Latest news with #HashemiteKingdom
Times of Oman
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Second place for Oman Rally Team's Al-Rawahi after tyre issues in Jordan
Muscat: A puncture on the first special stage of the final morning proved to be mightily expensive for the Oman Rally Team's Abdullah Al-Rawahi and it ultimately cost him the chance to threaten the 19-time FIA Middle East champion Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah for victory at the Jordan Rally at Dead Sea in Jordan. Al-Rawahi and his Jordanian co-driver Ata Al-Hmoud pushed as hard as they could when conditions permitted but they were always running the risk of collecting a flat tyre on the day's six demanding gravel special stages in the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley areas of the Hashemite Kingdom. Another time delay with a flat tyre on the 10th stage eventually decided the outcome in Al-Attiyah's favour and Al-Rawahi had no alternative but to bring his Autotek Škoda Fabia R5 to the finish in second overall. Nevertheless, his day's result also netted a second Jordan National Championship event win of the weekend. Al-Rawahi said: 'It was a long two days for us. The first day was quite good, especially with the pace and we were very close to Nasser. Unfortunately, today we had some punctures and we lost some time. Overall, we are very happy with our performance. It has been the closest we have been to him in the battle. 'We don't really have enough seat time in the car. After this rally I have three months off not really driving my car. My car is also an older generation and there is experience difference between me and Nasser. That is why it is good that he is in the championship. He helps us to push and get closer to him. It is still good. We wanted to win but we are still happy.' A first pass through the iconic Panorama stage of 17.12km opened proceedings on the final morning. Outside temperatures were already up to 31°C at the start of the stage with a peak of 37°C in the afternoon. Surface cleaning was evident on the opener but Al-Attiyah laid down the gauntlet with a time of 11min 38.0sec. Al-Rawahi dropped 32.3 seconds with tyre damage on a front-right wheel and that enabled Al-Attiyah to extend his lead to 45.8 seconds. The first pass through Suwayma was next in the itinerary. Al-Attiyah stopped the clocks in 5min 47.0sec and was able to extend his advantage over Al-Rawahi to 52.5 seconds with another stage win. Wadi Nar was the last stage of the loop. Al-Attiyah made it a clean sweep of morning stage wins and headed for the midday service and regroup with an advantage over Al-Rawahi of 53.1 seconds. He beat the Omani by just six-tenths of a second in the special. After the opening loop of three stages, Al-Rawahi said: 'The first stage this morning we got a puncture and lost over 30 seconds. When you try to keep up and push this can happen sometimes. We were able to continue but the gap is bigger. It's not impossible but it was closer before. Now we are trying to maintain our speed. We have three more stages to go.' A second delay occurred in the afternoon with another puncture but the Omani held on to take second place and maintain his push for a podium finish in this year's FIA Middle East Rally Championship. The Oman Rally Team has backing from Al-Manar Investments, the Oman Automobile Association, WMS, Zamakan, OQ, Strike, Size, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture of Oman and National Finance. The FIA Middle East Rally Championship continues in Lebanon on September 5th-7th. 2025 Jordan Rally – positions after SS12 (unofficial): 1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Candido Carrera (ESP) Škoda Fabia RS Rally 2 2hr 13min 47.7sec 2. Abdullah Al-Rawahi (OMA)/Ata Al-Hmoud (JOR) Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2 2hr 16min 42.5sec 3. Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari (QAT)/Lorcan Moore (IRL) Citroën C3 Rally 2 2hr 19min 01.3sec 4. Bassel Abu Hamdan (KSA)/Firas Elias (LBN) Škoda Fabia R5 Rally 2 2hr 33min 25.3sec 5. Abdullah Al-Zubair (OMA)/Taha Al-Zadjali (OMA) Subaru Impreza N14 2hr 37min 26.0sec 6. Nasser Khalifa Al-Attiyah (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LBN) Ford Fiesta Mk II Rally 2 2hr 38min 58.3sec 7. Sheikh Bader Al-Fayez (JOR)/Vili Oslaj (SLO) Škoda Fabia Rally 2 2hr 40min 34.9sec 8. Zakariya Al-Aamri (OMA)/Mohammed Al-Mazroui (OMA) Subaru Impreza N14 2hr 41min 53.0sec 9. Shadi Shaban (JOR)/Samer Issa (JOR) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (NAT) 2hr 42min 10.2sec
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi King, Crown Prince Congratulate King of Jordan on Independence Day
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has sent a cable of congratulations to King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on his country's Independence Day. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques wished the king continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Jordan steady progress and prosperity. For his part, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has sent also sent a cable of congratulations to King Abdullah and wished him continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Jordan steady progress and prosperity.
