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Gov't announces measures to ease Ramadan burdens on consumers

Extended tax exemptions, lower storage rates

By - Feb 26,2025 - Last updated at Feb 26,2025

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah on Wednesday announces a series of government measures aimed at ensuring market stability ahead of Ramadan (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah on Wednesday announced a series of government measures aimed at ensuring market stability and easing the burden on consumers ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.

During a press conference, Qudah said that the government has decided to extend its previous exemption on customs duties and general and special sales taxes for maritime shipping fees, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Initially implemented at the beginning of last year, the exemption will now be extended for an additional three months in response to the ongoing challenges posed by high shipping costs in international markets, exacerbated by the Red Sea navigation crisis, with the extension aimed at alleviating import expenses and mitigating the impact of rising prices on consumers.

The government also extended a previous measure set to take effect in early 2025, which will remain in place until the end of Ramadan. The Jordan Silos and Supply General Company (JSSGC) has been instructed to offer reduced storage rates for private-sector importers of essential goods. 

The measure aims to ease inflationary pressures and positively influence consumer prices, with the new rates reflecting a significant reduction of about 40 per cent compared with previous levels.

Qudah also reassured the public that the country’s strategic stockpile of essential commodities remains secure, well above the required safe supply thresholds. 

He emphasised that, despite challenges such as supply chain disruptions, the large volume of humanitarian aid directed toward Gaza and the surge in exports to Syria, Jordan has successfully maintained an optimal inventory, which exceeds the safe supply limit by an additional five months.

The minister also highlighted the ministry’s intensified inspection campaigns and awareness efforts targeting consumers and suppliers, noting that there has been a 50 per cent increase in incoming shipping containers at Aqaba Port in January compared with the same month in 2024, with the majority of shipments containing goods intended for Ramadan.

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat, speaking at the same press conference, said that the agricultural sector is currently at peak production, with supply significantly outpacing demand. 

He also noted that the primary challenge lies in the seasonal spike in consumer demand during the first week of Ramadan, which typically returns to normal levels in the weeks that follow.

 

Xposure 2025: the power of photography in exposing int'l injustices

By - Feb 26,2025 - Last updated at Feb 26,2025

In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth (Photo by Maria Weldali)

SHARJAH – In an era where photography remains a powerful tool for documenting and holding the powerful accountable, the ninth edition of the Xposure International Photography Festival stands as a battleground for truth.

Held in Sharjah, this year’s festival brings together some of the world’s most influential photographers and visual storytellers, each armed with a camera and a mission—to expose, document and provoke.

From the frontlines of conflict to the depths of environmental crises, Xposure 2025 is more than a celebration of photography. It is a testament to the power of images to hold those in power accountable and give voice to the silenced.

Speaking with The Jordan Times on the sidelines of the festival, Svetlana Bachevanova, a photojournalist and an advocate for human rights through visual storytelling, discussed how photojournalism cuts through propaganda and misinformation.

Bachevanova said that photojournalism’s ability to pierce through propaganda lies in its capacity to capture undeniable realities. “Ensuring the authenticity of photojournalistic work requires rigorous validation, including in-person consultations with photographers to verify that images remain unaltered. For example, the recent publication Ukraine: A War Crime—a 540-page volume documenting war crimes in Ukraine—engaged directly with its photographer to uphold accuracy,” she said. 

“The human element and social interaction are indispensable, especially in an era where AI-driven visual storytelling may, in some cases, undermine the authenticity and emotional depth of human narratives.”

“The first step in verifying the integrity of a photograph is establishing trust in the photographer,” Bachevanova said.

On the ethical implications of AI-generated visuals, Bachevanova cautioned that such content could distort reality, making it critical for photojournalists to clearly distinguish between authentic photographs and AI-generated images. 

“AI visuals can blur the lines, and photojournalists must be vigilant in maintaining the integrity of their work,” she said.

As the director of FotoEvidence, an organization dedicated to supporting documentary photographers who expose injustice worldwide, Bachevanova reflected on the challenges faced by photojournalists today and the risks they take to document human rights violations. 

“The ability of photojournalists to document injustices is often restricted, and many are prevented from capturing and sharing critical evidence,” she said. “The international spread of doubts about the authenticity of media content only fuels mistrust and empowers politicians further.”

