At a time when regional and global challenges continue to intensify, and the region faces one of its most complex humanitarian and economic moments, the importance of strengthening self-reliance and building a resilient local economy has become a strategic imperative. In response, Jordan continues to move forward with a forward-looking vision grounded in cross-sector partnerships, enhanced adaptability, and collective efforts to confront emerging challenges.
Within this context, and in affirmation of the central role of the private sector in advancing sustainable economic development, decent work, inclusive employment, and ethical supply chains, the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) and the Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) organized the 2025 Ethics in Business Award ceremony. The event celebrated leading companies that have demonstrated that embedding ethical values within business practices and strengthening local economic opportunities are fundamental pillars for building a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable Jordanian economy.
The awards ceremony was held on Sunday, 14 December 2025, under the theme “Future Forward: Celebrating Champions of Sustainable Local Development,” reflecting the spirit of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision and the national direction toward an economy based on partnership, private sector empowerment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the creation of quality employment opportunities, particularly for youth. The ceremony coincided with International Human Rights Day, observed annually on 10 December, reinforcing the principle that ethical business leadership and respect for human rights, through decent work, justice, and dignity, are integral to sustainable local development.
The 2025 Ethics in Business Awards were presented to Al-Astrolab Restaurants and Tourism Investments Company, represented by its Chairman, Eng. Muath Al-Faouri; The Specialty Hospital, represented by Dr. Fawzi Al-Hamouri; Mohammad Youssef Al-Shbataat & Partners Contracting Company (LLC), represented by Chairman Eng. Omar Al-Shbataat; Weted Investment Group, represented by Chief Executive Officer Muhannad Al-Mansour; Abu ‘Auda Brothers Company, represented by General Manager Dr. Anas Abu ‘Auda; and Mohammad Abu Hultem Investment Group, represented by Dr. Eyad Abu Hultem. The awarded companies were recognized for their leadership in integrating ethical standards into their operations, fostering inclusive employment, and contributing meaningfully to local economic resilience.
In his remarks, JBA President Ayman Al-Alawneh emphasized the importance of the partnership with ARDD in reinforcing the private sector’s role in local economic development and enhancing the national economy’s competitiveness and resilience. He noted that the association brings together business leaders across 14 economic sectors that collectively form a core pillar of Jordan’s economy, highlighting JBA’s particular focus on supporting small and medium enterprises as the backbone of economic growth through innovation, expansion, market access, and job creation.
ARDD Executive Director Samar Muhareb underscored that collaboration with the private sector remains a key driver of economic and social development, explaining that the Ethics in Business Awards are granted annually in line with national priorities and levels of ethical commitment within the business sector. She stressed that the awards reflect the winning companies’ dedication to equitable economic growth aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision, while advancing economic justice and equal opportunity.
Rola Abu Rab, Partnerships Director at the European Regional Development and Protection Programme, highlighted the importance of building a more inclusive and just economy by expanding access to economic participation and integrating diverse groups into the labor market, thereby supporting sustainable development, social stability, and community resilience. Economic expert Dr. Adli Qandah emphasized that fostering entrepreneurship and building partnerships based on shared values and realistic goals is essential for efficient economic growth, job creation, productivity gains, and increased investment in Jordan.
The ceremony also featured a panel discussion on supporting entrepreneurship in Jordan amid current economic challenges, during which speakers emphasized the importance of good governance, transparency, ethical institutional culture, and coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors, financial institutions, and large corporations to create an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurial growth.
The 2025 Ethics in Business Awards concluded with the honoring of the winners in recognition of their leadership, ethical commitment, and social responsibility, and their tangible contributions to sustainable local development and the national economy. This edition of the awards was implemented within the framework of the ARDD-led project “Future Forward: Unlocking Sustainable Local Opportunities” , supported by the European Regional Development and Protection Programme, which aims to strengthen localized economic opportunities and empower local actors across Jordan.
Launched in 2023, the Ethics in Business Award provides a national platform that highlights the private sector’s role in promoting decent work, protecting workers’ rights, expanding local opportunities, and advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth. As part of this initiative, business leaders participating in the awards have endorsed the Goodwill Declaration “Towards a Common Goal: Strengthening Equitable Economic Growth in Jordan“, reaffirming their collective commitment to ethical responsibility and development-oriented business practices.
