Founded in 1978, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation emerged as a non-profit cultural institution, initiated by the Arab Bank, which dedicates a portion of its annual profits to support the foundation. It stands as a testament to the bank's cultural and social responsibility, focusing on three main pillars: Thought Leadership, Arts and Literature, and Cultural Grants and Innovation. The foundation honors the legacy of its namesake, Abdul Hameed Shoman (1888-1974), the founder of the Arab Bank, who was a fervent advocate for the advancement of science, support for scholars, and the promotion of creativity and innovation across the Arab world.

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation aims to foster innovative ideas through the funding of diverse scientific research areas. It inaugurated the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Arab Researchers in 1982 and established the Abdul Hameed Shoman Fund for Scientific Research in 1999. Additionally, the Foundation set up a Cultural Forum in 1986, which has hosted events and activities to bridge the gap between the public and intellectuals, researchers, and scientists.  

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has continued to bolster the culture of scientific research and innovation among children and youth, as well as enhance education in Jordan through its Education and Science Program initiated in 2014. This program includes the Abdul Hameed Shoman Exhibition for Young Scientists and the Young Innovators Lab, and it also provides support to Jordanian students participating in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The "Abdeh" award, established in 1988 and concluded in 2003, catered to various literary fields such as "performance; artistic, scientific innovation," encompassing "literary creativity (articles and poetry)," "performative creativity (music and dance)," "Artistic Creativity (Arabic Calligraphy and Painting)," and "Scientific Innovations."

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children and Youth, known as "Abdeh," was reintroduced in 2018 to foster the creative spirit of children and mark a significant move towards a culture of knowledge and genuine creativity that favors life, humanity, and the future. This aligns with the institution's mission to enlighten and educate upcoming generations. Initially launched in 1988 and continuing until 2003, the "Abdeh" award encompasses various literary domains, including performance, artistic, and scientific innovation. The award categories include literary creativity (articles and poetry), performative creativity (music and dance), artistic creativity (Arabic calligraphy and painting), and scientific innovations.

In late 2017, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation introduced the Innovation Award, perpetuating its commitment to backing creators and innovators. This initiative aims to empower communities, bolster the knowledge economy, tackle global challenges, and foster new employment opportunities that elevate the quality of life, thereby contributing to societal advancement and renaissance.

The award spans five areas: Green Technology and Environmental Sustainability, Food Security and Agricultural Technology, Health Care and Medical Technology, Labor Market and Economic Productivity Solutions, and Education Solutions.

In 2006, the Foundation inaugurated an award for children's literature to foster the growth of Arab children's literature. Annually, the award honors one of the following categories: story, poetry, novel, or theatrical text for children.

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library, established in 1986, was Jordan's first computerized and fully equipped public library. It now serves as a hub for students and researchers, offering both traditional and modern resources, skill development opportunities for the public, and a venue for communication and knowledge exchange.

The Knowledge Path Library for Children, created in 2013, provides a welcoming space for children and youth aged 3-16 from diverse backgrounds to read, engage, and partake in creative activities, fostering an intellectual and creative journey of self-discovery.

Moreover, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has bolstered the culture of cinema and music. The Cinema Program, started in 1989, enhances the art of cinema and the film industry across various social and creative sectors with weekly screenings of classic, contemporary, and avant-garde films.

The Musical Evenings Program was launched in 2014, offering a stage for emerging Jordanian and international talents in music.

Additionally, the Foundation introduced the Grants and Support Program in 2014, encompassing the Arts and Literature Grants Program and the Thought Leadership Grants Program.

The Shoman Foundation has extended its cultural contributions beyond mere establishment.

In an effort by the Foundation to provide its services to all individuals in all places and to ensure that the beneficiaries in several areas outside the main building of the library in Jabal Amman obtain their right to know and enjoy the library’s programs and services, new branches have been established for the library, the first of which is the Ashrafieh branch inside the campus of Al-Bashir Hospital 2018, then the Zarqa branch, in partnership with Greater Zarqa Municipality in Zarqa Governorate, located in Al-Jaish Street / Hashemite Hall. Then the Muqablain branch, in partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality, in Al-Muqablain area within King Abdullah Gardens.

