Invest JO

Investment Indicators Grow in 2025, Boosting Confidence in Jordan’s Investment Environment

Hani Mashaqbeh — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:31:53 +0000

– Advancing digital governance, regulatory reform, and investor engagement – 14.4% increase in companies benefiting from exemptions and incentives, reaching 628 firms – 70 new entities registered in development zones with investments nearing JOD 195 million – Higher occupancy rates recorded across industrial and development zones – 100 new investment opportunities developed to attract high-value investments – Jordan-EU Investment Conference 2026 to strengthen partnerships and promote investment – Jordan’s investment indicators recorded notable growth in 2025, reflecting rising investor confidence and the continued attractiveness of the Kingdom’s investment environment Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh said in an interview with Al-Rai newspaper that the Ministry is continuing its work under a national vision guided by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, positioning investment as a cornerstone of Jordan’s economic modernization and sustainable development. He explained that the Ministry continues to implement the government’s executive program aimed at strengthening investment attraction, enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment, and increasing investor confidence through measures that streamline procedures, accelerate investment flows, and support sustainable economic growth. Abu Ghazaleh said the Ministry has adopted a new integrated approach focused on strengthening governance, updating legislative and regulatory frameworks, expanding investment opportunity pipelines, and enhancing communication with investors while incorporating their feedback. He added that improved accountability mechanisms across various departments have also been introduced to elevate service quality for both investors and citizens. “Investment represents a relationship of mutual trust between the government, citizens, and investors,” Abu Ghazaleh said, noting that this trust is built on transparency, partnership, and a shared commitment to sustainable economic development. In 2025, the number of companies benefiting from incentives under the Investment Environment Law reached 628 companies, marking a 14.4% increase compared with 2024. Companies with foreign partners benefiting from exemptions totaled 75 firms, representing an 8.7% annual increase. Abu Ghazaleh noted that this growth reflects the continued attractiveness of Jordan’s investment climate and the effectiveness of the incentives provided to stimulate economic activity. A total of 70 new establishments were registered in industrial cities and development zones, with investments amounting to approximately JOD 195 million and an estimated 4,036 job opportunities expected across industrial and service sectors. Occupancy rates in development zones also improved in 2025. Tafileh Industrial City recorded a doubling of its occupancy rate to 21%, while the King Hussein bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq increased by 41%, and Salt Industrial City saw an 18% rise. Abu Ghazaleh said these figures demonstrate growing investor interest in opportunities across Jordan’s governorates and highlight the role of development zones in providing a competitive and integrated investment environment. He added that four new projects were registered in the National Registry of Government Investments during 2025, bringing the total number of strategic projects to eight, while two strategic tenders in the transport sector were launched for the first time under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. Among the key projects currently under development is a major initiative aimed at reducing water loss in southern and southeastern Amman. The project seeks to lower water loss to around 25% by 2040 through the modernization of distribution networks and the deployment of smart leak detection technologies, thereby improving water resource management. The Ministry is also advancing strategic projects in transport, logistics, and infrastructure, including the Amman Bridge project, designed to reduce traffic congestion in the capital, as well as a PPP initiative to build 41 modern public schools in phases to meet growing educational demand. Abu Ghazaleh noted that such projects present promising investment opportunities while contributing to improved public services and supporting economic growth. The Ministry has also developed a national portfolio of around 100 investment opportunities across priority sectors and governorates, which are being promoted through digital platforms and international investment events to attract high-value investments. Digital transformation has been a central pillar of the Ministry’s work in 2025, including the launch of the “Invest in Jordan” (Invest.jo) platform, which provides a comprehensive digital gateway for investors, offering information on investment opportunities, incentives, procedures, and Jordan’s competitive advantages. Abu Ghazaleh also highlighted strong economic indicators in 2025, including a 38.1% increase in the Amman Stock Exchange’s market capitalization by February, a 27.7% rise in foreign direct investment inflows during the first three quarters of the year, and foreign reserves at the Central Bank reaching $28.2 billion, reflecting strengthened investor confidence. Looking ahead, Abu Ghazaleh said the upcoming Jordan-EU Investment Conference 2026 will serve as a key platform to strengthen economic ties with the European Union and showcase Jordan as a leading and secure investment destination in the region. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to advancing investment, enhancing competitiveness, and expanding strategic partnerships, despite regional challenges, in order to further consolidate Jordan’s position as a stable and trusted investment hub in the region.

