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AMMAN — The Board of Directors of Al Hussein Fund for Excellence, chaired by Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) Governor Adel Sharkas, has approved the final results and announced the winners of Al Hussein Fund Awards in Agriculture and Food Security. 

The evaluation committees selected seven winning projects across the fields of plant production, animal production, and water and environment, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

In the field of plant production, the first prize was awarded to the project "Breeding and Use of the Predator Stethorus sp. for the Biological Control of the Two-Spotted Spider Mite."

Second place went to the project "Detection of Red Palm Weevil Infestation Using Remote Sensing Techniques". 

The third prize was awarded to the project "Eco-Friendly Fertilisers Using Nano and Hydrogel Technology".

In the field of animal production, the first prize was awarded to the project "Camelera". 

The second and third prizes were withheld due to a lack of submissions meeting the required standard.

In the water and environment field, the first prize was awarded to the project "Production of Peat Moss for Mushroom Cultivation and Plant Tissue Culture". 

The second prize went to the project "Ezrani" (Plant Me) for producing eco-friendly agricultural containers, while third place was awarded to the project "Smart Irrigation Technology".

The evaluation committees comprised experts from various disciplines related to the awards, representing agricultural faculties from Jordanian universities, the Royal Scientific Society, the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) and the private sector.

A total of 212 projects were submitted for the awards, of which 167 were disqualified by the administrative committee for failing to meet the initial criteria. The eligible projects were then forwarded to the evaluation committees for review.

The launch of Al Hussein Fund Awards in Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the NARC, aligns with the objectives of the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV), which focuses on food security, increasing agricultural production, advancing food manufacturing, and unlocking the potential of farmers and researchers in these areas.

AMMAN — A total of 56,553 citizens have benefited from the recent government's decision to exempt vehicles with expired licensing for over a year from fines, until December 5, Director of the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department (DVLD) Brig. Gen. Omar Quraan said on Monday. 

The measure, which is in effect until the end of December, aims to encourage individuals to renew their vehicle registrations, with DVLD rolling out fully-equipped mobile stations in northern, central, and southern Badia regions to bring services directly to local communities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

These mobile stations provide essential services such as vehicle inspections, registration renewals, and payment of fees, making it easier for citizens to access services without needing to travel to central licensing offices.

In an interview with Petra, Quraan explained that the department currently operates 22 offices and 13 mobile stations, three of which offer extended hours beyond the regular working day.

He noted that the initiative is designed to ease the burden on citizens, particularly those who have faced financial challenges that have delayed their ability to renew vehicle registrations on time.

Quraan stressed that the decision offers a complete exemption from fines for expired registrations, including vehicles with registrations overdue by more than two years, which are also exempted from re-registration fees.

The director added that mobile licensing stations in the Badia regions have seen a "particularly high turnout," which underscores the "success" of this initiative in increasing access to services and fostering greater compliance with traffic regulations.

To further enhance service delivery, the department seeks to improve its digital platform, which currently provides 39 online services, he pointed out.

Quraan added that the Sanad app has been introduced, allowing citizens to display their driver’s licenses electronically, simplifying the process and reducing administrative burdens.

He reiterated that the department is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of the public, where the focus remains on improving user experiences and offering flexible solutions to vehicle licensing challenges.

He urged citizens, especially as the deadline approaches, to take advantage of the available services to avoid fines and contribute to enhanced road safety.

AMMAN — Jordan and the United States on Monday signed an $845.1-million annual US grant agreement to the Kingdom's general budget, according to a Planning Ministry statement. 

The signing ceremony, held at the newly opened Abu Nuseir Housing Secondary Mixed School in Amman, was attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah and US Ambassador to Jordan Yael Lempert.

Signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan and USAID Mission Director Leslie Reed, the grant agreement is part of the US-Jordan Memorandum of Understanding (2023-2029), which was signed in September 2022 to provide $10 billion in US assistance over seven years, "demonstrating an unwavering commitment to Jordan's development challenges, including hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees," the statement said. 

She also noted that this year's grant includes an additional $200 million appropriated by the US Congress over and above baseline annual support. The funds will target key sectors including education, health, public works, water, energy, tourism and youth initiatives.

Toukan also acknowledged a separate additional $362 million agreement under USAID's 2020-2025 Strategy, which funds projects in economic development, governance, and essential public services.

Toukan expressed Jordan's appreciation for the US assistance, highlighting its critical role in advancing the Kingdom's development goals and economic reforms. The funds will help reduce the national budget deficit and support projects in line with Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision (2023-2025) and Public Sector Modernisation Roadmap, she noted.

Commending USAID's contributions to the education sector, she noted that six more schools, two each in Amman, Zarqa and Irbid, are expected to be completed by 2025. Over the next four years, US funding will also support the construction and rehabilitation of 60 schools across Jordan, the minister added.

Emphasising the enduring partnership between the two nations, the US envoy said: "This agreement reflects the US unwavering commitment to Jordan's economic stability and prosperity. The grant will support Jordan's reform agenda under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and improve the quality of life for all Jordanians."

