Jordan stands at the crossroads of the Middle East, connecting the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula and major regional markets. With a strategic location, an established business environment, a skilled workforce and a diverse economy, the country offers opportunities for investors looking to establish, manufacture, trade, export or expand within the region.

From advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and food production to information technology, tourism, logistics, renewable energy and specialized industries, Jordan has developed capabilities across a wide range of sectors.

This guide provides an introduction to investing in Jordan, exploring the country’s advantages, major investment sectors, industrial and development locations, business environment and the resources available to investors considering Jordan as a base for their operations.

Jordan offers investors a combination of geographic access, human capital, established infrastructure and connections to international markets.

Its location provides access to markets across the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, while the Port of Aqaba gives businesses a maritime gateway to global trade routes through the Red Sea.

Jordan has also developed a strong base of educated professionals, engineers, technicians, healthcare specialists and technology talent. This human capital supports industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and engineering to manufacturing, ICT and professional services.

For companies focused on international markets, Jordan’s network of trade agreements and economic partnerships can provide valuable opportunities for qualifying products manufactured in the country to reach markets beyond Jordan.

The country’s industrial estates, development zones, free zones and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone provide investors with a variety of locations for establishing industrial, logistics, commercial and service operations.

Jordan’s geographic position is one of its most important economic advantages.

Located between Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Palestine and Israel, Jordan sits close to several major regional markets. Road networks connect industrial and commercial centers with neighboring countries, while Queen Alia International Airport provides international passenger and cargo connectivity.

In the south, Aqaba provides Jordan’s maritime connection to the world. The Port of Aqaba and the surrounding logistics and industrial infrastructure support imports, exports, manufacturing and regional distribution.

For businesses seeking a base from which to serve Jordan and surrounding markets, this combination of road, air and maritime connectivity can make the country an important regional platform.

Jordan’s economy provides investment opportunities across both established industries and emerging sectors.

Manufacturing represents an important part of the country’s industrial economy, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, chemicals, plastics, packaging, fertilizers, electrical products, machinery, metal fabrication, cosmetics, Dead Sea products, textiles and other specialized industries.

Technology and ICT have become increasingly important, supported by Jordan’s engineering and technology talent and growing digital economy.

Tourism remains another major opportunity, supported by internationally recognized destinations including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Jerash and Amman.

Other areas of opportunity include agriculture and food processing, healthcare, logistics and transportation, renewable energy, mining and natural resources, construction, real estate and professional services.

The best investment sector depends on the investor’s target market, required infrastructure, workforce needs, supply chain and intended export destinations.

Jordan has developed industrial estates, development zones and specialized economic areas across different parts of the country, giving investors options based on infrastructure, workforce availability, transportation requirements and proximity to markets.

Major industrial locations include the Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein Industrial Estate in Sahab, Al-Hassan Industrial Estate near Ramtha, Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial Estate in Karak, Aqaba International Industrial Estate, Madaba Industrial Estate, Salt Industrial Estate and other established manufacturing areas.

Development zones and specialized investment areas provide additional options, including the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq and investment locations within Aqaba.

Choosing the right location can have a significant impact on transportation costs, workforce access, utilities, supply chains and the overall economics of an investment.

Ordonna’s Industrial Estates and industrial-area guides help investors explore these locations and discover businesses and manufacturers operating within them.

Jordan has developed a diverse manufacturing base serving both domestic and export markets.

Jordanian factories produce pharmaceuticals, food products, beverages, fertilizers, chemicals, detergents, plastics, rubber products, packaging, paper products, furniture, textiles, cosmetics, Dead Sea products, electrical equipment, machinery, fabricated metal products, construction materials and many other goods.

Manufacturing clusters can be found throughout Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, Aqaba, Karak, Mafraq, Madaba, Balqa and other areas of the country.

For investors, this existing industrial ecosystem can provide access to suppliers, manufacturers, subcontractors, logistics providers, engineering companies and professional services.

Ordonna’s Industries & Manufacturing directory is designed to make this ecosystem easier to explore by connecting industrial sectors with manufacturers and the locations where they operate.

Establishing an investment in Jordan involves more than selecting an opportunity. Investors must also determine the appropriate company structure, complete registration procedures and understand the licenses and approvals applicable to their activities.

Depending on the project, considerations may include company registration, investment approvals, municipal licensing, environmental requirements, construction or industrial permits, taxation, customs, employment regulations and sector-specific approvals.

Requirements can vary significantly according to the type, size and location of the investment.

Investors should therefore verify current requirements with the relevant Jordanian authorities and obtain appropriate legal, accounting and technical advice before making investment decisions.

Our dedicated guide, How to Start a Business in Jordan, explores this process in greater detail.

Jordan should not be viewed only in terms of the size of its domestic market.

For many manufacturers, the ability to produce in Jordan and reach international markets is an important part of the investment proposition.

Jordan maintains trade relationships and agreements with a number of international markets and economic partners. Depending on the product, origin requirements and applicable agreement, qualifying Jordanian goods may benefit from preferential market access.

Aqaba also provides exporters with direct maritime connectivity, while road networks support regional trade with neighboring markets.

Investors considering export-oriented manufacturing should evaluate applicable rules of origin, customs requirements, logistics costs and the specific trade arrangements available for their products before establishing operations.

Successful investment begins with understanding the market on the ground.

Ordonna brings together information about Jordan’s industries, manufacturers, industrial estates, businesses, services and locations to help investors explore the country’s commercial and industrial landscape.

Investors can discover industrial areas, identify manufacturers within specific sectors, explore potential suppliers and locate professional services that may support the establishment and operation of a business.

As Ordonna’s industrial database continues to grow, the goal is to provide a practical bridge between discovering an investment opportunity and understanding the businesses, industries and locations behind it.

This guide is the starting point for the Ordonna Invest in Jordan series. Continue your research through our dedicated investor guides:

Investment Opportunities in Jordan: Key Sectors and Industries
Explore the sectors shaping Jordan’s economy and discover areas with potential for new investment.

How to Start a Business in Jordan: Investor Guide
Understand the key stages involved in establishing and operating a business in Jordan.

Industrial Estates, Development Zones and Free Zones in Jordan
Explore major industrial and investment locations and understand the differences between the options available.

Manufacturing in Jordan: Industries, Manufacturers and Export Opportunities
Discover Jordan’s manufacturing landscape, major industrial sectors and opportunities for export-oriented businesses.

Jordan combines location, talent, industrial capability and international connectivity within a country positioned at the heart of the region.

Every investment begins with research: understanding the sector, studying the market, selecting the right location, identifying partners and suppliers, and carefully evaluating the regulatory and financial requirements of the project.

Ordonna’s Invest in Jordan guides are designed to help make that research easier by bringing Jordan’s investment landscape, industries, manufacturers, industrial locations and business ecosystem together in one place.

Explore Jordan. Discover its industries. Find the opportunities behind them.

Jordan’s manufacturing sector is one of the foundations of the country’s economy and one of its strongest connections to international markets.

Across the Kingdom, manufacturers produce pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, packaging, garments, electrical products, machinery, fabricated metals, construction materials, cosmetics, Dead Sea products, furniture and many other goods.

Jordanian industry is also increasingly export-oriented. Products manufactured in the Kingdom reach markets across the Middle East, North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and beyond.

Behind these exports is a diverse industrial ecosystem made up of factories, suppliers, industrial estates, logistics companies, engineers, technicians and supporting businesses.

For investors, understanding this ecosystem can reveal opportunities not only to establish new factories, but also to supply existing manufacturers, introduce new technologies, develop products, create partnerships and use Jordan as a base for reaching international markets.

This guide explores Jordan’s manufacturing landscape, its major industries and the export opportunities connected to them.

Manufacturing plays a central role in Jordan’s export economy.

Jordanian factories serve the domestic market while exporting a diverse range of products internationally. These exports demonstrate that manufacturing in Jordan extends far beyond supplying the country’s relatively small domestic market.

For an investor, this distinction is important.

The potential market for a Jordanian manufacturing operation may include customers across the region and internationally, depending on the product, competitiveness, applicable trade arrangements and rules of origin.

An export-oriented investment strategy can therefore evaluate Jordan not only as the final market for a product but also as a production base connected to markets beyond its borders.

This makes market access, logistics, product standards and international competitiveness essential considerations when evaluating a manufacturing opportunity in Jordan.

Jordan’s manufacturing base encompasses traditional industries as well as highly specialized and technology-driven production.

Major areas include:

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Pharmaceutical and Medical Industries

Chemicals and Petrochemicals

Fertilizers and Agrochemicals

Plastics and Rubber

Packaging, Paper and Containers

Metal, Steel and Fabrication

Machinery and Industrial Equipment

Electrical, Electronics and Technology

Cement and Concrete

Clothing and Fabric Manufacturing

Cosmetics and Personal Care Manufacturing

Dead Sea Products

Detergents and Cleaning Products

Furniture and Wood Industries

Animal Feed Manufacturing

Paints, Coatings and Construction Chemicals

Vehicle Manufacturing and Modification

Handicrafts and Traditional Products

Tobacco Manufacturing

Other specialized manufacturing activities

The diversity of this industrial base creates opportunities throughout the value chain, from raw materials and production to packaging, machinery, logistics, technology, maintenance and export services.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is one of Jordan’s best-known high-value industries.

Jordanian pharmaceutical companies have developed capabilities in producing medicines and healthcare products for both domestic and international markets.

The wider sector also creates opportunities beyond pharmaceutical production itself.

Medical supplies, packaging, laboratories, research, health technologies, specialized manufacturing equipment, cold-chain logistics and supporting services can all form part of the industry’s ecosystem.

For investors, pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing demonstrates how Jordan can compete through technical expertise, quality standards and specialized human capital rather than simply through low-cost production.

Investors entering this sector should carefully evaluate regulatory requirements, intellectual property, quality standards, product registration and the requirements of each intended export market.

Food processing is one of Jordan’s important manufacturing activities and connects agriculture, manufacturing, packaging, logistics and retail within a broad supply chain.

Jordanian manufacturers produce a wide variety of food and beverage products for domestic consumption and export.

The sector creates opportunities in food processing, beverages, dairy products, bakery and confectionery products, packaged foods, ingredients, animal feed, packaging, cold storage and specialized logistics.

Investment opportunities can also emerge from changing consumer demand, new food technologies, healthier products, export-oriented brands and more efficient production methods.

For investors, the sector can be approached from multiple directions: establishing a new manufacturing operation, supplying existing factories, developing agricultural inputs, introducing packaging solutions or building logistics and distribution services around the industry.

Jordan’s natural resources provide an important foundation for its chemical and fertilizer industries.

Phosphate and potash support industrial value chains extending from raw materials to fertilizers and higher-value chemical products.

This creates opportunities not only in primary production but also in downstream manufacturing.

Specialized chemicals, fertilizers, industrial compounds, packaging, transportation, equipment, engineering and other supporting activities can form part of the wider ecosystem.

For investors, opportunities may exist where additional processing can transform locally available resources into products with greater added value.

These industries can be capital and infrastructure intensive, making access to energy, water, transportation, environmental services and export logistics particularly important when selecting an investment location.

Jordan’s industrial economy also includes manufacturers working in engineering, machinery, metal fabrication, electrical products and specialized industrial equipment.

These businesses serve construction, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, infrastructure and other sectors.

Investment opportunities can include machinery production, fabricated metal products, industrial components, electrical systems, automation, production equipment, maintenance technologies and specialized engineering solutions.

An important advantage of these industries is their connection to other manufacturers.

Every new factory requires machinery, maintenance, spare parts, electrical systems, fabrication, automation and technical services.

This means growth in Jordanian manufacturing can itself generate additional opportunities for companies supplying the manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing does not consist only of the product that reaches the final customer.

Factories depend on packaging, containers, labels, plastics, printing, pallets, spare parts, chemicals and many other inputs before a finished product can leave the production line.

Jordan has manufacturers operating across these supporting industries.

For investors, this creates opportunities to identify gaps within existing supply chains.

A new packaging technology, recyclable material, specialized container, industrial component or locally manufactured input may serve multiple industries rather than a single factory.

As manufacturers seek greater efficiency and stronger export competitiveness, solutions that reduce costs, improve quality, increase automation or meet international sustainability requirements can become increasingly valuable.

Jordan possesses a distinctive advantage in products associated with the Dead Sea.

Minerals, salts, mud and the international recognition of the Dead Sea have supported the development of cosmetics, skincare, spa and personal-care products associated with Jordan.

Alongside these products is a wider cosmetics and personal-care manufacturing industry producing goods for domestic and international markets.

For investors, the opportunity combines manufacturing with branding.

Products can compete not only through formulation and production quality but also through their association with Jordan and the Dead Sea.

Potential opportunities include finished cosmetics, private-label manufacturing, natural products, packaging, formulation, product development and export-oriented brands.

As with all cosmetics manufacturing, investors must evaluate product standards, registration requirements and regulations in each target market.

Clothing and textile manufacturing has played an important role in Jordan’s export economy, particularly through access to the United States market.

Factories produce garments and textile products for international customers, demonstrating the ability of Jordanian manufacturing operations to participate in global supply chains.

For investors, opportunities can extend beyond garment assembly to textiles, specialized clothing, accessories, technical fabrics, automation, design, logistics and supply-chain services.

The sector also illustrates an important principle for investors considering Jordan:

The commercial value of manufacturing in the Kingdom may depend as much on access to international markets as on demand within Jordan itself.

Understanding the trade agreement, rules of origin and customer requirements applicable to the intended product is therefore essential.

