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Jordan Times
05-05-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Arar House Museum: Living tribute to Jordan's national poet
IRBID — Nestled in the heart of Irbid lies a powerful monument to one of Jordan's most celebrated literary figures, Mustafa Wahbi Al Tal, widely known by his pen name, Arar. Today, his family home has been transformed into the Arar House Museum, preserving his legacy as both a poet and patriot. The museum honours not only Arar's poetry but also his deep connection to Irbid. The house itself, which dates back to the British Mandate era, once belonged to Arar's family and was the place where he spent his childhood and early adult years. Built in the Damascene architectural style, the home carries the spirit of the past, complete with a century-old mulberry tree that still shades its courtyard. Arar (1899–1949), also known as 'The Poet of Jordan', was a pioneering literary figure whose poetry not only shaped modern Arabic verse but also reflected his deep commitment to Arab nationalist causes — foremost among them the Palestinian cause — and his solidarity with the poor and marginalised. He also worked as a teacher, lawyer, and administrative governor during his lifetime. Speaking with The Jordan Times, Director of Irbid's Culture Directorate Sultan Zghoul, said: 'Mustafa Wahbi Al Tal was chosen as the Arab Cultural Icon of 2022 by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation [ALECSO], a well-deserved honour that reflects his regional influence and poetic legacy.' According to Zghoul, the museum hosts a collection of historical photographs and personal belongings of Arar — including his study desk and rare images with King Abdullah I, the founder monarch of Jordan. 'In 1989, Arar's remains were relocated into the house, and it was transformed into a museum. Since then, it has received hundreds of visitors annually, becoming a unique cultural destination in northern Jordan,' he added. 'The museum attracts a wide spectrum of visitors — from students and families to intellectuals and ambassadors,' said Zghoul. 'We have also developed a long-term plan to host and receive a variety of cultural events here — including poetry evenings, heritage exhibitions, visual art shows, lectures, art workshops, and heritage festivals.' The director noted that the house is frequently visited by Arab poets and writers, who see it as a 'living tribute' to a man who helped shape Jordan's literary consciousness. Among the visitors was Bdour Sami, who described the museum as a 'cultural treasure.' 'I love this place — it is perfect for children and for anyone who appreciates poetry and culture. It is an important symbol of Irbid,' she said. Though modest in size, Arar House is rich in meaning — a space that offers more than historical insight; it continues to celebrate Jordan's cultural identity. As Zghoul put it: 'This is not just a museum. It is a living space for culture.'
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Ajloun sets new visitor record with over 6,100 in a day — official
AMMAN — The Ajloun cable car attraction reached a new milestone on Friday, drawing more than 6,100 visitors in a single day, including Jordanians, residents, and tourists from across the Arab world and beyond. Tareq Maaitah, Director of the AjlounDevelopment Area, told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the record turnout highlights the strong appeal of the cable car project and reinforces its role as a flagship destination on Jordan's tourism map. Maaytah attributed the growing popularity to a targeted strategy aimed at enhancing the visitor experience through quality events and engaging programs, which have contributed to longer tourist stays. He added that Ajloun is experiencing a notable rise in tourism activity this season, positioning the area as a leading year-round destination. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan climbs Future of Growth Index, advances in innovation, digital inclusion
AMMAN: Jordan has advanced in the Future of Growth Index, making a remarkable progress in innovation, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience, according to a new government report. The Kingdom's performance was detailed in the first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025). According to the report, a copy of which was sent to The Jordan Times, the Kingdom has recorded scores of 45.1 in innovation, 53 in inclusiveness, 58.2 in sustainability, and 55 in resilience, out of a possible 100 in each category. To strengthen its innovation pillar, particularly in knowledge-based employment, the report said that the Ministry of Labour launched a national action plan to employ 1,000 job seekers across various governorates under the Productive Branches Initiative and provide career counselling and evaluation services. An analytical study was also conducted to assess the effectiveness of the National Employment Programme and to identify labour market challenges facing its beneficiaries. In a move to bridge the digital divide, especially in underprivileged regions, the government introduced the Jordanian Digital Inclusion Policy 2025. The policy aims to expand internet access through infrastructure upgrades and increased digital outreach, targeting a higher rate of internet usage among the population, the report said. Jordan has also partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to conduct the 2025–2026 Executive Opinion Survey. The survey, which includes a nationally representative sample, will