Gil said he reported the attempt, allegedly made by Netanyahu's chief of staff, to the attorney general. Gil served as military secretary from 2021 to 2024.

In the interview, Gil also confirmed that a senior Egyptian intelligence official had visited Israel shortly before the Oct. 7 attack.Asked whether there had been a warning, Gil said he did not know what message was relayed, but added: "Whoever met with someone or received something is still concealing it today.”Gil’s full interview is expected to be published over the weekend, and an interview with an Israeli TV channel is also planned.

The report comes as Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, is seeking re-election on Oct. 27.His Likud party told Israel Hayom that Gil's comments are part of an attempt to oust Netanyahu from power, the paper said.

Queen Rania Inaugurates ‘Layered Becoming’ Art Exhibition in Aqaba

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:43:10 +0300

Jordan Daily - Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah inaugurated the ‘Layered Becoming’ art exhibition on Thursday, organized by the WUJUD Culture and Art Foundation at Ayla Oasis in Aqaba.Held under Her Majesty’s patronage, ‘Layered Becoming’ showcases over 140 artworks created by 10 artists from Jordan, the Arab region, and around the world.Queen Rania was welcomed at the exhibition by ASTRA Group Chairman Sabih Masri, WUJUD Founder and Chairwoman Sirin Masri, and the foundation’s Artistic and Executive Director Iman Hindawi.Her Majesty toured the exhibition, viewing its different installations and meeting with participating artists, whose works span ceramics, textiles, weavings, paintings, sculptures, spatial installations, and pieces developed through other contemporary artistic and material practices.The exhibition explores the concepts of becoming and transformation, as well as the relationship between art, material, memory, and place, bringing together the experiences of artists from diverse backgrounds and fields.Based in Aqaba, WUJUD is an independent non-profit foundation, focused on bringing artists and communities together through contemporary art programs, live performances, creative collaborations, and interactive cultural events. The ‘Layered Becoming’ exhibition will remain open to visitors at the Moroccan Space in Ayla’s Marina Village until December 10, 2026.

JHCO secretary general calls for enhanced cooperation to resolve missing persons cases

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:46:40 +0300

Jordan Daily - The secretary-general of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), Hussein Al-Shibli, called for greater trust, cooperation and the immediate exchange of information to help determine the fate of missing people and ease the suffering of their families.Speaking at the fourth International Conference on Missing Persons in Baku, held as part of the “Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons”, Al-Shibli said resolving missing persons cases required stronger cooperation among the parties involved and more effective mechanisms for sharing information.“Missing persons are not merely numbers in reports,” Al-Shibli said during a plenary session, stressing that individuals have a right under international laws to know their fate.He said humanitarian work was fundamentally about protecting human dignity and turning institutional coordination into practical action.The conference brings together international participants to discuss ways of building trust and developing effective mechanisms and solutions for addressing the issue of missing persons.

Wizz Air suspends flights to Jordan, other regional destinations

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:43:25 +0300

Jordan Daily - Wizz Air has temporarily suspended flights to several countries in the region, including Jordan, until Oct. 25, 2026, citing aviation safety warnings amid heightened regional tensions.The airline said the suspension was a precautionary measure linked to the evolving security situation and aviation safety concerns in the region.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah gets $200 million from Iran to help displaced, sources say