Manufacturing activity is distributed across Jordan rather than concentrated in a single location.

Greater Amman and Zarqa contain extensive industrial areas and manufacturing clusters, while Irbid and northern Jordan support significant industrial activity.

Industrial estates and manufacturing areas in Karak, Madaba, Balqa, Mafraq, Ma’an, Tafilah and other governorates expand the country’s industrial geography further.

Aqaba provides a particularly important location for industries connected to maritime imports and exports.

Each location presents a different combination of workforce, infrastructure, suppliers, transportation and access to markets.

For investors, mapping where existing manufacturers operate can reveal industrial clusters that may be difficult to identify through economic statistics alone.

A concentration of similar or complementary factories can indicate the presence of experienced workers, suppliers, logistics providers and other supporting services.

One of the most important questions for a manufacturing investor is not simply, “Can this product be manufactured in Jordan?”

It is:

“Where can a product manufactured in Jordan be sold competitively?”

Jordanian industrial products already reach markets around the world.

Depending on the product and applicable trade arrangements, manufacturers may be able to access regional and international markets under preferential conditions.

However, trade agreements should never be interpreted as automatic duty-free access for every product.

Eligibility can depend on rules of origin, product classification, local value added, manufacturing processes and other conditions.

Export-oriented investors should therefore identify their target markets before designing the manufacturing operation and confirm the requirements applicable to their products.

The United States represents an important export market for Jordanian manufacturers.

The U.S.–Jordan Free Trade Agreement established a framework under which qualifying goods can receive preferential tariff treatment, subject to the agreement’s requirements.

For manufacturers considering the United States as a target market, this can be an important factor when evaluating Jordan as a production location.

However, investors must understand the applicable rules of origin and ensure that the manufacturing process and product meet the requirements necessary to qualify.

Market access should therefore be considered during the design of the investment rather than after production begins.

The intended export market can influence sourcing, manufacturing processes, documentation, quality standards and even the location of the project.

Jordan’s international trade relationships extend well beyond the United States.

The Kingdom has trade arrangements connecting it with Arab markets, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, EFTA countries, Singapore and other partners.

For manufacturers, these relationships can create opportunities to evaluate multiple export destinations from a Jordanian production base.

Geography also matters.

Jordan’s location provides road connections with regional markets, while Aqaba provides maritime access for international trade.

However, every export destination has its own standards, product regulations, customs procedures and rules of origin.

Manufacturers should therefore select target markets carefully and build export compliance into the business plan from the beginning.

Not every manufacturing investment has to begin by creating a completely new industry.

Some of the strongest opportunities may exist within industries that already operate successfully in Jordan.

Existing factories continuously require:

Raw materials
Packaging
Machinery and production equipment
Spare parts
Maintenance
Automation
Industrial software
Warehousing
Transportation
Testing and laboratory services
Energy solutions
Water-treatment technologies
Recycling and waste-management solutions
Engineering services
Quality-control systems
Export and logistics services

Studying what established manufacturers currently import or struggle to source locally can reveal opportunities for new investment.

Replacing an imported industrial input with a competitive locally manufactured alternative can create a customer base before the new factory even begins production.

The future of manufacturing in Jordan will not depend only on building more factories.

It will also depend on making factories smarter, more efficient and more competitive.

Automation, robotics, industrial software, artificial intelligence, energy management, predictive maintenance, digital quality control and advanced production technologies can create new opportunities within established industries.

Jordan’s technology and engineering talent provides an important foundation for connecting the country’s digital economy with its manufacturing base.

For technology investors, the factory itself can therefore become a market.

Solutions developed for food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, chemical plants, warehouses or engineering businesses in Jordan may eventually be applicable to customers across the wider region.

The intersection between technology and manufacturing could become one of the most interesting areas of future industrial investment.

An investor planning to manufacture in Jordan for export should work backwards from the intended market.

First identify the customer and destination.

Then determine:

What product standards are required?
What certifications are necessary?
What rules of origin apply?
Which raw materials can be sourced locally?
Which inputs must be imported?
What manufacturing process is required?
What packaging and labeling rules apply?
How will the product reach the customer?
What customs and logistics costs are involved?
Which investment incentives may apply?
Where should the factory be located?

This approach allows the manufacturing operation to be designed around commercial reality rather than simply around available land or machinery.

A successful export factory begins with the market, not with the building.

Understanding an industry becomes much easier when investors can see the companies actually operating within it.

Manufacturers reveal where industrial clusters exist, what products are already being produced, which supply chains have developed and where potential partnerships or gaps in the market may exist.

A food manufacturer may need packaging companies.

A pharmaceutical producer may require specialized plastics, laboratories and logistics.

A machinery manufacturer may depend on metal fabricators, electrical suppliers and engineering companies.

Each company is therefore part of a much larger industrial network.

Ordonna’s goal is to make that network easier to discover by connecting industries, manufacturers and the industrial locations where they operate across Jordan.

A directory of manufacturers can become much more than a list of company names.

When manufacturers are organized by industry and connected to their actual locations, the information begins to reveal Jordan’s industrial geography.

Investors can see where particular industries are concentrated.

Suppliers can identify potential customers.

Manufacturers can discover businesses within their own supply chains.

Exporters can find potential production partners.

International companies can begin researching possible suppliers or manufacturing relationships before arriving in Jordan.

Connecting this information with industrial estates, development zones and investment guides creates a practical research tool for understanding Jordan’s manufacturing ecosystem.

This is the vision behind Ordonna’s Industries & Manufacturing directory.

Manufacturing is only one part of Jordan’s wider investment landscape.

The complete Ordonna Invest in Jordan series provides a starting point for understanding the country from opportunity to operation:

Invest in Jordan: Complete Guide for Investors

Understand Jordan’s overall investment environment and strategic advantages.

Investment Opportunities in Jordan: Key Sectors and Industries

Explore opportunities across manufacturing, technology, tourism, healthcare, agriculture, logistics and other sectors.

How to Start a Business in Jordan: Investor Guide

Understand company establishment, licensing, incentives, taxation, employment and the practical steps involved in starting operations.

Industrial Estates, Development Zones and Free Zones in Jordan

Compare the locations available for establishing industrial and other investment projects.

Manufacturing in Jordan: Industries, Manufacturers and Export Opportunities

Explore Jordan’s industrial capabilities, manufacturers, supply chains and connections to international markets.

Together, these guides provide investors with a starting point for moving from discovering Jordan to researching a specific investment opportunity.

Jordan’s manufacturing story is not defined by a single industry.

It is built by pharmaceutical laboratories, food factories, chemical plants, garment manufacturers, engineering workshops, packaging companies, machinery producers and thousands of businesses forming supply chains across the Kingdom.

For investors, the opportunity lies not only in what Jordan already manufactures, but also in what its industries will need next.

New products. New technologies. New suppliers. More efficient factories. Stronger supply chains. New export markets.

Understanding the manufacturers already operating in Jordan is one of the best places to begin looking for those opportunities.

Discover Jordan’s industries. Understand its supply chains. Find the opportunity to manufacture and export from Jordan.

Choosing where to establish an investment can be just as important as choosing what to invest in.

Across Jordan, industrial estates, development zones, free zones and specialized economic areas provide investors with different combinations of infrastructure, land, ready-built facilities, logistics access, investment incentives and proximity to workers, suppliers and markets.

These locations support activities ranging from manufacturing and logistics to technology, tourism, agriculture and professional services.

For an investor, however, the terms industrial estate, development zone and free zone do not necessarily mean the same thing. Each location can have its own purpose, regulations, incentives and operating environment.

This guide introduces Jordan’s major investment locations, explains the differences between them and helps investors understand what to consider when choosing where to establish a project.

Before selecting a location, investors should understand the basic differences between the types of investment areas available in Jordan.

An industrial estate is primarily designed to accommodate manufacturing and industrial businesses. These estates typically provide serviced industrial land, infrastructure and, in some cases, ready-built factory buildings.

A development zone is a designated area established to encourage investment and economic activity. Development zones may specialize in industry, technology, tourism, agriculture or other sectors and can provide investors with specific regulatory and investment advantages.

A free zone is generally designed to facilitate trade, storage, manufacturing, logistics and other economic activities under a specialized customs and tax framework.

Jordan also has specialized economic areas, most notably the Aqaba Special Economic Zone, which operates under its own investment and regulatory framework.

The best option depends on the project’s activity, customers, supply chain, import and export requirements, workforce and long-term expansion plans.

Jordan has developed a network of industrial estates designed to provide manufacturers with suitable locations for establishing and expanding production facilities.

These estates can offer developed industrial land, infrastructure, factory buildings and investor services while bringing manufacturers and supporting businesses together within concentrated industrial locations.

Major industrial estates include:

Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein Industrial Estate

Al-Hassan Industrial Estate

Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial Estate

Al-Muwaqar Industrial Estate

Madaba Industrial Estate

Salt Industrial Estate

Tafilah Industrial Estate

Aqaba International Industrial Estate

Zarqa Industrial Estate

The characteristics of each estate differ according to its location, available land and facilities, surrounding workforce, transportation links and the industries operating within it.

Investors should therefore compare estates based on the requirements of the project rather than selecting a location based only on land or rental cost.

Located in the Sahab area southeast of Amman, Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein Industrial Estate is one of Jordan’s most established manufacturing locations.

Its position within the greater Amman industrial economy provides access to the country’s largest population and business center as well as suppliers, professional services, transportation networks and a large workforce.

The estate accommodates manufacturers from a wide variety of sectors, making it relevant to investors looking for an established industrial ecosystem rather than an isolated production location.

For businesses that need regular interaction with customers, suppliers, government services or professional firms in Amman, the estate’s location can be particularly valuable.

Investors should evaluate available industrial land or factory facilities, utility requirements, transportation needs and the suitability of the estate for their specific manufacturing activity.

Al-Hassan Industrial Estate is located in northern Jordan near Ramtha and serves as an important industrial center for the northern part of the Kingdom.

Its location gives manufacturers access to the workforce and commercial activity of Irbid Governorate while positioning businesses relatively close to Jordan’s northern borders.

The estate accommodates a range of manufacturing activities and provides an alternative to locating an industrial project within the greater Amman area.

For investors, Al-Hassan Industrial Estate may be particularly relevant when workforce availability, northern supply chains or access to northern Jordan are important considerations.

As with every industrial location, investors should examine the infrastructure, available facilities, transportation requirements and suitability of the location for their particular production process.

Al-Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial Estate provides an important industrial investment location in Karak Governorate in southern Jordan.

The estate offers developed industrial land, ready-built factory facilities and supporting infrastructure while giving investors an alternative to concentrating manufacturing operations around Amman and Zarqa.

Its southern location can also be relevant for businesses whose supply chains or export strategies benefit from access toward Aqaba.

Special incentives have been introduced to encourage industrial investment in the estate, making it particularly important for investors comparing the economics of different manufacturing locations.

For projects with significant electricity, land or workforce requirements, investors should examine the current incentive packages available alongside the underlying logistics and operational requirements of the business.

Aqaba offers a fundamentally different investment proposition from many inland industrial locations.

Aqaba International Industrial Estate gives manufacturers and other businesses access to an industrial environment within Jordan’s principal maritime and logistics gateway.

For companies dependent on imported raw materials, international shipping or export markets, proximity to Aqaba’s port infrastructure can be a significant consideration.

Potential investors should examine the complete supply chain rather than simply measuring distance from Amman. For certain export-oriented industries, locating closer to the port can reduce inland transportation requirements and simplify logistics.

Aqaba also forms part of the wider Aqaba Special Economic Zone, creating a broader ecosystem encompassing industry, logistics, tourism, trade and services.

Industrial investment in Jordan is not limited to Amman, Irbid, Karak and Aqaba.

Industrial estates in Madaba, Salt, Muwaqar and Tafilah provide additional options for investors seeking locations in different parts of the Kingdom.

Zarqa Industrial Estate represents another important development in Jordan’s industrial infrastructure and is being developed with an emphasis on environmentally responsible industrial development.

These locations can help distribute investment and employment beyond the country’s traditional industrial centers while giving businesses alternatives based on workforce, land availability, infrastructure and supply-chain requirements.

Investors should also look beyond formally managed industrial estates. Jordan contains numerous established industrial areas and manufacturing clusters where factories, workshops, suppliers and supporting businesses have developed over many years.

Understanding both formal industrial estates and the wider industrial geography of Jordan can provide a more complete picture of the locations available to manufacturers.

Jordan’s development zones extend the investment-location concept beyond traditional industrial estates.

Development zones are designated to stimulate economic activity and investment and can support different sectors depending on the location and development strategy.

They include industrial, technology, tourism, agricultural and other specialized investment environments.

Among Jordan’s development zones are locations associated with Sahab, Al-Hassan, Karak, Mafraq, Irbid, Muwaqar, Tafilah, Salt, Madaba, Zarqa, Jerash, Ma’an, the Dead Sea, Ajloun and other investment areas.

King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq is particularly important for investors considering northeastern Jordan, while Ma’an Development Zone provides opportunities connected with southern Jordan.

Other specialized zones can target sectors ranging from technology and services to tourism and agro-industrial investment.

Investors should evaluate each development zone individually because its intended activities, infrastructure, incentives and competitive advantages may differ considerably from another zone.

Free zones provide another option for businesses involved in international trade, manufacturing, storage, logistics and re-export activities.

Their specialized customs and regulatory environment can make them particularly relevant to businesses whose operations involve significant movement of goods across international borders.

