Amman, Nov. 30 (Petra) – The Amra city project has emerged as one of Jordan’s flagship development initiatives, designed to address demographic and environmental pressures, improve quality of life, and reflect the country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth.

Experts in population and urban planning told Petra the new city aims to rebalance population distribution, ease congestion in densely populated areas, and promote the sustainable use of agricultural land and natural resources. They noted that the project is intended to embody modern design and green-building standards while preserving national identity and heritage.

Secretary-General of the Higher Population Council Issa Al-Masarweh said the city responds to a major demographic challenge by offering a long-term solution to the uneven spread of the population and the expansion of urbanization into productive and scenic land. He said Amra will help young people access home ownership at a time when housing in the three largest cities has become prohibitively expensive for many.

Only about one million people 8.1 percent of the population live in the southern half of the country despite its concentration of natural and economic resources, he noted. The northern half is home to 11 million people, or 91.9 percent of the population, he added, pointing out that 44 percent of Jordanians roughly 5.2 million are under the age of 20.

Al-Masarweh expressed hope for legislation to accompany the project to regulate land use and amend the Cities and Villages Planning Law in line with the Economic Modernization Vision. Granting building permits on cultivated and agricultural land in the already crowded northwest, he warned, would worsen congestion and undermine rural economies, food security and natural vegetation. Rising land prices, he said, push landowners to stop farming and open the door for commercial development, threatening key crops such as olives, lentils, wheat, barley, thyme and other rain-fed produce.

President of the Jordan Green Building Council (JordanGBC) Abdullah Bdeir said the project connects multiple sectors including green finance, banking, construction, professional associations and investors and enables them to contribute to a model green city.

He said the plan integrates green spaces into the urban fabric through pedestrian routes, dedicated cycling paths and corridors running through landscaped areas, alongside a plan to link the city to the Bus Rapid Transit system and smaller rapid bus routes capable of reaching most neighborhoods.

Bdeir stressed the importance of involving Jordanian engineers and young professionals from the outset, particularly during the design phase. Adopting global standards will help demonstrate the project’s success and attract external financing, he added, noting that one of its goals is to draw investment and foreign currency into the country.

He said applying clear, cost-efficient strategies in building design strengthens resource management and reduces long-term operational costs.

Chair of the Architectural Engineering Department at Al-Balqa Applied University Maysaa Al-Shomali said sustainability is central to the development of modern cities, especially amid global environmental and climate challenges. She highlighted water and transport as critical pillars, adding that effective water-conservation strategies are needed to prevent waste and improve harvesting practices.

Planning efficient public transport from the early stages of major urban projects is a unique opportunity, she said. The concept of the "15-minute city" in which residents can reach workplaces, leisure spaces and green areas within a short walk is key to sustainable urban living and reduces reliance on cars. Such mixed-use, smart cities, she added, have proven highly successful in creating dynamic and integrated communities.

Al-Shomali said sustainability must remain connected to cultural identity, stressing that modern buildings should reflect contemporary life without sacrificing authenticity or the country’s rich heritage.

//Petra// AF

30/11/2025 21:34:00