Latest news with #Aqaba
Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan showcases bird watching tourism at UK Global Birdfair
AMMAN — Jordan is participating in the Global Birdfair in Rutland, United Kingdom, with the aim of promoting bird watching tourism as one of the world's fastest-growing forms of eco-tourism. According to a press statement issued by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), this year's participation is the result of 'strong' institutional collaboration between the Jordan Tourism Board, ASEZA, and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The joint effort aims to spotlight Jordan's unique environmental assets that position the Kingdom as a 'prime' destination for enthusiasts of this niche tourism sector, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Bird watching tourism is among the fastest-growing tourism sectors worldwide, contributing approximately $62 billion annually to the global economy, according to reports by relevant international organisations. The statement added that Jordan's unique geographical location places it on the second most important bird migration route in the world, connecting Asia and Africa. This positioning offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe a rich diversity of bird species within a short period and a limited geographical area, making Jordan an ideal destination for amateur and professional birdwatchers alike. Jordan's participation in this international event underscores its status as a 'strong' contender in the global eco-tourism market and enhances its prospects of attracting more visitors interested in sustainable tourism. It will also contribute positively to the national economy while promoting environmental awareness and community development, especially in governorates that host Jordan's natural treasures, foremost among them its nature reserves. The statement highlighted Aqaba as a leading model in this field, particularly through the Aqaba Bird Observatory, the Ayla Feather Trail, and the Wadi Rum Nature Reserve. The Aqaba Bird Observatory is the only facility of its kind in the Kingdom and is currently being developed and managed through a partnership between ASEZA and the RSCN. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Prime minister directs gov't to intensify dialogue on municipal, governorate councils laws
AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan directs the government to increase national dialogue on laws governing municipal and governorate councils, stressing the need for the inclusion of relevant stakeholders to help draft laws that improve the performance of municipalities and governorate councils and raise them to the desired level. The prime minister's instructions were given during a Cabinet session he chaired on Wednesday, the Jordan news agency, Petra, reported. The session followed the recent decision to dissolve municipal and governorate councils, paving the way for legislative reforms aligned with the political modernisation agenda. Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri briefed the Cabinet on the performance of temporary committees formed to oversee municipal affairs during this transitional period. The Cabinet emphasised the need for these committees to coordinate effectively with all stakeholders to improve public services, enhance infrastructure, and continue the digitisation of municipal operations. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to legislative reforms to strengthen local governance, calling for broader national dialogue involving key institutions and the public, according to Petra. In a move it said aimed at supporting the tourism sector and stimulating the economy, the Cabinet approved the extension of a special tax exemption on airline tickets for flights departing from King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba for an additional three years. The measure aims to attract more airlines, increase tourist numbers, and lower travel costs, ultimately boosting Aqaba's tourism appeal and contributing to the national economy. The Cabinet also endorsed a draft bylaw to establish, license, and operate an independent electric transmission system. It also covers the procedures for setting up self-generation or storage stations connected to the new system. The Cabinet also approved the settlement of 672 tax disputes between the Income and Sales Tax Department and taxpayers. The move is part of ongoing efforts to stimulate economic activity and help citizens resolve outstanding tax issues, Petra said. Also during the session, the Cabinet Cabinet approved key financial and legal documents related to the National Water Carrier Project, in cooperation with the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The project aims to provide 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually and improve supply to all governorates. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
CNA
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- CNA
Rallying-Dakar Rally champion Al-Rajhi eyes September return after accident
Saudi Arabia's Yazeed Al-Rajhi, the reigning Dakar Rally champion, aims to resume competitive racing by September following a serious accident in Jordan that left him with two broken vertebrae. Al-Rajhi, 43, became the first Saudi to win the Dakar Rally in January, completing the 12-stage race nearly four minutes ahead of South African rival Henk Lategan. The event, relocated to Saudi Arabia in 2020 after years in South America, originally followed a Europe-to-Africa route but shifted due to security concerns after 2007. "I am gradually recovering from the injury I sustained in Aqaba last April while participating in the Jordan Baja," Al-Rajhi told Reuters on Tuesday, referencing the accident that flipped his car during the rally. His co-driver, Germany's Timo Gottschalk, was also seriously injured. "I am following the treatment and rehabilitation program strictly under the supervision of a specialised medical team, amid high morale and great determination to return." Al-Rajhi, who competes for his own team Yazeed Racing, said he expects to return in September at Rally Portugal. "God willing, I anticipate resuming participation in competitions in the last quarter of the 2025 season," he added, noting his plans to rejoin the FIA World Baja Cup, FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, and Saudi Arabia's national championship. Reflecting on his Dakar Rally victory, Al-Rajhi said: "I'm very proud and happy with this title after we won in Dakar with a private team not belonging to a factory for the first time in more than 25 years." He described the achievement as a "major turning point in the history of motorsport." Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in motorsports under its Vision 2030 initiative, hosting events like Formula One, Formula E, Extreme E, and desert rally championships. "Today, the Kingdom has become an international centre for motorsports, supported by advanced infrastructure and ambitious national cadres," Al-Rajhi said. Looking ahead, Al-Rajhi sees growing interest in motorsports across the Arab world, including Qatar's hosting of Formula One and MotoGP, alongside Bahrain and the UAE's Formula One Grand Prix events. However, he stressed the need for an "integrated qualification system" to develop professional drivers in the region. Internationally, Al-Rajhi believes that Saudi Arabia and the Arab region "will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of motorsports, not only as hosts, but as real competitors for championships through teams and champions who carry the flags of their countries and achieve great things at the highest levels." Saudi Arabia has signalled ambitions to own a Formula One team, following its sponsorship of the sport and hosting its first F1 race in 2021. Energy giant Aramco remains a global partner of Formula One, while other Middle Eastern nations have strengthened ties to the sport through investments in teams such as McLaren, Audi, and others.