An investor considering a free zone should evaluate more than the potential tax or customs treatment.

The location of customers, suppliers and employees, transportation costs, storage requirements, customs procedures and the destination of the final product can all affect whether a free-zone location is commercially suitable.

For a company primarily serving the Jordanian domestic market, the calculation may be very different from that of a manufacturer or trader focused on international markets.

Investors should therefore compare the complete operating model before deciding whether a free zone offers the right environment for their business.

The Aqaba Special Economic Zone occupies a unique position within Jordan’s investment landscape.

Aqaba combines Jordan’s principal seaport with industrial, logistics, tourism, commercial and residential development within a specialized economic framework.

For investors, this creates opportunities across multiple sectors rather than industry alone.

Manufacturers and logistics companies can benefit from proximity to maritime transportation, while tourism investors can access the Red Sea destination economy. Trade, warehousing, services and other activities form additional parts of Aqaba’s investment ecosystem.

The zone also operates under specialized tax and customs arrangements.

Because the Aqaba framework differs from other locations in Jordan, investors considering Aqaba should evaluate the regulations and incentives applicable specifically to their activity within the Special Economic Zone.

Investment incentives can significantly affect the economics of a project, particularly for manufacturing businesses with substantial capital, equipment, energy or land requirements.

Depending on the project and location, investors may encounter incentives related to customs duties, sales tax, income tax, land, buildings, electricity, employment or other operating costs.

Development zones and certain industrial locations may offer advantages that differ from those available to businesses established elsewhere.

Investors should therefore compare locations using the total projected cost of operating the business rather than simply comparing the purchase price or rent of industrial land.

Before purchasing machinery, signing a land agreement or committing capital, investors should verify which incentives apply to their project and what conditions must be met to receive them.

Current incentives should always be confirmed through the Ministry of Investment or the authority responsible for the relevant zone.

The cheapest industrial land is not necessarily the cheapest place to operate a business.

Investors should evaluate the complete operational picture.

Consider:

Workforce
Can the required employees and technical specialists be recruited within reasonable distance?

Suppliers
Where are the raw materials, packaging suppliers, maintenance companies and other businesses the operation will depend on?

Customers
Will the company primarily serve Amman, Jordan as a whole or international markets?

Transportation
How far will raw materials and finished products need to travel?

Port and border access
Will the business depend heavily on imports or exports?

Utilities
Does the project require significant electricity, water, gas or specialized infrastructure?

Land and buildings
Does the location offer suitable plots, ready-built factories or room for future expansion?

Incentives
What tax, customs, electricity, employment or land incentives may apply?

Regulations
Is the intended activity permitted in the location and what approvals are required?

The right investment location is the one where these factors work together to support the long-term competitiveness of the business.

Jordan is increasingly moving investment-zone services toward faster and more digital processes.

Investors can access electronic services for many investment procedures, while industrial-estate and development-zone authorities are working to simplify the journey from selecting a location to beginning operations.

Recent regulatory reforms have also introduced faster approaches to construction and occupancy permits in development and industrial cities and new compliance-based licensing mechanisms for certain economic activities.

For investors, these developments are important because the value of an investment location is determined not only by land and infrastructure but also by how efficiently a project can move from planning to operation.

Investors should explore the digital services and single-window facilities available for their chosen location before beginning the establishment process.

Jordan’s industrial economy extends far beyond formally designated industrial estates and development zones.

Across Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, Aqaba, Madaba, Balqa, Mafraq and other governorates are established industrial areas where manufacturers, workshops, warehouses, engineering businesses and suppliers operate.

These areas form an important part of Jordan’s real industrial ecosystem.

For investors researching a sector, understanding where existing manufacturers are concentrated can reveal potential suppliers, customers, competitors, workforce pools and supporting services.

This broader industrial geography can therefore be just as important as understanding the country’s formally designated investment zones.

Exploring both provides investors with a more realistic picture of where Jordan’s industries actually operate.

Selecting the right industrial location is only part of the investment decision.

The next step is understanding the industries already operating in Jordan, the manufacturing capabilities that have developed around them and the opportunities available within domestic and export markets.

Existing manufacturers can reveal where supply chains are established, where specialized skills are available and where opportunities may exist for new products, suppliers and supporting industries.

Continue with the final guide in the Invest in Jordan series:

Manufacturing in Jordan: Industries, Manufacturers and Export Opportunities

Jordan offers investors a diverse range of locations.

An established industrial estate near Amman may provide access to a large workforce and supplier network. A northern industrial location may support a different supply chain. Karak or Ma’an may offer attractive conditions for particular industrial projects, while Aqaba can provide important advantages for businesses dependent on maritime trade.

There is no single location that is right for every investment.

The strongest decision comes from matching the requirements of the business with the infrastructure, workforce, logistics, incentives and industrial ecosystem of the location.

Choose the sector. Study the infrastructure. Compare the incentives. Find the right place to invest.

Jordan offers investors a diverse range of locations.

An established industrial estate near Amman may provide access to a large workforce and supplier network. A northern industrial location may support a different supply chain. Karak or Ma’an may offer attractive conditions for particular industrial projects, while Aqaba can provide important advantages for businesses dependent on maritime trade.

There is no single location that is right for every investment.

The strongest decision comes from matching the requirements of the business with the infrastructure, workforce, logistics, incentives and industrial ecosystem of the location.

Choose the sector. Study the infrastructure. Compare the incentives. Find the right place to invest.

Starting a business in Jordan can open the door to a market positioned between the Levant and the Arabian Peninsula, with connections to regional and international trade.

Whether the goal is to establish a manufacturing operation, technology company, tourism project, professional service, trading business or regional office, investors need to understand the steps involved before beginning operations.

The process can include selecting the appropriate business structure, registering the company, choosing an approved business activity, obtaining licenses and sector-specific approvals, selecting a location, understanding taxation and employment requirements, and preparing the business for operation.

This guide provides an overview of the journey from investment idea to operating business and highlights the main areas investors should investigate when establishing a company in Jordan.

Before registering a business, investors should clearly define what the company will actually do.

This may sound straightforward, but the nature of the economic activity can influence many of the steps that follow.

A software company, restaurant, hotel, pharmaceutical manufacturer, food factory, engineering business and logistics company may each face different registration, licensing, location and regulatory requirements.

Investors should therefore determine:

The products or services the business will provide
Whether the business will manufacture, import, export or distribute products
The customers and markets it intends to serve
Whether specialized facilities or industrial premises are required
Whether the activity requires sector-specific approvals
Whether the project will operate inside or outside an industrial estate, development zone or free zone

Defining the activity accurately at the beginning can help prevent complications later in the establishment and licensing process.

The next step is determining the legal structure under which the business will operate.

Jordan provides different forms of business organization, and the appropriate choice depends on factors such as ownership, number of partners, investment size, liability, financing requirements and the nature of the activity.

Investors should consider not only how easily a company can be established, but also how its legal structure may affect future operations, governance, ownership changes, investment and expansion.

Foreign investors should also determine whether any ownership restrictions, approvals or special requirements apply to their intended economic activity.

Because the appropriate structure depends on the individual investment, professional legal and accounting advice can be valuable before registration is completed.

Jordan has increasingly digitized the process of establishing and operating an investment, allowing investors to complete many procedures electronically rather than moving between government offices.

Applications for establishing all types of companies can be submitted electronically through the Companies Control Department, while the Ministry of Investment provides a range of digital services designed to support investors throughout the investment process.

Through government electronic platforms, investors can access services related to investment-project registration and licensing, submit applications for incentives and exemptions, access services for development and free zones, apply for investor-related services and track the progress of applications.

The Ministry of Investment also provides an electronic platform for submitting investment applications and accessing services associated with establishing and licensing investment projects.

Although some projects may still require specialized approvals, inspections, technical documentation or interaction with the relevant authorities, the increasing availability of digital services has made much of the establishment and approval process more accessible to investors.

Investors should identify the government platforms relevant to their particular activity and verify which procedures can be completed electronically before beginning the establishment process.

Location can affect far more than the address printed on a company’s registration documents.

For retailers and service businesses, customer access and visibility may be important. Technology and professional businesses may prioritize access to skilled employees, while manufacturers must consider industrial zoning, utilities, transportation, environmental requirements and proximity to suppliers.

Industrial investors can evaluate industrial estates, development zones, free zones and established industrial areas throughout Jordan.

A project that depends heavily on imports or exports may also place greater importance on access to highways, border crossings, airports or the Port of Aqaba.

Investors should confirm that the intended activity is permitted at the selected location before committing to a long-term lease, purchasing property or investing heavily in site development.

Business registration does not necessarily mean that a company can immediately begin every type of operation.

Depending on the economic activity, additional licenses, permits or approvals may be required before operations can begin.

Requirements may relate to areas such as:

Municipal licensing
Construction and occupancy
Environmental approvals
Industrial operations
Food production and handling
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Tourism activities
Transportation and logistics
Professional services
Importing and exporting
Public safety
Sector-specific technical standards

The exact requirements depend on the activity and location of the investment.

Investors should identify these requirements early in the planning process so that licensing costs, documentation and approval timelines can be incorporated into the investment plan.

Investors should examine Jordan’s investment framework before making major financial commitments.

The rules that apply to a project may depend on its sector, location, ownership structure and economic activity.

Certain investments may qualify for incentives or benefits under applicable legislation or according to their location or activity, while other businesses may be subject to specific regulatory conditions.

Investors considering an industrial estate, development zone, free zone or other specialized investment location should examine the rules that apply specifically to that location rather than assuming that the same conditions apply everywhere in Jordan.

Because investment regulations and incentives can change, investors should verify current conditions through official sources before basing a financial decision on a particular incentive or exemption.

Taxation should be considered during the planning stage of an investment rather than after the company begins operating.

Businesses should determine which taxes and registration requirements apply to their activities and understand their accounting, invoicing, filing and record-keeping obligations.

The tax position of a business can vary according to factors such as the type of activity, income, transactions, location and applicable legislation.

Companies involved in importing, exporting or manufacturing should also evaluate customs duties, sales tax treatment and any exemptions or special arrangements that may apply.

Working with qualified accounting and tax professionals can help investors understand their obligations and incorporate taxation into financial projections before committing capital to a project.

One of the important advantages available to qualifying investment projects in Jordan is the possibility of reducing the tax and customs cost of establishing and operating an economic activity.

Under Jordan’s investment framework, fixed assets, production requirements and inputs, and spare parts required for an economic activity may benefit from customs-duty exemptions. Eligible items may also be subject to a zero-percent sales tax according to the applicable regulations and approved schedules.

These provisions can be particularly important for industrial investors who need to purchase or import machinery, production equipment, manufacturing inputs, spare parts and other items required to establish or operate a factory.

Investments established within development zones can benefit from additional incentives. Goods and services required for the economic activity may be subject to a zero-percent general sales tax, while materials, equipment, machinery, supplies, construction materials, spare parts and certain goods required for manufacturing activities may qualify for customs-duty exemptions.

Investors can submit applications for applicable incentives and tax exemptions through the Ministry of Investment’s electronic services.

Because eligibility depends on the activity, location, type of purchase and applicable regulations, investors should verify that the specific machinery, equipment, inputs or other items qualify before purchasing or importing them.

A new business also needs an appropriate financial structure.

Depending on the legal form and nature of the investment, investors may need to arrange capital contributions, establish corporate banking relationships and prepare documentation explaining company ownership and authorized signatories.

Businesses should also consider how future operations will be financed.

Funding may come from shareholder capital, local or international banking facilities, investment partners, development finance or other sources depending on the project.

For companies trading internationally, banking arrangements should also support foreign currency transactions, supplier payments, export receipts and other cross-border financial requirements.

Understanding these needs early can help ensure that the financial structure supports the company’s operational plans.

Jordan offers businesses access to professionals, engineers, technicians, technology specialists, healthcare professionals and workers across a wide range of sectors.

Employers must nevertheless understand the employment rules applicable to their workforce.

Considerations can include employment contracts, wages, working conditions, social security obligations, occupational requirements and other employer responsibilities.

Businesses planning to employ non-Jordanian workers should pay particular attention to current work-permit requirements and restrictions affecting different professions and sectors.

Workforce planning should therefore form part of the investment study, particularly for businesses that depend on specialized technical skills or large numbers of employees.

Businesses that depend on international trade should understand import and export procedures before operations begin.

Manufacturers may need to import machinery, production equipment, raw materials, components or packaging before they can produce their first product.

Export-oriented businesses must also understand documentation, customs procedures, product standards, logistics and the requirements of their target markets.

Where preferential trade arrangements may apply, exporters should carefully examine rules of origin and other eligibility requirements.

Transportation costs, customs procedures and access to ports, airports and border crossings should be incorporated into the business model from the beginning.

For manufacturing investments in particular, logistics can have a major influence on the competitiveness of the final product.

A successful company rarely operates in isolation.

Investors may need lawyers, accountants, banks, insurance providers, engineering consultants, construction companies, recruitment agencies, logistics providers, technology companies, marketing agencies and other professional services.

Manufacturers may additionally require raw-material suppliers, packaging companies, machinery suppliers, maintenance contractors, laboratories, transportation companies and industrial service providers.

Understanding this surrounding business ecosystem can help investors estimate operating costs and identify potential partners before establishing the project.

Building these relationships early can also make the transition from company establishment to actual operations significantly easier.

Although every investment is different, the journey can generally be approached in stages.

