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The Women’s Cultural Authority in Raymah governorate organized a central event on the anniversary of the martyr leader, al-Sayeed Hussein Badr al-Din al-Houthi.
In the event, the speeches reviewed the positions and actions of the martyr leader, and his Quranic project that changed the reality of the nation.
They stressed the importance of commemorating this anniversary and adhering to the Qur’anic project to enhance faith identity and Quranic culture.
Source: Yemen News Agency
_: Madaba Governorate: Leading Tourism Investments Drive Employment Growth
Madaba Governorate has strategically invested in its rich historical and archaeological heritage to bolster the tourism sector, effectively contributing to employment growth. Official data reveals that the sector has employed 1,000 individuals directly, with an additional 10,000 benefiting indirectly. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the governorate welcomed a total of 665,000 visitors by late 2023, showcasing resilience and recovery from the pandemic’s impact.
The international recognition bestowed upon Madaba underscores its cultural significance. Named the International City of Stone Mosaics in 2016 by the World Crafts Council and joining UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network in 2017, Madaba has earned accolades such as being designated the Arab Tourism Capital for 2022 and receiving the Ibn Battuta Award in 2023 from the Arab Tourism Organization.
The Madaba Antiquities Directorate has spearheaded preservation e
fforts across 280 archaeological sites, significantly expanding employment opportunities for job seekers. Notable projects include the conservation of sites like Tell Madaba, Dhiban, Makawir, and Khirbet Iskandar, among others.
In agriculture, the governorate boasts 190,000 dunums of agricultural land, with 20,000 under permanent irrigation and 30,000 dedicated to supplementary agriculture. Livestock numbers include 304,000 sheep and goats and 870 cows, underlining the sector’s vitality.
The healthcare sector has witnessed substantial advancements over the past quarter-century. Notable developments include the establishment of Princess Salma Hospital in Dhiban and the expansion of Al Nadeem Hospital, equipped with modern facilities and specialized departments to meet evolving medical needs.
Social development initiatives have focused on providing housing for needy families and establishing Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II Youth City, which boasts a range of recreational and educational facilities. The city ha
s recorded impressive visitor numbers, reaching 30,000 in 2023, with a corresponding 400% increase in income for the Prince City Club compared to 2019. The remarkable development of Prince Hashem City created 100 direct and indirect job opportunities, while the number of employees reached 100 male and female employees.
Water sector projects have addressed critical issues, including water treatment and storage capacity enhancements, ensuring reliable water supply for residents. The Water Directorate increased water production by drilling two new wells in the Wadi Al-Hidan water basin and increasing the capacity of treated water storage basins by establishing two storage basins with a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters.
Educational infrastructure has also expanded, with the number of government schools increasing from 56 in 1999 to 79 in 2024, accompanied by a growth in educational staff and student enrollment.
The Municipality of Madaba’s innovative initiatives include a grant fund worth JD194,000 and projects
aimed at energy-efficient lighting and livestock markets worth millions, further enhancing the governorate’s development trajectory.
Source: Jordan News Agency
_: Mafraq Governorate: Pioneering Transformations in Infrastructure and Services
Mafraq Governorate has undergone a significant transformation in its infrastructure and service sectors, marked by substantial improvements in healthcare, water supply, sanitation, agriculture, industrial development, housing, and education.
The healthcare sector has seen substantial upgrades, with five government hospitals and 87 comprehensive and subsidiary health centers witnessing major transformations. Notably, 26 health centers were revamped, with additional specialist doctors deployed to enhance medical services.
Efforts to improve water supply and sanitation have been comprehensive, with projects targeting water network rehabilitation, household connection installations, and pumping station upgrades across multiple districts. Investments in water infrastructure, including the implementation of sanitation projects and the development of water harvesting initiatives, have totaled millions of dinars, reflecting a commitme
nt to sustainable water management.
Agricultural initiatives have also been prioritized, with the establishment of the Surra veterinary border control center (at one million), botanical laboratory (JD400,000), and various water harvesting projects. Projects such as grape and pistachio cultivation and the Al-Hakura project for livestock breeding have further bolstered agricultural development, contributing to the region’s economic growth.
Economic progress has been evident with the establishment of the King Hussein bin Talal Development Zone and the Al-Thuraya Industrial City, attracting numerous local and foreign investments. These initiatives have provided thousands of job opportunities, with the total investment value reaching millions of dinars.
Housing projects targeting needy families have been a key focus, with 52 homes allocated and plans for additional housing units underway. The total cost of housing projects has amounted to millions of dinars, reflecting a commitment to addressing housing needs i
n the region.