Unlike written words, which can be manipulated or taken out of context, images have an immediacy and emotional power that make them harder to dismiss. A single photograph, Bachevanova noted, can challenge official narratives and force accountability in ways that written reports sometimes cannot.

Throughout her career, Bachevanova has covered pivotal historical events, including the collapse of Bulgaria’s communist government, Boris Yeltsin’s coup attempt in Russia and the Romanian Revolution, among others. 

Acclaimed for her fearless pursuit of truth, she has published over 40 books on themes of human rights, ecological justice and social equity, sharing visual stories from 29 countries.

Turning to the evolving role of photojournalism in today’s geopolitical landscape, Bachevanova acknowledged that the field faces increasing complexities. 

Media censorship, digital surveillance and AI-generated disinformation now threaten the ability to capture and share truthful narratives.

 

Arjan showcases Jordan's trails at historic Zubaida Route in Saudi Arabia

By - Feb 26,2025 - Last updated at Feb 26,2025

AMMAN — In celebration of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Founding Day, the Daroub Al Qawafil Association hosted its ninth trek along the historic Zubaida Route in the Hail region. The three-day adventure attracted 220 explorers from 17 countries, including six Jordanian adventurers who completed the journey.

 

The carefully mapped expedition began at Faydh Reserve, following the ancient road under the supervision of Major General Abdulaziz Al Obaidah, Chairman of the Association's Board of Directors, supported by the association's dedicated members.

 

The 80-kilometer trek brought together diverse adventure enthusiasts—hikers, trekkers, horseback and camel riders, runners, cyclists, motorcyclists, off-road drivers, and paragliding professionals. Participants traveled from Faydh to Al-Gharibayn (28 km), then to Tawz (24 km), before returning to Al-Gharibayn and Faydh (28 km).

 

This historic route, connecting Kufa in Iraq to Mecca, runs primarily through Saudi territory, crossing Hail—the homeland of the legendary generous figure Hatim A Tai—before continuing through Qassim and Madinah. The path earned its name from Lady Zubaida, Harun Al Rashid's wife and Al Mansur's granddaughter, whose grandfather was born in Al-Humaymah in present-day Jordan during the Abbasid state's foundation. Lady Zubaida devoted considerable resources to developing this pilgrimage route, establishing rest stations, security, water systems, and guidance for pilgrims and merchants traveling to Mecca or eastward toward India and Sindh.

 

The post-trek program featured seminars and heritage events, including traveler Abdulrahim Al Arjan's presentation "Jordan's Trails – An Invitation from My Homeland."

Al Arjan showcased photographs of Jordan's mapped trails, including the Jordan Trail, designated routes in Wadi Rum overseen by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and paths in Wadi Araba, around Petra, and in rural regions. The seminar also highlighted the role of the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in supervising these trails according to established regulations.

This activity combines sports, culture, and tourism with knowledge and heritage preservation. As a crucial component of the tourism industry, many countries are revitalizing ancient pathways between villages and desert regions according to international safety standards to attract adventure enthusiasts. The field has spawned specialized conferences, exhibitions, and organizations that manage these trails through partnerships between local communities and tourism investors, utilizing professional tools and technology tailored to each trail's difficulty and requirements.

 

Growing interest has led to competitive rankings based on landscape diversity, geology, wildlife, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The highest recognition goes to the trails governments preserve for UNESCO World Heritage consideration. Saudi Arabia documents the Zubaida Route through comprehensive research, excavation, restoration, and development efforts led by leading experts and scholars.

King receives Syrian president

By - Feb 26,2025 - Last updated at Feb 26,2025

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah received Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa at Marka Airport on Wednesday at the start of his visit to Jordan, according to a Royal Court statement.

HRH Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, as well as Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh were present to receive the Syrian president.


President Al Sharaa is accompanied on the visit by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani and a number of officials.

Jordan welcomes outcomes of Syrian National Dialogue Conference

By - Feb 26,2025 - Last updated at Feb 26,2025

AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign has hailed the outcomes of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference and its outcomes, as a "significant step towards rebuilding Syria based on principles that ensure its unity, sovereignty, and stability."
In a statement on Saturday, the ministry said that the path the Syrian has launched out of the conference would also ensure the continuity of state institutions and fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people.

