Starting 2025 – 2026, SouqFann has been collaborating and running the operation for two of the largest goverment platforms in Jordan targeting local crafts and handmade art.: Khairat Aldar and Petra Products.
Khirat Al Dar is a digital platform launched by the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship as a pilot phase to support and empower home business owners in Jordan by providing an integrated environment that helps them market their products in a modern and effective way.
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.
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.
In 2016, Diwanieh — an initiative founded by Dr. Sami Hourani — organized a public dialogue...
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.
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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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.