1. Define the investment
Determine the business activity, products or services and target market.

2. Study the market
Evaluate demand, competition, pricing, suppliers and potential customers.

3. Select the legal structure
Determine the appropriate company form and ownership structure.

4. Evaluate the location
Compare commercial areas, industrial estates, development zones, free zones or other suitable locations.

5. Register the business
Complete the applicable company or business registration procedures.

6. Identify licenses and approvals
Determine all regulatory, municipal, environmental and sector-specific requirements.

7. Check available investment incentives
Before purchasing machinery, equipment or production inputs, determine whether the project qualifies for customs-duty exemptions, zero-rated sales tax or other investment incentives and submit the appropriate applications through the Ministry of Investment.

8. Build the financial model
Calculate capital requirements, taxes, staffing, utilities, logistics and operating costs after considering any incentives for which the project qualifies.

9. Establish the business network
Identify banks, professional advisers, suppliers, contractors and service providers.

10. Complete operational requirements
Secure premises, employees, equipment, systems and required approvals.

11. Begin operations and plan for growth
Launch the business while maintaining regulatory compliance and evaluating opportunities for expansion and export.

Careful preparation at each stage can reduce uncertainty and help investors make better-informed decisions.

Business registration, investment rules, licensing procedures, taxation and employment requirements can change.

Investors should therefore use guides such as this one as a starting point for research rather than as a substitute for official regulatory information or professional advice.

Before establishing a business or committing investment capital, verify the requirements applicable to the specific activity, ownership structure and location with the relevant Jordanian authorities.

Legal, accounting, tax and technical advisers can also help investors evaluate requirements that are specific to their project.

Starting the company is only one part of building an investment in Jordan.

The next major decision is often choosing where the business should operate.

Industrial estates, development zones, free zones and established industrial areas offer different locations, infrastructure and operating environments for investors across the Kingdom.

Continue with:

Industrial Estates, Development Zones and Free Zones in Jordan

to explore the major investment and industrial locations available across the country.

Establishing a business in a new market requires preparation.

Understanding the activity, legal structure, location, licenses, taxation, workforce, logistics and supporting business ecosystem before committing capital can help investors identify challenges early and make stronger decisions.

Jordan provides opportunities across manufacturing, technology, tourism, healthcare, logistics, agriculture and many other sectors, but every investment has its own requirements.

Research the market carefully, verify the regulations that apply to your project and build the right network around the investment.

Understand the process. Choose the right location. Build your business in Jordan.

Jordan offers investment opportunities across a diverse economy that combines established industries with rapidly developing sectors.

Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food processing, chemicals, technology, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, logistics, renewable energy and natural resources all contribute to an investment landscape shaped by Jordan’s location, workforce, industrial capabilities and connections with regional and international markets.

For investors, however, identifying an opportunity requires more than choosing a growing sector. Market demand, access to raw materials, infrastructure, workforce availability, export potential, operating costs and location can all influence the success of an investment.

This guide explores some of Jordan’s key sectors and industries and provides a starting point for investors evaluating where opportunities may exist across the Kingdom.

Manufacturing is one of the foundations of Jordan’s productive economy and encompasses a broad range of industries serving local, regional and international markets.

The country’s industrial base includes pharmaceuticals, food and beverage manufacturing, chemicals and fertilizers, plastics and rubber, packaging and paper, textiles and clothing, electrical products, machinery, metal fabrication, construction materials, cosmetics, detergents, furniture and other specialized industries.

For investors, opportunities can extend beyond establishing new factories. Existing industrial ecosystems may create possibilities in contract manufacturing, components, packaging, industrial services, automation, maintenance, logistics, technology and supply-chain development.

Jordan’s network of industrial estates and manufacturing areas also allows investors to evaluate different locations according to infrastructure, workforce requirements, transportation and proximity to suppliers and markets.

Jordan has developed significant capabilities in pharmaceuticals, healthcare and life sciences, supported by medical professionals, technical expertise, manufacturing experience and established healthcare institutions.

Investment opportunities can extend across pharmaceutical production, medical supplies, healthcare services, medical technologies, laboratories, specialized healthcare facilities and supporting services.

Healthcare and medical tourism also create connections between investment in medical infrastructure and Jordan’s wider tourism and service economy.

For investors exploring this sector, important considerations include regulatory requirements, technical standards, professional licensing, access to specialized talent, export markets and the location of supporting industries and services.

Food production connects Jordan’s agricultural resources with one of the country’s important manufacturing industries.

Opportunities exist across food processing, beverages, dairy products, bakery and confectionery production, packaged foods, agricultural products, animal feed, cold storage, packaging and food-related logistics.

Agriculture also presents opportunities in modern farming technologies, water-efficient production, greenhouse agriculture, high-value crops, agricultural services and technologies designed to improve productivity under Jordan’s environmental conditions.

Investors can therefore approach the sector from several directions: primary agricultural production, technology, processing, packaging, storage, distribution or export.

The combination of agriculture, manufacturing and logistics makes food and agribusiness particularly relevant for investors interested in integrated supply chains.

Jordan’s natural resources support important industrial activities, particularly in mining, chemicals and fertilizers.

Phosphate and potash provide the foundation for industrial value chains that extend beyond extraction into fertilizers, chemicals and higher-value products.

This creates potential opportunities not only in resource extraction and primary processing but also in downstream manufacturing, specialized chemicals, industrial services, equipment, storage, transportation and export logistics.

Investors evaluating these industries should consider energy and water requirements, access to raw materials, environmental requirements, logistics infrastructure and proximity to processing and export facilities.

Aqaba plays an especially important role for industries that depend on maritime imports and exports.

Jordan’s technology sector provides a different investment proposition from traditional industrial development.

A skilled and increasingly digitally connected workforce supports software development, information technology, business process outsourcing, cybersecurity, digital services, fintech, gaming and other technology-driven activities.

For international companies, Jordan can serve as a location for developing products and services for Arabic-speaking and regional markets while also supporting operations serving customers internationally.

Opportunities also exist where technology meets traditional industries, including industrial automation, logistics technology, financial technology, health technology, tourism platforms and digital solutions for businesses.

The continued development of Jordan’s digital economy makes technology an important part of the country’s future investment landscape.

Few sectors connect Jordan’s international identity with investment opportunity as directly as tourism.

Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Jerash, Amman and Jordan’s religious, archaeological and natural destinations attract visitors with very different travel interests.

Investment opportunities can therefore extend beyond conventional hotels and resorts.

Boutique accommodation, desert experiences, eco-tourism, wellness, medical tourism, restaurants, entertainment, adventure tourism, visitor services, transportation and technology supporting the tourism industry can all form part of the wider tourism economy.

The potential of a tourism investment depends heavily on location, visitor demand, accessibility, seasonality and the experience being created.

Jordan’s position between the Levant and Arabian Peninsula gives transportation and logistics an important role in the economy.

Aqaba provides the country’s maritime gateway, while road networks, border crossings and air connectivity support the movement of goods between Jordan and international markets.

Investment opportunities can include warehousing, distribution centers, freight services, cold-chain logistics, industrial transportation, supply-chain technology and specialized logistics supporting manufacturing and trade.

Growth in e-commerce and regional distribution also creates demand for increasingly sophisticated warehousing, fulfillment and delivery systems.

For industrial investors, logistics should be considered alongside the investment itself because transportation costs and access to ports, airports, borders and major highways can significantly affect competitiveness.

Jordan’s resource constraints have also created opportunities for innovation and investment.

Renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management, recycling, environmental technologies and resource-efficient industrial solutions are increasingly relevant to businesses operating in the country.

Industrial investors in particular may benefit from examining technologies that reduce energy consumption, improve water efficiency, recover resources or lower production costs.

These opportunities extend beyond utility-scale projects. Energy management systems, industrial efficiency technologies, water treatment, smart infrastructure and environmental services can all contribute to a more sustainable business ecosystem.

As sustainability requirements continue to influence international markets and supply chains, efficient production can also become an important part of export competitiveness.

There is no single “best” sector for investing in Jordan.

The right opportunity depends on what an investor wants to produce or provide, who the customers will be, where the required inputs come from and whether the business will primarily serve Jordan or international markets.

Before selecting a sector, investors should evaluate:

Market demand and competition
Availability of skilled workers
Access to suppliers and raw materials
Energy and water requirements
Industrial or commercial property requirements
Transportation and logistics
Applicable licenses and regulations
Potential investment incentives
Export opportunities and target markets
Availability of local partners and supporting services

A promising sector is only the beginning. The combination of sector, location, business model and market strategy ultimately determines whether an opportunity is suitable for a particular investor.

Investors should verify current investment regulations, incentives, procedures and available opportunities through Jordan’s Ministry of Investment. The Ministry provides official information and services for local and international investors through the Invest Jordan platform.

Visit the Jordan Ministry of Investment – Invest Jordan

Once an investor identifies a promising sector, the next question is often where to establish the project.

Jordan offers industrial estates, development zones, free zones and established industrial areas with different advantages depending on the nature of the investment.

A food manufacturer may prioritize access to agricultural suppliers and logistics. A chemical producer may require specialized industrial infrastructure. A technology company may prioritize access to skilled professionals, while an export-oriented manufacturer may place greater importance on transportation routes and access to Aqaba.

Understanding these differences is an essential part of investment planning.

Continue with our guide:

Industrial Estates, Development Zones and Free Zones in Jordan

to explore the locations available for industrial and commercial investment across the Kingdom.

Investment research becomes more useful when sector information can be connected with real businesses and locations.

Ordonna’s Industries & Manufacturing directory helps investors explore Jordan’s industrial landscape by sector and discover manufacturers operating across the country.

From food and pharmaceutical manufacturing to chemicals, packaging, plastics, machinery, metal fabrication, furniture, cosmetics and other industries, investors can use Ordonna to move from understanding a sector to exploring the companies already operating within it.

Industrial locations can provide another layer of discovery, helping investors understand where manufacturing clusters exist and what types of businesses operate within them.

This connection between sectors, companies and locations is at the heart of Ordonna’s approach to investment discovery.

Jordan’s investment landscape is diverse.

Some opportunities are built on established industrial capabilities. Others emerge from technology, changing consumer demand, regional trade, tourism, natural resources or the need for more efficient and sustainable solutions.

The starting point for every investor should be the same: understand the sector, study the market, investigate the location and verify the commercial and regulatory requirements before making a decision.

Through Invest in Jordan, Ordonna brings these elements together to help investors explore the industries, businesses and places shaping Jordan’s economy.

Discover the sector. Explore the market. Find the opportunity.

A Responsibility Across Generations

Jerusalem occupies a place unlike almost any other city in the world.

Sacred to Muslims, Christians and Jews, its ancient streets contain places of worship, pilgrimage and memory that have shaped religious history for centuries.

For Jordan and the Hashemite Royal Family, Jerusalem also carries a particular historical responsibility.

Across generations, the Hashemites have supported the protection, restoration and preservation of Muslim and Christian holy sites in the city—a relationship that predates the establishment of the modern Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan itself.

The modern story reaches back to Sharif Hussein bin Ali, leader of the Great Arab Revolt and great-great-grandfather of King Abdullah II.

In the early 1920s, concern was growing over the condition of Jerusalem’s Islamic holy sites, particularly the Dome of the Rock. In 1924, a delegation representing the Islamic Higher Council approached Sharif Hussein and explained the need for restoration.

Sharif Hussein responded with a major financial contribution toward the work.

That act became one of the foundations of a Hashemite commitment that would continue through successive generations.

His son, Emir Abdullah bin Al Hussein—the future King Abdullah I and founder of Jordan—personally supervised restoration work and maintained a close relationship with Jerusalem throughout his reign.

King Hussein bin Talal later oversaw major restoration projects at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock, including extensive work to preserve one of the most recognizable religious monuments in the world.

Today, King Abdullah II carries the Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites, continuing a responsibility inherited across generations.

But this story is about more than monarchs.

It is about buildings that have survived centuries.
It is about mosques, churches, ancient stone, mosaics, domes, manuscripts and sacred spaces visited by generations of worshippers.
It is about the people of Jerusalem whose lives remain connected with these places.
And it is about an unusual historical relationship in which a Royal family’s responsibility toward a city beyond the borders of its own Kingdom has continued across more than a century.

More Than a Political Relationship

To understand the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem, it is important to look beyond modern political boundaries.

The connection is religious, historical and custodial.
At its heart is the preservation of places whose significance extends far beyond Jordan or Palestine.
For Muslims, Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif is one of Islam’s holiest places.

Within the same ancient city stand some of Christianity’s most sacred sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Hashemite Custodianship encompasses responsibility toward both Muslim and Christian holy sites, making the preservation of Jerusalem’s religious character central to the story.

Over the decades, that responsibility has taken different forms.
Sometimes it has meant financing restoration.
Sometimes it has meant rebuilding structures damaged by fire, conflict or the passage of time.
Sometimes it has involved supporting Jerusalem’s religious institutions and communities.
And increasingly, it has also involved diplomatic and legal efforts intended to safeguard the holy sites, their identity and their historical and religious status.

A Story Older Than Modern Jordan

This is what makes the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem particularly remarkable.

When Sharif Hussein supported restoration work in Jerusalem in the 1920s, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan did not yet exist.

Transjordan was still a young Emirate under his son Abdullah.
Jordan would not achieve full independence until 1946.
The custodial relationship therefore did not emerge as a later extension of Jordanian foreign policy.
It formed part of the Hashemite story while the Jordanian state itself was still being built.

From Sharif Hussein bin Ali to King Abdullah I, from King Hussein to King Abdullah II, successive generations would inherit that responsibility and reinterpret it according to the challenges of their own time.