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Standard & Poor’s Affirms Jordan’s Credit Rating at BB- with Stable Outlook

Hani Mashaqbeh — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 06:25:12 +0000

Economic and fiscal reforms, resilient economic performance, and rising foreign reserves support macroeconomic stability in JordanJordan’s economy projected to grow 2.8% in 2025 and 3% in 2026Foreign reserves rise to $28.6 billion at the beginning of 2026S&P expects gradual decline in general government net debt-to-GDP ratioInflation projected to remain moderate at an average of 2.4% in the coming years Amman, Feb. 28 (Petra) — Standard & Poor’s has affirmed Jordan’s long-term sovereign credit rating in both local and foreign currency at BB-, maintaining a stable outlook. In its report released Friday, the agency said the rating affirmation reflects Jordan’s macroeconomic stability, progress in implementing economic and fiscal reforms, resilient economic performance, rising foreign exchange reserves, and continued donor support. S&P projected Jordan’s economy to grow by 2.8% in 2025 and 3% in 2026, supported by regional developments, a recovery in the tourism sector, and a gradual increase in trade volumes with Syria and Iraq. Growth is expected to reach 3.1% in 2027 and 3.2% in 2028, respectively. On public finance indicators, the agency forecast the consolidated budget deficit to narrow to 1.6% of GDP in 2026, compared with 2.3% in 2025. It also expects the general government’s net debt-to-GDP ratio to decline gradually over the coming years. Regarding monetary indicators, the report highlighted an increase in foreign reserves to $28.6 billion at the beginning of 2026, noting that the peg of the Jordanian dinar to the U.S. dollar has contributed to price stability and inflation containment. In this context, S&P expects inflation to remain at moderate levels, averaging 2.4% in the coming years.

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Ministerial Delegation Holds Meetings in Madrid to Strengthen Jordan’s Position as an Investment Hub

Hani Mashaqbeh — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:08:00 +0000

Amman, Feb. 27 (Petra) — A Jordanian ministerial delegation continued its meetings in Madrid as part of a broad economic and investment outreach across Europe aimed at strengthening economic partnerships and investment cooperation. The delegation included Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Saleh Kharabsheh, Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, Jordan’s Ambassador to Spain Raghad Al-Saqqa, and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Investment Zaher Al-Qatarnah. According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Investment, the delegation held a series of high-level meetings with Spanish government officials, leading economic and business institutions, and private-sector representatives. The delegation met with Spain’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Carlos Cuerpo Caballero, and Secretary of State for Trade Amparo López Senovilla, where discussions focused on enhancing economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The delegation also met with President of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce José Luis Bonet, Chair of the International Relations Committee at the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations Marta Blanco, and Head of the Representation of the European Commission in Spain Daniel Calleja. During the meetings, the delegation highlighted key investment opportunities in the Kingdom, particularly in renewable energy, green hydrogen, water, infrastructure, and technology sectors. It also underscored Jordan’s competitive investment environment, attractive incentives, and support for long-term partnerships. The outreach forms part of ongoing government efforts to solidify the Kingdom’s position as a trusted partner and regional hub for high-quality investments, in preparation for a strong launch of the upcoming Jordan–European Investment Conference scheduled for April 21.

