Latest news with #YousefSuboh
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: DoS reports 'strong' growth in licensed building areas
AMMAN — Licensed building areas in the Kingdom reached 3.032 million square metres during the first third of 2025, marking a 19.8 per cent increase compared with 2.530 million square metres during the same period in 2024, reflecting sustained momentum in the construction sector amid broader economic and demographic trends. According to the Department of Statistics' (DoS) latest monthly report on urban activity, the number of building permits also rose to 7,253 from 6,730 permits in the corresponding period of last year, an annual increase of 7.8 per cent. The uptick signals a positive outlook for the real estate market, driven by continued urban expansion, resilient demand, and government-supported housing initiatives, according to DoS. 'The increase in licensed areas, particularly for residential purposes, reflects a relatively more stable financing environment,' financial analyst Yousef Suboh told The Jordan Times. 'It is also a sign that population growth and urbanisation remain key drivers in the Jordanian market.' Residential building areas accounted for the majority of licensed space, totalling 2.243 million square metres, up 10.7 per cent from 2.027 million square metres during the same period last year. Non-residential building areas witnessed a sharper rise, surging by 56.9 per cent to reach 789,000 square metres, compared with 503,000 square metres in 2024. According to the DoS report, residential projects represented 74 per cent of the total licensed area, while non-residential buildings comprised 26 per cent. The central region remained dominant in terms of construction activity, accounting for 27 per cent of licensed areas, an increase of 6.4 per cent from the same period in 2024. Urban planning engineer Ayman Dudokh said, 'The capital continues to absorb the bulk of activity, but a more balanced spatial development is urgently needed. Encouraging construction outside Amman can ease urban pressure.' He added that smart urban design and improved regulation of land use are essential to managing future growth effectively.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Digital skills dominate job market in Jordan's banking sector
AMMAN — A recent study by the Association of Banks in Jordan (ABJ) has identified the most in-demand university majors in the Kingdom's banking sector, highlighting a growing need for digital and technical skills in the industry. According to the ABJ statement sent to The Jordan Times, the most sought-after majors include Accounting, Finance and Banking, Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Business Administration, and Cybersecurity. While Jordanian universities are increasingly aware of the need to update academic programmes in line with digital transformation, the ABJ noted that a gap persists between graduates' qualifications and the rapidly evolving demands of the banking sector, particularly in fintech and digitalisation. The study also revealed that more than 50 per cent of financial institutions in Jordan now consider data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) skills essential for entry-level roles. Positions such as big data analyst, AI specialist, financial data analyst, tech risk analyst, digital officer, and banking app developer are among the fastest-growing roles in the sector, the study found. 'In 2024, recent graduates accounted for nearly half of all new hires in the banking sector, indicating a clear trend among banks to integrate young talent into the industry,' the ABJ stated. Commenting on the findings, financial analyst Yousef Suboh told The Jordan Times that 'Banks are not only seeking to modernise their operations through digital solutions, but also to invest in a younger, tech-competent workforce capable of adapting to emerging trends in fintech, AI, and data-driven decision-making.' He added that demand for such skills is likely to grow as financial institutions expand their digital offerings. Economist Majed Shari said: 'Adapting to the digital era is no longer optional for banks; it is a necessity.' He stressed that financial institutions are now focused on building a workforce equipped to navigate complex financial ecosystems and drive innovation. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
