Zarqa, May 5 (Petra) – Chief of the Royal Hashemite Court Yousef Issawi inaugurated on Tuesday the Arab Bank Park and the Abdul Hameed Shoman Library rehabilitation project, implemented under Royal directives in partnership with the Arab Bank.

The project was launched in response to repeated community requests raised during His Majesty’s visits and engagements in the governorate. The park, established more than 25 years ago, underwent comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization, emerging as a model for public-private sector collaboration within the framework of corporate social responsibility.

The project features a modern, two-story library building equipped with multi-purpose halls, dedicated spaces for youth and children’s activities, and full accessibility for persons with disabilities. The park includes advanced children’s play areas, walking paths, and administrative and service facilities. The Zarqa Municipality will oversee management and operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Royal Initiatives in Zarqa Governorate have prioritized the expansion and rehabilitation of public parks, resulting in the development of 18 parks and recreational spaces across the governorate, including sites in Hashimiyah and Prince Mohammed neighborhood.

Among these is the Phosphate Hills Eco-Park, inaugurated by King Abdullah II in 2023 as part of a broader environmental rehabilitation project. Spanning 76 dunams, the park features green spaces, playgrounds, walking trails, and public amenities, alongside thousands of newly planted trees, transforming former phosphate hills into a sustainable public asset.

In a press statement, Issawi, who is also the head of the committee overseeing the implementation of Royal Initiatives, said the project represents a key addition to Zarqa’s recreational and cultural infrastructure, serving diverse segments of the community, including children, families, students, and cultural stakeholders. He noted that the initiative aligns with Royal directives to enhance service delivery, expand access to educational and recreational spaces, and improve quality of life.

Issawi added that the project exemplifies effective integration between Royal Initiatives and both public and private sectors, highlighting the private sector’s role in advancing community development through impactful social responsibility programs.

For her part, Arab Bank Chief Executive Officer Randa Sadiq said the initiative reflects His Majesty’s vision to advance sustainable development and deliver high-quality services nationwide, underscoring Arab Bank’s continued commitment to supporting local communities in partnership with Royal Initiatives.

Chief Executive Officer of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Valentina Qussisiya said the establishment of the library marks a further step in expanding equitable access to knowledge and reinforcing the role of cultural institutions as inclusive platforms for learning, creativity, and dialogue. She added that the Foundation remains committed to extending its outreach beyond the capital in line with Royal directives to invest in human capital and empower youth and communities across the Kingdom.

//Petra// AJ