The Shoman Foundation holds a prominent place in the Arab world's scientific and cultural landscape, maintaining strong partnerships and cooperative relationships with intellectual, scientific, and literary organizations across the region. It has been honored with the King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein Medal for Excellence, first class, acknowledging its contribution to culture, science, and the arts during the seventy-second independence celebration of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Foundation is steadfast in its commitment to advancing its objectives and mission to foster a community enriched with culture and creativity.

The former CEOs of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation are:

• The late Abdul Rahman Bushnaq: (1980 - 1981)
  Dr. Asaad Abdul Rahman: (1981 - 1996)
  Ibrahim Ezzedine: (1997 - 2002)
  Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Hamdan: (2002)
  Thabet Al-Taher: (2003 - 2012)

Vision

Towards a society of culture and innovation.

Mission

Investing in cultural and social innovation to positively impact the communities we serve through Thought Leadership, Arts and Literature and Social Innovation.

Our Values

The Right to Culture is Fundamental We believe in cultural justice and its role in developing societies that love knowledge, culture, and science. We strive to enhance our presence and extend the umbrella of our programs and services with the aim of equal access, through geographical expansion with new branches, active partnerships, and digital access.

A Model that Leads Change We believe that change is achieved through building an effective model that starts from paying attention to all elements of culture. We are inspired by the authenticity of our culture in a comprehensive integration, and great creativity that stimulates innovation.

Participation that Includes Everyone We believe in the importance of community participation and its role in empowering societies to own their vision and path towards knowledge. We start in our programs and activities from trying to identify the real needs of societies. We hold an open and permanent dialogue, and we dedicate respect for difference in opinions and ideas, reaching consensus on priority programs, designed to suit the needs and passion of societies.

A Creative Team Constantly Learning We believe that change requires building a successful model for cultural and developmental work, with a team that believes in its ability to change. A team that is constantly learning, and does its work with honesty, passion, and distinction. It is inspired by modernity and deals flexibly with changes to build new effective societal models capable of influencing and leading.

Brand manifesto
To the inquisitive seekers of knowledge 
Those who want to ask big questions, the questions that matter 
To the artists, intellectuals and innovators 
The young and the old 
To those that want to be the change they want to see in this world: 
  
We believe in science for advancement, critical thinking as the key to progressive culture, and challenging your mind to think further,
We create the space and offer resources, 
to celebrate talent, knowledge and effect change

 

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation invests in cognitive, cultural, and social creativity through three pillars:

The First Pillar: Thought Leadership

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, within the framework of leadership thought, seeks to build capacities and provide learning resources for all, contributing to supporting the educational journey. It also works to support scientific research and prepare a generation of Arab scientists, experts, and specialists to increase knowledge and achieve practical benefit for the Arab homeland according to its priorities and needs.
Within its vision to stimulate leadership and free thought in society, the Foundation has worked to create the appropriate climate for the interaction of thinkers, scientists, intellectuals, and Arab creators of intellectual and scientific projects. It also works to encourage dialogue by supporting the establishment of conferences, seminars, and debates aimed at stimulating this free and leadership thought.

The Foundation has worked to achieve its goals in leadership through:

• The Abdul Hameed Shoman Arab Researchers Award
To support and highlight scientific research throughout the Arab world, the Foundation launched the first Arab award dedicated to scientific research and celebrating Arab researchers in 1982. The award contributes to preparing and inspiring a generation of Arab researchers, experts, and specialists in various scientific fields in light of the limited capabilities of institutions, universities, and individuals.

• The Abdul Hameed Shoman Fund for Supporting Scientific Research 

In the Foundation's pursuit to support scientific research, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Research Support Fund was established in 1999, to provide support for scientific research projects in Jordanian universities, institutions, and scientific centers.

• The Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum

In support of dialogue and intellectual interaction, the Foundation established the Abdul Hameed Shoman Forum in 1986 to be a free platform hosting figures in thought, politics, philosophy, arts, and culture. Through the cultural forum, the Foundation aims to deepen their interaction with a wider audience from different societal segments.

• The Education and Science Program 

To build and enhance the culture of scientific research, entrepreneurship, and innovation among children and adolescents, and to enrich education in Jordan by building the capacities of science teachers and students, the Foundation launched the Education and Science Program in 2014.