The education sector has also witnessed significant expansion, with the establishment of 20 schools. The total investment in educational infrastructure has reached millions of dinars, reflecting a commitment to improving access to quality education for all residents.
Source: Jordan News Agency
ABU DHABI: The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) announced that the Social Protection Fund in Oman has made revisions to the contribution rates for Omani citizens employed in the UAE and covered by the unified extension protection system.
As of 1st January 2024, the new contribution rate for Omanis covered by the extension protection system has become 18.5 percent, out of which both government and private sector employers/entities bear 11 percent and the insured bear 7.5 percent.
Omani citizens who have voluntarily opted to participate in the ‘job security’ system, similar to the unemployment system, bear an additional one percent of the total salary, alongside the deducted monthly contribution percentage.
Moreover, the Protection Fund determined that the contribution percentage for Omani citizens working in the GCC Secretariat General and its affiliated offices in any GCC country is 21.5 percent. Under this arrangement, the Secretariat General bears 14 percent of the contribution, whil
e the insured assumes 7.5 percent.
UAE-based employers are expected to register their Emirati employees within 30 days of joining the entity and to adhere to end-of-service procedures within 30 days. Additionally, entities must pay the due contribution payments on behalf of the insured and themselves within the first 15 days of each month.
The Social Protection Fund in Oman has set several conditions for insured individuals to be registered with a pension authority. Among these criteria is the age-participants must be at least 15 years old at the time of initial registration; the insured must have an employment contract subject to the extension protection system. Registration applications must be submitted within the first 12 months of employment to be considered; any submissions beyond this timeframe will be rejected.
Source: Emirates News Agency
_: Over the past quarter-century, Tafila Governorate has emerged as a symbol of development and modernity, marked by significant achievements across various sectors, each contributing to the advancement and revitalization of the local communities.
Central to this progress has been the Tafila Technical University, a beacon of knowledge comparable to international institutions, which stands as a testament to the governorate’s commitment to academic excellence and technical innovation.
Alongside this milestone, the establishment of Tafila Governmental Hospital and several health centers has revolutionized healthcare delivery, enhancing medical services and infrastructure to cater to the needs of patients and visitors alike.
The democratic experience of the governorate councils has facilitated the implementation of numerous service projects, including the improvement of roads, the construction of schools, the development of tourism initiatives, and the support of agricultural endeavors. These efforts, supporte
d by budgets exceeding JD55 million over the past five years, underscore a commitment to holistic development and community welfare.
In education, significant strides have been made, with the establishment of 123 schools across Tafila, coupled with the expansion of scientific and computer laboratories, the introduction of innovative programs such as the King Abdullah II Award for Physical Fitness, the military training program, the Basma (Print) project for the visually impaired, national education, and the expansion of the establishment of King Abdullah schools for Excellence, the school food project, and the care for blind students project, as well as the qualitative development aspects currently taking place in the high school system, the creation of the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, and the launch of the he Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education.
Tafila’s industrial city has become a hub for investment, attracting ventures across various sectors and providing employment opportunities for local res
idents.
In the youth sector, four centers were established in Kasbah Tafila and Al-Hassa, and two clubs in Al-Hassa and Basira, to support sports and creative youth and hone their talents.
Housing projects in the governorate targeting needy families have also been a priority, with over 120 homes constructed to address housing needs across the governorate.
Infrastructure development, including road networks and sanitation projects, has further enhanced connectivity and quality of life for residents.
Meanwhile, tourism initiatives, such as the development of historical sites and environmental conservation projects, have positioned Tafila as a destination for domestic and international visitors, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes.
In the water and agricultural sectors, efforts to expand water coverage and improve sanitation services have been underway, contributing to the overall well-being and prosperity of Tafila’s residents.
Source: Jordan News Agency
ABU DHABI: The Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation announced the distribution of 20,000 winter kits to 13 countries around the world. This initiative, part of their “Winter Bag” programme, aims to ease the burden of winter for low-income families globally.
This year’s programme encompasses diverse countries across regions, including Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Chad, Ethiopia, Kosovo, Albania, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, Director-General of the Foundation, reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to serving underprivileged communities globally. He emphasised how the “Winter Bag” programme exemplifies the compassionate spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Al Falahi further stressed their dedication to promoting charitable giving and assisting disadvantaged communities. This aligns with their social responsibility, the directives of the UAE’s leadership, and the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of
the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Abdulaziz Al Zaidi, Director of Projects and Programmes, explained that the programme is part of a broader range of initiatives focused on achieving the Foundation’s goals. These include providing school bags, educational support, medical assistance, food aid, and various humanitarian endeavours tailored to assist disadvantaged individuals globally.
Source: Emirates News Agency