• Members of the medical staff at UNRWA prepare prescription medicines to deliver to Palestinian refugees in their homes at Amman New camp amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Picture taken April 15, 2020. Reuters
    Members of the medical staff at UNRWA prepare prescription medicines to deliver to Palestinian refugees in their homes at Amman New camp amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Picture taken April 15, 2020. Reuters
  • A clothes shop owner wearing a protective faced mask is waiting for customers in Downtown Amman. EPA
    A clothes shop owner wearing a protective faced mask is waiting for customers in Downtown Amman. EPA
  • Jordan has announced the reopening of shoes and textile stores from 26 April following strict rules. EPA
    Jordan has announced the reopening of shoes and textile stores from 26 April following strict rules. EPA
  • Jordanians started the holy month fasting in the context of the Covid-19 Coronavirus curfew on 24 April, they are allowed outside their homes only between 8pm and 6pm. EPA
    Jordanians started the holy month fasting in the context of the Covid-19 Coronavirus curfew on 24 April, they are allowed outside their homes only between 8pm and 6pm. EPA
  • A traditional dress shop keeper reads the Quran, on the second day of Muslim's holly month of Ramadan in Downtown Amman, Jordan. EPA
    A traditional dress shop keeper reads the Quran, on the second day of Muslim's holly month of Ramadan in Downtown Amman, Jordan. EPA
  • Two women walk past the deserted Roman Theatre, a landmark usually very crowded with people enjoying a visit of end of the day stroll, in Amman. EPA
    Two women walk past the deserted Roman Theatre, a landmark usually very crowded with people enjoying a visit of end of the day stroll, in Amman. EPA
  • Staff member of the UNRWA clinic of Al Wehdat Palestinian Refugee camp walks past a volunteer preparing medication to be delivered to patients. EPA
    Staff member of the UNRWA clinic of Al Wehdat Palestinian Refugee camp walks past a volunteer preparing medication to be delivered to patients. EPA
  • Some 57,000 registered refugees crowd its 0,48 KM Square and the arrival of the Covid-19 means that UNRWA had to adapt its methods to cater to the refugees needs especially for education and health within the limitations of a semi-curfew regime. EPA
    Some 57,000 registered refugees crowd its 0,48 KM Square and the arrival of the Covid-19 means that UNRWA had to adapt its methods to cater to the refugees needs especially for education and health within the limitations of a semi-curfew regime. EPA
  • A man flies a kite with the phrase "Stay at home" as part of an initiative launched by Jordan Kuwait Bank to support unemployed individuals and raise awareness against coronavirus disease. Reuters
    A man flies a kite with the phrase "Stay at home" as part of an initiative launched by Jordan Kuwait Bank to support unemployed individuals and raise awareness against coronavirus disease. Reuters
  • People attend an Orthodox Easter Mass as the restrictions set to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease, at the Church of Mary of Nazareth in Amman on April 19. REUTERS
    People attend an Orthodox Easter Mass as the restrictions set to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease, at the Church of Mary of Nazareth in Amman on April 19. REUTERS
  • A Christian family observes Orthodox Easter Mass at home, watching television, as the restrictions are set to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters
    A Christian family observes Orthodox Easter Mass at home, watching television, as the restrictions are set to fight the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters
  • Abdullah from Sudan wears a face protective mask and protective gloves as he milks a camel in Amman. EPA
    Abdullah from Sudan wears a face protective mask and protective gloves as he milks a camel in Amman. EPA
  • Abdullah from Sudan wearing a face protective mask and gloves accompanies camels in Amman. EPA
    Abdullah from Sudan wearing a face protective mask and gloves accompanies camels in Amman. EPA
  • Palestinian refugees wait in front of the Al Wehdat camp health centre to register their names to get medication amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters
    Palestinian refugees wait in front of the Al Wehdat camp health centre to register their names to get medication amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters
  • Palestinian refugees wait in front of the Al Wehdat camp health centre to register their names to get medication amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters
    Palestinian refugees wait in front of the Al Wehdat camp health centre to register their names to get medication amid concerns over the spread of the coronavirus disease. Reuters
  • A staff member prepares to join his colleagues inside a Covid-19 triage tent at Al Bashir hospital in Amman. EPA
    A staff member prepares to join his colleagues inside a Covid-19 triage tent at Al Bashir hospital in Amman. EPA

Jordan gets back to work as final lockdown restrictions removed


  • English
  • Arabic

Jordan has lifted all restrictions on economic activity in the latest easing of coronavirus lockdown rules to help jump-start the economy.

The Kingdom announced on Sunday evening that the final restrictions on work were removed after it has been gradually allowed businesses back to work for the past two weeks but with lower staffing levels and strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines.

Industry and Trade Minister Tariq Hammouri said businesses and industries would now be able to resume production.

Public transport will be allowed to return to full normal service with safety guidelines following the outbreak, but universities and schools will remain closed and a night curfew will continue.

Jordan has reported 460 confirmed coronavirus cases and nine deaths but says it has now contained the outbreak.

The government of Prime Minister Omar Al Razzaz won widespread praise for quick moves to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

How to help

Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200

German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

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What is blockchain?

Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.

The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.

Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.

However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.

Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Envi%20Lodges%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Noelle%20Homsy%20and%20Chris%20Nader%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hospitality%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%20to%2015%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStage%20of%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeries%20A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Fact Box

Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019

Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO

Based: Amman, Jordan

Sector: Education Technology

Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed

Stage: early-stage startup 

Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.