contribute qualitative insights for the 2026 edition of the Index. The Ministry of Planning took part in the forum's opening session to ensure accurate representation of Jordan's data in global assessments. Additionally, the government is reviewing sub-indicators related to the Index and coordinating with relevant institutions to address performance gaps and enhance future scores. The first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025) said that the government has made a number of decisions aimed at enhancing Jordan's position as a global destination. The report, released by the Council of Ministers, outlined major economic initiatives and trends observed in the first four months of the year. The report said that the government has granted sales tax exemptions to the "Jerash Eco-Tourism City Project" and exempted professional license fees for commercial and tourism establishments operating within the Petra Development and Tourism Region. According to the report, the government has achieved 'substantial' progress in several regulatory reforms in the tourism sector, including the endorsement of the 2025 bylaw for Hotel and Tourism Establishments, as well as amendments to the bylaws governing the Jordan Hotel Association and the Association of Travel and Tourism Offices. Work has also commenced on drafting new regulations for travel agencies and tourism companies. Business activity showed 'remarkable' improvement during January-April period, the report said, with the number of newly registered companies rising by 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. A total of 2,372 companies were registered between January and April, up from 2,091 during the same period in 2024. The report said that the total registered capital exceeded JD66 million, citing data from the Companies Control Department, with limited liability companies accounting for the majority of registrations, totalling 1,723 companies, 72.6 per cent of all new businesses The report also noted a significant 49 per cent decrease in company closures or deregistrations. Only 376 companies were removed from the registry, compared to 741 in the same period last year. Net capital increased dramatically by 518 per cent, reaching approximately JD590 million, compared to JD145 million in the first third of 2024. A total of 624 companies increased their capital by nearly JD617 million, while 97 companies reduced theirs by around JD79 million. The report also cited 'solid progress' in infrastructure development linked to healthcare and medical education. Construction of the new Faculty of Medicine has reached 67 per cent completion, while 79 per cent of the associated university hospital has been completed, both part of a broader national project aimed at enhancing Jordan's medical education and healthcare services. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
04-05-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Jordan climbs Future of Growth Index, advances in innovation, digital inclusion
The first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision says that the Kingdom has advanced in the Future of Growth Index, with a remarkable progress in innovation, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience (JT file) - Gov't adopts knowledge-based employment approach to employ 1,000 job seekers - Digital Inclusion Policy introduced to expand internet access, mainly in underprivileged regions - Incentives, exceptions granted to tourism institutions to stimulate sector - 2,372 companies were registered during January-April period, up from 2,091 during the same period in 2024 AMMAN — Jordan has advanced in the Future of Growth Index, making a remarkable progress in innovation, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience, according to a new government report. The Kingdom's performance was detailed in the first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025). According to the report, a copy of which was sent to The Jordan Times, the Kingdom has recorded scores of 45.1 in innovation, 53 in inclusiveness, 58.2 in sustainability, and 55 in resilience, out of a possible 100 in each category. To strengthen its innovation pillar, particularly in knowledge-based employment, the report said that the Ministry of Labour launched a national action plan to employ 1,000 job seekers across various governorates under the Productive Branches Initiative and provide career counselling and evaluation services. An analytical study was also conducted to assess the effectiveness of the National Employment Programme and to identify labour market challenges facing its beneficiaries. In a move to bridge the digital divide, especially in underprivileged regions, the government introduced the Jordanian Digital Inclusion Policy 2025. The policy aims to expand internet access through infrastructure upgrades and increased digital outreach, targeting a higher rate of internet usage among the population, the report said. Jordan has also partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to conduct the 2025–2026 Executive Opinion Survey. The survey, which includes a nationally representative sample, will contribute qualitative insights for the 2026 edition of the Index. The Ministry of Planning took part in the forum's opening session to ensure accurate representation of Jordan's data in global assessments. Additionally, the government is reviewing sub-indicators related to the Index and coordinating with relevant institutions to address performance gaps and enhance future scores. The