Diwanieh

The performance of Zarqa Municipality meets the aspirations of citizens

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Zarqa under the title:

“The Performance of Zarqa Municipality Meets the Aspirations of Citizens.”

The event focused on discussing the role and performance of Zarqa Municipality in addressing the needs and expectations of citizens, particularly in areas related to urban development, infrastructure, economic growth, and public services.

The discussion created an open platform for dialogue between municipal officials, community leaders, and residents, allowing participants to exchange perspectives on the challenges facing the city and the opportunities for improving local governance and municipal services.

The session featured several distinguished speakers, including:

  • Mayor of Zarqa, Engineer Emad Al-Momani
  • Head of the Development Unit, Engineer Muhammad Al-Zawahreh
  • His Excellency Senator Dr. Mustafa Al-Fayyad
  • President of the Zarqa Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Hussein Shreim

The event highlighted the importance of community engagement and transparent dialogue in strengthening local development efforts and improving cooperation between citizens and public institutions in Zarqa.

Diwanieh

The Syrian crisis threatens Jordan’s stability

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Mafraq under the title:

“The Syrian Crisis Threatens Jordan’s Stability.”

The event focused on discussing the social, economic, and political impact of the Syrian crisis on Jordan, particularly on border communities and governorates heavily affected by the refugee situation. The discussion highlighted the challenges related to infrastructure, public services, employment, and local stability.

The event brought together public figures, local officials, and community members to exchange perspectives on how Jordan could address the growing pressures caused by the regional crisis while maintaining social cohesion and national stability.

The session featured several notable speakers, including:

  • His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Owaidat
  • Mayor of Mafraq, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al-Hawamdeh
  • His Excellency Dr. Ali Al-Dala’een
  • His Excellency Mr. Ali Al-Armouti

Through events like this, Diwanieh contributed to promoting public dialogue on critical national and regional issues while encouraging civic engagement and community participation.

Diwanieh

Petra Development & Tourism Region Authority has a positive impact on the district

In 2014, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Wadi Musa under the title:

“The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority Has a Positive Impact on the District.”

The event focused on discussing the developmental and economic role of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority and its impact on local communities, tourism, infrastructure, and public services in the Petra region.

The dialogue brought together officials, community leaders, and residents to exchange views on sustainable development, tourism investment, and the future of the district. The event encouraged open discussion between citizens and decision-makers on the opportunities and challenges facing the region.

The session featured several notable speakers, including:

  • Dr. Mohammad Al-Nawafleh, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority
  • Dr. Imad Hijazeen, Commissioner of the Petra Reserve and Vice Chairman of the Authority
  • Mr. Ali Raja Al-Nasrat
  • Mr. Khader Al-Nawafleh

Through events like this, Diwanieh contributed to strengthening civic participation and promoting dialogue around local development and public policy issues in Jordan.

Diwanieh

Is a Jordanian woman entitled to pass on her nationality to her family?

In 2013, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue event in Amman under the title:

“Is a Jordanian Woman Entitled to Pass on Her Nationality to Her Family?”

The event focused on one of the most important social and legal debates in Jordan, addressing citizenship rights, gender equality, and the challenges faced by Jordanian women whose family members are not able to obtain Jordanian nationality.

The discussion brought together journalists, legal experts, activists, and members of the community to exchange perspectives and encourage constructive dialogue around citizenship laws and equal rights.

The event featured several notable speakers, including:

  • Editor-in-Chief of Al-Arab Al-Yawm newspaper and writer, Mr. Nabil Ghishan
  • Media spokesperson for the “My Nationality is My Family’s Right” coalition, journalist Aroub Subh
  • Lawyer Saed Karaja

Through initiatives like this, Diwanieh contributed to promoting civic dialogue and raising awareness around social justice, legal reform, and human rights issues in Jordan.

The event reflected the vision of Dr. Sami Hourani in creating open spaces for discussion, community engagement, and meaningful public participation on issues affecting Jordanian society.

Diwanieh

The municipal election law does not meet the requirements of municipalities in Jordan

In 2013, Diwanieh – an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani – organized a public dialogue event in Zarqa focused on discussing the challenges of the municipal election law in Jordan under the title:

“The Municipal Election Law Does Not Meet the Requirements of Municipalities in Jordan.”

 

The event brought together community members, local leaders, activists, and youth in an open civic discussion that encouraged public participation and democratic dialogue. The session hosted several prominent speakers, including:

  • Former Mayor of Al-Rusaifa, Mr. Musa Al-Saad
  • Lawyer and political activist, Dr. Issam Al-Jabali
  • Mr. Muhammad Al-Zawahra

The Diwanieh event aimed to create a space where citizens could openly discuss political reform, municipal governance, and the future of local participation in Jordan. Through initiatives like this, Diwanieh contributed to strengthening civic engagement and promoting constructive community conversations across Jordan.

The event reflected the vision of Dr. Sami Hourani in empowering communities through dialogue, awareness, and inclusive public participation.

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Improving The Economic Opportunities For Young & Women Artisans in Jordan

Embassy of The Netherlands in Jordan
2019 – 2022

The main objective of this project was to improve the economic opportunities for young and women artisans in different governates across Jordan (Amman, Ajloun, Zarqa, and Wadi Musa).