The Second Pillar: Arts and Literature
Given the great importance of investing in culture, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation aims, through the Literature and Arts Program, at developing literary and artistic talents and skills, preserving national heritage, and promoting cultural diversity by providing artistic and literary activities of all kinds, including: Literature and performing arts, music, creative products, and various media, in addition to supporting libraries in Jordan and Palestine in order to spread the culture of reading and research.
In this respect, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation seeks to enhance the role of intellectuals, writers and musicians, as well as to support their chef-d’oeuvre and ensure their connection with a wider audience. It also aims at enhancing creative and innovative thinking among children, and providing them with an environment to promote and motivate them creatively.
Furthermore, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has worked to achieve its Literature and Arts objectives, through: 

• The Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children's Literature
The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation launched the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Children's Literature in 2006, which was inspired by the Foundation's belief in the great importance of enriching the Arab creative content of children, and its keenness to create a pure and authentic environment that would help and motivate children to read and think creatively.
• The Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library
In order to provide a knowledge and education space for all segments of society, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation established the Abdul Hameed Shoman Public Library in 1986, to serve as the first computerized and fully-equipped public library in Jordan.
• Knowledge Path Library
In an effort to provide an open environment and space for children and youth, aged between 3 and 16 years, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation established the Knowledge Path library in 2013, to serve as a free and vital space for reading, interacting and participating in creative activities, as part of an intellectual and creative journey to achieve self-discovery.
• The Cinema Program
In 1989, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation launched the Cinema Program to promote the dissemination of the cinematic culture, as a form of cultural expression and exchange, and a contribution to the growth of the film industry in Jordan. In order to stimulate critical thinking among children and youth, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation launched the Children’s Cinema Program in 2014, which includes filmmaking workshops, as well as monthly movie shows, followed by discussion panels.
• The Musical Evenings
In support of emerging musical talents in Jordan and the region, 2014 witnessed the launch of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation’s Musical Evenings.

The Third Pillar: Cultural Grants and Social Innovation
The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has adopted innovation as one of its three pillars, which aims to participate in directing the driving forces of innovation, which in turn is driven by growth by spreading a culture of innovation within sectors of dire need and creating an environment in which innovators and entrepreneurs find themselves receiving the opportunities and support necessary to implement viable innovations motivated the influence.

Furthermore, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has worked to achieve its Cultural Grants and Social Innovation objectives, through: 

• The Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Innovation

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation launched this program to promotes an environment that supports creativity, innovation, and productivity in Jordan. Including the scientific and social aspects to enable the knowledge of the society and accelerate the economic growth.

• Arts and Literature Grants

The Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation aims, through its Literature and Arts Grants, at promoting cultural diversity, making arts available for all, as well as enabling the preservation of cultural heritage.

• Thought Leadership Grants

Thought Leadership Grants are a way for the Foundation to promote and spread scientific explorations that address pressing social issues, as well as to provide science and learning resources and educational spaces for all.

Board Of Directors

Sabih Al-Masri
Sabih Taher Al-Masri has been working in the business administration, finance, investment, industry and trade fields for more than 55 years. He is the founder, chairman and member of several, well-known authorities and institutions.
Al-Masri is the Founder and Chairman of ASTRA and Astra Industries, Saudi Arabia, as well as the Chairman of each of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, Zara Investment Holding Co., Jordan, Palestine Telecommunications Company, Palestine, Arab Supply and Trading Corporation (ASTRA), Saudi Arabia, and Sikon for Building Materials Co., United Arab Emirates.
Al-Masri is also a member of the Board of Directors of each of Palestine Development and Investment Company (PADICO), Palestine, and Arab Bank (Switzerland) Ltd, as well as occupies the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees of An-Najah National University.
Al-Masri holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin, USA, 1963.

Mamdouh Al-Abbadi
Dr. Mamdouh Al-Abbadi is a Jordanian politician and doctor, who currently serves as the Chairman of the Arab Region Parliamentarians against Corruption (ARPAC) - Jordan. He is the Vice Chairman of the Arab Region Parliamentarians against Corruption and Head of the Jordanian Transparency Society.
Al-Abbadi also held several, important administrative and political positions. He was the Secretary of the Greater Amman Municipality, the Minister of Health, the President of the Jordan Medical Association, and a Member of the National Consultative Council (NCC).
Al-Abbadi holds a Bachelor of Medicine from Turkey, with a specialization in Ophthalmology from London.