Jordan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
79th Independence Day: Jordan... home of glory and a renewed covenant
On May 25th, the pulse of pride and honor is renewed in the hearts of Jordanians as they celebrate the 79th Independence Day, recalling the epic of a nation written by the free people under the leadership of the Hashemites, and woven by the people with faith and sacrifice. This occasion is not limited to celebrating liberation from the mandate, but rather affirms that Jordan, the homeland of glory and a renewed covenant, continues its steadfast march toward the future, adhering to its principles, proud of its leadership, and raising the banner of glory in the face of challenges. On this day, we recall history, examine the present, and draw the features of tomorrow with conscious minds and loving hearts, renewing our pledge to a nation whose will is unbreakable and whose resolve is unwavering. Every year on May 25th, Jordanians celebrate Independence Day, a timeless moment that embodies the spirit of national struggle and emancipation from the shackles of the mandate, and the journey toward building a modern, sovereign Arab state. In 2025, we commemorate the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, recalling the journey of a nation forged by faith, sacrifice, and wise Hashemite leadership, which continues to steadfastly move toward the future despite challenges. Independence in 1946 was the fruit of a long struggle waged by Jordanians under the leadership of Sharif Abdullah bin Al-Hussein, who, since his arrival in Transjordan, sought to establish a stable political entity based on free will and authentic Arab affiliation. The Declaration of Independence was the culmination of these efforts, with Jordan becoming an independent, sovereign state, and King Abdullah I being crowned constitutionally king, ushering in a new era of institution-building and the formulation of a unifying national identity. This independence was not merely a political separation from the British Mandate; rather, it was the revival of a national identity rooted in Arab, Islamic, and humanitarian values, and a state mission based on legitimacy, moderation, openness, and solidarity. From the moment of independence until today, the Hashemites have played a central role in consolidating the foundations of the Jordanian state and modernizing its institutions. King Talal drafted the 1952 Constitution, which strengthened public freedoms and enshrined the principle of separation of powers. It was a milestone in the region in its emphasis on constitutional and institutional life. King Hussein bin Talal continued the journey, despite the storms that swept the region, steering the nation's ship with wisdom and vision, consolidating the pillars of stability and consolidating Jordan's sovereignty at a critical stage in its history. His Majesty King Abdullah II, in an era of globalization and major transformations, has taken it upon himself to lead a process of comprehensive reform and modernization, spanning the economy and education, to administration and social justice, strengthening Jordan's role regionally and internationally. The post-independence journey was not without challenges; rather, it was fraught with difficulties and major tests. On the political and security front, Jordan faced the Arab-Israeli wars and bore the burdens of Palestinian refugees, then Iraqi refugees, and finally Syrian refugees. Each time, Jordan demonstrated exceptional resilience, embracing its brother before its friend, without compromising its security and stability. The Kingdom also faced attempts to destabilize its internal security and faced significant economic pressures due to scarce resources and the increasing cost of social burdens. However, deep-rooted political will and popular cohesion made Jordan a model of balance and stability. Despite all these challenges, Jordan achieved a series of remarkable achievements in various fields. In the economy, it was able to enhance its food security and develop renewable energy sources, becoming a regional leader in this field. In education, Jordan achieved high rates of enrollment in schools and universities and maintained the quality of education despite limited resources, to the point that its children occupied prestigious academic positions worldwide. In the health sector, medical services have developed in cities and rural areas, and the level of healthcare and community awareness has increased, positively impacting human development indicators. Infrastructure has advanced significantly, with road and transportation networks expanding, and water, electricity, and communications services improving, enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. On the international stage, Jordan has consolidated its position as a moderate and credible country, distancing itself from polarization and serving as a bridge between peoples. Its foreign policy has been widely respected for its balance and wisdom, particularly regarding complex regional issues, most notably the Palestinian issue, which constitutes the core of Jordan's position and a fundamental pillar of its national security. Jordan has also played an active role in combating terrorism, calling for interfaith and intercultural dialogue, and engaging in international efforts