By Lina Husseini | Amman | May 13, 2025
Jordan is making waves across the region with a string of positive developments in technology, education, tourism, and sports. While challenges persist, recent months have brought a renewed sense of optimism and national pride as Jordanians see the fruits of long-term investments beginning to bloom.
1. Youth Innovation Hub Opens in Amman
The capital city celebrated the grand opening of the Amman Innovation Hub, a sprawling tech campus aimed at nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Backed by a partnership between the government and global tech firms, the hub provides mentorship, co-working spaces, and access to venture capital.
“This is more than a building—it’s a launchpad for dreams,” said Minister of Digital Economy Ahmad Hanandeh.
2. Tourism Sees Major Boost
Jordan’s tourism sector is booming, with Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea drawing record-breaking numbers of visitors this spring. According to the Ministry of Tourism, over 3.2 million tourists have entered the country so far in 2025—a 22% increase from last year.
Hotels in Aqaba reported 95% occupancy over Eid al-Fitr, a sign that local tourism is bouncing back stronger than ever.
3. National Basketball Team Qualifies for World Cup
In sports, Jordan is celebrating after its national basketball team qualified for the FIBA World Cup for the first time in over a decade. The team stunned regional rivals Lebanon and Iran in a thrilling qualifying run led by rising star Yousef Al-Najjar, whose buzzer-beater three-pointer against Iran is already considered legendary.
4. Green Energy Projects Expanding
The Ministry of Energy announced a new solar farm project in Ma’an, set to generate enough electricity to power over 50,000 homes. Jordan has emerged as a regional leader in renewable energy, with over 20% of its electricity now coming from solar and wind sources.
Officials hope to increase that figure to 50% by 2030.
5. Women in Tech on the Rise
A new report shows a surge in female-led startups in Jordan. Over 35% of new tech businesses registered in 2024 were founded by women—up from just 14% five years ago. Local entrepreneur Dina Tarawneh, founder of an AI-driven education platform, says “Jordanian women are rewriting the script for what leadership looks like.”
6. Cultural Revival: Jerash Festival Returns
After a hiatus, the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts returned with over 200 performances featuring musicians, poets, and dancers from across the Arab world. The Roman amphitheater buzzed with energy as tens of thousands gathered to celebrate Jordan’s rich artistic heritage.
“We missed this spirit,” said one festivalgoer. “It feels like our soul came alive again.”
7. Public Transport Overhaul Underway
The government has launched the first phase of the Amman Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system expansion, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and pollution. The new electric buses have Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and offer affordable fares—marking a big step forward in the capital’s public infrastructure.
8. Education Gets a Digital Makeover
Jordanian schools are undergoing digital transformation with the introduction of smart classrooms and online learning platforms. With partnerships from global tech firms, over 1,000 schools are now equipped with interactive whiteboards, tablets, and personalized learning systems.
The initiative aims to improve access to quality education, especially in rural areas.
9. Peace Through Sports: Refugee Youth League Launched
A new football league, launched in Za’atari Refugee Camp, brings together Syrian and Jordanian teens to compete in a spirit of unity. Supported by FIFA and local NGOs, the program is designed to foster resilience, teamwork, and healing through sport.
“These kids deserve joy,” said one coach. “And on the field, they’re just teammates—not refugees.”
10. Optimism Grows Across the Kingdom
Despite economic pressures and regional tensions, a recent poll shows that 71% of Jordanians feel more hopeful about the future than they did a year ago. With visible improvements in daily life, young people especially are expressing a sense of possibility.
As one university student put it: “We’re not waiting for change—we’re building it ourselves.”