AMMAN — The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, on Wednesday convened its regular session in Amman at the historic Citadel as part of its ongoing initiative to engage with local communities and monitor development projects across the kingdom.

 

Speaking at a press briefing following the session, Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani said the government has completed the first phase of its provincial tours and plans to resume the next phase early next year, focusing on monitoring the progress of previously pledged projects in governorates.

 

The minister also highlighted positive economic indicators, noting improvements in growth rates, foreign investments, exports, tourism figures, foreign currency reserves, and the Amman Stock Exchange compared with last year.

 

Momani also outlined key decisions, initiatives and projects in the Capital governorate. Key projects include a cable car connecting Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre and Al Weibdeh district, as well as the expansion of the Bus Rapid Transit, which transports 1,300 passengers daily between Amman and Madaba.

 

The Cabinet also approved the construction of the alternative Sweileh–Naour Bridge, valued at nearly JD500 million, aimed at easing traffic congestion. “Usage fees for the new route will be determined by the Ministry of Public Works,” he added.

 

In the water and sanitation sector, projects worth JD300 million are planned over three years, including network upgrades, water-loss reduction, and wastewater infrastructure improvements in underserved areas, he said.

 

"Health sector upgrades include expansions at Al Bashir Hospital, with new maternity, neonatal, dialysis, and biological treatment units, alongside renovations of health centres in Nuzha Sahab and Al Faisaliah."

 

The minister also said the Cabinet approved a package of tax exemptions and discounts on building and land taxes, "Al Maraif Tax" (education tax), sanitation contributions, compensation, road waste fees, and municipal rents. The measures aim to ease the financial burden on citizens and support municipalities in boosting revenue collection, Momani said.

 

The decisions include full exemption from fines on past dues if paid by December 31, 2025, and a 20 per cent discount on current and previous dues settled before the same date.

 

The early payment incentive for 2026 taxes was also raised to 10 per cent for payments made in the first two months of the year, with instalment options available through the end of 2025.

 

The Cabinet also approved new public schools, a tech incubator at Al Hussein Technical University, and smart higher education initiatives in 10 public universities in cooperation with South Korea.

 

The Cabinet also approved the settlement of 1,291 cases between taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department, aiming to support businesses in correcting tax issues and ensuring continuity of operations.

 

Momani stressed that the government remains committed to political and economic modernisation, advancing public sector reform, and fostering partnerships with the private sector, particularly through corporate social responsibility initiatives that support community development.