Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation

General Look

Vision and Mission

Our Pillars

Our Values

Our History

Arab Bank

Board

Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation: The Arab Bank’s arm for cultural and social responsibility.

Since its establishment in 1978 as a non-profit initiative by the Arab Bank, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has dedicated its efforts to being a beacon of knowledge and a bridge connecting creativity, scientific research, culture, and our communities. Founded with a vision to empower individuals and build a society rooted in culture and creativity, the Foundation has become one of the leading non-profit cultural institutions in the region, playing a pioneering role in promoting science, culture, and knowledge as tools for development and prosperity.

At the heart of its mission lies the support of scientific research and innovation, through the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers — the first of its kind in the Arab world — as well as the Scientific Research Support Fund, which helps researchers find solutions to societal challenges, and the Innovation Fund, which supports entrepreneurial and innovative projects.

On the cultural level, the Foundation’s vision is embodied in the Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library — the first fully equipped and computerized public library in Jordan offering free services — providing an inspiring environment for reading and learning. Today, the library operates six branches across Jordan.

The Foundation also works to promote culture and the arts through its Cinema Program, which fosters film as a medium of thought and expression, alongside its arts and music programs that celebrate Arab creativity, and its cultural grants that support projects capable of conveying the Foundation’s vision and message to wider audiences.

Driven by its deep belief in the importance of culture, thought, and creativity, the Foundation continues to launch initiatives and projects that serve the community and open the doors of knowledge to all — making it a pioneering model in investing in people and building a future grounded in knowledge.

Vision

Twoards a society of culture and creativity.

Mission

Investing in intellectual, cultural, and social creativity to contribute to the advancement of Arab societies through thought leadership, literature and arts, and social innovation. .

The Pillars of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation is committed to supporting thought leadership by building capacities, providing learning resources, and empowering individuals academically and intellectually. It aims to prepare a generation of Arab scientists and thinkers who contribute to advancing knowledge and addressing the priorities of the Arab world. The Foundation also seeks to foster free thought by creating interactive spaces for dialogue among intellectuals, scholars, and creatives through conferences, forums, and debates.

01. Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers.

The first Arab award dedicated to scientific research, honoring Arab researchers since 1982 in recognition of their scholarly contributions. It is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the academic community.

02. The Scientific Research Support Fund.

A fund dedicated to supporting applied scientific research in Jordanian universities and research centers. Through it, the Foundation has provided more than 1.7 million Jordanian dinars to produce high-quality scientific studies that address societal challenges.

03. Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum.

One of the leading intellectual and cultural platforms in Jordan and the Arab world, established in 1986 to serve as an open space for dialogue — a forum where both scholars and the general public can explore, discuss, and exchange ideas on issues facing our societies.

The Foundation believes that culture is a fundamental pillar of development; therefore, it works to nurture talent and develop literary and artistic skills in all their forms — including literature, music, performing arts, creative products, and multimedia. It also supports libraries in Jordan and Palestine to promote reading, encourages interaction between intellectuals and the public, and provides a supportive environment for children’s creativity.

Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Libraries.

The first fully equipped and computerized public library, established to be more than just a space for reading — a vibrant center for cultural life and lifelong learning.

Founded out of a firm belief in the role of libraries in the advancement of nations, it is managed with a vision to provide free and inclusive access to knowledge for all through modern and comprehensive means. Today, it operates six branches across various locations in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children’s Literature.

An annual platform that encourages Arab creators to produce rich Arabic literary content that meets the psychological and cultural needs of children, reflects their identity, and nurtures their imagination. The award aims to support and advance children’s literature across the Arab world.

03. Knowledge Path Libraries for Children and Young Adults.

Knowledge Path Libraries at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation were established out of a deep belief in the importance of childhood as a foundational stage for building generations of readers who are thoughtful, creative, and proactive. Today, the Knowledge Path library is a safe and vibrant space where curiosity thrives, and children’s imagination and passion for discovery grow.

04. Cinema at Shoman.

The Cinema Department was founded on a firm belief that cinema is one of the most influential and widespread forms of cultural expression. It presents carefully curated selections from Arab and international cinema, accompanied by discussion and analysis sessions designed to deepen understanding, broaden perspectives, and stimulate cinematic dialogue.

05. Musical Evenings.

In support of emerging musical talents in Jordan and the region, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation launched the Shoman Musical Evenings Program in 2014.

06.Cultural Days.

In pursuit of cultural equity, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation brings all its programs and activities to different governorates across Jordan once a year through a comprehensive and distinctive cultural program that engages both adults and children.

Institutional Values

We believe in cultural equity and its vital role in nurturing societies that value knowledge, culture, and science. We strive to strengthen our presence and extend the reach of our programs and services to ensure equitable access — through geographic expansion, active partnerships, and digital outreach.

We believe that change happens through building an effective model that gives due attention to all elements of culture — one that draws inspiration from the authenticity of our heritage through a holistic approach and a spirit of creativity that inspires innovation.

We believe in the importance of community participation and its role in empowering societies to shape their own vision and path toward knowledge. Our programs and activities are rooted in understanding the genuine needs of communities. We foster open and continuous dialogue, uphold respect for diverse opinions and ideas, and work toward consensus on priority-based programs designed to meet the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve.

We believe that meaningful change requires building a successful model for cultural and developmental work — led by a team that believes in its ability to make a difference. A team that is continuously learning, working with sincerity, passion, and excellence; inspired by modernity, adaptable to change, and dedicated to shaping new, dynamic community models capable of impact and leadership.

Work Culture at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.

Working at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation means being part of a professional environment that focuses on innovation and continuous development, and encourages creativity and critical thinking. The Foundation strives to attract outstanding individuals who share its vision of advancing cultural and scientific development in Jordan and the Arab world.

Through your work at the Foundation, you will have the opportunity to contribute to projects and initiatives that aim to create a positive impact on society, while also developing your personal and professional skills.

Our History

Milestones in Our Journey: From Vision to Achievement

Year

1978

1982

1986

1989

1999

2006

2013

2014

2015

2017

2018

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

1978

The Establishment of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation

Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation was Launched

1982

The Launch of Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Award for Arab Researchers

The first Arab award dedicated to our Arab researchers.

1986

The inauguration of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library.

The first fully equipped and computerized public library, established to be more than just a space for reading — a vibrant center for cultural life and lifelong learning.

The launch of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum.

One of the most prominent intellectual and cultural platforms in Jordan and the Arab world, established to be an open and dynamic space for dialogue.

1989

The launch of the Cinema Program.

One of the most prominent intellectual and cultural platforms in Jordan and the Arab world, established to be an open space for dialogue.

1999