We are proud to remain a key partner in Jordan’s success, she added.

The Abu Nuseir Housing Secondary Mixed School, where the ceremony took place, is an example of collaboration between Jordan and the United States. Opened in April 2024 as part of the Knowledge Economy Schools Project, the school addresses classroom overcrowding and currently serves 538 students.

The modern facility includes 27 classrooms for grades 1-12, four kindergarten rooms, science labs, a vocational lab, an art lab, two computer labs (one for community use), a library, and a multipurpose hall. It also has state-of-the-art IT tools and a dedicated space for students with learning disabilities, promoting an inclusive and innovative learning environment.

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has sent a cable to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, wishing him a full and speedy recovery after undergoing successful surgery, according to a Royal Court statement. 

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi condemned on Monday Israeli decision to seize control of a demilitarized buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights.

"We condemn Israel for entering Syrian territory and taking control of the buffer zone," Safadi told the Lower House.

Safadi called the move a "violation of international law."

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday he had ordered the army to seize the demilitarised zone in the Syrian-controlled part of the Golan Heights after rebels captured Damascus and other major cities and forced president Bashar Al Assad to leave the country. 

Israel occupied the Golan from Syria in the Arab-Israeli war of 1967 and then annexed it in 1981 in a move not recognised by the international community, except by the US in 2019. 

A buffer zone was established in 1974 to separate the Israeli-held and Syrian territories, with UN peacekeepers stationed there since then.

Safadi reiterated that the government will continue supporting the Syrian people under His Majesty King Abdullah's directives, adding that the Kingdom will continue monitoring the situation in the northern neighbor. 

He also said that the government will support any political path the Syrians devise to end the crisis and restore security and stability to their country. 

"A stable Syria is a top strategic interest for Jordan and the entire Arab region," he said. 

The foreign minister said that resolving the issue of refugees lies in their voluntary return to their homeland.  

According to official figures, Jordan is home to around 1.3 million Syrians, including nearly 660,000 refugees registered UNHCR, out of more than 5 million Syrian refugees in Jordan and neighboring countries.

-Draft law referred to Financial Committee for review

-Finance minister says bill based on Economic Modernisation Vision

-Shibli says national economy maintained stability, resilience thanks to fiscal reforms

-He explains that budget focuses on reducing public debt through economic growth

AMMAN — The Lower House has referred the draft General Budget Law for the fiscal year 2025 to its Financial Committee, which will begin discussions with ministries, government units, and institutions. Recommendations will then be submitted to the Chamber for further deliberations.

Addressing lawmakers, Finance Minister Abdul Hakim Shibli said that the government is developing a plan to replace high-cost debt with soft loans to stabilize external debt servicing costs and maintain stable interest rates on current expenditures in the coming years. "The budget focuses on reducing public debt through economic growth, securing funding for major projects in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision."

He said that the budget law reflects the government’s policy priorities and future objectives in harmony with the Royal directives outlined in the Speech of the Throne at the opening of the 20th Parliament’s regular session.

"Despite political and security challenges in the region, the national economy has maintained stability, demonstrated resilience and achieved positive indicators," the minister said. 

Shibli said that Jordan has completed the second review of its fiscal and economic reform programme with the International Monetary Fund, which affirmed the country’s financial and monetary stability. "Credit rating agencies have also raised Jordan’s credit rating, highlighting the effective macroeconomic management and structural reforms that bolster international confidence in the national economy."

He added that preliminary indicators for the first half of 2024 showed improvement in economic fundamentals, with GDP growing by 2.2 per cent at constant prices, projected to reach 2.3 per cent for the entire year. Unemployment dropped to 21.4 per cent compared to 22.1 per cent during the same period in 2023, he said. 

Shibli said that the trade deficit decreased by 3 per cent during the first three quarters, amounting to approximately JD6.9 billion, while remittances from Jordanians abroad increased by 3.2 per cent to reach JD1.875 billion. Prudent monetary policy helped maintain foreign currency reserves above $20 billion, sufficient to cover eight months of imports, stabilizing the Dinar exchange rate and preserving purchasing power amid low inflation at 1.6 per cent.

The improvement in economic indicators during the third quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 underscores the ongoing recovery of the national economy. Domestic revenues for 2024, however, remain below expectations despite an estimated increase of JD186 million compared to 2023. External grants are projected at JD739 million, the minister said. 

In terms of expenditures, he said that the government prioritized key projects while reducing current spending, estimating 2024 operational expenses at JD10.538 billion and capital expenditures at JD1.26 billion. "Total public expenditures were recalculated at JD11.798 billion."

"As a result of revenue and expenditure adjustments, the 2024 budget deficit after grants is projected at JD2.441 billion, or 6.5 per cent of GDP, while the primary deficit is estimated at 2.9 per cent of GDP. Consequently, public debt is expected to reach approximately 90 per cent of GDP for 2024. The calculation of public debt excluding social security obligations aligns with global practices and agreements with international institutions for comparability with similar economies."

