Ammon News - The Cabinet approved, in its session held on Sunday, the 2021 draft law for development of lands adjacent to the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ in Jordan, also known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan.

The bill comes in view of status of the Baptism site, and its historical importance, as a world heritage and a pilgrimage destination, located some 9km north of the Dead Sea.

The draft law aims to develop lands adjacent to the Baptism Site in a manner that would enhance its status to top the "most important and largest" global religious and historical tourist attractions, and contribute to luring religious tourism to the Kingdom, in addition to supporting and empowering local communities, boosting their capabilities, and providing job opportunities for them.

Under the bill, a non-profit charitable foundation will be established to develop the lands adjacent to the Baptism Site.

The Council of Ministers also approved mandating reasons for a draft law amending 2021 Fatwa Law, and measures to abolish 2021 Training Bylaw for Meteorological Monitoring and Forecasts, and referred them to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau to follow procedures for approval.