Sufian Qudah, the ministry's spokesperson, reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to supporting Syria during the transitional phase, emphasising that the reconstruction must be driven by a Syrian-led process that involves all segments of society, guaranteeing the protection of their rights and the establishment of a sovereign and stable nation.

Crown Prince meets Turkish president in Ankara

By - Feb 25,2025 - Last updated at Feb 25,2025

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein meets with Turkish President RecepTayyip Erdogan in Ankara, and stresses Jordan’s commitment to advancing the strong ties between the two countries (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

- Prince Hussein expresses Jordan's keenness on strengthening Jordan’s deep-rooted ties with Turkey

- Two sides stressed importance of maintaining coordination between Jordan, Turkey

- They call for creating political horizon to achieve just, comprehensive peace on basis of two-state solution

- President Erdogan reiterate shared position in relation to Palestinian cause, importance of rebuilding Gaza without displacing Palestinians

- Crown Prince, President Erdogan reiterate their support for Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, territorial integrity

 


AMMAN — HRH Crown Prince Hussein met with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday.

His Royal Highness conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Abdullah to President Erdogan, and an invitation from His Majesty for the president to visit Jordan, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The Crown Prince expressed Jordan’s keenness on strengthening Jordan’s deep-rooted ties with Turkey and its people.

The meeting covered ways to expand economic cooperation, as well as in the fields of education, tourism, vocational and technical training, military coordination, and countering terrorism in the region, the statement said. 

The two sides stressed the importance of maintaining coordination between Jordan and Turkey on a number of regional issues, in service of mutual interests and stability in the region.

The meeting also covered regional developments, with His Royal Highness and President Erdogan reiterating the shared position of the two countries in relation to the Palestinian cause and the importance of rebuilding Gaza without displacing Palestinians from their land.

Discussions addressed the dangerous escalations in the West Bank and frequent violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, the statement said. 

The two sides called for stepping up efforts to create a political horizon to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, while maintaining close coordination through the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and Arab League Contact Group on Gaza.

His Royal Highness praised Turkey's provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza as well as its support of UNRWA, reaffirming that Jordan will continue to facilitate the delivery of aid from Turkey to the Strip.

Turning to Syria, the Crown Prince and President Erdogan reiterated their support for Syria’s security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as for the new Syrian administration’s efforts to rebuild the country, according to the statement. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of the Crown Prince Zaid Baqain attended the meeting.

 

Army deploys drones, AI as drug smugglers shift to southern borders

By - Feb 25,2025 - Last updated at Feb 25,2025

Photos courtesy of JAF

 

AMMAN — The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) has intensified its campaign against cross-border drug smuggling networks, deploying advanced technology and enhanced patrols to counter traffickers who have shifted operations to the Kingdom’s southern borders following tightened security in the north.

Northern border crackdown

Jordan’s 360-kilometre northern border with Syria has been a major concern for over a decade due to drug trafficking as criminal networks have used the instability in Syria to establish narcotics production hubs, presenting a serious security risk to the Kingdom.

Long before the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, Jordan had raised alarms with the international community about Syria turning into a narco-state. Officials repeatedly emphasised that the proliferation of drug production and trafficking networks posed far-reaching risks to regional stability and global security.

Southern border: The new smuggling frontier

Jordan’s southern border regions have become a focal point for increasingly sophisticated smuggling operations, according to a statement from JAF Directorate of Military Media.

JAF attributed the shift to intensified security measures along the Kingdom’s northern borders, which have forced traffickers to exploit the south’s vast desert landscapes to cover illicit activities.  

“Enhanced border enforcement and rules of engagement in the north have pushed criminal networks to adapt,” the statement said, noting that drones are increasingly being deployed to airdrop narcotics into remote areas, bypassing traditional security checkpoints and patrols.

Smuggling networks are also exploiting economic hardship in border communities, targeting vulnerable individuals with enticements of quick profits. “Traffickers take advantage of financial desperation, deceiving residents into collaboration under the guise of easy income,” the Directorate said.  

“They exploit both the region’s instability and the material needs of its people to expand their operations.”