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:44:01 +0300

Reuters - Hezbollah has received $200 million from Iran to help Lebanese displaced by this year’s war with Israel, two people with direct knowledge of the transfer said, the first significant aid from the group to supporters who bore the brunt of the conflict.Hezbollah received the cash last month despite a tightening US economic chokehold on Iran and increasing difficulties in getting funds to Tehran’s Lebanese ally, said the people.Intermediaries who moved the money charged a 20 percent fee, reflecting the risks of dealing with the group, they said. One said this was four times the normal fee.Asked for comment, a Hezbollah official said an amount had been secured and a plan for distributing it would be announced in the coming days, without elaborating on the source of the funds.The Iranian foreign ministry, Iran’s permanent mission in Geneva, the US State Department and the Lebanese ‌government did not immediately ‌respond to requests for comment.Israel’s bombardment and invasion of Lebanon uprooted hundreds of thousands of ‌Hezbollah’s ⁠Shi’ite Muslim constituents after ⁠the group entered the regional war in support of Iran on March 2.But those displaced have so far received little to no assistance from Hezbollah, an armed group founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982 which has suffered heavy Israeli blows in two wars since 2024 and is designated a terrorist group by Washington.AIDING 50,000 FAMILIESHezbollah would use the funds to pay an initial $3,000 per family, and priority will go to those whose villages have been destroyed or are inaccessible due to Israeli occupation, the sources said. These number around 50,000 families, one of the sources said.Iran has maintained financial support to Hezbollah through years of crippling US sanctions: it transferred $1 billion to the ⁠group in the first 10 months of 2025, according to the US Treasury Department.Tehran has ‌never acknowledged financing Hezbollah. Iran’s policy of funding regional proxies has stirred domestic protester ‌anger against the clerical rulers in the past and could prove particularly sensitive at a time of worsening hardship in Iran.Iran had promised ‌Hezbollah more funding after Tehran signed an interim deal with Washington in June that allowed Iran to sell its oil, Reuters ‌reported at the time. That agreement collapsed in July.Washington has since intensified economic pressure on Iran, tightening sanctions and imposing a naval blockade to block Iranian oil exports.Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a speech last month that the group would soon contribute to a project aimed at housing thousands of people displaced by the war, using “available resources and donations”, without elaborating.Hezbollah’s ability to fund local services and provide post-conflict aid ‌has helped shore up its support in the past. Following a war with Israel in 2006, the group immediately handed out large cash payments to those impacted and moved swiftly ⁠to help rebuild Beirut’s southern ⁠suburbs, a stronghold.But this time there has been little sign of reconstruction. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said last month that the total reconstruction costs from the two wars since 2024 could exceed $27 billion.A COSTLY WARThe two sources provided no details on how the money got to Lebanon.One of them said it was increasingly difficult for Hezbollah to move funds via financial companies that once processed such transfers. Such firms based in Iraq and Dubai were no longer an option, and they were also now under pressure in Turkiye, this source said.Hezbollah’s foes believed money was currently the group’s “oxygen”, the source added. Despite the difficulties securing funding, the group had not stopped paying its fighters and the family members of those killed in combat, this source said.In Lebanon, the war has inflicted a heavy price on the Shi’ite Muslim community from which Hezbollah draws support. Israel has razed villages across a swathe of territory it has seized in the south, saying it aims to shield northern Israel from Hezbollah attack.Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,300 people since March 2, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Its toll does not say how many combatants may be among the dead. Hezbollah has not disclosed figures on its war dead. Reuters reported on May 4 that several thousand Hezbollah fighters had been killed in the war.

Three people killed and dozens injured in attacks on Riyadh and Abha airports

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 06:41:05 +0300

Arab News - Three people, including two women, were killed and dozens injured in attacks on two airports in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s General Authority of Civil Aviation said on Wednesday.A Moroccan woman and an Algerian woman were killed in an attack on Tuesday on Abha International Airport in Asir province, which borders Yemen.The strike injured 28 people, some severely, including a Bangladeshi and Filipino, the authority said.The attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport on Wednesday killed a Sudanese man and injured eight people, including two Egyptians, and one Pakistani.All of the injured were immediately transferred to hospital, the authority said.The two attacks also caused damage to the airports, which the authority said it was working to assess.The authority said it would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of passengers and workers, and maintain the security and safety of the civil aviation system in the Kingdom.On Wednesday morning, a spokesman for the coalition to support Yemen’s sovereignty said Saudi air defenses shot down a Houthi ballistic missile north of Riyadh.Maj. Gen. Turki Al-Maliki confirmed later in the evening that the launch platform used for the attack was destroyed in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, while the militants were preparing for an imminent attack against the Kingdom.

