Industrial Output Sees Modest Growth in 2024, Powered by Extractive and Energy Sectors


Amman: Jordan’s industrial production index has seen modest growth so far in 2024, climbing to 87.36 points by the end of August, a slight increase of 0.11% from 87.26 points during the same period in 2023. The performance was driven by strong gains in the extractive industries and electricity production, despite a dip in manufacturing output.

According to Jordan News Agency, the extractive industries surged by 8.45% and electricity output grew by 6.02%, helping to offset a 0.73% decline in manufacturing. The report highlighted that in August alone, the industrial index rose by 1.31%, reaching 90.89 points, compared to 89.71 points in August 2023. This increase was largely fueled by a 12.91% rise in the extractive industries and a 0.80% uptick in manufacturing. However, electricity output fell by 0.82% over the same period.

On a month-over-month basis, the industrial index edged up by 0.19% in August 2024, compared to July, moving from 90.72 to 90.89 points. The extractive industries continued to show resil
ience with a 4.48% increase, while manufacturing recorded a marginal 0.11% rise. The electricity sector, however, registered a 2.41% decline in output.

These figures reflect a mixed performance within Jordan’s industrial sectors, with extractive industries playing a key role in driving overall growth amid challenges in manufacturing and energy production.

Jordan Aims for Redemption in World Cup Qualifier Against Oman After Recent Setback


Amman: In a pivotal World Cup qualifying match, Jordan’s national football team is set to face Oman on Tuesday. The team, under the guidance of head coach Jamal Sellami, is looking to recover from a recent defeat to South Korea and bolster their chances in the tournament.

According to Jordan News Agency, Coach Sellami expressed confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back during a pre-match press conference. He emphasized the squad’s intense preparation following their loss to South Korea, highlighting their physical and mental readiness for the upcoming game.

“We’ve regrouped after the South Korea setback and used the last few days to sharpen up. The players are prepared, both physically and mentally,” Sellami stated. He also mentioned the absence of key player Mousa Al-Tamari, who is currently receiving treatment in France with his club, Montpellier. Despite this, Sellami showed confidence in the depth of his team.

Forward Yazan Naimat, who has recovered from an injury, is expected to play, providing
a boost to the team’s lineup. “While losing a player like Al-Tamari is always tough, I trust the rest of the squad to step up. Everyone is ready to contribute,” the coach added.

Reflecting on past performances, including a match where Jordan dropped valuable points against Kuwait, Sellami acknowledged the shortcomings but remained optimistic about the team’s potential to progress in the qualifiers. He took full responsibility for the team’s performance against South Korea and reassured fans of his confidence in the players’ abilities.

Looking forward to the match against Oman, Sellami praised the opponent’s quality and cautioned against their strong attacking capabilities. “Oman may have had a tough start, but they’re a dangerous team with talented forwards. We’ll need to be at our best,” he noted.

Team captain Mahmoud Mardi supported his coach’s sentiments, promising a dedicated performance to secure a victory and uplift the spirits of Jordanian supporters. “We’re ready to fight for every ball and give ev
erything on the pitch to get the result we need,” Mardi declared.

Gaza Health Ministry Cites Four Massacres with High Casualty Figures in Recent Israeli Strikes


Gaza: The Gaza Health Ministry has disclosed disturbing figures from the latest Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, reporting four separate massacres against families in the past 24 hours. These incidents have collectively resulted in 62 fatalities and 220 injuries, all of whom have been admitted to local hospitals for treatment.

According to Jordan News Agency, the ongoing offensive by Israeli forces, which has now extended into its 374th day, continues to escalate in violence. The report details that many of the victims from the recent strikes are still trapped under debris or left stranded on roadsides, complicating rescue operations as emergency and civil defense teams struggle to navigate the chaos and reach those in need.

The Ministry’s report also highlighted a grim milestone in the conflict that began on October 7, 2023. Since the start of hostilities, the region has seen a death toll of 42,289 and injuries numbering at 98,684, indicating the severe and widespread impact of the continuous military ac
tions.

Jordan Marks Arab Environment Day


Amman: Jordan joins its Arab counterparts in celebrating Arab Environment Day, an annual event dedicated to fostering regional cooperation on environmental issues. The Ministry of Environment announced a series of initiatives and a commitment to this year’s theme, “Rehabilitating Lands to Enhance Resilience.”

