Latest news with #Aqaba
Zawya
14 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Aqaba Container Terminal partners with Queen Rania Foundation to advance Arabic literacy in Aqaba
Aqaba, Jordan – Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), the preferred gateway to Jordan, the Levant, and beyond, has signed a strategic three-year partnership agreement with the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development (QRF) to support Arabic literacy through the nationally recognized "Read - اقرأ" program. The agreement was signed by Mr. Harald Nijhof, Chief Executive Officer of ACT, and Mr. Bassem Sa'ad, Chief Executive Officer of QRF. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to educational equity and community development in Jordan. Under this partnership, ACT will support the renovation and furnishing of the library for a public school in Aqaba. The project also includes training for librarians, principals, and Arabic-language teachers; updating the library's collection with new books catered to the appropriate age groups; as well as implementing a rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework to track impact and ensure long-term sustainability. This partnership aligns with ACT's broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which prioritizes investment in youth empowerment and education as key drivers of sustainable growth and giving back to the local community. By creating inclusive and engaging learning environments, ACT aims to help unlock the potential of the next generation in the Aqaba community. Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Nijhof said, 'At ACT, we believe that real, lasting impact begins with education. Our partnership with the Queen Rania Foundation underscores our deep commitment to empowering youth and creating meaningful opportunities in our local community. By investing in Arabic literacy and inclusive learning spaces through the Read program, we're helping shape the changemakers of tomorrow.' Mr. Bassem Saad, CEO of QRF, added, 'We are proud to partner with ACT in bringing the Read program to Aqaba. Access to quality Arabic reading resources is essential for foundational learning, and through this collaboration, we are not only building a library—we are building brighter futures. This initiative reaffirms our belief that educational equity begins with community-driven solutions and strong partnerships.' Founded by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the Queen Rania Foundation is at the forefront of education in Jordan and the Arab world. Through evidence-based programs and education research, QRF works to improve learning outcomes, ensure fluency in Arabic reading, and close educational equity gaps across the Kingdom. This collaboration with Aqaba Container Terminal marks a significant step toward promoting literacy and educational opportunity in Aqaba, reflecting the power of cross-sector partnerships to drive meaningful social impact. – END –
Al Bawaba
15 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Aqaba Container Terminal Partners with Queen Rania Foundation to Advance Arabic Literacy in Aqaba
Aqaba Container Terminal (ACT), the preferred gateway to Jordan, the Levant, and beyond, has signed a strategic three-year partnership agreement with the Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Development (QRF) to support Arabic literacy through the nationally recognized "Read - اقرأ" program. The agreement was signed by Mr. Harald Nijhof, Chief Executive Officer of ACT, and Mr. Bassem Sa'ad, Chief Executive Officer of QRF. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to educational equity and community development in this partnership, ACT will support the renovation and furnishing of the library for a public school in Aqaba. The project also includes training for librarians, principals, and Arabic-language teachers; updating the library's collection with new books catered to the appropriate age groups; as well as implementing a rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework to track impact and ensure long-term partnership aligns with ACT's broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which prioritizes investment in youth empowerment and education as key drivers of sustainable growth and giving back to the local community. By creating inclusive and engaging learning environments, ACT aims to help unlock the potential of the next generation in the Aqaba on the collaboration, Mr. Nijhof said, 'At ACT, we believe that real, lasting impact begins with education. Our partnership with the Queen Rania Foundation underscores our deep commitment to empowering youth and creating meaningful opportunities in our local community. By investing in Arabic literacy and inclusive learning spaces through the Read program, we're helping shape the changemakers of tomorrow.'Mr. Bassem Saad, CEO of QRF, added, 'We are proud to partner with ACT in bringing the Read program to Aqaba. Access to quality Arabic reading resources is essential for foundational learning, and through this collaboration, we are not only building a library—we are building brighter futures. This initiative reaffirms our belief that educational equity begins with community-driven solutions and strong partnerships.' Founded by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, the Queen Rania Foundation is at the forefront of education in Jordan and the Arab world. Through evidence-based programs and education research, QRF works to improve learning outcomes, ensure fluency in Arabic reading, and close educational equity gaps across the Kingdom. This collaboration with Aqaba Container Terminal marks a significant step toward promoting literacy and educational opportunity in Aqaba, reflecting the power of cross-sector partnerships to drive meaningful social impact.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Cabinet approves digital logistics project in Aqaba, economic relief measures, heritage designations
AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday, approved a package of decisions targeting digital transformation, economic relief, international cooperation, and cultural heritage preservation. The Cabinet approved an agreement between the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions Company to manage and develop a new digital truck control and monitoring system at the Aqaba port, according to the Jordan news agency, Petra. The project will establish a centralised digital platform that integrates customs, port operations, shipping lines, and clearance companies, streamlining logistics, enhancing transparency, and accelerating cargo handling. Key components include the digital regulation of truck entry and exit, digitised permits, real-time monitoring of vehicle movements, and improved road safety through reduced congestion. The Cabinet also instructed the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship to ensure full integration with Jordan's digital government systems. The Cabinet approved measures to ease financial pressure on companies in the Digital and Entrepreneurial Sector benefiting from the Temporary Employment Support Programme (Hafiz). These businesses will now be able to repay 2023-related debts in monthly installments over five years, according to Petra. To date, the government has contributed JD1.9 million in Social Security support through Hafiz, helping to employ around 600 youth in IT roles across public and private sectors. The programme subsidises up to 50 per cent of salaries for new hires, aiming to boost digital skills and accelerate service digitization, according to Petra. The Cabinet also settled 696 tax cases between the Income and Sales Tax Department and taxpayers, a step aimed at fostering a better business climate, increasing tax compliance, and resolving legal disputes. The Cabinet also approved two cooperation agreements with Lebanon focusing on social development and welfare, and another with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion, promoting stronger economic ties. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan showcases bird watching tourism at UK Global Birdfair
AMMAN — Jordan is participating in the Global Birdfair in Rutland, United Kingdom, with the aim of promoting bird watching tourism as one of the world's fastest-growing forms of eco-tourism. According to a press statement issued by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), this year's participation is the result of 'strong' institutional collaboration between the Jordan Tourism Board, ASEZA, and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The joint effort aims to spotlight Jordan's unique environmental assets that position the Kingdom as a 'prime' destination for enthusiasts of this niche tourism sector, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Bird watching tourism is among the fastest-growing tourism sectors worldwide, contributing approximately $62 billion annually to the global economy, according to reports by relevant international organisations. The statement added that Jordan's unique geographical location places it on the second most important bird migration route in the world, connecting Asia and Africa. This positioning offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe a rich diversity of bird species within a short period and a limited geographical area, making Jordan an ideal destination for amateur and professional birdwatchers alike. Jordan's participation in this international event underscores its status as a 'strong' contender in the global eco-tourism market and enhances its prospects of attracting more visitors interested in sustainable tourism. It will also contribute positively to the national economy while promoting environmental awareness and community development, especially in governorates that host Jordan's natural treasures, foremost among them its nature reserves. The statement highlighted Aqaba as a leading model in this field, particularly through the Aqaba Bird Observatory, the Ayla Feather Trail, and the Wadi Rum Nature Reserve. The Aqaba Bird Observatory is the only facility of its kind in the Kingdom and is currently being developed and managed through a partnership between ASEZA and the RSCN. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Prime minister directs gov't to intensify dialogue on municipal, governorate councils laws
AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan directs the government to increase national dialogue on laws governing municipal and governorate councils, stressing the need for the inclusion of relevant stakeholders to help draft laws that improve the performance of municipalities and governorate councils and raise them to the desired level. The prime minister's instructions were given during a Cabinet session he chaired on Wednesday, the Jordan news agency, Petra, reported. The session followed the recent decision to dissolve municipal and governorate councils, paving the way for legislative reforms aligned with the political modernisation agenda. Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri briefed the Cabinet on the performance of temporary committees formed to oversee municipal affairs during this transitional period. The Cabinet emphasised the need for these committees to coordinate effectively with all stakeholders to improve public services, enhance infrastructure, and continue the digitisation of municipal operations. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to legislative reforms to strengthen local governance, calling for broader national dialogue involving key institutions and the public, according to Petra. In a move it said aimed at supporting the tourism sector and stimulating the economy, the Cabinet approved the extension of a special tax exemption on airline tickets for flights departing from King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba for an additional three years. The measure aims to attract more airlines, increase tourist numbers, and lower travel costs, ultimately boosting Aqaba's tourism appeal and contributing to the national economy. The Cabinet also endorsed a draft bylaw to establish, license, and operate an independent electric transmission system. It also covers the procedures for setting up self-generation or storage stations connected to the new system. The Cabinet also approved the settlement of 672 tax disputes between the Income and Sales Tax Department and taxpayers. The move is part of ongoing efforts to stimulate economic activity and help citizens resolve outstanding tax issues, Petra said. Also during the session, the Cabinet Cabinet approved key financial and legal documents related to the National Water Carrier Project, in cooperation with the World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). The project aims to provide 300 million cubic meters of potable water annually and improve supply to all governorates. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