Crown Prince attends MED9 Summit in Croatia

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:20:23 +0300

Jordan Daily - Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Hussein on Wednesday attended the MED9 Summit of the Southern European Union Countries being held in Croatia under the theme For a More Secure, Resilient and Sustainable Mediterranean.During the summit, the Crown Prince expressed appreciation to Croatia for inviting Jordan to participate as a special guest in the summit for the third consecutive year, which affirms the strength of relations between Jordan, Croatia, and other countries of the MED9 group.His Royal Highness emphasised, during his remarks at the summit, the importance of stepping up international efforts to ease tensions in the region and ensure freedom of navigation in international waterways, as well as the need for the international community to address the root causes of the escalation in the region.The Crown Prince highlighted the repercussions of the Iran war on the region and the world, noting that some countries have come under attack, whilst many others are facing economic challenges such as rising prices, energy shortages, and supply chain disruptions. His Royal Highness said Jordan has experienced the impact of the war on both of these fronts.The Crown Prince stressed the importance of keeping the Palestinian cause at the forefront of efforts to address the region’s crises, noting the ongoing dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, particularly given Israel’s continued restrictions on the flow of aid, including that coming from Jordan.His Royal Highness reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians, which constitute a violation of international law.The Crown Prince warned of the dangerous developments in the West Bank and Jerusalem, including attacks by settlers, emphasising that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve just and lasting peace, the statement said.Speaking about the situation in Syria and Lebanon, His Royal Highness noted that Jordan is working closely with its active partners to support the efforts of these two countries to achieve stability, development, and to safeguard their sovereignty, despite the challenges caused by Israel’s attacks.The Crown Prince also spoke about Jordanian-European relations, highlighting the immense potential to build upon the ties between Jordan and MED9 countries through cooperation and joint projects in energy, trade, and technology fields, in order to boost opportunities for employment, education, and the exchange of expertise.His Royal Highness added that Jordan’s geographic position serves as a strategic gateway linking the Middle East with Europe, with the Kingdom offering significant opportunities across numerous fields, including electricity interconnection, renewable energy, railways, digital connectivity, infrastructure, and logistics corridors.The Crown Prince noted that many of these opportunities will be showcased during the Jordan-EU Investment Conference taking place in Jordan this November.

Petra University hosts debate on AI, robots and machine consciousness

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:57:03 +0300

Jordan Daily - University of Petra hosted a discussion on artificial intelligence, robotics and consciousness, bringing together academics and technology enthusiasts to examine whether machines could one day develop subjective experiences or self-awareness.The event, titled “Conscious Robots: Cognitive Structures, Inner Speech and Self-Awareness,” was organized in cooperation with the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and Petra University’s Faculty of Information Technology. It was led by Italian professor Antonio Chella and moderated by Mohammad Arafa of the university’s Faculty of Information Technology.Petra University President Ali Abu Ghanimeh said such events were important as artificial intelligence and robotics advance rapidly, adding that the university sought to strengthen partnerships with scientific and cultural institutions and expose students and faculty to contemporary research and debate.Chella distinguished between intelligence- the ability to learn, process information, solve problems and make decisions - and consciousness, which involves subjective experience and an internal sense of what is happening.He said AI systems can hold conversations, analyze images, generate text and interact with people, but that simulating emotions or using emotional language does not necessarily mean a machine has genuine inner experiences.The discussion also examined theories of consciousness and the need for research spanning neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, computer science, AI and robotics.Participants discussed trust between humans and robots, the need for explainable AI and ethical questions surrounding machines that may appear to possess emotions or self-awareness.Chella said whether machines can achieve genuine consciousness remains an open scientific question, noting that humans still do not fully understand how consciousness arises in the brain.

