"Phosphorite" and the Banks Association Support Projects to Develop the Baptism Site Area

The contributions also include programs for training and empowering the local community, developing products inspired by the identity of the place and local crafts, alongside developing an e-commerce system.

The Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and the Banks Association in Jordan did not disclose the value of the financial contributions provided to support these projects.

This coincides with the launch of the national project to develop the lands adjacent to Al-Maghtas, which includes a package of projects with a total cost of approximately 120 million dollars over an area of 1400 dunums.

The projects include preparing designs for the Baptism of Jesus Christ Museum at a cost of 50 million dollars, designs for creating an integrated village for pilgrims and visitors at a cost of about 40 million dollars, in addition to implementing infrastructure works at a cost of 27 million dollars, and creating the Green Corridor at an estimated cost of 3 million dollars.

According to the project's timeline, the preliminary works for the museum and the integrated village projects for pilgrims and visitors are scheduled to begin at the end of the first quarter of 2027, with the main construction works starting at the end of the second quarter of the same year, while the completion of the two projects is expected during the first quarter of 2029.

The institution said that the projects supported by the new contributions will contribute to providing the necessary technical, financial, and strategic requirements to support planning and implementation, enhancing the project's readiness to attract future funding, investments, and partnerships, alongside supporting the institution's commitment to the requirements related to UNESCO.

The village of Bethany forms a key axis in the vision for the development of the region, as it is a destination that completes the journey of visitors and pilgrims to the Baptism Site, by offering integrated religious, cultural, and spiritual experiences, alongside facilities and services that reflect the identity and uniqueness of the place.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the institution developing the lands adjacent to the Baptism Site, Tha'er Al-Mallaha, said that the support from the Banks Association and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company embodies the importance of integrating national efforts to proceed with the implementation of the project, noting that the preparations for 2030 give this support special importance in transforming the institution's vision into tangible projects and initiatives and achieving a sustainable impact for local communities.

The General Manager of the Banks Association in Jordan, Maher Al-Mahrouq, said that the contribution comes within the framework of the banking sector's participation in national initiatives with developmental, economic, and social dimensions, and supports a project that opens new horizons for development and community involvement.

For his part, the CEO of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, Abdulwahab Al-Ruwaid, said that the project to develop the lands adjacent to the Baptism Site carries special national importance due to its cultural, historical, and developmental dimensions, and the opportunities it provides for achieving a positive and sustainable impact in the region.

Al-Ruwaid added that the company's participation in supporting the project contributes to supporting local communities and highlighting the unique status of the site at the global level.