Technological advancements: drones, AI, surveillance

JAF said it has implemented a proactive, multi-dimensional security strategy to counter drug smuggling and safeguard national stability, adding that the strategy integrates advanced technology, specialised training, and international partnerships to address evolving tactics employed by organised criminal networks.

The army also emphasised that it has employed cutting-edge surveillance systems, including night-vision and thermal imaging equipment, to monitor smuggling routes 24/7. “Drones and satellite technology are now deployed to scan rugged border terrain, while AI algorithms analyse historical data to predict trafficking patterns and pinpoint high-risk zones,” the statement said.  

“Additionally, modern counter-drone systems have been introduced to detect and neutralise unmanned aerial vehicles increasingly utilised by smugglers.”

Training, global partnerships to counter smuggling

A specialised directorate has also been established to lead anti-smuggling operations, the sarmy said, focusing on deploying advanced detection tools and enhancing personnel readiness. “Our forces undergo rigorous, scenario-based training programmes that simulate real-world threats, ensuring preparedness for everything from drone incursions to complex cross-border raids."

JAF also stressed that training personnel remain a step ahead of evolving tactics, underscoring that ongoing equipment upgrades and inter-departmental drills are essential for sustaining operational agility and preparedness.

Recognising the transnational nature of smuggling networks, the army has also prioritised international cooperation. Enhanced coordination with neighbouring countries and international security agencies has improved intelligence-sharing and joint monitoring of shared borders, it said.

 “These partnerships are critical to disrupting smuggling operations before they reach our territory."

By merging innovation, training, and global cooperation, the JAF reaffirms its commitment to securing Jordan’s borders and maintaining regional stability in an increasingly volatile security landscape.

Operational successes amid increasing threats

Despite the complexities, JAF has achieved significant operational successes. In 2024 alone, security forces intercepted 250 smuggling attempts, confiscating hashish, Captagon pills, and firearms.

The scale of the challenge is evident in historical data. In 2020, over 130 smuggling attempts were thwarted, with 132 million amphetamine pills and 15,000 sheets of hashish seized, according to JAF's figures. By 2021, interdictions surged to 361 operations, resulting in the confiscation of 15.5 million narcotic pills. In 2022, the JAF disrupted 383 smuggling attempts, recovering drugs, weapons, and vehicles.  

These figures underscore not only the magnitude of the trafficking threat but also the military’s growing capacity to respond effectively.

As trafficking networks evolve, Jordan’s strategy hinges on balancing technological advancement with cross-border cooperation, with the integration of AI, drones, and international cooperation offering a proven model to counter the crisis.  

While progress is evident, marked by intercepted operations and disrupted networks, the battle remains ongoing. Smugglers continue to adapt, demanding equally dynamic counterstrategies to safeguard Jordan’s borders and ensure a safer future for the Kingdom and its neighbours.

Ministry signs 72 agreements to boost energy efficiency in industrial sector

Efficiency programme to save industries up to 60% in energy costs

By - Feb 25,2025 - Last updated at Feb 25,2025

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Tuesday signs 72 agreements with industrial facilities benefiting from the Energy Efficiency Technologies Programme (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Tuesday signed 72 agreements with industrial facilities benefiting from the Energy Efficiency Technologies Programme.

Kharabsheh, who also chairs the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, highlighted the critical role of the industrial sector in driving economic growth, job creation and achieving the goals outlined in the Economic Modernisation Vision, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

“These agreements are part of our ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption by up to 60 per cent for participating industries, all while ensuring minimal disruption to their operations,” Kharabsheh said, adding that the ministry aims to ease the sector’s energy-related burdens through various programmes and initiatives.

Pointing to Jordan’s energy consumption, which exceeds the international average, Kharabsheh emphasised the urgent need for energy-saving measures to generate substantial savings.

He also outlined key initiatives aimed at supporting the sector, such as extending natural gas to cities and industrial zones.

The ministry has recently issued tenders to bring natural gas to industrial cities in Maan's Rouda, Al Muwaqqar, Zarqa and Mafraq, and has licensed companies to transport gas to remote areas, the minister added.

Kharabsheh also unveiled plans to generate 100 megawatts of electricity specifically for industrial facilities, with an emphasis on raising awareness among industrialists to further reduce energy costs.

