Khalid Dalal

Let’s imagine a Hall of Fame dedicated to self-made distinguished achievers who have significantly contributed to Jordan's development over the years.

There, Dr. Ahmad Mufleh Al-Hourani's legacy, God bless his soul, must be on display, teaching generations to come impactful and everlasting lessons of resilience and sound leadership.

As we marked the ninth anniversary of Dr. Al-Hourani's passing yesterday on January 11, we recall his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an influential figure in Jordan's educational, industrial and commercial sectors, serving as a beacon of inspiration for those striving for self-actualization.

In a corner of the Hall, we would see how he pioneered private higher education, creating the first private university in Jordan and the Arab World. He is also the founder of the Institute of Banking Studies and the University Schools, landmark educational institutions that produced generations of leaders over decades.

His strong will and unbreakable entrepreneurial spirit took him from challenging beginnings in Tulkarem, Palestine, where he was born in 1942.

Al-Hourani's life was marked by modesty and perseverance. He struggled to complete his school education as he had to walk miles to attend school in another village. He almost dropped out, but kept the fight on, finished high school and pursued higher studies at Damascus University to obtain two Bachelor Degrees in History and Law.

This earned him a job as a school teacher in Saudi Arabia, but his ambition did not stop there. His quest for knowledge and excellence led him to Egypt to obtain a Diploma in Tax legislation and a PhD in Economics from the University of Cairo.

Al-Hourani's professional journey began in academia and banking, but his entrepreneurial instincts guided him toward establishing the Institute of Banking Studies in Jordan. His most notable achievement was founding Al-Ahliyya Amman University in 1990, reflecting his unwavering belief in the country's potential and the pivotal role education plays in national development.

Beyond education, Al-Hourani ventured into various other sectors as well, including dairy, housing and investment, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to Jordan's economic growth.

His endeavors were consistently characterized by a profound ability to transform challenges into opportunities, a trait that became his hallmark.

Al-Hourani's decision to base his enterprises in Jordan, despite opportunities elsewhere, underscores his dedication to the nation's progress. He recognized Jordan's strategic potential and invested in its human capital, contributing significantly to its educational and industrial sectors.

His philosophy can be summed up in the notion that success is not bestowed but earned through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one's goals. This philosophy still lives, and his legacy has been carried on by his son, the visionary Maher. His success story, building on and expanding his father’s businesses to include investments in the real estate, agricultural and hospitality secrors, is the best tribute to the memory of an exceptional father and a role model.

Establishing a tangible Hall of Fame to honor Jordanian achievers like Dr. Ahmad Al-Hourani should not remain a daydream. If it materializes, it would serve as a lasting tribute to the legacies of special figures like the late Al-Hourani. It would inspire future generations to emulate their dedication, innovation, and service to the nation, ensuring that their contributions continue to illuminate Jordan's path forward.

God bless your soul, Dr. Al-Hourani!

* Khalid Dalal is a former advisor at the Royal Hashemite Court, former director of media and communication at the Office of His Majesty King Abdullah, and works currently as a senior advisor for media, strategic communication, PR, speechwriting, international cooperation, marketing, business development, and fundraising locally, regionally, and globally.

khaliddalal@aol.com