Jordan marks 26th accession anniversary of King Abdullah II

Jordanians marked on Monday the 26th anniversary of His Majesty King Abdullah II’s accession to the throne, celebrating over two decades of national development, modernization, and regional diplomacy under his leadership.

Since assuming the throne in 1999, King Abdullah II has led the country through significant milestones in state-building, rule of law, and economic, social, and political progress. The anniversary reflects a national commitment to ongoing reform and unity.

In a speech at the opening of Parliament’s first ordinary session on November 18, 2024, His Majesty reaffirmed his vision for a dignified life for all Jordanians, empowering youth, and preparing them for future jobs.

Under his leadership, Jordanian sports also achieved notable success, including the national football team’s historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bolstered by royal support for youth and sports.

The King’s visits to cities, villages, and Bedouin communities across Jordan reinforce a Hashemite tradition of grassroots engagement and national cohesion, embodying the principle of the “one Jordanian family.”

In 2024, which marked his Silver Jubilee, King Abdullah launched several development initiatives spanning education, healthcare, industry, and productivity, aiming for sustainable growth.

Key royal engagements throughout the year included:

• Balqa (Dec 10, 2024): Inaugurated the Military Retirees Club to offer social, cultural, and sports services.
• Karak (Nov 28, 2024): Launched the Arab Potash Company’s R&D Center and growth strategy for fertilizers and chemicals (2024–2034).
• Tafilah (Oct 16, 2024): Opened a government services center; emphasized tourism and agriculture in Dana Reserve and Sela Castle.
• Ajloun (Oct 1, 2024): Highlighted the cable car project and infrastructure improvements to attract investment.
• Jerash (Sept 17, 2024): Expressed hope the recent elections would usher in a stronger parliamentary and party-based political life.
• Zarqa (May 14, 2024): Linked political and economic modernization.
• Madaba (April 2024): Stressed the tourism potential of Mount Nebo.
• Mafraq (April 2024): Praised agricultural development and the northern desert’s role in border protection.
• South and Central Badia, Ma’an, Aqaba: Emphasized sustainable development and national unity during meetings with local communities.

On the international stage, His Majesty continued to bolster Jordan’s global presence, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and defending the Palestinian cause, while reaffirming the Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy sites.

As Jordanians celebrate this milestone, the commitment to progress, unity, and regional leadership under King Abdullah II remains central to the nation’s identity and future.