To understand that journey, we must return to its modern beginning.

To Jerusalem in the 1920s.
And to Sharif Hussein bin Ali.

The modern chapter of the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem begins with Sharif Hussein bin Ali, leader of the Great Arab Revolt and a central figure in the modern history of the Hashemite family.

By the early 1920s, Jerusalem’s Islamic holy sites were in need of significant restoration and preservation work.

In 1922, the Islamic Higher Council was established in Jerusalem, taking responsibility for protecting Islamic holy places and raising funds for urgently needed restoration work, particularly at the Dome of the Rock.

The challenge was considerable.

Centuries of exposure to weather, earthquakes, structural deterioration and the passage of time had left important parts of the sanctuary requiring specialist attention and substantial financial resources.

In 1924, representatives of the Islamic Higher Council approached Sharif Hussein bin Ali and explained the condition of the holy sites and the need for restoration.

Sharif Hussein responded with a major financial contribution to support the work.

According to the Royal Hashemite Court’s detailed history of the First Hashemite Restoration, his contribution amounted to 38,000 gold lira—a substantial sum that helped support restoration of the Dome of the Rock and the wider effort to preserve Jerusalem’s Islamic heritage.

The 1924 Pledge

The year 1924 carried another important significance.

On 11 March 1924, representatives of the people of Jerusalem and Palestine affirmed Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy sites through a bay’ah, or pledge.

Nearly nine decades later, this historical event would be explicitly recalled in the 2013 agreement between King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas reaffirming the Hashemite Custodianship.

The agreement describes the custodianship as a responsibility affirmed to Sharif Hussein by the people of Jerusalem and Palestine and subsequently inherited by his Hashemite descendants.

This gives the modern Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem an important dimension.

It was not simply a financial contribution to restore an important monument.

It developed into an enduring custodial responsibility associated with the preservation of the city’s holy sites and their religious character.

Preserving a Sacred Heritage

The restoration supported by Sharif Hussein was significant because the Dome of the Rock is far more than an architectural landmark.

Standing within Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, its golden dome has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Jerusalem.

The wider sanctuary is one of Islam’s holiest places, connected with Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj—the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey and Ascension—and revered by Muslims throughout the world.

Preserving such a place therefore meant preserving religious heritage belonging not to one generation, but to generations of worshippers who came before and those who would follow.

That principle—preservation for future generations—would become a recurring theme throughout the Hashemite restorations of Jerusalem.

From Father to Son

Sharif Hussein’s contribution also established a responsibility that his family would continue.

At the time, his son Abdullah was already establishing the institutions of the Emirate of Transjordan east of the Jordan River.

Emir Abdullah bin Al Hussein personally supervised restoration work connected with Jerusalem’s holy sites, according to the Royal Hashemite Court, and continued this involvement during subsequent restoration work in the 1940s.

The relationship was therefore already passing from one Hashemite generation to another.

This pattern would repeat itself throughout the century.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali.

His son Abdullah.

Later King Hussein.

And today King Abdullah II.

Each generation would encounter Jerusalem under different historical circumstances, and each would face different challenges in preserving its holy places.

A Commitment Beyond Borders

There is something particularly important about the timing of this story.

In 1924, Jordan did not yet exist as an independent Kingdom.

Transjordan was still a young Emirate, and independence would not come until 1946.

Yet the Hashemite commitment to Jerusalem’s holy sites was already taking shape.

This is one reason the custodianship cannot be understood simply as a feature of modern Jordanian diplomacy.

Its roots reach into the period when the Jordanian state itself was still being formed.

The Hashemite responsibility toward Jerusalem and the development of modern Jordan therefore grew alongside one another.

And soon those two stories would become even more closely connected.

The Beginning of a Century-Long Responsibility

Sharif Hussein bin Ali could not have known all the challenges Jerusalem would face over the century that followed.

War would damage its holy places.

Fire would threaten Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Dome of the Rock would require repeated restoration.

Christian holy sites would also need protection and support.

Political conflict over Jerusalem would become one of the most difficult and enduring issues in the modern Middle East.

Yet the responsibility established during this early period continued through all of those changes.

The Royal Hashemite Court today describes King Abdullah II as having inherited the custodianship of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites through his Hashemite ancestors beginning with Sharif Hussein bin Ali.

What began in the early twentieth century therefore became a responsibility carried across generations.

And the next figure in that story would connect Jerusalem even more closely with the emerging Jordanian state.

His name was Abdullah bin Al Hussein.

He would become the founder of modern Jordan.

And Jerusalem would ultimately become the place where his life came to an end.

The Hashemite responsibility toward Jerusalem that began during the time of Sharif Hussein bin Ali soon passed to his son, Abdullah bin Al Hussein.

For Abdullah, however, Jerusalem would become much more than a place connected with religious responsibility.

The city would intersect repeatedly with his political life, the creation of Transjordan, the protection of the holy sites and, ultimately, the final moments of his life.

Jerusalem and the Birth of Transjordan

Jerusalem appeared at a decisive moment in Abdullah’s story even before the establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan.

After arriving in Ma’an in November 1920 and moving north to Amman in March 1921, Prince Abdullah met British Colonial Secretary Winston Churchill in Jerusalem.

Those discussions formed part of the political arrangements that led to British recognition of an administration in Transjordan under Abdullah’s leadership.

Jerusalem therefore stood near the beginning of the political journey that would eventually lead to the creation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

But Abdullah’s relationship with the city would soon extend far beyond politics.

Continuing His Father’s Responsibility

When Sharif Hussein bin Ali supported the restoration of Jerusalem’s Islamic holy sites in the 1920s, Prince Abdullah became directly involved in the work.

According to the Royal Hashemite Court, Emir Abdullah personally supervised restoration projects associated with the First Hashemite Restoration.

He later supervised additional renovation work during the 1940s, when Egyptian technical expertise and materials were used in restoration projects.

The pattern established by Sharif Hussein was therefore already becoming something larger than the actions of one individual.

Responsibility was passing from father to son.

And as Abdullah’s own political role developed—from Emir of Transjordan to King of an independent Hashemite Kingdom—his relationship with Jerusalem continued alongside it.

Jerusalem After the War of 1948

The Arab-Israeli war of 1948 brought enormous change to Jerusalem and the surrounding region.

Fighting caused considerable damage within the Old City.

Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif was affected, while the roof of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre also suffered damage.

Following the war, King Abdullah I visited Al-Aqsa and called for the restoration of the Mihrab of Zakariah as part of wider reconstruction work on structures that had been damaged.

The significance of this moment extended beyond repairing buildings.

Jerusalem contained sacred places belonging to both Muslims and Christians, and preserving that religious heritage became part of the Hashemite custodial responsibility.

The King’s actions during the following year would demonstrate that commitment in an unusually personal way.

The Fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

In 1949, fire broke out at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The church stands at the heart of Jerusalem’s Christian heritage and is one of Christianity’s most sacred places.

According to the Royal Hashemite Court, King Abdullah I personally helped extinguish the fire, which damaged parts of the church.

It is a striking episode in the history of the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem.

The Muslim Hashemite King was not simply supporting the restoration of Islamic holy places.

He was personally involved when one of Christianity’s holiest churches was threatened.

That moment helps explain an essential feature of the custodianship that continues today: the Hashemite responsibility in Jerusalem encompasses the protection of both Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Mosques and churches form different parts of the same sacred city, and their preservation has remained intertwined within the Hashemite story.

A King Closely Connected With Jerusalem

By this stage, Abdullah was no longer the young prince who had travelled north from the Hijaz.

Transjordan had achieved independence in 1946, and Abdullah had become King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Yet Jerusalem remained deeply connected with his life.

His visits to the city, his involvement with its holy sites and his custodial responsibilities continued throughout his reign.

The Royal Hashemite Court records that King Abdullah maintained his role as Custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites throughout his years as monarch.

Then, in 1951, the relationship between the King and the Holy City reached its final and most poignant chapter.

20 July 1951

Friday, 20 July 1951.

King Abdullah I travelled to Jerusalem to attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Accompanying him was his young grandson, Prince Hussein bin Talal—the future King Hussein.

As King Abdullah approached Al-Aqsa, he was assassinated.

The founder of modern Jordan died in Jerusalem at the entrance to one of Islam’s holiest places.

His grandson witnessed the assassination.

Prince Hussein survived, and within little more than a year, history would place extraordinary responsibility upon the teenager who had accompanied his grandfather that day.

He would become King Hussein of Jordan.

From Abdullah to Hussein

King Abdullah I’s death marked the end of the founding generation of Hashemite Jordan.

But it did not end the family’s responsibility toward Jerusalem.

King Talal succeeded his father, and the Kingdom soon entered another period of transition.

Then, in 1952, the throne passed to the young King Hussein bin Talal.

The new King had already experienced Jerusalem in a way few people ever could.

He had stood beside his grandfather on that July morning in 1951.

Now he would inherit both the Kingdom his grandfather helped create and a Hashemite responsibility toward the Holy City that had already passed through generations.

During King Hussein’s long reign, that responsibility would take on an extraordinary physical form.

The Dome of the Rock would undergo major restoration.

Al-Aqsa Mosque would face one of the most devastating fires in its modern history.

And the young grandson who had walked beside King Abdullah I in Jerusalem would spend decades helping preserve the holy places his grandfather had worked to protect.

For King Hussein bin Talal, Jerusalem was connected with both personal memory and royal responsibility.

As a fifteen-year-old prince, he had been beside his grandfather, King Abdullah I, when the King was assassinated in Jerusalem on 20 July 1951.

Little more than a year later, Hussein was proclaimed King of Jordan.

He inherited a young Kingdom facing enormous political and economic challenges. He also inherited the Hashemite responsibility toward Jerusalem’s holy sites—a responsibility that would become one of the enduring commitments of his long reign.

During the decades that followed, King Hussein would oversee some of the most ambitious Hashemite restoration projects undertaken in Jerusalem.

His story with the Holy City would encompass preservation, war, fire, reconstruction and one of the most remarkable restorations of the Dome of the Rock in modern times.

The Second Hashemite Restoration

The preservation of Jerusalem’s holy sites became an important responsibility early in King Hussein’s reign.

During 1952 and 1953, restoration and maintenance work was undertaken on the Dome of the Rock.

The structure faced serious problems.

Its outer wooden covering had failed to prevent water from entering the building, while the exterior of the dome itself required attention.

The restoration replaced the deteriorating outer wooden elements with stronger aluminium supports and gilded plates, helping protect the historic structure beneath.

In 1954, King Hussein directed the establishment of the Jordanian legal framework for the Hashemite Restoration Committee.

Under his supervision, restoration work extended beyond the Dome of the Rock to other important structures within Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, including the Dome of the Chain, Sabil Qaytbay and the Women’s Mosque.

The work continued for years.

What had begun with Sharif Hussein bin Ali and continued under King Abdullah I was becoming an increasingly organized and institutional Hashemite commitment to the preservation of Jerusalem’s religious heritage.

Jerusalem After 1967

The Six-Day War of June 1967 fundamentally changed the political situation surrounding Jerusalem.

Israel captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank, territories that had been under Jordanian administration.

For Jordan, the loss carried enormous political, military, human and religious significance.

Yet the change in territorial control did not bring the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem’s holy sites to an end.

Jordan continued to maintain its role in the administration and care of the Islamic holy sites through the Jerusalem Awqaf, and King Hussein continued to regard their preservation as a Hashemite responsibility.

Only two years after the war, that responsibility would face one of its greatest tests.

21 August 1969 — The Fire at Al-Aqsa

On 21 August 1969, fire swept through the Al-Qibli Mosque within Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

The blaze caused extensive damage to the historic interior.

Among the greatest losses was the Minbar of Salah Al-Din.

The magnificent wooden pulpit carried extraordinary historical significance.

It had originally been commissioned by Nur Al-Din Zengi in the twelfth century and was later brought to Jerusalem by Salah Al-Din after his recovery of the city in 1187.

For centuries, it had stood inside Al-Aqsa.

The 1969 fire devastated it.

The destruction became one of the most painful episodes in the modern history of Al-Aqsa Mosque and created an enormous restoration challenge.

Jordan participated in repairing the damage caused by the fire, continuing a process of emergency restoration that would extend across subsequent decades.

But recreating the Minbar itself presented an extraordinary problem.

It was not simply a piece of furniture that could be replaced.

It was a masterpiece of Islamic craftsmanship assembled through an extraordinarily sophisticated system of interlocking carved wooden pieces.

Reconstructing it faithfully would require years of research, craftsmanship and dedication.

The project would eventually cross from King Hussein’s reign into that of his son, King Abdullah II.

Preserving the Dome of the Rock

King Hussein’s commitment to Jerusalem became particularly visible again toward the end of the twentieth century.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Dome of the Rock required another major intervention.

The building had suffered from environmental deterioration and damage, and extensive restoration was needed to preserve both its exterior and interior.

King Hussein ordered a comprehensive restoration.

The project involved strengthening the structure, repairing the roof and restoring the famous dome that dominates Jerusalem’s skyline.

According to the Royal Hashemite Court, King Hussein personally contributed substantially to the work. The Court records that in 1992 he sold his home in London, with the proceeds going toward the restoration project.

It was an extraordinary gesture.

The restoration of a seventh-century Islamic monument was being supported personally by a twentieth-century Hashemite King whose family had already spent generations caring for the holy places of Jerusalem.

Restoring the Golden Dome

The restoration was technically demanding.

