KARAK: His Majesty King Abdullah II on Thursday emphasized the urgent need to formulate a comprehensive plan for the preservation of Karak Castle while revitalizing the old city’s streets and buildings. This directive was announced during a meeting with local community leaders at Al Mashhad Square, a location steeped in history as the site of the Battle of Mutah, and attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.
According to Jordan News Agency, His Majesty expressed his pride in visiting Karak Governorate, highlighting its historical significance as the land of Mutah, remembered for the bravery of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions. The King pointed out that this historical legacy is carried forward by Mutah University, which contributes skilled graduates to Jordan’s armed forces and security agencies.
His Majesty noted Karak’s potential in ecotourism and adventure tourism, citing notable sites like Wadi Bin Hammad and Wadi Al Mujib, and urged the government to focus on developing t
his sector. Additionally, he emphasized Karak’s richness in resources like potash and the presence of key projects in industry, agriculture, and water, asserting that efforts to enhance services across all governorates will persist.
Karak Governor Qublan Al Sharif, speaking at the meeting, extended best wishes to the King on his Silver Jubilee, underscoring the governorate’s advancements over the past 25 years, particularly in attracting investments that have created job opportunities for the local population.
The King’s visit to Mashhad Square was marked by a warm welcome, featuring poetry and musical performances. Before the community meeting, King Abdullah II, along with Crown Prince Al Hussein, visited the Arab Potash Company (APC) to inaugurate the Research, Development and Innovation Centre. This center is tasked with conducting studies to enhance the potash company’s products and explore investment opportunities in Dead Sea minerals.
Furthermore, His Majesty launched several new APC projects worth a
pproximately $450 million, including the main pumping station, granular potash plant, and an operations and logistics centre. He lauded the APC’s contribution to the national economy and its role in boosting Jordan’s exports globally, emphasizing the significance of the company’s projects in renewable energy and water.
The King also witnessed the introduction of the Fertiliser and Derivative Chemicals Growth Strategy (2024-2034), aligned with the Economic Modernisation Vision, aimed at bolstering Jordan’s status as a leading exporter of fertilisers and chemicals. APC Chairman Shahadeh Abu Hudhaib highlighted the strategy as a testament to the company’s dedication to growth and its efforts to elevate the fertiliser and mining sectors to international standards.
APC President and CEO Maen Al Nsour elaborated on the company’s accomplishments and future plans to expand production and diversify its range of fertiliser and chemical products with high added value.
In recognition of contributions to Jordan, partic
ularly within the Karak community, the King awarded the Silver Jubilee Medal to distinguished individuals and institutions. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Adviser to His Majesty for Tribal Affairs Kneiaan Bluwi.