Annual trade between Qatar and Jordan hits $248m

Qatar’s exports to Jordan were largely comprised of chemicals and industrial products. Shutterstock
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Updated 13 January 2025
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Annual trade between Qatar and Jordan hits $248m

RIYADH: The trade exchange between Qatar and Jordan rose to 910 million Qatari riyals ($248.16 million) in 2024, a 5.81 percent increase from the previous year, driven by higher imports of Jordanian food and consumer goods. 

Both countries saw their trade balance grow 5.6 percent year on year over the 12-month period, with total commerce rising from 800 million riyals in 2022 to 860 million riyals in 2023, according to data from Qatar’s Planning and Statistics Authority, as reported by Jordan News Agency. 

This comes as the trade and economic relationship between Jordan and Qatar has been on an upward trajectory since the establishment of the Joint Business Council in 2015. 

In November, Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani met to discuss ways to further enhance cooperation in various fields including economic development, trade, investment, and infrastructure. 

Last year, Jordan’s major exports to Qatar included food and consumer products such as fresh and processed foods, vegetables, and fruits, as well as meats, dairy products, and grains. 

Other significant food exports included fresh cheeses, poultry, sweets, and rice. Additionally, Jordan shipped juices, nuts, and oils, as well as pickles, herbs and honey. 

Eggs and Jordanian coffee were also traded.

Conversely, Qatar’s exports to Jordan were largely comprised of chemicals and industrial products, including motor oils, sulfuric acid, aluminum molds, and paraffin. 

Other key Qatari exports to Jordan were polyethylene, iron rods, and chemical fertilizers, as well as plastic bags, organic fertilizers, and medical solutions. 

The growing trade ties between Qatar and Jordan are part of a broader trend of increasing regional trade. 

Saudi Arabia also saw significant growth in its trade relationship with Jordan. In the third quarter of 2024, Saudi exports to Jordan reached SR3.78 billion ($1.01 billion), marking a 15.95 percent year-on-year increase. 

Non-oil exports from the Kingdom to Jordan totaled SR2.26 billion, with rubber and plastic products accounting for SR766.7 million and chemicals contributing SR320.2 million. Jordan’s exports to Saudi Arabia during the same period were valued at SR1.49 billion. 

With ongoing efforts to bolster economic ties, the trade relationship between Qatar and Jordan is expected to continue its positive trajectory. 


Saudi Arabia opens 3rd round of Exploration Empowerment Program

Updated 01 February 2026
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Saudi Arabia opens 3rd round of Exploration Empowerment Program

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, has opened applications for the third round of the Exploration Empowerment Program, part of ongoing efforts to accelerate mineral exploration in the Kingdom, reduce early-stage investment risks, and attract high-quality investment from local and international mining companies.

The third round of the Exploration Empowerment Program offers a comprehensive support package targeting exploration companies and mineral prospecting license holders.

The initiative aims to lower investment risks for projects and support a faster transition from prospecting to development.

"The program provides coverage of up to 70 percent of the total salaries of Saudi technical staff, such as geologists, during the first two years, increasing to 100 percent thereafter, in line with program requirements.

This support aims to develop talent, build national capabilities in mineral exploration, promote job localization, and facilitate the transfer of geological knowledge.

The application for the third round opened on Jan. 14, allowing participants to benefit from the Kingdom’s attractive investment environment, its stable legal framework, and streamlined regulatory structures, as well as integrated infrastructure that supports the transition from mineral resources to operational mines.

The ministry has set the timeline for the third round, with the application period running from Jan. 14 to March 31.

This will be followed by the evaluation, approval, and signing of agreements from April 1 to May 31, with the eligible projects set to be announced between June 1 and July 31 of the same year.

The program stages include submitting exploration data during the reimbursement and payment phase from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, followed by technical and financial verification of work programs and approval of the disbursement of support funds in January 2027.

The exploration data will then be published on the National Geological Database in April 2027.

The ministry emphasized that the EEP focuses on supporting the exploration of strategically important minerals with national priority. It also contributes to enhancing geological knowledge by providing up-to-date data that meets international standards, helping investors make informed decisions and supporting the growth of national companies and local supply chains.

The ministry urged companies to apply early to benefit from the program’s third round, which coincided with the fifth edition of the International Mining Conference, which was held from Jan. 13 to 15.