The Dome of the Rock is one of the world’s most recognizable religious buildings, and any intervention had to protect both its structural integrity and its historic artistic character.

The project included reinforcement and restoration of the dome and its infrastructure, while the exterior was covered with new gilded material that restored its extraordinary golden appearance.

Thousands of gold-plated elements were used in the work.

The restoration was completed during the 1990s, returning the dome to the brilliant appearance that continues to define Jerusalem’s skyline today.

For King Hussein, however, the project represented something deeper than architectural preservation.

It was another chapter in a responsibility inherited from his ancestors.

Sharif Hussein had helped finance restoration of the sanctuary in the 1920s.

King Abdullah I had personally supervised restoration work.

King Hussein was now preserving the same sacred complex for another generation.

Jerusalem and Jordan’s 1988 Disengagement

Another important moment came in 1988.

King Hussein announced Jordan’s disengagement from the West Bank, a major political decision intended to support Palestinian national aspirations and the role of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

But Jerusalem’s holy sites were treated differently.

The Hashemite custodial responsibility was maintained.

This distinction would prove extremely important in the decades that followed.

The 2013 agreement between King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas later explicitly recalled King Hussein’s 1988 disengagement decision and noted that the Jerusalem holy sites were excluded from it.

The Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem therefore continued even as Jordan’s political relationship with the West Bank changed fundamentally.

Peace Without Abandoning Jerusalem

In 1994, King Hussein signed the Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty.

For a King who had experienced decades of war and regional confrontation, the treaty represented a historic transition toward formal peace.

But peace did not mean abandoning Jordan’s role in Jerusalem.

Jordan continued to emphasize its historic responsibilities toward the holy sites.

The custodianship remained part of the Kingdom’s relationship with Jerusalem and would continue into the reign of King Hussein’s successor.

This is an important part of understanding King Hussein’s approach.

War changed borders.

Diplomacy changed relationships.

Political circumstances changed repeatedly.

But the Hashemite commitment to the holy sites continued through each of those transformations.

A Restoration That Crossed Generations

One project perhaps symbolizes that continuity better than any other.

The Minbar of Salah Al-Din, destroyed in the Al-Aqsa fire of 1969, remained absent from its historic location for decades.

King Hussein gave particular attention to its reconstruction, but he did not live to see the completed Minbar returned to Jerusalem.

He died on 7 February 1999.

The responsibility passed to his son.

Under King Abdullah II, Jordanian craftsmen and specialists continued the extraordinary work of reconstructing the historic Minbar using traditional techniques.

King Abdullah II supported and supervised the project, and in 2007 the completed Minbar was installed in its historic place inside Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

A monument destroyed during the reign of King Hussein had been restored during the reign of King Abdullah II.

The project itself had crossed generations.

From Father to Son

King Hussein’s relationship with Jerusalem lasted almost as long as his reign.

He had first entered our Jerusalem story as a young prince walking beside his grandfather.

Decades later, he had become one of the principal figures responsible for preserving some of the city’s most important Islamic monuments.

Between those two moments lay war, political transformation, restoration and peace.

But the custodial responsibility endured.

When King Hussein died in 1999, his son King Abdullah II inherited much more than the throne of Jordan.

He also inherited a Hashemite responsibility whose modern story had already passed through Sharif Hussein bin Ali, King Abdullah I and King Hussein.

And under the new King, that responsibility would expand again.

Restoration would continue.

The Minbar of Salah Al-Din would finally return home.

Christian holy sites would receive major Hashemite support.

And a new Jordanian-Palestinian agreement would formally reaffirm a custodial relationship whose roots stretched back nearly a century.

When King Abdullah II assumed his constitutional powers in February 1999, he inherited a Kingdom transformed by nearly half a century of his father’s leadership.

He also inherited a responsibility much older than his own reign.

The Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites had already passed through generations—from Sharif Hussein bin Ali to King Abdullah I and King Hussein bin Talal.

Under King Abdullah II, that responsibility entered the twenty-first century.

The challenges were different, but the principle remained the same: to help preserve Jerusalem’s holy sites, protect their religious and historical character, support the institutions responsible for their care, and represent their interests through Jordan’s diplomatic and legal efforts.

Completing a Promise Across Generations

One of the most symbolic projects of King Abdullah II’s reign began decades before he became King.

The Minbar of Salah Al-Din had been destroyed in the devastating fire at Al-Aqsa Mosque in August 1969.

King Hussein had supported efforts to reconstruct the historic pulpit, but the extraordinary complexity of recreating its intricate wooden structure meant that the project would extend beyond his lifetime.

King Abdullah II carried the work forward.

Specialists and craftsmen worked at Al-Balqa Applied University in Jordan to recreate the Minbar using traditional woodworking techniques and the complex interlocking geometric construction associated with the original masterpiece.

In 2002, King Abdullah II personally placed the first decorative piece on the reconstructed Minbar.

Four years later, he unveiled the completed structure.

Then, in 2007—almost thirty-eight years after the original had been destroyed—the reconstructed Minbar of Salah Al-Din was returned to Jerusalem and installed in its historic position inside Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

It was more than the restoration of a historic object.

A project associated with King Hussein had been completed by his son.

Once again, the preservation of Jerusalem’s heritage had crossed from one Hashemite generation to another.

The Fifth Hashemite Restoration

The return of the Minbar formed only one part of a much wider program of restoration during King Abdullah II’s reign.

Projects have included work on the southern and eastern walls of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, doors and windows, roofing, lighting and sound systems, historic fountains and domes, the Islamic Museum, and the interior marble, mosaics and plaster decoration of the Dome of the Rock.

These projects illustrate an important reality about preserving ancient religious monuments.

Restoration is never truly finished.

Stone deteriorates.

Roofs require repair.

Decorative work must be conserved.

Electrical, fire protection and other essential systems must be maintained without damaging historic structures.

Preserving a sacred complex that has stood for centuries therefore requires continuing expertise, funding and attention.

Under King Abdullah II, that work has remained an important part of the Hashemite custodial responsibility.

The Hashemite Fund

In 2007, a new institutional framework strengthened that work.

King Abdullah II established the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock under Jordanian law.

The Fund was created to help provide the financial resources required for the continuing care, maintenance and restoration of these holy sites.

Its establishment represented another stage in the evolution of the custodianship.

What had begun generations earlier through direct Hashemite support for restoration had developed into an institutional system intended to preserve the holy places over the long term.

The principle, however, remained remarkably consistent.

Each generation inherited the responsibility to preserve what previous generations had protected.

2013 — Reaffirming the Custodianship

A particularly important moment came on 31 March 2013.

King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed an agreement in Amman concerning Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The agreement reaffirmed King Abdullah II’s custodianship and recognized his right to undertake legal efforts to safeguard and preserve the holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, defined in the agreement as the entirety of Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

It also reaffirmed the King’s role in representing the interests of the holy sites in relevant international forums, overseeing and managing the Islamic Waqf institution in Jerusalem in accordance with Jordanian law, and preserving the religious, historical, cultural and physical character of the sites.

At the same time, the agreement affirmed Palestinian sovereignty and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including in Jerusalem.

The significance of the agreement lay partly in bringing a much older historical relationship into a modern legal and political framework.

A custodianship whose contemporary roots reached back to Sharif Hussein bin Ali was formally reaffirmed between Jordanian and Palestinian leadership nearly ninety years later.

Protecting Christian Jerusalem

The Hashemite Custodianship is not limited to Islamic holy sites.

The protection of Christian holy places and the preservation of Jerusalem’s Christian presence form another important part of the responsibility.

This dimension became especially visible during King Abdullah II’s reign.

In 2016, the King directed that restoration work be undertaken on the Holy Edicule—the shrine surrounding the traditional site of the tomb of Jesus Christ—inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

King Abdullah personally covered the costs associated with the Hashemite contribution to the project.

The first phase of restoration was completed in 2017.

Further work followed.

King Abdullah later contributed part of the monetary award from the Templeton Prize, which he received in 2018, toward additional restoration at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Hashemite Fund and Jerusalem Awqaf restoration authorities have also supported work at the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives.

These projects continue a principle already visible in the story of King Abdullah I, who personally helped fight the 1949 fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Across generations, the Hashemite responsibility has encompassed both the Islamic and Christian heritage of Jerusalem.

Supporting the People Who Protect the Holy Sites

Buildings cannot be separated from the people who care for them.

Jordan’s role in Jerusalem therefore extends beyond stone, mosaics, domes and restoration projects.

The Jerusalem Awqaf Department and the personnel responsible for administering and maintaining Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif form an important part of the continuing custodial framework.

Jordan supports this institutional presence and the people responsible for maintaining the sanctuary.

At moments when the holy sites have been damaged, King Abdullah II has also directed new restoration work.

Following damage at Al-Aqsa in 2021, for example, the King instructed that repairs be carried out through the Hashemite Fund and the Jerusalem Awqaf Department as part of the continuing Hashemite restoration program.

The custodianship is therefore not simply commemorated as history.

It functions through people, institutions and continuing work.

Jerusalem in Jordan’s Diplomacy

Under King Abdullah II, Jerusalem has also remained one of the central themes of Jordanian diplomacy.

The King has repeatedly raised the protection of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites in meetings with international leaders and institutions.

Jordan’s position connects the preservation of the holy sites with a broader vision for peace.

King Abdullah has consistently supported a negotiated two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and has emphasized the importance of Jerusalem to any lasting settlement.

Within that wider diplomatic effort, Jordan has continued to defend the historical and legal status of the holy sites and the Hashemite custodial role.

This adds another dimension to the meaning of custodianship in the twenty-first century.

Restoration protects the physical structures.

Administration supports their daily religious life.

Diplomacy and legal action seek to protect their status.

Together, these responsibilities form different parts of the same mission.

A Responsibility, Not a Possession

Perhaps the most important way to understand the Hashemite Custodianship is through the idea of responsibility.

Jerusalem is not presented within this story as something belonging to a Royal family.

Its holy sites belong to religious traditions, communities and generations of worshippers whose connections to them reach across centuries.

Custodianship means caring for what has been entrusted to one’s protection.

That distinction helps explain why restoration occupies such a central place in the Hashemite story.

The objective is not to remake Jerusalem.

It is to preserve it.

To protect ancient architecture.

To maintain places of worship.

To safeguard religious heritage.

And to help ensure that future generations inherit the sacred places that previous generations inherited before them.

From History Into the Present

By the reign of King Abdullah II, the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem had already survived extraordinary historical change.

The Ottoman Empire had disappeared.

The modern states of the Middle East had emerged.

Jordan had been founded and gained independence.

Jerusalem had experienced war, division, occupation, fire and repeated political upheaval.

Kings had died and generations had changed.

Yet the custodial responsibility continued.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali supported the restoration of Jerusalem’s holy sites in the 1920s.

King Abdullah I carried that responsibility forward.

King Hussein oversaw major restorations through decades of regional transformation.

And King Abdullah II continues it today.

More than a century after the modern Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem began, the responsibility remains alive—not simply in historical memory, but in the restoration work, religious institutions, diplomatic efforts and people who continue to care for the Holy City’s sacred places.

To understand the Hashemite Custodianship, it is important first to understand the extraordinary places at its heart.

Jerusalem’s Old City contains sacred spaces connected with centuries of Muslim and Christian history. Some are known throughout the world, while others are smaller monuments, chapels, fountains, schools, gates and religious buildings whose stories are woven into the larger history of the city.

The Hashemite responsibility toward Jerusalem encompasses both Islamic and Christian holy sites.

At the center of the Islamic dimension stands Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

And here, an important distinction is necessary.

Al-Aqsa Mosque — More Than One Building

Visitors unfamiliar with Jerusalem sometimes use the name “Al-Aqsa Mosque” only for the large silver-domed building located toward the southern end of the sanctuary.

That building is the Al-Qibli Mosque.

But in the context of the Hashemite Custodianship—and as explicitly defined in the 2013 agreement between King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas—Al-Aqsa Mosque refers to the entirety of Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

The sanctuary covers approximately 144 dunums.

It includes the Al-Qibli Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and the other mosques, buildings, walls, courtyards and attached areas above and beneath the ground, as well as Waqf properties connected with the sanctuary.

This distinction is important because the Hashemite responsibility is not limited to maintaining a single mosque building.

It concerns an entire sacred complex.

Al-Haram Al-Sharif

Al-Haram Al-Sharif is one of the most important sacred spaces in Islam.

Muslims associate Jerusalem with Al-Isra’ wal-Mi’raj—the Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad—and Al-Aqsa holds a central place in Islamic religious history.

It is traditionally described as Islam’s third holiest mosque, after Al-Masjid Al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina. King Abdullah II has repeatedly emphasized its exceptional religious importance to Muslims around the world.

The sanctuary itself contains layers of history extending across centuries.

Its stone platforms, arches, gates, fountains, prayer spaces, schools, domes and courtyards form a religious landscape rather than a single monument.

Preserving Al-Aqsa therefore means caring for this larger historical environment.

The Dome of the Rock

At the center of the sanctuary stands its most recognizable landmark: the Dome of the Rock.

Completed in the late seventh century during the Umayyad period, the structure is among the oldest surviving monumental works of Islamic architecture.

Its extraordinary octagonal form, decorative mosaics, inscriptions and golden dome have made it one of the defining images of Jerusalem.

The Dome of the Rock has also occupied a central place in the history of the Hashemite restorations.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali contributed substantially toward restoration work in the 1920s.

Emir Abdullah supervised restoration efforts.

King Hussein later oversaw another major restoration, including the famous dome.

