His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday entrusted the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) with drawing up a “serious and comprehensive” project of city planning for the capital - serving as a template and example that can be replicated and evolved in other cities.

In a letter to Amman Mayor Omar Maani, the King said the plan should ensure respect for Amman's unique qualities and traditions and account for the needs of its inhabitants, while at the same time forecasting for its growth in a well-studied and well-planned manner.