first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025) said that the government has made a number of decisions aimed at enhancing Jordan's position as a global destination. The report, released by the Council of Ministers, outlined major economic initiatives and trends observed in the first four months of the year. The report said that the government has granted sales tax exemptions to the "Jerash Eco-Tourism City Project" and exempted professional license fees for commercial and tourism establishments operating within the Petra Development and Tourism Region. According to the report, the government has achieved 'substantial' progress in several regulatory reforms in the tourism sector, including the endorsement of the 2025 bylaw for Hotel and Tourism Establishments, as well as amendments to the bylaws governing the Jordan Hotel Association and the Association of Travel and Tourism Offices. Work has also commenced on drafting new regulations for travel agencies and tourism companies. Business activity showed 'remarkable' improvement during January-April period, the report said, with the number of newly registered companies rising by 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. A total of 2,372 companies were registered between January and April, up from 2,091 during the same period in 2024. The report said that the total registered capital exceeded JD66 million, citing data from the Companies Control Department, with limited liability companies accounting for the majority of registrations, totalling 1,723 companies, 72.6 per cent of all new businesses The report also noted a significant 49 per cent decrease in company closures or deregistrations. Only 376 companies were removed from the registry, compared to 741 in the same period last year. Net capital increased dramatically by 518 per cent, reaching approximately JD590 million, compared to JD145 million in the first third of 2024. A total of 624 companies increased their capital by nearly JD617 million, while 97 companies reduced theirs by around JD79 million. The report also cited 'solid progress' in infrastructure development linked to healthcare and medical education. Construction of the new Faculty of Medicine has reached 67 per cent completion, while 79 per cent of the associated university hospital has been completed, both part of a broader national project aimed at enhancing Jordan's medical education and healthcare services.
Jordan Times
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan Times
World Press Freedom Day marked amid rising dangers to journalists
(Photo by Ahmad Abualkas) AMMAN — As the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day on May 3, media professionals and rights advocates are calling for stronger protections and greater support for journalists, especially amid growing threats from conflict, disinformation, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. This year's observance is shadowed by a sharp rise in journalist casualties, particularly in Gaza, where dozens of media workers have lost their lives covering the ongoing Israeli war on the Strip. According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), at least 171 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began, with many others injured or missing. The day serves not only to honour fallen journalists but also to spotlight the need to safeguard media freedom and ensure the survival of independent journalism in an increasingly complex global environment. In remarks to The Jordan Times on the occasion, Minister of Government Communications Mohammed Momani said that 'Jordan has always thought of free press and credible reporting as part of its security and society peace.' 'Professionalism is the key to success reporting and journalism freedom. In the age of AI and digitalisation, it is important that journalism and government understand the inedibility of the flow of information.' Newly elected Jordan Press Association (JPA) President Tareq Momani also stressed the importance of empowering journalists, citing their vital role in society. 'The current professional and living conditions of journalists require serious reconsideration,' said Momani, a veteran journalist and three-time JPA president. 'They must be able to work in a safe environment with job security and financial stability.' Marking the occasion, JPA president said UNESCO's 2024 theme, 'A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,' underscores the critical role of bold and courageous journalism in today's world, particularly in the era of artificial intelligence. 'AI can contribute to the distortion or fabrication of information, undermining freedom of expression and, in some cases, posing a threat to journalists by replacing them,' he warned. He also announced that the JPA plans to resume issuing its annual Press Freedom Report starting next year, a publication that has been suspended since 2017. 'We aim to boost professional development through our training centre and enhance journalists' skills and capacity.' Press freedom advocate and former JPA council member Khaled Qudah highlighted that while the tools of journalism have evolved, the principles remain unchanged. 'There is no such thing as conventional versus unconventional media, only different platforms. What remains constant are the profession's ethics, laws, and core practices,' Qudah told The Jordan Times. 'Stakeholders across the region are using the occasion to call for legal reforms, better protections, and ongoing support for media professionals, who continue to work under pressure and in high-risk environments.'