Muna Sukhtian
Muna Sukhtian is the Managing Director of the Microfund for Women (MFW), targeting low-income women entrepreneurs who are unable to access credit from conventional financial institutions in Jordan.
MFW has received numerous local and international awards, in recognition of its outstanding efforts exerted to serve and employ Jordanian women, through its 50 branches located in different regions in Jordan.
Sukhtian started her career as a Management Consultant in the US, then returned home to work in her family’s international pharmaceutical business. She, then, served as Chief of Staff to Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah.
She is also the Director of the Munir Sukhtian Group, and a Member of the Board of Directors of each of the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), the Queen Rania Award for Excellence in Education, the Queen Rania Teacher Academy, the Royal Film Commission, and the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.
Sukhtian holds a BA from Harvard University, and an MBA from INSEAD.

Nedjma Saifi
Nedjma Koval-Saifi is a Development Consultant, and Founder and CEO of INTEGRATED, a leading socio-economic and technical consultancy firm, specializing in Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Inclusion & Gender, Program Design and Innovation, and serving the development sector in the MENA region.
Saifi started her career as a Development Consultant with the World Bank in Washington, DC, prior to working with the United Nations and other international organizations as well, such as ESCWA, UNRWA, CARE and the International Relief and Development, Inc. (IRD) in conflict areas, such as the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Gaza Strip, prior to moving to Jordan.
She has more than 20 years of experience in the development field, enabling her to lead the design, development and implementation of multiple projects in various development and relief sectors in Jordan and Lebanon, valued at over $90 million.
Saifi published a number of studies on education, conflicts, sustainable development and water dynamics, addressing decision makers and donors. She has served as a Member of various authorities and organizations’ Boards of Directors, such as the MicroFund for Women (MFW), ABS Endowment Fund, Amman Baccalaureate School, and Royal Society for the Protection of the Marine Environment in Jordan. She also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.
Saifi holds a BA in Economics from the George Washington University and an MA in Development Economics, and has completed her Ph.D. in Development Economics. with a specialization in Conflict Resolution from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, USA.

Omar Aljazy
Dr. Omar M.H. Aljazy is a Managing Partner of Aljazy & Co., a leading Jordanian law firm, specialized in providing legal services. He is an International Business Lawyer, and has extensive experience in international transactions, legal mediation, international commercial arbitration, intellectual property, construction disputes, transportation and maritime navigation matters, as well as competition and antitrust affairs .
Aljazy participated in the drafting of various Jordanian laws and regulations, in conformity with many international conventions ratified by Jordan. He also serves as an Arbitrator within several prominent arbitration authorities, and is a Member of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Commission on Arbitration in Paris.
Aljazy issued several articles published in a number of prestigious magazines and periodicals, which tackle various arbitration-related topics, such as arbitration in Jordan, enforcement of arbitral decisions, investment arbitration, arbitration in Islam and harmonization of Arab arbitration laws.
He is also a Member of the Permanent Court of Arbitration of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, and was elected President of the Jordanian Arbitrators Association in 2014.
Aljazy received the Eisenhower Fellowship in 2005 as part of its Single-Nation Program, and currently serves as the President of the Eisenhower Fellowship Association in Jordan, as well as occupies the position of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Amman Arab University, and is also a Member of the Board of Directors of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and the Jordan Bar Association.
He holds a Ph.D. in International Commercial Arbitration Law from the University of Kent, United Kingdom, an MA in International and Comparative Business Law from London Guildhall University, United Kingdom, and a BA in Law from the University of Jordan.

Dr. Alia Bouran

Dr. Alia Bouran is an academic, politician, diplomat, and former minister. Currently, she is a member of the Jordanian Senate/Foreign Affairs Committee and a member of the Advisory Council, IISS. Recently, she was elected president of the First Standing Committee for Political and Security-related Cooperation in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM). She also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation since July 2022.

Dr Bouran’s career began in academia, serving as an associate professor of environmental science at the University of Jordan. During this time, she also advised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on environmental matters, led the environment team on free trade negotiations between Jordan and the United States and headed the Jordanian team on environmental multilateral peace talks. 

She became Jordan’s first female ambassador and served as an extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Jordan to the US, the European Commission, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iceland and Mexico. 
She also became Jordan’s first Minister of Environment as well as a Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. 

Dr Bouran holds a Ph.D in environmental science and strategic planning from the Russian Academy of Science Novosibirsk Branch, an MA and BSc in applied environment studies from Moscow University.

