Latest news with #Amman
Jordan Times
31 minutes ago
- Politics
- Jordan Times
King to media figures: Jordan will always be Gaza's biggest supporter
AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday affirmed that Jordan has been, and will remain, the greatest support for Gaza's people, who are suffering from a humanitarian catastrophe unlike anything witnessed in recent history. During a meeting with media figures at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty said Jordan will continue to provide everything it can out of its sense of moral, humanitarian, and Arab duty, highlighting the Kingdom's diplomatic efforts, including recent meetings with the leaders of Germany and Canada, and ongoing coordination with Arab leaders and international partners to press for an end to the war on Gaza and step up the humanitarian response, according to a Royal Court statement. 'The suffering of our brethren in Gaza strikes at the very sense of our humanity, not just because it is happening at our doorstep, but also because this country was built on compassion, on standing with those who suffer,' the King said. His Majesty also added, 'No matter how much we do, it can never measure up to the scale of the horror Palestinians in Gaza endure every single day—not when entire families are being erased and children are being starved.' 'But that doesn't mean that we are not doing everything in our power. We are. And we will continue to do so, relentlessly and without hesitation. Not because we have to, and certainly not because we are looking to take credit, but because we are not a nation that looks away or turns its back on neighbours in need,' the King continued. His Majesty said he is aware that there isn't a single Jordanian who is not angry and horrified by what is happening in Gaza, 'and I have no doubt that every Jordanian wants to help stop the suffering in any and every way he or she can.' Everyone is distraught, the King added, but people express their grief differently. 'We must respect all perspectives and individual choices, without judgements, accusations, personal attacks, or public shaming. We must always choose respect, unity and empathy,' His Majesty said. The King also called for a balance between grief and solidarity with Gaza, and continuing to live life as normal, as this is an indispensable national duty, the statement said. 'Stopping normal life and damaging the national economy does not serve the interests of our Palestinian brothers and sisters. They would be the first to say they want a strong ally in Jordan,' His Majesty stressed. His Majesty noted the importance of citizens continuing to be productive in order to stimulate the economy and work for a better future, adding that moving forward with their lives does not mean forgetting the pain of what is happening in Gaza, according to the statement. The King said Gaza needs a strong Jordan, reaffirming that the Kingdom will not deviate from its firm Arab values, and will continue to modernise and develop, and support its Arab brethren. Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.
Jordan Times
32 minutes ago
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Pro League kicks off Thursday
AMMAN — The 73rd edition of the CFI Jordan Pro League kicks off on Thursday with a new format, reducing competing clubs to only 10, in addition to having three stages instead of the usual two. The League is the first since Jordan booked a historic first time qualification to the World Cup. Fifteen national team players are on five club roasters, which will add much impetus to the competitive nature as well as fan interest in the tournament. With many changes introduced to competitions format and regulations, the Jordan Football Association (JFA) has upped prize money from JD60,000 to JD100,000 for the champ, runner-up will receive JD50,000 and third placed team JD15,000. The JFA has also allowed U-23 and U-17 players to join the lead team in the major competitions. In addition, there will be a cap on maximum of two coaches contracted by each club within a season, while introducing the U-23 League has been a much needed addition to boost the game's competitive edge locally and regionally. Baqa'a are back to the Pro League joining Sarhan from the First Division and will come head-to-head in the first week. Other matches are Hussein vs Ahli, Faisali vs Jazira, Salt vs Shabab Urdun, Wihdat vs Ramtha. In other competitions on the football calendar, the Jordan Football Association Shield will kick off August 28 excluding national team players who will be on duty. The Jordan Cup will start September 7.
Jordan Times
32 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Jordan Times
6 Reasons The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's Outside Catering Perfectly Pairs with Your Celebrations
Transforming any gathering into an unforgettable occasion demands an experience crafted with precision, passion, and unparalleled elegance. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's outside catering service is meticulously designed to bring the hotel's renowned luxury and culinary excellence beyond its walls. From intimate celebrations to grand corporate affairs, discover how its bespoke approach ensures every detail resonates with sophistication and creates unforgettable moments. Each catering menu at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman tells an exceptional story, enriched by the worldly experience and refined instincts of the hotel's culinary team. The knowledge they bring to the table transforms expectations into sophisticated surprises. The award-winning chefs and venues pour their expertise to ensure every small detail serves the purpose and tone of the event. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman has crafted 18 distinctive menus for outside catering to match a wide variety of occasions. This expansive selection allows hosts to pick from a spectrum of immersive experiences, including corporate receptions, birthday celebrations, romantic proposals, and graduation gatherings. A natural extension of the hotel's diverse venues, each of the outside catering menus from The Ritz-Carlton, Amman brims with character. From the Mediterranean vibes of Kenz Lebanese Café to the contemporary elegance of Roberto's Amman and the relaxed charm of Legends Sports Lounge, every moment worth celebrating finds its perfect pairing in the endless possibilities from these high-end venues. It is not only about the cuisine, but also the presentation and interaction with the catered selection. For an art gallery event, a canapé menu encourages movement and conversation without interrupting the flow. Meanwhile, a bachelorette party pairs perfectly with hearty sliders from Legends and hot mezzas from Kenz, capturing the energy of the evening through bold, shareable flavors. These thoughtful matches ensure that each menu enriches the experience, rather than interrupts it. Expertly designed to be balanced, each menu simplifies the planning process. Knowing every culinary detail has been curated with intention and flawlessly executed, the hotel ensures that hosts enjoy their celebrations with peace of mind, as if they are guests at their own events. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman's outside catering services brings the brand's excellence into homes, gardens, galleries, outdoor and private venues across the city. Each experience reflects the hotel's commitment to refinement, elegance, and unparalleled hospitality, making sure to craft unforgettable moments that linger beyond the final bite. The outside catering service at The Ritz-Carlton, Amman is rooted in the hotel's commitment to hospitality excellence, anticipating its guests' needs before even asking.
