Jordan is stepping up preparations to mark the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, with four development projects worth about $120m (£91m) planned on the eastern bank of the river Jordan.
The National Committee for the Preparation of the Celebration of the Second Millennium of the Baptism of Jesus Christ will oversee work at the Baptism Site at Al-Maghtas. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan will lead the works alongside senior ministers, church leaders and tourism officials.
The plans include a $50m (£38m) museum, a $40m (£30m) village for pilgrims and visitors, $27m (£20m) of infrastructure work and a $3m (£2m) green corridor on land covering about 140 hectares.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Imad Hijazin said the agreements represented "a shared commitment, a national responsibility, and a strategic partnership" aimed at strengthening Jordan's international profile and highlighting its cultural heritage.
Work on the museum and pilgrim village is expected to begin in 2027, with the projects scheduled for completion in early 2029.
The site, also commonly known as Bethany Beyond the Jordan, is believed by most Christian denominations to be the place where John the Baptist baptised Jesus. However, Israel also claims the site directly across the river, Qasr el-Yahud, as the location of the baptism.