Khalid Al-Irani

Khalid Al-Irani is a member of the Jordanian Senate and previously served as the Director-General of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan from 1996 to 2005. He has also held ministerial positions in previous Jordanian governments, including Minister of Environment and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. Additionally, he is a member of the board of directors of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.

During his tenure as Director-General of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Al-Irani took on the task of establishing four nature reserves covering over 1.5% of Jordan's total area. He played a crucial role in developing the national strategy for biodiversity and creating its action plan.

Al-Irani holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture with a specialization in soil and a master's degree in Dryland Resource Management from the University of Jordan. He also has a master's degree in Tourism and Natural Resource Management from the University of New Mexico, USA.

In an effort to reach all segments of the Jordanian and Arab society, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation has established partnerships with the most important cultural, scientific, and educational institutions in Jordan and the Arab world, including:

• The Ministry of Culture

The Jordanian Ministry of Culture handles all cultural and artistic affairs-related matters in Jordan, as well as ensures cooperation with writers, intellectuals and artists, and supports their activities.

• The Arab Science and Technology Foundation

The Arab Science and Technology Foundation is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organization, working regionally and internationally. Scientists and researchers from inside and outside the Arab world contributed to its establishment, along with a number of representatives of Arab and international scientific centers.

• The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in order to strengthen and enable future generations to create sustainable solutions to facilitate knowledge sharing and research in the Arab world.

• The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation

Founded by Emirati poet Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais as a permanent award on December 17, 1987, the Foundation bears his name and enjoys an independent status, enabling it to honor Arab writers and intellectuals.

• The Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education is a Jordanian government authority, responsible for the regulation of the elementary, primary and secondary education system in Jordan. It was first established under the name of “Ma’aref” in 1921, prior to becoming the Ministry of Education in 1956.

• The University of Jordan

The University of Jordan was the first university to be established in Jordan.  It is an academic and research center that aims at providing students with elite education and knowledge, while offering 3,500 research subjects, taught in 18 different colleges.   

• The Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage

The Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage was established in the UAE, in 1991, to serve as a scientific charitable organization of public interest, in charge of culture and heritage affairs.

• The Arab Thought Forum

The Arab Thought Forum is an independent, intellectual pan-Arab non-governmental organization, established in 1981 in the wake of the launch of the Arab Summit XI. An initiative launched by Arab intellectuals and decision makers, led by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal, President and Patron of the Forum.

• The “Watar” Association for Culture and Information

The “Watar” Association for Culture and Information is a non-profit, non-governmental youth organization, founded in 2013 by a young Palestinian group aspiring to pioneer community development to ensure the advancement of the nation and its citizen, culturally and socially.

• Haya Cultural Center

The Haya Cultural Center is a charitable organization, aimed at developing the children’s artistic and cultural abilities and skills in Jordan, as well as promoting and investing their talents in the best possible way.

• The Royal Film Commission

The Royal Film Commission is a leading Jordanian institution, aimed at developing an internationally-competitive Jordanian film industry.

• The Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils

The Federation of Arab Scientific Research Councils is a Khartoum-based, Arab diplomatic organization, in charge of coordinating efforts and exchanging experiences among various Arab scientific research authorities and centers.

• Noor Al-Hussein Foundation

The Noor Al-Hussein Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organization, aimed at developing poor and disadvantaged communities, by creating economic opportunities, developing skills and self-reliance capacities, as well as improving livelihoods through the projects it carries out in this respect.

• The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) was established in 1946, as a result of an unanimous vote at the very first session of the United Nations General Assembly. It is the driving force that helps build a world in which the rights of every child are fulfilled and realized.

• Centre for Arab Unity Studies

The Centre for Arab Unity Studies is a non-governmental, notarial institution, which tackles Arab issues, and presents solutions thereto, through holding seminars, conferences and special studies on Arabs and the challenges facing them. It focuses on the development of political, economic, developmental, educational, intellectual and philosophical studies.

• The Dubai Municipality

The Dubai Municipality is one of the largest governmental institutions in the UAE, in terms of the services it provides and the projects and works it undertakes. It is, therefore, deemed as the leading and driving institution ensuring the growth and development of the Emirate of Dubai.

