On the occasion of Jordan’s 72nd Independence Day, His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday bestowed medals on a number of leading national institutions and a group of distinguished Jordanian men and women.

The medals, bestowed during a ceremony marking the occasion, are in appreciation for their contributions to Jordan’s prosperity and progress, and in recognition of their success at the national and international levels.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, as well as a number of royal family members, and senior officials and officers attended the ceremony, held at Al Husseiniya Palace.

King Abdullah bestowed the Order of Al Istiqlal (Independence) of the First Degree on the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, in recognition of its efforts to preserve Islamic sites in the holy city, in implementation of the Hashemite Custodianship and with the additional goal of supporting the steadfastness of Arab Jerusalemites and safeguarding the Arab, Islamic, and Christian identities of Jerusalem.

His Majesty also bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the First Degree on Marwan Qteishat, in appreciation for his long years of public service, including his efforts to enhance the performance of the Civil Status and Passport Department.

The King bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the First Degree on Abdullah Abbadi, in recognition of his achievements in medicine and introducing bone marrow transplant procedures to Jordan and the Arab region, as well as his work in stem cells and prolific scientific research.

His Majesty honoured Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation with the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the First Degree, in appreciation for its support for culture, science, and arts since its establishment in 1978.

The King bestowed the Order of Al Istiqlal of the First Degree on the Centre for Strategic Studies, in recognition of its efforts in producing research and conducting studies and opinion polls, while committing to transparency and scientific accuracy.

The centre was ranked the top think tank in the Middle East and North Africa two years in a row on the Global Go To Think Tank Index Report released by the US University of Pennsylvania.

His Majesty also bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree on Hala Zreiqat, in appreciation for her achievements and innovations in biomedical engineering.

Zreiqat, who has six patents in her field, has developed innovative biomaterials for tissue regeneration, among other innovations.

In addition, the King bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree on Fayzeh Zoubi, in recognition of her dedication to voluntary service for over 55 years and her contributions to women’s empowerment.

His Majesty honoured the Nashmi Centre for Youth Empowerment with the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree, in appreciation for its efforts to promote volunteerism among young Jordanians of various backgrounds.

The centre has implemented over 21 voluntary initiatives at the national level, with the participation of more than 5,000 young people.

Moreover, the King bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree on the Jordan Trail Association, in recognition of its efforts to promote Jordan as a key destination for adventure tourism while benefiting local communities around the Kingdom.

The Jordan Trail has been recognised as among the best 21 tourist destinations for 2018.

His Majesty honoured Bayt Al Ruwad band with the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree in appreciation for their work in preserving and spreading Jordanian folk songs and supporting talented musicians and vocal artists.

In addition, the King bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree on the Madaba Mosaic School for its role in promoting mosaic art throughout the Middle East and awarding degrees in this field.

His Majesty honoured Nayef Steitieh, the founder of the Jordanian Business Development Centre, with the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree for his work to promote entrepreneurship and innovation among youth, while equipping them with employability skills through initiatives like SANAD Youth Empowerment and Employability, and Maharat Training and Employment, which have benefited thousands of young people.

The King bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Second Degree on the cast and crew of “Abnaa Al Qalaa” television series for their efforts to highlight milestones in Jordan’s and Amman’s history.

His Majesty also honoured Myassar Saadi with the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Third Degree, for her work for over 40 years in local and international associations for women’s empowerment, as well as here activism in empowering families financially through self-reliance.

The King bestowed the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Third Degree on Buseirah Sports Club in Tafileh for supporting judo in Jordan and contributing to major sporting achievements over 16 years, while also serving youth in Tafileh and encouraging them to support their communities.

His Majesty honoured Hussam Ayyad with the King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Order for Distinction of the Third Degree, for ongoing efforts over 25 years to train and hone the skills of young people with disabilities, turning them into sports champions.