to confront climate change and humanitarian crises, placing human dignity at the core of its policies. On this glorious anniversary, we recall the immense sacrifices made by our fathers and grandfathers so that we may live in a free, secure, and independent homeland. We look forward with hope and confidence to a brighter future based on harnessing the energies of youth, empowering women, expanding freedoms, and achieving social justice, in accordance with a comprehensive royal vision that balances tradition and modernity. Independence is not merely an occasion for celebration; it is a renewed call to work for the nation, to consolidate the values of belonging, and to strengthen the project of a modern civil state based on law, institutions, and competence. Jordan today, as it enters its seventy-eighth year of independence, is confidently moving forward, steadfast in its positions, open to the future, relying on a rich Hashemite legacy and a steadfast popular will. As the challenges intensify, Jordanians become more cohesive and united, realizing that their freedom and independence are their most precious possessions, and that patriotism is not a slogan to be raised, but rather a responsibility to be fulfilled and a pledge to be renewed every day. Happy New Year to Jordan, its people, leadership and nation. Professor of Strategic Studies at Al Hussein Bin Talal University
Jordan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
Jordan marks 79th Independence Day with reforms, political, economic resilience
AMMAN — Jordan celebrated the 78th anniversary of its independence with renewed confidence in its modernisation journey, marked by institutional reform, economic resilience, and a deepening national dialogue on sovereignty in an increasingly complex regional environment. Since its independence in 1946, the Hashemite Kingdom has charted a path of measured reform, balancing tradition with modernity and transformation. This year's Independence Day commemoration underscored the country's progress in political participation, youth empowerment, and economic self-reliance. Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said, 'As we mark the 79th anniversary of the independence of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, we honour the sacrifices and determination of Jordanians who laid the foundation for a sovereign, modern state, one rooted in the values and principles of the Great Arab Revolt, unity, freedom, and a better life. Independence in 1946 marked a pivotal turning point, launching a new era of political and institutional modernisation under Hashemite leadership dedicated to building a strong, resilient, and cohesive Jordan. Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, added that Independence Day this year comes as Jordan moves forward with its comprehensive modernisation vision, political, economic, and administrative. This national path reflects the state's firm commitment to strengthening institutions, modernising the economy, and empowering Jordanians, especially the youth, to lead the next phase with confidence, competence, and a deep sense of national responsibility. On this national day, and in the face of ongoing challenges, Jordan's path of independence continues, driven by serious efforts to develop the state's institutions, the economy and attract strategic investment, with the aim of positioning Jordan as a regional hub for innovation, education, and high-quality services, he continued. True independence means moving forward with confidence, while remaining committed to the values and principles that come from the deep roots of our people and their strong sense of belonging to this nation.', he said. Political reform took centre stage in 2024 with the first parliamentary elections conducted under the new political party's law. The legislation reserved 41 of the 138 Lower House seats for political parties, increased the women's quota to 18 seats, and opened candidacy to citizens aged 25 and above. These changes boosted participation among youth and women, with party membership data showing youth under 35 now make up over 40 per cent, and women accounting for more than 34 per cent of total memberships. Observers lauded the elections as a milestone for democratic development, while decentralisation efforts expanded through stronger governorate councils and enhanced local governance frameworks Omar Raddad, the strategic security expert said that the evolving media landscape requires urgent adaptation to preserve the integrity of Jordan's narrative at home and abroad. 