The Finance Ministry remains committed to repaying installments and interest to the Social Security Fund, with payments reaching JD743 million in 2022 and exceeding JD1 billion in 2023, he said.

"The draft General Budget Law for 2025 reflects realistic estimates based on achievable assumptions and several key indicators. The economy is projected to grow at a real GDP rate of 2.5 per cent in 2025, increasing to 3 per cent in 2026 and 2027. Nominal GDP is expected to grow by 4.9 per cent in 2025 and 5.6 per cent in 2026 and 2027."

Shibli attributed the anticipated growth is to improved performance in vital sectors such as construction, tourism, and industry, as well as increased export growth. "Additional drivers include the positive effects of lower interest rates, which will expand local credit and stimulate investment, and the implementation of major projects such as the National Carrier Project, railway infrastructure, and the construction of new hospitals and schools."

"Inflation rates are expected to remain moderate, with a projected 2.2 per cent in 2025, 2.5 per cent in 2026, and a decline to 2.3 per cent in 2027. The current account deficit in the balance of payments, as a percentage of GDP, is projected to reach approximately 4.6 per cent in 2025, decreasing to 4.1 per cent in 2026 and 3.8 per cent in 2027."

Current expenditures in 2025 are estimated at approximately JD11.042 billion, reflecting an increase of JD504 million, or 4.8 per cent, compared to the revised 2024 level, the minister noted, adding that capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated at around JD1.469 billion, a rise of JD209 million or 16.5 per cent over the revised 2024 level.

- King says Jordan has always stood by its Syrian brothers, sisters since start of crisis

- His Majesty praises efforts, sacrifices of border guards to maintain Jordan's stability, expressing pride in their continued efforts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah said on Sunday that Jordan stands with the Syrian people and respects their will and choices.

Chairing a National Security Council meeting, His Majesty stressed the need to safeguard Syria’s security, and the safety and achievements of its citizens, and to work urgently to ensure stability and avoid any conflict that could lead to chaos, according to a Royal Court statement.  

The King said Jordan has always stood by its Syrian brothers and sisters since the start of the crisis, welcoming Syrian refugees over the last decade and providing them with education, healthcare, and other services, the same services afforded to Jordanians.

His Majesty noted that the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and security agencies have worked relentlessly over the past years to maintain the country's security and safeguard its borders, stressing that they will continue to protect Jordan and Jordanians, the statement said. 

The King praised the efforts and sacrifices of border guards to maintain Jordan's stability, expressing pride in their continued efforts.

AMMAN — With prosecution, compulsory military service and revenge becoming less of a concern in Syria following the recent developments, analysts argued that the question of refugees' return to their homeland is no more a guesswork but a probability. 

Opposition forces seized control of the capital Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar Al Assad to leave the country and ending over five decades of Assad family rule. 

The rebel forces published videos on Telegram and other social media platforms, showing fighters opening prisons in Damascus and other cities and releasing thousands. Other videos showed rebels assuring people of safety, security and freedom while policing the crowds and traffic movement. 

The development has raised questions about the potential return of Syrian refugees, including those in Jordan, which hosts hundreds of thousands displaced by the conflict.

The UNHCR has reiterated refugees' right to return to their country whenever they choose to do so. 

"Any refugee return must be voluntary, dignified and safe. UNHCR has been working with all stakeholders to address what refugees identify as obstacles to their return to end their displacement," the UN refugee agency said on X platform. 

Meanwhile, analysts told The Jordan Times on Sunday that refugees might now consider going back home, with prosecution, military conscription and other restrictions becoming less of a concern.  

Former Minister of Media Affairs Samih Maaytah emphasized that Jordan will continue hosting refugees under its international commitments. However, he acknowledged that the changing political climate in Syria might encourage many to consider returning.

“Some left Syria due to security concerns, opposition to the government, military conscription, or financial penalties. These factors have largely been addressed by recent developments in Syria,” Maaytah, chairman of the Jordan Press Foundation.  

He explained that some of the refugees have homes they left back at the beginning of the war in Syria [in 2011] that they can use when they go back. "This would make their return probably easier."

"Jordan, once stability is restored in Syria, should work with the new Syrian government and international organisations to ensure safe repatriation and provide support for rebuilding homes."

“Previously, the idea of refugees returning was unrealistic due to Syria’s instability and economic struggles. Now, the situation has changed and returning to their homes is preferable to remaining in camps or working in unsuitable conditions."

Strategic analyst Amer Sabaileh urged caution, highlighting the complexities of refugee repatriation. "While the developments in Syria create a potential opportunity for return, the situation remains uncertain, especially for refugees in Jordan. Stability must be firmly established before any large-scale repatriation can take place."

Sabaileh also pointed out that Lebanon, which hosts a similarly large refugee population, may take precedence in immediate efforts due to its dire economic and social conditions. "For Jordan, the path forward remains foggy."

According to official figures, Jordan is home to around 1.3 million Syrians, including nearly 660,000 refugees registered UNHCR, out of more than 5 million Syrian refugees in Jordan and neighboring countries.