These selected areas contain multiple communities identified as poverty pockets that are often overlooked by development projects, while the targeted beneficiaries residing in these areas were individuals running small home-based businesses or active in the cultural sector of handicrafts and locally-sourced goods.

In order to provide the selected artisans with the opportunity of exposure to new potential markets and customers, Souq Fann organized a specialized exhibition that was curated for 10 days in Amman featuring products of selected artisans accompanied by their stories.

This exhibition aimed to give the opportunity for the selected artisans to be exposed to a new potential customer segmentation and to spread their stories in an offline environment, including physical interactions with different actors at the launching event.

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Youth Connect

The British Council | 2023 – 2025

Programs

Women Cyber Rights: Innovative Protection and Advocay

Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan | 2022

This project revolved around designing a provocative online campaign that included a social media campaign of posters and animated videos, and an original online course under the title: “Cyber Harassement and Digital Safety” with the following aims:

– Jordanian women are more empowered in the cyberspace by acquiring knowledge on how to recognize and fight online violence and protect their cyber-rights

– Women and men in Jordan are more aware of the danger of illicit online virtual conducts

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Diwanieh: Reviving the Spirit of Dialogue and Culture in Jordan

In a region where meaningful dialogue, youth engagement, and cultural exchange are becoming increasingly important, Diwanieh has emerged as one of Jordan’s most inspiring social and cultural initiatives. Founded by Dr. Sami Hourani, Diwanieh represents more than just a gathering space — it is a movement dedicated to reconnecting people through conversation, creativity, and community.

By blending the traditional Arab concept of the “diwanieh” with modern social innovation, the initiative has become a platform where ideas flourish, young people connect, and important societal conversations take place.

What is Diwanieh?

Diwanieh is a Jordanian cultural and social platform designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, and intellectual exchange among diverse communities. Inspired by the traditional Arab Diwaniyeh — a social gathering place where people discuss politics, culture, literature, and community affairs – the modern Diwanieh creates safe and inclusive spaces for conversations that matter.

The initiative hosts events, talks, networking sessions, and youth-focused discussions that bring together entrepreneurs, academics, artists, policymakers, and young changemakers from across Jordan and the Arab world.

Its mission centers around strengthening civic engagement, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting social cohesion through open dialogue and cultural interaction.

Public Debates for Change

Diwanieh Debates

The Vision

At the heart of Diwanieh’s success is its founder, Dr. Sami Hourani, a Jordanian entrepreneur and social innovator widely recognized for his contributions to youth empowerment and innovation ecosystems in the Middle East.

Dr. Hourani is known for building platforms that connect education, entrepreneurship, culture, and community development. Through Diwanieh, he envisioned a modern Arab gathering space where people from different backgrounds could engage in constructive conversations, exchange ideas, and collaborate on solutions for regional challenges.

His approach combines traditional Arab hospitality and dialogue culture with modern concepts of innovation, inclusion, and youth participation.

Under his leadership, Diwanieh has evolved into a respected platform that encourages people to move beyond social divisions and engage in meaningful discussions around identity, creativity, entrepreneurship, public policy, education, and social change.

A Space for Youth and Innovation

One of the defining features of Diwanieh is its strong focus on youth engagement. Jordan has one of the youngest populations in the region, and initiatives like Diwanieh play an important role in empowering young voices.

Through workshops, panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and networking events, Diwanieh provides opportunities for young Jordanians to:

  • Share their ideas and experiences
  • Connect with experts and industry leaders
  • Develop leadership and communication skills
  • Explore entrepreneurship and innovation
  • Participate in cultural and civic discussions
  • Build meaningful professional and social networks

The initiative also helps bridge gaps between generations by encouraging conversations between youth, professionals, academics, and decision-makers.

 

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Building Inclusive Communities

Another important aspect of Diwanieh’s work is inclusivity. The platform aims to bring together people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, professions, ideologies, and communities.

In a world increasingly shaped by polarization and digital isolation, Diwanieh promotes face-to-face dialogue and human connection. Participants are encouraged to listen respectfully, challenge ideas constructively, and engage in conversations that promote understanding rather than division.

This inclusive model has helped create a welcoming environment for students, entrepreneurs, refugees, activists, artists, academics, and professionals alike.

The Impact of Diwanieh in Jordan

Over the years, Diwanieh has contributed significantly to Jordan’s ecosystem of innovation, culture, and civic engagement. It has become known as a trusted platform for discussions around:

  • Social entrepreneurship
  • Youth empowerment
  • Education reform
  • Innovation and technology
  • Cultural identity
  • Public policy
  • Community development
  • Creative industries

Its events and initiatives have helped strengthen collaboration between various sectors and inspired many young people to become more active within their communities.

Diwanieh also demonstrates how traditional Arab social concepts can be reimagined to address modern societal needs while preserving cultural identity.

Why Diwanieh Matters Today

In today’s rapidly changing world, platforms like Diwanieh are more important than ever. Young people across the Middle East are seeking spaces where they can express themselves, connect with others, and contribute to meaningful conversations about the future.

Diwanieh offers exactly that: a modern Arab gathering space rooted in dialogue, respect, creativity, and collaboration.

By combining cultural heritage with innovation and community engagement, Diwanieh continues to play an influential role in shaping Jordan’s cultural and social landscape.

 

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