His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday laid the cornerstone of the JD50 million Munya tourism resort in the Dibbeen forest in Jerash Governorate.

The environment-friendly project, in which the Social Security Corporation has a 26 per cent stake, will be implemented by the Munya Woodland Resort and Spa Company over an area of 250 dunums.

It is considered the first investment tourism project in the north of the Kingdom.

King Abdullah and Her Majesty Queen Rania, who was also present at the ceremony, watched a documentary on the phases of the project, which is expected to promote tourism in the Kingdom.

The company's chairman, Samir Rifai, said several efforts have been exerted to implement the project, while ensuring that the environment in the forest area remains intact. The project is also designed to contribute to the development of the nearby area, the chairman added.

According to Rifai, Amanresorts will administer and operate the project.

Rifai said the Jordan River Foundation will develop the local area in Dibbeen and Jerash as a whole to enhance the preservation of the environment and empower local communities to benefit from job training for the jobs that will be created by the project. He added that tens of university scholarships will also be offered to area students.

Minister of Environment Khalid Irani, who stressed that the project is consistent with environmental requirements, said: “There are guarantees to protect Dibbeen forests and the surrounding environment, including a plan by the company implementing the project to plant 10,000 saplings.”