Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS)

Established in 1994 in Amman, Jordan, under the patronage of HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal, the Royal Institute for Inter-Faith Studies (RIIFS) provides a venue in the Arab world for the interdisciplinary study and rational discussion of religion and religious issues, with particular reference to Christianity in Arab and Islamic society.

RIIFS has since broadened its focus to include all issues pertaining to religious, cultural and civilizational diversity, regionally and globally. For this purpose, it maintains relations with similarly concerned academic institutions in different parts of the world.

RIIFS is governed by a board of trustees chaired by His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal. It is funded by an annual grant from the government of Jordan, as well as by private donations. The director of RIIFS is HE Professor Kamel S. Abu Jaber  (Political Science Ph.D., Maxwell School, Syracuse University, 1965). Prof. Abu Jaber previously served as President of the Higher Council of the Media; President of the Jordan Institute of Diplomacy (JID); Senator in the Jordanian Upper House of Parliament; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Professor of Political Science and Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences at the University of Jordan; Minister of the Economy. He is the author of numerous publications and papers.

The work of RIIFS involves research and publication, as well as the organization of lectures, conferences and workshops.

The Foundation provides logistical and operational support to the National Network in Jordan through the Network Strategic Development Scheme (NSDS). For more information, please refer to the document “NSDS Step 4” under Resources column on the right. This document highlights the main responsibilities and services to be provided by the Network Coordinator for the members until 31 August 2011.

Under Resources you can also find other important documents for the Network, such as: Network Internal Rules, Members List and Member Survey Results 2010. 

To date, the Jordanian network consists of 61 members. Most of these institutions work in the areas of education, youth, arts, religious issues, media and research.