And restoration and conservation work has continued during the reign of King Abdullah II.

Few monuments demonstrate the generational nature of the Hashemite commitment as clearly as the Dome of the Rock.

Four Hashemite generations have been connected with its preservation.

The Al-Qibli Mosque

Toward the southern end of Al-Haram Al-Sharif stands the Al-Qibli Mosque.

Its distinctive silver-colored dome makes it another of the sanctuary’s most familiar structures.

This is the building many international visitors mistakenly identify as the entirety of “Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The distinction matters.

The Al-Qibli Mosque is part of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif—not the whole of it.

It was inside the Al-Qibli Mosque that the historic Minbar of Salah Al-Din stood for centuries before being destroyed in the devastating fire of 1969.

Its reconstruction and return in 2007 became one of the most remarkable Hashemite restoration projects of the modern era.

The story of the Minbar therefore connects one particular building inside the sanctuary with a restoration effort that stretched across the reigns of King Hussein and King Abdullah II.

More Than the Famous Monuments

The Hashemite restoration story also reaches beyond the structures most visitors immediately recognize.

Projects undertaken during successive restorations have involved walls, roofs, doors, windows, mosaics, marble, fountains, domes, terraces, prayer spaces and other historic elements throughout Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

Among the structures restored during the reign of King Abdullah II are Sabil Qaytbay, Sabil Qasim Pasha and the Dome of the Chain, as well as sections of the sanctuary’s southern and eastern walls.

The Islamic Museum has also formed part of Hashemite-supported restoration work.

These smaller elements matter because a historic sanctuary survives through the preservation of its whole environment—not only its most photographed monuments.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

A short distance away, within the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, stands one of Christianity’s most sacred places: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Christian tradition associates the site with the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have travelled to Jerusalem to worship there.

The church also occupies an important place in the history of Hashemite care for Christian holy sites.

King Abdullah I personally helped fight a fire that damaged parts of the church in 1949.

Decades later, King Abdullah II supported major restoration work at the church.

In 2016, the King personally funded the Hashemite contribution toward restoration of the Holy Edicule, the shrine surrounding the traditional site of Christ’s tomb.

He later contributed part of the monetary award from his 2018 Templeton Prize toward further restoration work at the church.

The connection between these two moments is striking.

King Abdullah I helped protect the church in the middle of the twentieth century.

His great-grandson King Abdullah II supported its restoration in the twenty-first.

Again, the story crosses generations.

The Chapel of the Ascension

The Hashemite restoration effort has also reached other Christian holy places.

On the Mount of Olives stands the Chapel of the Ascension, traditionally associated by Christians with the ascension of Jesus Christ.

In 2017, restoration of the chapel was overseen by the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif together with the Hashemite Reconstruction Authority of the Jerusalem Awqaf.

The project provides another example of how the custodial responsibility extends beyond the best-known landmarks and includes the broader Christian religious heritage of Jerusalem.

One Holy City, Multiple Sacred Traditions

Jerusalem cannot be understood through only one monument or one community.

Its significance comes partly from the extraordinary concentration of sacred history within a remarkably small area.

Mosque courtyards and church bells belong to the same ancient cityscape.

Pilgrims have travelled there for centuries.

Generations have prayed there.

Empires have fought over it.

Communities have built their lives around it.

And monuments have survived earthquakes, fires, wars and political transformation.

The Hashemite Custodianship exists within this complex religious landscape.

Its Islamic responsibility centers especially on Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, while its broader custodial role also encompasses the protection and support of Christian holy sites and Jerusalem’s Christian presence. The Royal Hashemite Court describes the custodianship specifically in terms of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Protecting More Than Stone

A holy site is more than architecture.

Without worshippers, clergy, custodians, guards, restorers and communities, even the most magnificent monument becomes only a historic structure.

This is why the Hashemite responsibility extends beyond physical restoration.

Jordan’s Jerusalem Awqaf institutions help administer and maintain Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, while the Hashemite role also includes support for the preservation of Jerusalem’s Christian presence and holy places.

Protecting Jerusalem’s religious heritage therefore means preserving both places and the religious life connected with them.

It means maintaining buildings without erasing their history.

Supporting worship while respecting sacred character.

Preserving art, architecture and archaeological heritage.

And helping ensure that the holy places remain living religious spaces rather than monuments belonging only to the past.

A Heritage Entrusted to the Future

Seen this way, the Hashemite restorations form part of a much larger story.

A piece of mosaic repaired today may have been created centuries ago.

A wooden Minbar reconstructed in Jordan can return to the place where its predecessor stood for hundreds of years.

A golden dome restored by one generation becomes part of the Jerusalem skyline seen by the next.

A church protected by one Hashemite King can be restored decades later by his descendant.

That is the deeper meaning of custodianship.

The holy sites are inherited from the past.

They are cared for in the present.

And they are preserved for people who have not yet seen them.

Jerusalem therefore represents more than a chapter in Hashemite history.

It represents a responsibility passed from generation to generation—with the expectation that the sacred heritage entrusted to each generation will survive for the one that follows.

Jerusalem’s Christian story reaches back to the earliest centuries of Christianity.

For Christians around the world, the city is inseparable from the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Churches, monasteries, convents and pilgrimage routes preserve traditions that have drawn worshippers to Jerusalem for generations.

But Christianity in Jerusalem is not only a story of ancient monuments.

It is also a living heritage.

Christian families, clergy, churches, schools and institutions remain part of the social and religious fabric of the city today.

For the Hashemite Custodianship, protecting Jerusalem’s Christian heritage therefore means more than preserving historic buildings.

It also means helping protect the Christian presence that gives those buildings life.

Christianity at the Heart of the Holy City

Some of Christianity’s most sacred places stand within Jerusalem’s Old City and the surrounding landscape.

The most important is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Located within the Christian Quarter, the church is traditionally associated with two events at the heart of Christian faith: the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Its interior contains a complex collection of chapels, shrines and sacred spaces shared by several Christian communities.

Not far away, the Via Dolorosa follows the traditional route associated with Jesus on his way to the crucifixion.

On the Mount of Olives and around Jerusalem stand other important Christian places connected with the final days of Jesus’s life, his teachings and the traditions of the earliest Christian communities.

Together, these places have made Jerusalem one of the world’s great centers of Christian pilgrimage.

A Christian Presence Across the Centuries

The Christian presence in Jerusalem long predates the modern political borders of the Middle East.

For centuries, different Christian communities have maintained churches, monasteries, schools, charitable institutions and places of pilgrimage in the city.

Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian, Coptic, Syriac, Ethiopian, Anglican, Lutheran and other Christian traditions all form part of Jerusalem’s remarkable religious landscape.

Their histories are different.

Their traditions are different.

But together they contribute to the Christian character of the Holy City.

This diversity is important because preserving Christian Jerusalem does not mean protecting only famous monuments.

It also means protecting the ability of Christian communities to continue worshipping, educating their children, maintaining their institutions and remaining part of the city whose history they helped shape.

The Hashemite Tradition of Protection

The Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem’s Christian holy places has developed alongside its responsibility toward the Islamic holy sites.

We have already encountered one powerful example.

In 1949, King Abdullah I personally helped fight a fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Decades later, his great-grandson King Abdullah II would support restoration of the same church.

These events occurred in very different historical periods, yet they express the same principle.

The religious heritage of Jerusalem cannot be divided into places worthy of protection and places that can be ignored.

Its Islamic and Christian holy sites together form essential parts of the city’s identity.

King Abdullah II has repeatedly described the Hashemite Custodianship in terms of protecting both Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and safeguarding the city’s historic religious character.

Restoring the Tomb of Christ

One of the most important modern examples came in 2016.

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre stands the Holy Edicule, the shrine surrounding the site traditionally revered by Christians as the tomb of Jesus Christ.

After centuries of use, environmental exposure and structural pressure, the shrine required major conservation.

King Abdullah II issued a Royal benefaction to support the restoration and personally covered the Hashemite contribution to the project.

The restoration brought together specialists and the Christian communities responsible for the church.

In March 2017, the restored Edicule was formally unveiled.

The project attracted international attention because it involved conservation of one of Christianity’s most sacred places.

For the Hashemite story, however, it also represented continuity.

King Abdullah I had helped protect the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from fire.

King Abdullah II was now helping preserve one of its most sacred structures for another generation.

The Templeton Prize and Jerusalem

The King’s support for Christian holy places continued.

In 2018, King Abdullah II received the Templeton Prize in recognition of his efforts to promote interfaith harmony and protect Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites.

The award included a financial prize.

King Abdullah directed part of that award toward further restoration work at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The gesture connected two important themes of his reign.

Interfaith dialogue and the physical preservation of religious heritage.

One involved words and diplomacy.

The other involved stone, architecture and restoration.

Both reflected the same broader commitment to protecting the religious character of Jerusalem.

Beyond the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Hashemite role in Christian Jerusalem is not limited to one church.

Restoration efforts have also included the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, a site traditionally associated with the ascension of Jesus Christ.

The project was carried out with involvement from the Hashemite Fund and Jerusalem restoration authorities.

Jordan has also repeatedly raised concerns internationally about pressures facing Jerusalem’s Christian communities, churches and properties.

This reflects a broader understanding of preservation.

A church can be restored physically.

But if the community surrounding it disappears, part of the city’s living heritage disappears with it.

Protecting Christian Jerusalem therefore requires attention to both monuments and people.

The Pact of Omar and a Tradition of Protection

Jordanian and Hashemite discussions of Jerusalem’s Christian heritage often refer to a much older tradition associated with Caliph Omar ibn Al-Khattab.

According to Islamic historical tradition, after Jerusalem came under Muslim rule in the seventh century, Omar provided assurances concerning the safety of the city’s Christian inhabitants, churches and religious property.

The account became an enduring symbol of Muslim responsibility toward Christian holy places and communities in Jerusalem.

For the Hashemites, whose lineage is traced to the Prophet Muhammad, this tradition forms part of a wider understanding of religious responsibility: protecting places of worship and preserving the presence of different religious communities within the Holy City.

King Abdullah II has frequently connected contemporary Hashemite custodianship with principles of coexistence, mutual respect and protection of both Muslim and Christian heritage.

Christians as Part of the Arab Identity of Jerusalem

There is another dimension that is particularly important in Jordan’s approach.

Jerusalem’s Christians are not treated simply as foreign pilgrims visiting ancient Christian monuments.

Arab Christian communities have been part of Jerusalem and the wider region for centuries.

Their language, families, churches, schools and institutions form part of the historical fabric of Arab society.

Jordan itself reflects this heritage.

Christian Jordanians have long participated in the country’s political, economic, cultural and social life, while churches and Christian communities form part of the Kingdom’s own religious landscape.

This helps explain why Jordan frequently speaks about Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian identity together.

Protecting Christian Jerusalem is not separate from protecting the character of the Holy City.

It is part of it.

A City of Churches and Mosques

Walk through Jerusalem’s Old City and the relationship becomes visible.

The call to prayer rises above ancient stone.

Church bells sound across nearby quarters.

Pilgrims move through narrow streets toward places sacred to their traditions.

Clergy pass between monasteries and churches.

Worshippers enter Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

Others make their way toward the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

These communities do not share identical beliefs or histories.

But they share a city.

That coexistence is part of Jerusalem’s character and one of the things the Hashemite Custodianship seeks to preserve.

Protecting a Living Heritage

Historic preservation can sometimes be understood as protecting the past.

In Jerusalem, it must also protect the present.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre matters because generations worshipped there before us.

But it also matters because people worship there today.

The same is true of monasteries, chapels, schools and Christian institutions throughout the city.

Their value lies not only in their age, but in their continuing religious life.

This is why the Hashemite commitment to Christian Jerusalem reaches beyond restoration projects.

It is connected with a larger principle: Jerusalem should remain a city in which its historic religious communities can preserve their heritage, practice their faith and continue their presence.

One Custodianship, A Shared Responsibility

The golden Dome of the Rock and the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulchre appear very different.

They belong to different faith traditions.

Their architecture tells different stories.

Their worshippers follow different religious paths.

Yet within the Hashemite story, they are connected by a common responsibility.

Preserve what generations inherited.

Protect places of worship.

Respect the communities connected with them.

And pass that heritage forward.

This is why the full title matters:

The Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian Holy Sites.

It describes not simply a relationship with monuments, but a responsibility toward the religious character of one of the world’s most sacred cities.

For a visitor discovering this history for the first time, one question may naturally arise.

Why Jordan?

Jerusalem today lies outside the borders of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, yet Jordan continues to administer Islamic Waqf affairs at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, finance restoration projects, support Christian holy sites and raise the protection of Jerusalem’s sacred places in international diplomacy.

The answer cannot be found in one treaty or one political event.

Jordan’s role is the result of more than a century of Hashemite custodianship combined with the modern political history of Jordan, Palestine and Jerusalem.

To understand it, we need to connect several parts of the story we have already explored.

The Relationship Began Before Modern Jordan

The first important point is perhaps the most easily overlooked.

The modern Hashemite custodial relationship with Jerusalem predates the independence of Jordan.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali supported restoration of Jerusalem’s holy sites during the 1920s, while his son Emir Abdullah was still building the institutions of Transjordan.

The 2013 agreement between King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas recalls the 1924 pledge through which the people of Jerusalem and Palestine affirmed Sharif Hussein’s custodianship of the holy sites.

Jordan would not become an independent Kingdom until 1946.

The relationship with Jerusalem therefore did not begin because modern Jordan later acquired territory west of the Jordan River.

Its Hashemite roots were already established.