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Jordan Strengthens Its Investment Presence in Europe, Reinforces Position as a Trusted Regional Partner

Hani Mashaqbeh — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:34:04 +0000

Berlin- A Jordanian ministerial delegation visited Berlin as part of efforts to enhance Jordan’s investment presence in Europe and prepare for the upcoming Jordan–European Investment Conference scheduled for next April. The delegation, which included Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Saleh Kharabsheh and Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, held a series of high-level meetings with government officials and economic institutions. The meetings were attended by Jordan’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Dr. Fayez Khouri, and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Investment Zaher Al-Qatarnah. The discussions included talks with Germany’s Minister of State for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, focusing on strengthening international cooperation and supporting development projects, particularly in the water and energy sectors, as well as advancing private-sector partnerships between the two countries. The delegation also presented investment opportunities in the Kingdom, particularly in renewable energy, green hydrogen, water, and infrastructure sectors, emphasizing the importance of expanding economic cooperation with the German private sector.

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Jordan–EU Investment Conference to Launch on April 21 in the Dead Sea

Hani Mashaqbeh — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:21:36 +0000

Under royal patronage, the Jordan–EU Investment Conference will be held on April 21, 2026, at the Dead Sea, with broad participation from major investors, decision-makers, representatives of companies, and financial and economic institutions from Europe, Jordan, and the region. The conference, which will be attended by President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, aims to strengthen economic partnerships, expand economic and investment cooperation between Jordan and the European Union, and reinforce Jordan’s position as a strategic investment partner in the region. The event will bring together leading economic and executive figures, along with hundreds of investors, experts, and representatives from the public and private sectors, to discuss and review key strategic investment sectors in Jordan and the region, as well as highlight available investment opportunities and projects. It will also include specialized panel discussions and bilateral meetings between investors and companies to build partnerships across sectors such as energy, water, infrastructure, technology and telecommunications, high-value manufacturing industries, and other priority sectors. The conference is organized within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Jordan and the European Union and reflects joint efforts to enhance investment and promote sustainable economic growth. The Ministry of Investment invites interested companies, institutions, and stakeholders to access more information about the conference through the official website:

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Prime Minister Chairs Investment Council Meeting

Hani Mashaqbeh — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 07:42:46 +0000

Amman, Feb. 22 (Petra) — Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan on Sunday chaired a meeting of the Investment Council as part of ongoing efforts to follow up on the implementation of programs aimed at improving the investment environment, in line with the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision. During the meeting, Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh presented key steps taken to stimulate domestic and foreign investment, strengthen public-private sector partnerships, and enhance the competitiveness of the national economy. He also outlined efforts to improve Jordan’s ranking in international indices related to the business and investment climate. The Council reviewed progress in improving the investor journey and developing legislation governing the investment environment, including a draft amendment to the Investment Environment Regulation System. The proposed amendments aim to simplify procedures, accelerate transaction processing, and enhance the incentives framework in accordance with best international standards. The meeting also discussed the importance of accelerating digital transformation in investment services and continuing to update the investment opportunities map to improve communication, facilitate access to data, and raise investment readiness. Discussions further covered preparations for the upcoming Jordan–EU Investment Conference scheduled for April, which is expected to serve as a strategic platform to strengthen partnership with the European Union and attract high-quality investments.

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Minister Ghazaleh: “Jordan is a hub for the expansion of European Companies”

Hani Mashaqbeh — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:36:43 +0000