'Without a coherent and authentic national narrative, others will step in to fill that void,' he said. With the rise of AI driven platforms and the flood of information, modern media must be interactive and aligned with national priorities. It is critical that Jordanian media present a clear, credible narrative, particularly in foreign policy and the King's diplomatic efforts, that reflects the messages we see presented abroad', he said. Board Member of the Amman Chamber of Industry Musa Saket highlighted the integral link between sovereignty and economic independence said that 'Political independence cannot be deemed complete without economic independence, as the latter forms a vital foundation for national sovereignty. The less reliant a country is on aid and loans, the greater its ability to make decisions freely and independently. To achieve sustainable development, both public and private sectors must adopt comprehensive policies that stimulate local production, attract quality investment, and support high value-added industries. Youth empowerment, especially in innovation and entrepreneurship, is essential to drive the digital economy forward', he added. According to official data, The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) recorded a growth of 2.7 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, exceeding the estimated rate of 2.5 per cent for the same quarter. The data showed that growth in the fourth quarter was driven by strong performance across key sectors of the economy, despite the challenges posed by regional instability and shifting geopolitical dynamics that affected various productive sectors. Jordan's national exports rose by 8.1 per cent by the end of February 2025, reaching JD1.309 billion compared with JD1.211 billion during the same period last year, according to the monthly report issued by the Department of Statistics. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to the Kingdom increased during the third quarter of 2024, reaching $457.8 million, a 3.7 per cent rise compared with the same period in 2023, according to Central Bank of Jordan (CBJTourism revenue surged to $2.4 billion in the first third of 2025, marking a 15.3 per cent increase compared with the same period last year, according to preliminary data from the Central Bank of Jordan. The Economic Modernisation Vision (2022–2033) continues to guide development strategy, targeting job creation and diversification through innovation-led sectors including ICT, logistics, and renewable energy. Across the Kingdom, Independence Day was marked by patriotic ceremonies, military parades, and cultural events. As fireworks lit up the night skies in Amman and beyond, Jordanians reflected on the enduring values of sovereignty, resilience and unity.
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ericsson and Zain Jordan partner to elevate digital experiences in Jordan
This initiative is part of Zain Jordan's ongoing efforts to continuously modernize, enhance its digital services, improve customer experiences, and boost operational agility. The transformation will drive innovation, optimize costs, and accelerate Zain Jordan's digitalization journey for its customers. Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Zain Jordan have embarked on a Business Support Systems (BSS) transformation project aimed at enhancing digital services, customer experiences, and operational agility. This strategic partnership will modernize Zain Jordan's converged BSS architecture to a cloud-native model, driving innovation and flexibility in the Hashemite Kingdom's evolving telecom and Information Technology (IT) landscape. Building on over a decade-long partnership, Ericsson will upgrade and expand Zain Jordan's existing implementation of Ericsson Charging to the latest software, integrating new features and capabilities, all hosted on the Ericsson Cloud Native Infrastructure Solution. The transformation will enable Zain Jordan to adopt a catalog-based business model, supporting a seamless and more personalized customer service experience for its prepaid customers. The transformation will empower Zain Jordan to enhance service agility, improve time to market, optimize costs, and introduce greater operational flexibility and 5G monetization opportunities, reinforcing its commitment to advancing Jordan's telecommunications market. By leveraging Ericsson's expertise in cloud-native products and solutions, the transformation will also accelerate Zain Jordan's digitalization journey for its customers. Wesam Abu Hashhash, Technology and Digital Innovation Director at Zain Jordan, says: "This investment reflects our commitment to delivering innovative services and an exceptional customer journey. By digitalizing our prepaid customer service experience with Ericsson`s monetization and core commerce portfolio, we are setting the stage for a more agile and customer-centric approach. This transformation will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our customers while maintaining our leadership in the Kingdom's telecommunications sector and support the broader digital transformation efforts across the Kingdom." Kevin Murphy, Vice President and Head of Ericsson North Middle East and Africa, says: "Through this cloud-native transformation, we are enabling Zain Jordan to enhance customer service experiences, improved time to market & agility, streamline operations, and unlock new opportunities in the digital economy. As Zain continues to evolve its service offerings in Jordan, this transformation will pave the way for future innovations that enhance connectivity and service experiences across the Kingdom.' The partnership aligns with Jordan's digital economy ambitions and strengthens the nation's position as a key player in the regional telecom sector. FOLLOW US: Subscribe to Ericsson press releases here Subscribe to Ericsson blog posts here MORE INFORMATION AT: Ericsson Newsroom ABOUT ERICSSON: Ericsson's high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we've been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality.