• The Royal Library of Alexandria

The Royal Library of Alexandria reestablish in 2002 to regain its old place in history. It constitutes a huge cultural complex, where art meets history, philosophy and sciences. Hence, various activities offered to the public have also made it a place for open discussion, dialogue and understanding.

• Al-Saeed Foundation for Science and Culture

Al-Saeed Foundation for Science and Culture is a Yemeni scientific and cultural foundation, established in 1996 in Taiz. It is in charge of encouraging and promoting serious scientific research, provided that it leads to increased knowledge and yields practical benefits. It also contributes to the graduation and development of a generation of scientists, experts and specialists in the fields of basic, applied, technological and developmental natural sciences.

• The International Studies Association

The International Studies Association, headed by Professor Rashid Idris, aims at clarifying visions, and monitoring proposals and ideas that would promote the concept of integration among countries. It publishes the "International Studies" magazine, and occupies a prominent position in the national and international media and cultural landscape.

• The Aseelah International Cultural Forum

The Aseelah International Cultural Forum is a cultural forum and platform, where the thought, art, culture and political elite figures meet and discuss outstanding intellectual and cultural issues pacifically.

• The National Council for Scientific Research

The National Council for Scientific Research was established in Lebanon, in 1962, with the aim of developing and directing scientific research towards meeting the nation’s various needs and promoting its development, through the formulation and implementation of a national scientific policy.

• The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences

 The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences is a non-profit, non-government scientific center in Kuwait, supporting the progress and advancement of science and technology. It was established in 1976 by an Amiri Decree, and is currently chaired by His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait. The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences aims at stimulating creative initiatives, and promoting the building of a firm scientific and technological base, while creating a healthy environment that would encourage progress and innovation.  In this respect, current projects aim at enhancing the public awareness of sciences, creating an enabling environment for innovation, and strengthening the public and private sectors’ research capabilities and skills as well.

• The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research aims at carrying out scientific research and Kuwaiti industry-related studies, as well as studying existing natural, water and energy resources, and improving agricultural exploitation and water resources development techniques. It encourages the children of Kuwait to conduct scientific research, as well as to develop their research spirit.

• The Kuwait Water Association
 

The Kuwait Water Association is a non-profit association, which was established in 2012 to strengthen awareness and scientific efforts exerted towards rationalizing water consumption and preserving its sources, as well as carrying out development services and projects, and encouraging environmental research that would ultimately strive to preserve water resources.

• FORSA.com

FORSA is the leading Arabic portal that provides free access to capacity-building, skills development, and educational opportunities including scholarships, fellowships, internships, and more, enhancing youth's ability to access job opportunities. The website aims to assist youth in finding opportunities to develop their skills and improve their chances in the job market.
 

FORSA is one of the official digital platforms dedicated to distributing and publicizing all initiatives and activities of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation.

The headquarters of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation is located in Jabal Amman on Scientific College Street, between the First and Second Circles. In its effort to ensure access to its services for all individuals in various locations and to guarantee that beneficiaries in areas outside the main library building in Jabal Amman have the right to knowledge and enjoy the library's programs and services, the foundation has established new library branches. The first branch is in Ashrafieh, within the premises of Al-Bashir Hospital. The second branch is in Zarqa, in partnership with the Greater Zarqa Municipality, located on Army Street/the Hashemite Hall. The third branch is in Muqablain, in partnership with the Greater Amman Municipality, located within King Abdullah II Gardens in the Al-Muqabalain area.

In July 2024, the Foundation opened a 6th branch in Ma'an Governorate. 

When we took stock of our activities during the year 2022, we feel proud that we have succeeded in achieving our goals and we know deep down that our accomplishments would not have been possible without three things: the trust of our beneficiaries and customers, the dedication of our team, and the support of Arab Bank.

During 2022, our aim was to expand our activities and presence throughout the kingdom, in addition to facilitating access to our services and developing our operations and programs to reach a larger number of beneficiaries, while ensuring that our programs and activities have a significant impact on them.

Our goals were achieved through the completion of 500 cultural and scientific events, benefiting thousands of people.

We invested in the establishment of new branches and partnerships for the institution and its library in three governorates (Amman, Zarqa, and Karak) and worked to bring our cultural and scientific programs and events to several governorates, facilitating access to our services through digital transformation. We also developed our programs and operations to increase their impact, while expanding our reach through our social media accounts to spread culture and knowledge and stay in touch with our audience.