Jerusalem and the Hashemite Kingdom

The relationship became even closer during the reign of King Abdullah I.

Following the Arab-Israeli war of 1948, Jordanian forces remained in control of East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

In 1950, the West Bank was formally united with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, an act whose international recognition was limited and whose status remains part of the complex political history of the period.

For the following seventeen years, East Jerusalem was administered by Jordan.

During this period, Jordan was responsible for municipal services and public institutions in the areas under its administration, while the Hashemite restoration of Jerusalem’s holy sites continued.

King Hussein’s Second Hashemite Restoration became one of the most visible expressions of that responsibility.

Jerusalem and Jordan were therefore connected not only through Hashemite custodianship, but also through direct administration during an important period of the twentieth century.

1967 Changed the Map

That situation changed dramatically in June 1967.

During the Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Jordan no longer exercised territorial control over those areas.

But the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem’s holy sites did not disappear.

Jordan continued to support and administer Islamic religious affairs in Jerusalem through the Jerusalem Awqaf, while Hashemite restoration work continued.

This distinction is fundamental to understanding Jordan’s role today.

Territorial administration changed.

The custodial responsibility continued.

The decades following 1967 demonstrated this clearly.

After the devastating fire at Al-Aqsa in 1969, Jordan participated in restoration.

King Hussein later financed major work on the Dome of the Rock.

The Jerusalem Awqaf remained connected with Jordan.

The Hashemite role had survived a fundamental transformation in the political map.

1988 — Jordan Disengages From the West Bank

Another major change came in 1988.

King Hussein announced Jordan’s disengagement from the West Bank as the Kingdom moved to support Palestinian national aspirations and the Palestine Liberation Organization’s role as representative of the Palestinian people.

But the Jerusalem holy sites were specifically excluded from the disengagement.

That exception is crucial.

Jordan was relinquishing its administrative and legal relationship with the West Bank while maintaining the Hashemite custodial responsibility toward Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The 2013 Jordanian-Palestinian agreement explicitly recalls this distinction, noting that King Hussein’s 31 July 1988 disengagement excluded Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Jordan, Palestine and Two Different Responsibilities

This also helps clarify an important point.

The Hashemite Custodianship does not replace Palestinian claims to Jerusalem.

The two are treated as distinct.

The 2013 agreement explicitly recognizes the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and states that the State of Palestine has the right to exercise sovereignty over its territory, including Jerusalem.

At the same time, the Palestinian leadership recognizes King Abdullah II’s custodial role over Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The agreement therefore places the two responsibilities alongside one another:

Palestinian sovereignty and national rights.

Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites.

It also provides for consultation and coordination between the King of Jordan and the Palestinian president concerning the holy sites when necessary.

Understanding this distinction is essential for an international visitor trying to make sense of Jordan’s role.

Jordan’s custodianship is not presented as a substitute for Palestinian sovereignty.

It is a historical and religious responsibility concerning the holy sites.

The 1994 Jordan-Israel Peace Treaty

Another important milestone came when Jordan and Israel signed their peace treaty in 1994.

The treaty formally ended the state of war between the two countries.

It also addressed Jerusalem.

Article 9 states that Israel respects Jordan’s “present special role” in Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem and that, when negotiations on permanent status take place, Israel will give high priority to Jordan’s historic role in these shrines.

This gave Jordan’s existing role another form of formal recognition within the diplomatic framework between Jordan and Israel.

The Royal Hashemite Court identifies the 1994 treaty as one of the important modern acknowledgements of Jordan’s special role in Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Awqaf

But Jordan’s role is not only found in agreements between governments.

It is also visible every day through institutions.

The Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department operates under Jordan’s Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places.

Its responsibilities include the administration, maintenance and religious affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

This means that the custodianship has a practical dimension.

People maintain the sanctuary.

Restoration teams conserve historic structures.

Religious personnel serve worshippers.

Administrative institutions manage Waqf affairs and properties.

The 2013 agreement specifically recognizes the King’s role in overseeing and managing the Waqf institution in Jerusalem and its properties in accordance with Jordanian law.

So when we speak about Hashemite Custodianship, we are not referring only to a historical title.

There is an institutional structure behind it.

2013 — Bringing the Historical Story Into a Modern Framework

The agreement signed by King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on 31 March 2013 brought many of these historical strands together.

It recalled Sharif Hussein bin Ali’s role and the 1924 custodianship.

It recalled King Hussein’s 1988 disengagement and the exclusion of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

It recognized King Abdullah II as Custodian.

It defined Al-Aqsa Mosque as the entire 144-dunum Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

It recognized the King’s role in administering, maintaining and preserving the Islamic holy sites, representing their interests internationally and overseeing the Jerusalem Waqf.

And it simultaneously affirmed Palestinian sovereignty and the Palestinian right to self-determination.

In this sense, the agreement did not create the Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem.

It formally reaffirmed a relationship whose history stretched back generations.

Why Jerusalem Remains Important to Jordan

There is also a larger reason Jerusalem remains so important to Jordan.

Jordan and Palestine are deeply connected by geography, history, families, culture, commerce and decades of shared experience.

Events in Jerusalem therefore have consequences far beyond the walls of the Old City.

For Jordan, protecting Jerusalem’s holy sites is connected with religious responsibility, regional stability, relations with the Palestinian people and the search for a lasting peace.

King Abdullah II has repeatedly described the custodianship as a historical, religious and moral responsibility inherited from his Hashemite predecessors.

This is why Jerusalem appears so frequently in Jordanian diplomacy.

It is not simply another foreign-policy issue.

It is woven into the history of the Hashemite Kingdom itself.

A Role Built Across History

Jordan’s special role in Jerusalem becomes much easier to understand when viewed as a timeline rather than a single political arrangement.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali supported the holy sites and received the 1924 pledge.

King Abdullah I continued the responsibility while building Transjordan and later the independent Kingdom.

Jordan administered East Jerusalem before 1967.

King Hussein maintained the custodianship after territorial control was lost.

The 1988 disengagement excluded Jerusalem’s holy sites.

The 1994 peace treaty acknowledged Jordan’s special role in Muslim holy shrines.

The 2013 Jordanian-Palestinian agreement reaffirmed King Abdullah II’s custodianship and defined its responsibilities in detail.

Seen together, these events explain why Jordan remains so closely connected with Jerusalem today.

Borders changed.

Political arrangements changed.

Generations changed.

But the custodial relationship endured.

More Than a Century Later

More than a century has now passed since the early Hashemite restoration efforts in Jerusalem.

The world surrounding the Holy City has changed almost beyond recognition.

Yet Jordan still maintains restoration programs.

The Jerusalem Awqaf still cares for Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

Hashemite support continues to reach Muslim and Christian holy sites.

And the King of Jordan continues to raise their protection in regional and international diplomacy.

That is why Jordan.

Not because of one moment.

Not because of one treaty.

And not because of one King.

Jordan’s role is the product of a responsibility built across generations—shaped by religion, history, institutions, agreements and more than a century of Hashemite involvement with the Holy City.

More than a century separates the first modern Hashemite restoration efforts in Jerusalem from the custodianship carried today by King Abdullah II.

Across that century, almost everything surrounding the Holy City has changed.

Empires disappeared.

New states emerged.

Borders were redrawn.

Wars transformed Jerusalem and the wider region.

Generations came and went.

Yet within all that change, one responsibility continued to pass from one Hashemite generation to another.

Sharif Hussein bin Ali helped support the restoration of Jerusalem’s Islamic holy sites in the 1920s.

His son, King Abdullah I, continued that responsibility, personally supervising restoration work and extending Hashemite care to Christian holy places as well.

King Hussein bin Talal carried the responsibility through decades of war, political transformation and enormous regional change, overseeing major restoration projects that helped preserve Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and the Dome of the Rock.

And today, King Abdullah II continues the custodianship through restoration, institutional support, diplomacy and the protection of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites. During his reign, Hashemite-supported work has included the return of the reconstructed Minbar of Salah Al-Din to Al-Aqsa, continuing conservation across the sanctuary, and restoration projects at Christian holy places including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

More Than Buildings

But the meaning of this story cannot be measured only in restored domes, repaired walls or preserved mosaics.

Jerusalem’s holy places matter because people give them meaning.

They are places where generations have prayed.

Places where parents have brought their children.

Places where pilgrims have travelled from distant countries.

Places maintained by clergy, Waqf employees, craftsmen, restorers and communities whose lives remain closely connected with the Holy City.

A mosque without worshippers is only architecture.

A church without its community becomes only a monument.

Protecting Jerusalem’s religious heritage therefore means protecting both its sacred places and the living traditions surrounding them.

This is why Jordan’s Hashemite role has repeatedly emphasized the rights of Muslim and Christian worshippers alongside preservation of the holy sites themselves.

Muslim and Christian — One Responsibility

Perhaps one of the most distinctive elements of the Hashemite story in Jerusalem is that its custodial responsibility crosses religious boundaries.

The Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre belong to different faith traditions.

Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and Jerusalem’s ancient churches tell different religious stories.

Yet each forms part of the sacred character of the same city.

King Abdullah II has described the Hashemite Custodianship specifically as a duty toward Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites, while emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the city’s spirituality, peace and coexistence.

That principle reaches back through the story we have followed.

King Abdullah I helped extinguish a fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 1949.

His great-grandson King Abdullah II personally supported restoration of Christ’s Tomb within the same church decades later.

Different generations.

The same city.

The same idea of responsibility.

The People of Jerusalem

There is another part of this story that should never disappear behind the names of kings, treaties and monuments.

The people of Jerusalem.

Muslim and Christian Jerusalemites are not simply inhabitants living beside famous holy sites.

They are part of the living heritage of the city itself.

Families, religious leaders, worshippers, shopkeepers, teachers, students, craftsmen and communities have carried Jerusalem’s traditions through periods of extraordinary change.

Buildings can be restored with stone, wood and gold.

Living heritage depends upon people.

Jordan’s continuing engagement with Jerusalem therefore also includes support for Jerusalemites and the religious communities whose presence helps preserve the city’s Arab, Islamic and Christian character.

What Custodianship Really Means

The word “custodianship” is important.

It does not mean ownership.

It means responsibility.

A custodian receives something precious with an obligation to protect it.

Not for one lifetime.

Not for one generation.

But so that it can eventually be entrusted to those who follow.

Seen in this way, the Hashemite restorations become part of a much larger chain.

One generation repairs a dome.

Another restores a wall.

Another reconstructs a Minbar destroyed decades earlier.

Another preserves a Christian shrine that has welcomed pilgrims for centuries.

The people performing the work may change.

The responsibility remains.

Jerusalem and the Hashemite Story

Jerusalem therefore occupies a unique place within the history of the Hashemite family.

The modern custodial story began before Jordan became an independent Kingdom.

It continued through the founding generation of the Jordanian state.

It survived wars and changes of territorial control.

It continued after Jordan’s disengagement from the West Bank.

And it remains part of Jordan’s religious and diplomatic responsibilities today.

That continuity explains why Jerusalem appears again and again throughout the Hashemite story.

It is present in the life of Sharif Hussein bin Ali.

In the story of King Abdullah I.

In the long reign of King Hussein.

And in the responsibilities carried today by King Abdullah II.

Jerusalem is not a footnote to that history.

It is one of the threads running through it.

Preserving What Cannot Be Replaced

Ancient monuments carry something that modern construction can never reproduce completely.

Time.

A stone worn by centuries of footsteps cannot simply be replaced.

A mosaic created generations ago carries the craftsmanship of people whose world has disappeared.

A church where pilgrims have worshipped for centuries contains memories that cannot be manufactured.

A mosque that has witnessed generations of prayer belongs to a history much larger than any individual lifetime.

This is why preservation matters.

Once some things are lost, they cannot truly be recreated.

Restoration therefore represents a promise between generations:

What we inherited, we will try to protect.

What we protect, we will pass forward.

A Story Still Being Written

The story of the Hashemites and Jerusalem has no final chapter yet.

Restoration continues.

Religious institutions continue their work.

Muslims and Christians continue to worship.

Jordan continues to carry its custodial responsibilities.

And Jerusalem continues to stand at the meeting point of faith, history, identity and human memory.

Future generations will inherit the same question faced by those who came before them:

How do we preserve places whose importance belongs not only to us, but also to those who will come after us?

For more than a century, successive Hashemite generations have answered that question through service to Jerusalem’s holy places.

From Sharif Hussein bin Ali to King Abdullah I.

From King Hussein bin Talal to King Abdullah II.

Across changing borders, changing generations and changing times, the responsibility has endured.

And perhaps that is the clearest way to understand this extraordinary relationship.

The Hashemite relationship with Jerusalem is not simply a chapter of history.

It is a custodianship inherited from the past, exercised in the present, and entrusted to the future.

ما بنقدر نحكي عن تاريخ الهاشميين الحديث من دون ما نحكي عن الشريف الحسين بن علي.

وُلد الشريف الحسين بن علي عام 1853، وكان من أبناء الأسرة الهاشمية اللي ارتبط تاريخها بمكة المكرمة ومنطقة الحجاز لقرون طويلة. وبعد ما قضى فترات من حياته في إسطنبول ومكة، تولّى إمارة مكة، وصار واحد من أبرز الشخصيات السياسية والدينية في العالم العربي بهديك الفترة.

ومع بداية القرن العشرين، كانت الدولة العثمانية داخلة بمرحلة تغيّرات سياسية كبيرة، وبدأت المنطقة تشهد تحولات مفصلية مهّدت لمرحلة جديدة من تاريخ العالم العربي.

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