Jordan: Increased security ahead of World Economic Forum May 19-21

Event

The Jordanian government has announced that increased security measures will be put in place ahead of The World Economic Forum on the Middle East and North Africa (WEFMA) , which will be held at a convention center in the Dead Sea from Friday, May 19 to Sunday, May 21. The forum will be attended by more than 1100 business, government, and civil society leaders, as well as representatives from international organizations, youth delegates, and the press.

The themes of this year's WEFMA are youth empowerment through entrepreneurship and innovation, building inclusive economies, and using diplomacy to address regional instability.

Transportation disruptions are to be expected along the Jordan Valley Highway, from the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea to the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort and Spa; the area will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians. Hotels and resorts in the restricted area will also be closed to the public.

Context

Jordan has hosted the WEFMA nine out of 16 times, and the forum is considered an important platform for investment opportunities.Jordan has recently begun implementing projects from the 2015 WEFMA valued at USD 6.3 billion.

The threat of terrorism in Jordan has been on the rise since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, and remains relatively high despite tight security measures implemented near the Syrian border over the past few months.

Advice

Individuals in Jordan are strongly advised to adhere to security instructions issued by local authorities. Some Foreign governments have advised their nationals against all travel near the Syrian and Iraqi borders.