Jordanians mark 90th Birthday of late King Hussein

• Today marks the 90th birthday of the late King Hussein bin Talal, who reigned for 47 years (1952–1999).
• He is remembered for guiding Jordan through regional turmoil, achieving rapid human development in literacy and health, and laying the foundation for modern infrastructure.

Today, November 14, 2025, marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, the architect of modern Jordan.

Born in Amman in 1935 as the eldest son of King Talal and Queen Zein al-Sharaf, King Hussein is remembered as a pivotal figure who guided the nation through decades of regional turmoil to become a beacon of stability and progress.

King Hussein was educated at Victoria College in Alexandria and Harrow School in England, he later attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

King Hussein ascended to the throne in 1952 at age 16, assuming full powers in 1953 upon reaching maturity.

During his 47-year reign, the longest of any executive head of state at the time of his death, King Hussein focused on building Jordan's infrastructure and economy.

Jordan witnessed the development of key industries and services, with dramatically improved access to water, electricity, and education.

Literacy rates soared from 33% in 1960 to over 85% by the mid-1990s, while infant mortality rates plummeted, marking some of the fastest human development gains globally.

Known for his adventurous spirit, he was an avid pilot, motorcyclist, and ham radio enthusiast with the call sign JY1.

Despite passing away on February 7, 1999, after a battle with cancer, King Hussein's influence endures. He promoted democracy through reforms like the 1990 National Charter and free elections. His vision of tolerance and moderation continues to define Jordan.