Death of Former Prime Minister Ahmad Obeidat
AMMAN — Jordan’s former prime minister and veteran statesman Ahmad Obeidat passed away on Monday evening at the age of 88, marking the loss of a prominent figure who played a significant role in shaping the country’s modern political and security institutions.
Obeidat was born in 1938 in the village of Hartha, located in the Bani Kinana District of Irbid Governorate. He earned a law degree from the University of Baghdad, before embarking on a long career in public service spanning several decades.
Throughout his career, Obeidat held a number of senior state positions. He served as Director of Jordan’s General Intelligence Department from 1974 to 1982, a period marked by significant regional and domestic challenges. He later assumed the role of Minister of Interior between 1980 and 1984, overseeing internal security and administrative affairs.
In 1984, Obeidat was appointed Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, a position he held until 1985. During this time, he played a key role in navigating Jordan through a complex regional environment while contributing to state stability and governance.
Obeidat remained active in public life well beyond his tenure as prime minister. He served multiple terms as a member of the Jordanian Senate from 1984 onward and represented Jordan internationally as its United Nations Ambassador for Humanitarian Affairs in 1990.
In addition to his political roles, Obeidat was deeply involved in civil society and advocacy work. He chaired several national and environmental organizations, most notably the National Center for Human Rights and the Jordan Environment Society, reflecting his long-standing commitment to public accountability, human rights, and environmental protection.
Funeral prayers for the late statesman will be held after the noon prayer on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at the Uthman bin Affan Mosque in his hometown of Hartha, where he will be laid to rest.
Condolences for men will be received in Hartha on the day of burial and on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5 and 6, as well as at the Amman Hall in Sports City on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7 and 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Condolences for women will be received on the day of burial at Sheikh Qwaider Al-Sulaiman’s guesthouse in Hartha, and at Al-Naber Family Diwan in Amman on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Feb. 5, 6, and 7, during the same hours.
Jordan bids farewell to a statesman whose career left a lasting imprint on the country’s political, security, and civic institutions.
Source: Jordan News