He also announced a government-backed incentive programme to support factories in developmental industrial zones in Tafileh and Karak, which will offer up to 75 per cent energy cost exemptions for the first five years, followed by a 50 per cent reduction after three years and a 25 per cent reduction after two years.

In total, the ministry has signed 139 agreements with industrial facilities, reaffirming its commitment to advancing energy efficiency and conservation programs as part of its broader climate change mitigation efforts.

Since the launch of the industrial project, 84 energy audits have been completed across various sectors, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food production, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, engineering, construction and furniture manufacturing.

Jordan inaugurates first national conference on energy, mineral resources

By - Feb 25,2025 - Last updated at Feb 25,2025

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Tuesday inaugurates the first national conference on energy and mineral resources (Petra photo)

AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Kharabsheh on Tuesday inaugurated the first national conference on energy and mineral resources.

He said that the kingdom has an "advanced" energy sector, noting that about 27 per cent of the Kingdom's electricity is generated from renewable sources.

The minister said that the achievement made Jordan the "first" country in the Middle East, in terms of the contribution of renewable energy to the electricity mix, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Kharabsheh also highlighted that the government seeks to develop the mining sector, adding that companies specialised in exploring gold, copper and mineral resources will be licensed for the first time for this purpose.

He also referred to current efforts to produce green hydrogen according to the Economic Modernisation Vision.

Ministry Secretary-General Amani Azzam said that Jordan relies on several sources to obtain natural gas, mainly the floating gas ship in the port of Aqaba.

The ministry, she noted, is working on projects to convert gas into a compressed liquid, aimed to reduce costs for the kingdom's industrial estates and automate energy and minerals sector services, which will be "available online soon."

Chairman of the Board of Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) Ziad Saideh said the year 2024 witnessed the implementation of an incentive electricity tariff that contributed to achieving financial savings for the beneficiary sectors.

Saideh stressed that 75 per cent of the kingdom's electric meters have been replaced with smart devices, with plans to complete the entire project "soon."

President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry Fathi Jaghbir said the chamber has submitted a proposal to establish a holding company, which is under establishment, to transport gas, which would contribute to providing new job opportunities.

Head of the Lower House Energy Committee MP Haitham Zyadin said results of studies indicate that Risha field contains 4.5 trillion cubic feet of gas, an amount sufficient to meet Jordan's needs for six years.

The conference stressed the need to enhance investment in the Kingdom's energy and mineral wealth sector and work to achieve "sustainable" energy transformation to support the national economy.

The event, which was organised by Al Taj News Company, saw the participation of experts in the energy and construction fields and representatives of the public and private sector institutions.

Suspects arrested for smuggling chemical narcotics using papers at QAIA

By - Feb 25,2025 - Last updated at Feb 25,2025

The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) on Tuesday arrests four suspects in connection with a new method of alleged smuggling of illegal chemical narcotics through papers at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) (Al Rai photo)

AMMAN — The Anti-Narcotics Department (AND) on Tuesday arrested four suspects in connection with a new method of alleged smuggling of illegal chemical narcotics through papers at Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA).

The four suspects had ties with international gangs and reportedly used a new method of mixing illegal chemical narcotics with papers, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

“We had prior knowledge that gang members are using new methods of smuggling illegal narcotics and AND and customs agents became suspicious of a box that was shipped via QAIA,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

Upon inspecting the box, the police official maintained, “Law-enforcement agents only found white and coloured papers,” the police official said.

“The papers were sent for inspection and were found to contain a large amount of illegal chemical narcotics,” Sartawi maintained.

The police official added that investigations led them to the main suspect who used a fake name, according to Sartawi.

The suspect confessed to corresponding with individuals in a neighbouring country to smuggle the illegal narcotics into the country, he added.

The suspect also confessed to cooperating with three other individuals who were arrested by police, Sartawi said.

“We found a large quantity of illicit drugs at their house,” he said.

The four suspects were referred to the State Security Court prosecutor for further questioning and indictment, according to a statement by the Public Security Directorate.

Investigators also sent the investigation proceedings to the Arab neighbouring country where the package came from to notify them about the case, the PSD statement added.

 

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