Vitaminati: Digital health & wellness application led by Jordanians, expanding across the Middle East and Africa

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 10:22:04 +0300

Jordan Daily - For people in Jordan and across the Arab world, questions about vitamins, supplements and everyday wellness increasingly begin online. Vitaminati is a Swiss Arabic-English wellness and supplement platform built to make that information clearer, more scientific and easier to use.Although based in Switzerland, Vitaminati has a strong Jordanian identity. Its day-to-day operations are supported from Jordan, while the Application is being developed for a much wider audience across the Middle East and Africa, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan among its key regional markets.Following its earlier regional launch, Vitaminati is now expanding beyond health content through a personalized mobile app.A Personalized Wellness AppThe Vitaminati app is now available on Google Play, with an Apple version coming soon.The app is designed around a simple question: What do you want to improve about your health and wellbeingIf you are struggling to sleep better, for example, Vitaminati can help you track your sleeping routine and daily habits, understand patterns that may be affecting your rest, and practical recommendations related to sleep habits, lifestyle and supplements that may support your wellness goals.And instead of using one app for sleep, another for water reminders, another for weight management and another for tracking daily habits, Vitaminati brings all of these wellness goals together in one place. Users can personalize their experience based on what matters most to them, whether that is better sleep, hydration, energy, stress support, women’s wellness, gut health, weight management or general wellbeing.Through daily check-ins and wellness tracking, users can follow their habits and progress over time while accessing science-based content relevant to their goals.Vitaminati also brings practical tools into the experience, including health calculators such as the ovulation calculator, making it easier for users to move from simply reading about health to actively managing their everyday wellness.Instead of searching through endless health information or switching between several wellness apps, Vitaminati combines personalized guidance, habit tracking, practical tools and supplement information in one app, helping users better understand their daily habits and take practical steps toward their health goals.Science Made Easier to UnderstandAs an Arabic-English Free wellness and supplement application, Vitaminati covers vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, women’s health and preventive wellness.Its editorial approach combines pharmacist-led content with scientific sourcing. Vitaminati prioritizes authoritative references including the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, the European Food Safety Authority and the World Health Organization when evaluating information about vitamins, minerals and supplements.The goal is not to make science more complicated, but to translate it into practical, understandable information for everyday readers.Swiss Application, Jordanian-Run OperationsVitaminati was founded by Jordanian entrepreneur Rasha Oudeh, who is based in Switzerland and brings extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.While Vitaminati is headquartered in Switzerland, its operations are strongly supported by a Jordan-based team. Pharmacist Dania Dabouqi, Rimi Wawi, and Anas Ziyadeh contribute to the platform’s development and regional growth across content, SEO, business development, and strategic expansion.The board includes Raquel M. Katigbak, bringing expertise in technology and AI, and Dr. Sybille Buchwald-Werner, a pharmacist, scientist and nutraceutical entrepreneur. Vitaminati’s broader team structure combines regional healthcare knowledge with international expertise in science and technology.Helping Supplement Brands Reach New MarketsVitaminati also supports supplement and wellness brands seeking to strengthen their visibility and connect with consumers across Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the wider Middle East and Africa. Through Vitaminati, brands can go beyond traditional advertising by building long-term visibility through educational content, SEO, digital campaigns, product discovery, and strategic brand partnerships. This allows companies to introduce their products within a health-focused environment where consumers are already actively searching for information about vitamins, supplements, and wellness.Vitaminati maintains a clear distinction between commercial partnerships and scientific editorial standards. While brands can increase awareness and showcase their products, any information relating to ingredients, benefits, efficacy, or safety must be supported by appropriate scientific evidence.This approach enables Vitaminati to create opportunities for brands while maintaining the credibility and trust expected from a science-focused health platform.By combining pharmacist-led education, personalized wellness, practical tools, daily progress tracking and responsible supplement discovery, Vitaminati is building a bilingual digital wellness ecosystem for consumers and supplement companies across Jordan, the Middle East and Africa.Download Vitaminati App