According to Jordan News Agency, this day symbolizes the shared efforts of Arab nations to address critical environmental challenges and advance sustainable practices across the region. The theme highlights the importance of land rehabilitation as a means to increase ecological resilience and promote a healthier environment.

Minister of Environment Muawiya Radaideh emphasized Jordan’s role in this initiative, stating the country’s dedication to environmental preservation and its commitment to collaborative efforts across the Arab world. The Ministry plans to launch new green initiatives and will disseminate educational content through electronic messages and videos on its official website to raise awar
eness about the importance of environmental responsibility.

Radaideh pointed out that Jordan is responding actively to the goals set by the Council of Arab Ministers for Arab Environment Day, focusing on enhancing cooperation among Arab nations. This cooperation aims to address urgent environmental issues and prioritize necessary actions for tackling them effectively.

The Minister also stressed the need for Jordan to develop a more sustainable green economy, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic planning. This approach includes expanding green spaces, combating desertification, and furthering land rehabilitation to improve resilience against environmental threats.

Jordan Marks Arab Environment Day


Amman: Jordan joins its Arab counterparts in celebrating Arab Environment Day, an annual event dedicated to fostering regional cooperation on environmental issues. The Ministry of Environment announced a series of initiatives and a commitment to this year’s theme, “Rehabilitating Lands to Enhance Resilience.”

According to Jordan News Agency, this day symbolizes the shared efforts of Arab nations to address critical environmental challenges and advance sustainable practices across the region. The theme highlights the importance of land rehabilitation as a means to increase ecological resilience and promote a healthier environment.

Minister of Environment Muawiya Radaideh emphasized Jordan’s role in this initiative, stating the country’s dedication to environmental preservation and its commitment to collaborative efforts across the Arab world. The Ministry plans to launch new green initiatives and will disseminate educational content through electronic messages and videos on its official website to raise awar
eness about the importance of environmental responsibility.

Radaideh pointed out that Jordan is responding actively to the goals set by the Council of Arab Ministers for Arab Environment Day, focusing on enhancing cooperation among Arab nations. This cooperation aims to address urgent environmental issues and prioritize necessary actions for tackling them effectively.

The Minister also stressed the need for Jordan to develop a more sustainable green economy, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic planning. This approach includes expanding green spaces, combating desertification, and furthering land rehabilitation to improve resilience against environmental threats.

Finance Minister Lauds King’s Visionary Speech, Emphasizes Roadmap for National Progress


Manama: Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the Minister of Finance and National Economy, expressed high praise for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s recent speech at the inauguration of the third session of the sixth legislative term, highlighting it as a visionary guide to propel national efforts for the development of Bahrain and the betterment of its citizens.

According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister lauded the King’s speech for providing a detailed roadmap that aligns with Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals under His Majesty’s leadership. The speech, he noted, sets a clear direction for the country’s future initiatives and policies aimed at achieving economic growth and sustainable development.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality services to citizens, guided by the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He appreciated His Majesty’s acknowledgment of the government’s eff
orts and emphasized the importance of the executive and legislative branches working collaboratively to realize the nation’s aspirations.

Shaikh Salman also underlined the significance of sustainable development and the creation of quality opportunities for Bahraini citizens as central to the King’s directives. He expressed a strong desire for continued teamwork between the government and legislative authorities to meet and exceed these developmental goals.

Arab Parliament Condemns Israeli Takeover of UNRWA Headquarters in East Jerusalem


CAIRO: The Arab Parliament has strongly condemned the decision by Israeli authorities to seize the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in East Jerusalem and convert it into a housing settlement. The planned development is set to include 144 housing units, intensifying concerns over the continuous violations against Palestinian rights and international humanitarian efforts.

According to Jordan News Agency, the move by Israel represents a significant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions that protect the rights of Palestinians and the operations of international organizations like UNRWA. The Arab Parliament emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to halt these actions, which they described as aggressive and unlawful encroachments on Palestinian territories and institutions.

The Arab Parliament also reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for the realization of the Palestinian people’s fundamental rights, i
ncluding self-determination, the right of return, and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital. They highlighted UNRWA’s crucial role in providing essential humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees and stressed the importance of respecting and protecting the agency’s mission amidst the ongoing conflict.

The statement further called on global leaders and organizations to respond to these developments by reinforcing their support for justice and peace in the region, ensuring respect for established international norms and the well-being of Palestinian refugees.