ROME (ITALPRESS) – The Jordan-EU Investment Conference is an opportunity for European companies to “start investing and use Jordan as a hub for their future expansion”. This is the opinion of Jordanian Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, who in an interview with Italpress spoke about the Jordan-EU Investment Conference, scheduled for April 21 on the shores of the Dead Sea. The event is part of a new chapter in relations between Amman and Brussels, opened on January 29, 2025, with the consolidation of a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP). A year later, on January 8, 2026, a new milestone was reached with the Jordan-EU bilateral summit, attended by Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa on behalf of the European institutions, while Jordan was represented directly by King Abdullah II. This stage, according to Minister Abu Ghazaleh, represents “a very important moment” for the implementation of the agreement itself. “The Conference will focus on two main aspects in April: the first is the modernization of Jordan’s economy, where we are embarking on a new economic vision that includes greater support for the private sector and domestic investment. The second aspect concerns using Jordan as a gateway for the development and reconstruction of all neighboring countries such as Iraq, Syria, and, hopefully, in the near future, the West Bank and Gaza. Participating in this event is a profitable opportunity for the entire private sector”, the minister noted, specifying that €1.4 billion in financial assistance is also planned “so that European companies can expand, begin investing, and use Jordan as a hub for their future expansion”. Among the sectors that will be highlighted are infrastructure, energy, and technology. “We have comprehensively analyzed our economy and identified several sectors we would like investors to focus on. The possibility of private sector tenders will be announced approximately next month”, Abu Ghazaleh said. In infrastructure, the minister sees “a major shift in our logistics and transportation network and a major opportunity for several projects, including railways, dry ports, and cargo airports“. The second sector, energy, has seen Jordan as a hub of excellence for over 20 years. “We are leading in energy diversification, with nearly 27% of our resources coming from sustainable sources. There will be a strong focus on solar energy, hydropower, as well as storage and combined-cycle electricity generation. We are determined to strengthen our position to continue to be a leader in this sector in the Middle East”, Abu Ghazaleh noted. The third sector, technology, is considered by the minister to be “essential” for employment in the country. “Jordan boasts a wealth of young talent and has been present in the regional market for many years. For example, in the last five years, the majority of large companies or startups that have transitioned to a more mature investment stage is essentially Jordanian—27 out of 100—and this despite Jordan representing only 3% of the Arab world’s population”, the minister noted. Regarding relations with Italy, Abu Ghazaleh described them as “excellent” since the Kingdom’s founding. “Our first political and economic relationship dates back to 1949, so we have surpassed 75 years of partnership and good relations. Recently, we have sought to intensify economic cooperation, without neglecting other aspects such as tourism, social welfare, education, and other subsectors,” Abu Ghazaleh continued. “The trade balance is skewed in Italy’s favor, but in recent years we have seen significant growth in our exports. For example, in 2024 our exports were around 60 million euros, while last year we reached 200 million”, the minister explained. Beyond the economic sphere, the similarities are strong in terms of values and education. “Jordan also has a rich Roman history and culture, which represents an excellent starting point for building further relations in tourism and education. A good portion of our students study Italian, which allows for a broader exchange of ideas and the ever-increasing construction of partnerships, which can be more like a twinning than two individual entities,” Abu Ghazaleh commented. “We are proud of all this, and it has the blessing of both the highest political authorities: His Majesty King Abdullah and Prime Minister Meloni, who are always pushing for better coordination and an increase in relations. These will have an impact not only on the economy, but also on the quality of life of our citizens”, concluded the Jordanian minister.

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Jordan on Investment Map: High-Level Meetings to Expand Strategic Partnerships and Attract Investment

Hani Mashaqbeh — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:41:10 +0000

Ministerial delegation meets Italian economic leaders to strengthen cooperation and position Jordan as a trusted regional investment destination As part of an active economic and diplomatic outreach reflecting the Kingdom’s efforts to expand its investment presence across European Union countries, a ministerial delegation began a working visit to Rome, with the participation of Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Italy Qais Abu Dayyeh. The visit comes within the framework of ongoing government efforts to position Jordan’s business environment as a reliable investment destination in the region and to promote the Kingdom’s investment opportunities, contributing to the attraction of high-quality investments that support economic growth and create new opportunities for cooperation in priority sectors, ahead of the Jordan–European Investment Conference scheduled for April. The visit program included a series of key meetings with Italian government officials, economic leaders, and representatives of major companies and commercial and economic institutions. During the visit, the delegation participated in a high-level economic event held at the headquarters of the Italian Trade Agency, with the participation of Italy’s Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi and President of the Italian Trade Agency Matteo Zoppas, where opportunities for economic and investment cooperation between Jordan and Italy were discussed. The delegation also held several expanded meetings and bilateral discussions with prominent companies, economic institutions, and business leaders, aimed at strengthening direct engagement between the business communities of both countries, building strategic partnerships, and attracting high-quality and sustainable investments that support Jordan’s economic growth trajectory. Minister Zeina Toukan stated that the visit reflects the depth and strength of Jordanian–Italian relations, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing them in a way that supports economic development efforts and expands investment opportunities in vital sectors. She also highlighted the importance of advancing partnerships in line with modern economic best practices to achieve the shared interests of the two friendly countries. For his part, Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh outlined the key measures taken by the Jordanian government to improve the business environment and streamline administrative procedures, contributing to a more attractive investment climate, saving investors time and effort, and enabling them to benefit from incentives and facilitation measures that enhance Jordan’s competitiveness as an investment destination. He also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation between the private sectors and business communities in both countries. In the same context, the Minister of Investment conducted interviews and media engagements with several Italian outlets, highlighting investment opportunities in Jordan and the advantages of the Kingdom’s business and investment environment, which reinforce its attractiveness as a safe investment destination in the region. Meanwhile, Jordan’s Ambassador to Italy Qais Abu Dayyeh emphasized the importance of the visit in strengthening bilateral economic relations, noting that it reflects the robustness of the Jordanian–Italian partnership and the mutual commitment to expanding investment cooperation within the framework of the strategic relationship with Italy and the European Union, particularly as the Jordan–European Investment Conference approaches on April 21.

