Amman, Feb. 9 (SANA) Jordan’s Heritage Award 2026 was expanded to include projects from Syria and Palestine, organizers said, widening the scope of a regional initiative aimed at supporting cultural heritage preservation and community-based initiatives.
Petra National Trust (PNT) announced the expansion during the launch of the award on Sunday, according to Jordan’s Petra News Agency. The event was attended by Princess Dana Firas, president of the trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, and the European Union ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas.
The award, organized in partnership with the EU Delegation to Jordan, the Jordan Kuwait Bank, the Quds Bank, and Said Samih Darwazah, aims to raise public awareness of the importance of heritage and encourage excellence and professionalism in cultural work.
Speaking at a press conference, Princess Dana said the 2026 award includes four main categories: conservation and adaptation in cultural heritage, research and innovation, community engagement and social inclusion, and climate change and cultural heritage.
R.AEach category winner will receive a prize of 10,000 Jordanian dinars, following an evaluation by a panel of experts from Jordan, Syria and Palestine.
Firas said the expansion reflects a commitment to supporting initiatives rooted in local communities, encouraging individuals and institutions working in the heritage sector to apply.
Chatzisavas said cultural heritage plays a key role in promoting dialogue and sustainable development, adding that the EU remains committed to protecting shared heritage and strengthening regional cooperation through cultural initiatives.
Applications for the award opened on Jan. 18 and will close on Feb. 28. The awards ceremony is scheduled for June 4.
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