Amman, Dec. 8 (Petra) – The Information and Communications Technology Association – Jordan (int@j), a body dedicated to industry advocacy, support, and networking, released on Monday a position paper on advancing smart cities in Jordan, outlining a comprehensive national vision that integrates policies, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
The paper, prepared in cooperation with expert Mazen Juma, focuses on Amman and Aqaba as model cities for translating smart urban transformation into solutions aligned with Jordan’s social, economic, and urban realities.
It proposes a model based on a strategic vision and clear implementation structures, including the establishment of the Jordanian National Council for Smart Cities, which would serve as the supreme national body to unify efforts and oversee the smart city ecosystem. The ecosystem integrates people, businesses, digital services, data, and infrastructure, alongside concepts of quality of life, sustainable development, innovation, privacy, and resilience.
The paper highlights Jordan’s advantages in advancing smart cities, noting 10.7 million internet users, 6.45 million social media users, a 92.5 percent internet penetration rate, 99 percent telecommunications coverage, and a rapidly growing technology sector with 540 startups, as well as a data market projected to reach $166 million.
Fadi Qutaishat, Chairperson of int@j, described the position paper as a timely national step, emphasizing the Kingdom’s need to accelerate smart urban transformation. He highlighted that global experiences show targeted investment in data, artificial intelligence, smart transportation, and smart energy can significantly enhance the quality of life and the attractiveness of cities.
Qutaishat said the paper proposes a practical approach beginning with unified institutional leadership through the Jordanian National Council for Smart Cities, enacting a comprehensive national law for smart cities, developing innovative financing mechanisms in partnership with the private sector, including cities like Irbid, Zarqa, and Aqaba in international indices, expanding high-speed digital infrastructure, and strengthening digital inclusion programs and awareness initiatives.
//Petra// AJ