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Minister of Investment Tareq Abu Ghazaleh Discusses Cooperation with Syrian Investment Authority

Hani Mashaqbeh — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 05:11:18 +0000

Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh received at the ministry’s headquarters on Sunday the Chairman of the Syrian Investment Authority, Eng. Talal Al-Hilali, and the accompanying delegation, in the presence of the Chargé d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Jordan, Dr. Ihsan Al-Rumman. During the meeting, Abu Ghazaleh highlighted the deep fraternal relations between Jordan and Syria, which were emphasized by His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein through his directives calling for providing various forms of support to Syria, particularly in the areas of capacity building, exchange of expertise, successful experiences, and best practices. Abu Ghazaleh reaffirmed the Jordanian government’s commitment to expanding areas of joint cooperation and strengthening economic and investment partnerships with the Syrian Investment Authority, in a manner that serves the mutual interests of both brotherly peoples and supports efforts toward sustainable development and economic integration. He also called on the private sector in both countries to capitalize on available opportunities to advance trade and industrial economic integration and to build joint value chains that support sustainable growth and generate added value for both economies. For his part, Chairman of the Syrian Investment Authority Talal Al-Hilali stressed the importance of enhancing economic and investment cooperation with Jordan and benefiting from Jordan’s experience in developing the investment environment. He noted the importance of expanding partnership areas and exchanging expertise between both sides to support reconstruction efforts and achieve sustainable development in a way that serves the shared interests of the two countries. An expanded meeting was also held with the participation of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Investment, the Director of Economic Affairs and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, the Director General of the Association of Banks in Jordan, and the Chairman of the Jordanian Businessmen Association, during which cooperation opportunities and mechanisms for strengthening partnerships with the private sector in both countries were discussed. Specialized directors at the Ministry of Investment also delivered a briefing on the ministry’s key work plans, mandates, and services provided to investors, aimed at facilitating procedures and enabling investors to benefit from incentives and exemptions granted under the relevant legislation.

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Jordanian Ministerial Delegation Leads Intensive Investment Drive in Paris Ahead of Jordan–EU Investment Conference

Hani Mashaqbeh — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 11:31:27 +0000

