Tribal Gatherings: Unity and Nation’s Defense under Hashemite Leadership

Professor Hasan Dajah

Professor of Strategic Studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University

Over the past few days, the Jordanian national scene has witnessed a series of tribal meetings that embodied the depth of national belonging and Jordanian unity. These meetings were held in a crowded atmosphere that reflected the cohesion of Jordanians and their commitment to rallying around the victorious Hashemite leadership, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein. These meetings, initiated by His Excellency Dr. Awad Khaleifat, carried a clear message emphasizing the importance of internal cohesion in confronting challenges and consolidating the values ​​of national unity and societal cohesion. This message stems from the historical role of Jordanian tribes, which have been and continue to be a fundamental pillar in building the modern Jordanian state.

I had the honor of participating in this national tribal movement by attending two prominent meetings that embodied, in their details, the meaning of authenticity, loyalty, and belonging. The first came at the kind invitation of Pasha Amjad Badi Awad Al-Rudaini, and the meeting was held at the Diwan of the late national leader Badi Awad Al-Rudaini Al-Khudair in Bani Sakhr, may God have mercy on him, on the evening of Saturday, August 2, 2025. The meeting was widely attended by tribal dignitaries and sheikhs, university professors, and intellectuals and politicians, who affirmed in their speeches and interventions their support for His Majesty the King’s leadership, their adherence to national constants, and their commitment to strengthening the internal front in the face of various challenges. The Diwan was packed with attendees who flocked from all governorates of the Kingdom, a scene that reflects the stature of this tribe and its steadfast national role. As for the second meeting, I was honored to participate in it at the Huwaitat camp at the kind invitation of Sheikh Muhammad Al-Humaidi Al-Dhiabat Abu Sultan, on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This meeting, in turn, reflected the true picture of the depth of communication between Jordanian tribes and their commitment to consultation and cooperation within a comprehensive national framework that places Jordan’s interests above all other considerations. The evening witnessed a large turnout of tribal dignitaries, social leaders, and academics, all of whom expressed their support for the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II and emphasized that Jordanian unity is a solid bulwark against challenges. The session featured in-depth dialogue that reflected advanced political and social awareness and a celebration of authentic customs that have historically served as a safety valve for Jordanian society.

The meetings at Diwan Al-Khudair and the Huwaitat encampment were equally important and meaningful, each embodying a sincere desire to preserve national identity, promote the values ​​of belonging and loyalty, and highlight the historical role of tribes in protecting the homeland and maintaining its unity. Attendees at both meetings expressed their great pride in this communicative approach, emphasizing that these meetings are not merely social gatherings, but rather political and national messages conveying the meanings of loyalty and belonging, demonstrating that Jordan is strong with its people and united with its leadership. What adds value and meaning to these meetings is that they were not confined to two specific regions, but rather were part of a continuous series of tribal meetings, totaling approximately sixteen across the Kingdom. These meetings, which brought together Jordanian tribes from across the country’s diverse geographic regions, confirm that national cohesion is not a passing event, but rather an ongoing process. They also emphasize that Jordanians, with all their components, realize that the nation’s strength lies in its unity, and that the home front is Jordan’s true safety valve in the face of the surrounding regional and international challenges. This blessed tribal movement, with its political, social, and national implications, confirms that Jordan will remain resilient to division and disagreement, and that the will of its people will remain focused on strengthening its security and stability. They express the unity of the tribes under the banner of the state, a constant renewal of the pledge of allegiance to His Majesty King Abdullah II, and a practical embodiment of the truth that Jordan is one nation united by belonging, loyalty, and support for its Hashemite leadership. Such tribal gatherings are not merely social manifestations; they are powerful political messages, both domestically and internationally. They reflect the true reality that Jordan, despite the regional challenges and economic and political pressures surrounding it, remains cohesive thanks to the solidarity of its people, the awareness of its leadership, and the wisdom of its institutions. These gatherings also reflect Jordanians’ constant readiness to defend their national principles in the face of any threats that may target their security and stability. What doubles the importance of these gatherings is that they embody an advanced concept of community security, transforming tribes from mere social entities into national levers, recognizing their vital role in protecting the social fabric and strengthening the value system that maintains the cohesion of Jordanian society. Tribes have never been merely a heritage element or a static social legacy. Rather, they are living societal institutions that keep pace with political, social, and economic transformations. They realize that their duty today lies in supporting the state, strengthening the rule of law, and standing behind the leadership in all crucial situations.

The Jordanian tribal evening at Diwan al-Khudair, as well as other meetings at the Huwaitat encampments and elsewhere, demonstrated that Jordanian tribes remain the nation’s impregnable shield and that they are capable of adapting to new developments without losing their authentic identity. It also affirmed that the national unity that unites Jordanians is greater and deeper than any partial disagreements or momentary calculations, and that the compass will always remain directed toward protecting Jordan and strengthening its position in its Arab and regional environment.

The broad participation in these meetings, whether by tribal dignitaries or academics and intellectuals, reflects a growing national awareness of the need to combine tradition and modernity. Jordanian tribes, which have always been the pillar of the state and the source of its men, are today open to academic thought and political expertise, in a comprehensive equation that confirms that Jordan’s strength lies in the concerted efforts of its various components and institutions. Ultimately, these tribal meetings are nothing more than a renewal of the pledge of loyalty and belonging, and a clear message that Jordan will remain cohesive and united behind its Hashemite leadership. It is a truly Jordanian moment, one in which the glorious past converges with the challenging present, affirming that Jordan’s future will be more resilient and brighter as long as the will of its people remains unified, and their hearts united in love of the homeland and rallying around its leadership.