Zawya
3 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan's tourism sector records grows in the first half of 2025
Amman, Jordan – Jordan's tourism sector has shown strong performance in the first half of 2025, according to the latest statistics released by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB). The data highlights a significant increase in overnight tourist arrivals and tourism revenues, reinforcing Jordan's status as a preferred travel destination in the region, particularly among visitors from the GCC countries. The Kingdom recorded a 6% increase in overnight tourist arrivals from GCC countries, reaching 633,000 visitors during the first six months of 2025, compared to 597,000 in the same period in 2024. Saudi Arabia topped the list of GCC countries in terms of tourist numbers to Jordan, with 564,000 overnight visitors, reflecting an 8% increase compared to the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates recorded a 15% increase in overnight visitors, reaching 10,000 tourists, whereas Kuwait saw an 11% decline to 32,000 overnight visitors. On a broader scale, Jordan welcomed 2.717 million overnight tourists in the first half of 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year. Europe contributed 191,000 visitors, North America 79,000, and Asia 84,000. Jordan's major tourist sites also experienced a surge in footfall. The ancient city of Petra welcomed 200,000 foreign visitors, with a 17% growth. Mount Nebo recorded a 12% increase with 105,000 visitors, and Jerash attracted around 69,000 foreign tourists. Commenting on the figures, Dr. Abdulrazzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, said: "These positive results reflect the growing trust of international and especially Gulf tourists in Jordan's tourism offering. Despite the geopolitical challenges facing the region, our proximity, as well as our shared traditions and cultural values, continue to make Jordan a natural and preferred destination for families and individuals from the Gulf. We remain committed to developing memorable tourism experiences that meet visitor expectations and look forward to achieving even stronger results in the second half of the year." Dr. Arabiyat added: "Jordan has always been and continues to be a welcoming country that opens its arms to guests, especially our brothers and sisters from the Gulf. The harmony between our traditions and their values creates a sense of home for Gulf visitors. Moreover, Jordan offers a safe and secure environment, making it an ideal destination for families seeking enjoyable holidays filled with enriching experiences." The Jordan Tourism Board continues to work actively on strengthening the country's position as a leading tourism destination by offering tailored packages and programs that cater to the diverse needs of visitors—particularly from the Gulf market, which remains a key partner in the success of Jordan's tourism sector.
Jordan Times
5 hours ago
- Business
- Jordan Times
Low-cost flights to resume in Jordan by late 2025
AMMAN — Low-cost airlines are expected to resume flights to Jordan in the final quarter of 2025, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab has announced. Speaking to Al Mamlaka TV, Annab said the ministry is in ongoing contact with several low-cost carriers to accelerate the return of their operations to the Kingdom. The minister attributed the suspension of services to recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which prompted airlines to temporarily redirect their routes to other destinations in the region, including away from Jordan. She noted that the tourism sector has begun to stabilise following a two-week period of unrest in June, triggered by the Israeli-Iranian air war. According to the minister, Jordan has witnessed improvements in visitor numbers, tourism growth, and revenues in recent months. Official figures show outbound tourism spending rose by 3.3 per cent in the first half of 2025, reaching US$999.7 million. However, spending in June dropped sharply by 22.7 per cent to US$195.6 million. Inbound tourism revenue climbed 11.9% during the same period, totalling US$3.667 billion, despite a 3.7% dip in June to US$619.2 million, largely due to the impact of regional tensions. Data from the Central Bank of Jordan indicated significant increases in tourism income from various regions: 42.9 per cent from Asian nationalities, 35.6 per cent from European travellers, 25.8 per cent from American visitors, and 11.5 per cent from Arab tourists. Revenue from other nationalities rose by 43.0 per cent.