Extensive international meetings with financial and development institutions and major companies to strengthen partnerships and explore strategic projects In the context of an active economic and diplomatic outreach, a Jordanian ministerial delegation continued a series of high-level meetings in Paris with international economic and development institutions and leading corporations, as part of ongoing preparations for the upcoming Jordan–European Investment Conference scheduled for April. The delegation included Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat, Minister of Investment Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, Chairman of the Board of the Social Security Investment Fund Omar Malhas, along with Jordan’s Ambassador to France Lina Haddad. The meetings focused on showcasing high-value investment opportunities in Jordan and exploring prospects for economic cooperation and long-term partnerships, in what officials described as unprecedented economic and diplomatic engagements. These efforts coincide with growing indicators of notable investment growth in the Kingdom over recent months. Discussions included senior representatives from the Agence Française de Développement, the Monaco Economic Board, global infrastructure, water, and energy company SUEZ, MEDEF International, infrastructure investment firm Meridiam, and Expertise France, in addition to representatives of French and international investment institutions and companies. During key engagements with officials and representatives across various economic and investment sectors, the ministers emphasized the importance of expanding investment partnerships in Jordan as a secure and attractive gateway for regional investment, particularly in light of the Kingdom’s competitive advantages and its stable, business-friendly investment environment. The delegation also highlighted ongoing economic and legislative reforms implemented by the government to enhance the competitiveness of the business environment and create a more attractive investment climate. Minister Sami Smeirat stressed that Jordan is moving rapidly toward establishing a modern digital economy built on advanced technological infrastructure and highly skilled human capital, strengthening its position as a promising regional hub for global companies seeking expansion and sustainable growth opportunities. For his part, Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh pointed to the Kingdom’s comprehensive portfolio of investment opportunities across strategic sectors, alongside continuous legislative and economic reforms that enhance competitiveness and create a more attractive business environment. He noted that these factors boost investor confidence and support the attraction of high-value, quality investments. Meanwhile, Chairman Omar Malhas explained that the Social Security Investment Fund continues to build long-term investment partnerships in line with global best practices, contributing to stable returns that support development and strengthen confidence in the national economy. Ambassador Lina Haddad affirmed that the meetings reflect the strength of Jordanian-French relations and open new horizons for economic cooperation, noting that the Jordan–EU Investment Conference will serve as an important platform for expanding investment partnership networks. This visit comes as part of ongoing government efforts to strengthen Jordan’s investment presence in European markets, paving the way for tangible projects and partnerships to be announced during the Jordan–European Investment Conference scheduled to be held in the Kingdom on April 11.

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Ministerial Delegation Continues European Tour Ahead of Jordan–EU Investment Conference

Hani Mashaqbeh — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 05:15:00 +0000

Delegation meets ministers, diplomats, European companies, and international institutionsMeetings with Jordanians working in major global firms explore policies to boost investmentHigh-value investment opportunities and projects across multiple sectors showcased The Jordanian ministerial delegation continued its European tour in Dublin, as part of preparations for the upcoming Jordan–European Investment Conference. The delegation includes Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Eng. Sami Smeirat, Minister of Investment Dr. Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to Ireland Manar Dabbas. During the visit, the delegation met Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, and Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, Niamh Smyth. Discussions focused on strengthening economic and investment cooperation and coordinating efforts ahead of the conference scheduled for April 21 this year. The delegation also held high-level meetings with diplomats and Irish government officials, alongside senior representatives of European companies and global advisory institutions operating in the fields of investment, infrastructure, technology, energy, and financial consulting. As part of the tour, the delegation met with Jordanians working in leading international companies and global economic institutions to discuss international best practices in attracting foreign direct investment, enhancing pro-growth policies, and improving the business environment. Minister Smeirat highlighted Jordan’s promising and stable investment climate, particularly in digital transformation and technology sectors, noting that the ICT sector represents a key pillar for investment growth. He emphasized the Kingdom’s qualified human capital and the presence of numerous local, regional, and international companies operating in Jordan. He also pointed to Jordan’s advanced digital infrastructure, which facilitates business operations, combined with a competitive tax regime for the technology sector—factors that strengthen investor confidence and reinforce Jordan’s position as a regional hub for digital services and innovation. For his part, Minister Abu Ghazaleh stated that the European tour forms part of an integrated strategy to deepen economic partnerships with European countries and showcase investment projects and priority sectors ahead of the Jordan–EU Investment Conference. He underscored Jordan’s competitive advantages, supported by a modern legislative and procedural framework that ensures a stable and enabling business environment. He also highlighted promising opportunities in transport, energy, technology, water, and value-added industries, in addition to public-private partnership (PPP) projects that offer sustainable investment prospects. Ambassador Dabbas emphasized the importance of building on the strong relationship between Ireland and Jordan to further enhance economic and investment ties between the two friendly countries, particularly as the Jordan–European Investment Conference approaches in April.