Zawya
07-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: ACT sees 19% jump in traffic in H1 2025
AMMAN — Container traffic through the Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT) recorded a "notable" surge in the first half of 2025, signalling a rebound in maritime trade and port operations, the Jordan Logistics Association (JLA) said on Sunday. Inbound containers rose by 18.8 per cent, reaching 235,492 containers between January and June, up from 193,214 in the same period last year, according to official figures cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra. Outbound containers also increased by 8 per cent, totalling 52,214 containers, compared with 48,303 during the first half of 2024. The positive trend continued into June with 40,629 incoming containers processed, up 6.6 per cent from 38,475 in June 2024. Outgoing containers for the month reached 9,050 containers, marking a 1.5 per cent increase over the 8,909 recorded in the same month last year. JLA President Nabeel Khatib attributed the growth to several factors, including increased transit shipments to Syria and improved shipping conditions in the Red Sea, which have helped revive maritime traffic. He also pointed to rising imports of both new and used vehicles and expanded investment in Aqaba's transport and logistics infrastructure. Khatib described the growth in activity at ACT as an 'encouraging sign' for Jordan's economy, particularly for the transport sector, which plays a 'vital' role in supporting national economic growth. Founded in 2007, the JLA represents professionals across the freight industry, working to create a competitive business environment, support freight brokers, and enhance the logistics sector. It is a member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations.
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan's cabinet approves framework to boost green hydrogen projects
AMMAN – The Cabinet on Wednesday approved a "comprehensive" framework aimed at accelerating the development of green hydrogen projects across the Kingdom. The newly endorsed mechanism outlines a strategic vision to position the Kingdom as a "regional" hub for green hydrogen production, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, said. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources prepared the framework, which emphasises Jordan's natural and regulatory advantages, and presents the Kingdom as an 'attractive' destination for investment in this "emerging" sector. The ministry described the framework for developing green hydrogen projects as a "strategic step towards positioning Jordan as a regional centre for green hydrogen production." The ministry said that the framework outlines a comprehensive national vision that leverages Jordan's "abundant renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind power, as well as the country's vast, unutilised lands suitable for green hydrogen development." The concept paper, prepared by the ministry, highlights Jordan's natural and regulatory advantages, noting that they make the Kingdom an attractive destination for investment in the emerging green hydrogen sector, according to Petra. The approved mechanism includes a "detailed" plan to facilitate investment in the industry, and designates strategic sites in southern Jordan for renewable energy production and allocate an "industrial zone" within the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority for establishing green hydrogen plants and water desalination facilities. The plan entails the development of shared infrastructure in Aqaba, including desalination units, green ammonia storage facilities, export terminals and other critical logistics needed for project implementation. The mechanism offers a package of incentives backed by current legislation to attract investors, including the Investment Environment Law and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Law. It also establishes a "contractual" pathway for investors, from signing memoranda of understanding and conducting feasibility studies to securing land-use agreements and finalising investment contracts. The government has formed a national green hydrogen committee comprising relevant stakeholders. The committee will oversee implementation of the strategy and coordinate related investments in line with Jordan's broader vision for strengthening food security, increasing exports, and transitioning to a sustainable, green economy. The government last week approved two land-use agreements, one with Jordan's Philadelphia Solar and the other with Germany's Enertrag, to conduct feasibility studies for green hydrogen production projects. "These are part of the government's broader strategy to position Jordan as a regional hub for green hydrogen," the statement read. With these agreements, the number of approved land-use deals for hydrogen development has reached six, out of 13 MoUs previously signed with leading energy companies. The six firms have completed preliminary feasibility studies and technical reports and are now advancing to the land allocation stage, the statement said. During this phase, companies will carry out "detailed" measurements of renewable energy sources to prepare "final" feasibility studies. Investment decisions will be based on these outcomes, the statement said. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
