On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, a meeting was held at the Prime Ministry of Jordan to advance preparations for the 2030 commemoration of the second millennium of the Baptism of Jesus in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in accordance with the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein. Fr. Imad Alamat attended the meeting on behalf of Msgr. Iyad Twal, Patriarchal Vicar in Jordan.
During the meeting, agreements were signed to launch major projects under Jordan’s national development plan for the area surrounding the Baptism Site of Jesus (Al-Maghtas), with an estimated investment of USD 120 million.
The plans include a new Baptism of Jesus Museum, an integrated village for pilgrims and visitors, infrastructure improvements, and a green corridor. Together, these projects aim to enhance Al-Maghtas as a place of faith and pilgrimage, while strengthening its capacity to welcome visitors from around the world.
The development forms part of Jordan’s preparations for the 2030 celebrations of the jubilee, further highlighting Al-Maghtas’ significance as one of the world’s major Christian holy sites and an important destination for pilgrims.
Preliminary work on the museum and the pilgrims’ village is expected to begin by the end of the first quarter of 2027, with both projects scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2029.
The initiative reflects Jordan’s commitment to preserving and developing this sacred site while honoring its historical and spiritual heritage and promoting the values of faith, peace, love, and coexistence.