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Experts Stress the Importance of Making the Umrah City Project Attractive to Investors with an Integrated Design

Hani Mashaqbeh — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 08:48:07 +0000

Amman, January 31 (Petra) – Experts and specialists have emphasized the need for the Umrah City project to be attractive to investment and comprehensively designed in all aspects, in line with advanced global cities. They stressed the importance of ensuring that the project’s design enhances its economic attractiveness while adhering to sustainability requirements in terms of infrastructure and urban planning. These remarks were made during a dialogue session held on Saturday at the Prime Ministry, as part of a series of five specialized discussion sessions on the Umrah City project. The session focused on water, energy, and environmental issues, including environmental constraints that must be observed, sustainability plans and ambitions, green building and project standards, and energy solutions. The session was moderated by President of the Idama Association for Energy, Water, and Environment Duraid Mahasneh, and CEO of Sustain MENA, Engineer Shada Al-Sharif. In the energy segment, discussions centered on clean energy generation and distribution options, grid efficiency, and energy-sector technologies that should be examined during the development stages of the project’s master plan. Participants highlighted the importance of designing a modern, smart infrastructure that integrates energy, water, environment, urban development, transportation, and other sectors, and of adopting advanced smart-grid technologies. They stressed the need for the Umrah City project to address energy generation, storage, and distribution, and to integrate its network across multiple energy sources, including electricity generated from renewable energy and gas. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh affirmed that the Umrah City project places strong emphasis on energy security, noting that all of the city’s energy needs will be met through sustainable sources at the lowest possible cost. He added that the city’s energy network will integrate a mix of renewable energy sources—including electricity, gas, wind, and solar—and will be designed using a modern approach that achieves efficient energy generation, storage, and distribution, while providing electric vehicle charging stations. He noted that the energy network will be tailored to the city’s specific characteristics. In the water sustainability segment, discussions focused on water scarcity, policies and solutions to address water shortages, and the water network in terms of levels of water reuse. Participants stressed the importance of water reuse and designing a water system capable of enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. They emphasized the need for a smart water network, wastewater reuse, and the development of an advanced and modern water system that meets the project’s objectives. They also underscored the importance of enhancing water harvesting within the project and studying the feasibility of water generation from air, a practice implemented in several countries. Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Al-Saud emphasized that water is the foundation of life and that no investment can exist without water, noting that the project’s plans have addressed water provision requirements. He added that the project will adopt the best global technologies in designing the water network and will rely on multiple water sources, including water harvesting. In the environmental considerations segment, discussions focused on environmental constraints that must be adhered to in the city’s planning, as well as the environmental objectives and considerations to be adopted in the project. Participants stressed the need for Umrah City to have a distinct environmental identity that preserves the site’s biodiversity. They also emphasized reflecting international environmental commitments within the project, expanding green spaces, and investing in environmentally friendly local resources. They further highlighted the importance of waste sorting and recycling, encouraging investment in such projects, and ensuring the availability of meteorological and environmental monitoring stations within the city. In the sustainability segment, discussions focused on green and circular solutions and technologies that should be studied and implemented across the project, ensuring that the project delivers long-term economic and social value. Participants stressed the importance of integrating sustainability principles into the project’s infrastructure and urban systems. They emphasized the need to enhance the project’s attractiveness by integrating climate considerations into its competitiveness, as well as focusing on lighting, thermal and water insulation, and ensuring that the city is resident-friendly for all segments of society, with modern transportation infrastructure. Minister of Environment Dr. Ayman Suleiman stated that Umrah City will serve as a model for a technologically advanced modern city and will be the first smart, sustainable city of its kind, offering ample green spaces and a high quality of life. He added that the Umrah City project will take into account environmental and climate change requirements, including clean energy, wastewater treatment and reuse, and waste management. — (Petra)

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