ARDD

What ARDD does

ARDD (Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development) is a Jordan-based civil society NGO founded in 2008 and headquartered in Jabal Amman, Amman, operating with approximately 84 employees. The organization delivers humanitarian and development services through five core programs: Women Access to Justice (legal aid and protection for women), Good Governance (participatory governance), Protection and Relief (humanitarian assistance for refugees), Education (inclusive education and girls' leadership), and Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Well-being. ARDD serves refugees (predominantly Syrian and Palestinian, including populations in Azraq and Za'atari refugee camps), Jordanian women and girls, Jordanian youth, and marginalized Jordanian communities, with field offices in Amman, Azraq camp, and Za'atari camp plus a dedicated emergency hotline.

ARDD's structure comprises three layers: the core programmatic NGO, the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC, established 2018) as an independent think tank producing policy research and comparative governance papers, and the Euro-MENA Initiative (established 2024 in Brussels, Belgium) as the organization's European engagement platform. The organization coordinates or convenes an extensive network ecosystem including the Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF), Al-Nahda Youth and Women Networks, Tawasol Network (Women, Peace and Security), MARFA, MENASP, ISSPF MENA, OPEV, and CLOSER-Jordan. Revenue is derived entirely from institutional donor funding (EU, UN agencies, RDPP, Netherlands MFA, French Development Agency, Secours Islamique France, and others); services are provided free of charge to beneficiaries, and ARDD does not operate a commercial product, API, or technology platform.

The business model is project-based humanitarian and development grant delivery, with go-to-market executed through direct field service offices, community-based civil society partners, and high-level policy engagement at international forums including UNHCR Standing Committee meetings and UN-led events. ARDD has received recognition including the Ethics in Business Award (2023, 2024 editions, with Jordanian Businessmen Association) and the Al Nahda Localization Award (2024). Leadership is headed by Executive Director Samar Maharroub, with Programs Director Zeinab Al-Khalil and Renaissance Strategic Center President Dr. Maryam Abu Samra.

Name

ARDD

Legal name

Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD)

Website

https://ardd-jo.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

ARDD is a Jordan-based civil society NGO delivering legal aid, protection, education, governance, and livelihoods programs to refugees, women, youth, and marginalized communities in Jordan, supported by an in-house think tank (Renaissance Strategic Center) and a Brussels-based Euro-MENA Initiative.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian and development non-profit services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities (541720), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Legal Services (8111)

akta.pro primary industry

Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)

Keywords

• Civil society NGO
• Humanitarian legal aid
• Refugee protection services
• Women's access to justice
• Participatory governance programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Amman

HQ country

Jordan

HQ region

Middle East

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Institutional Donor Funding: ARDD operates as a non-governmental organization funded primarily through grants and funding agreements with international donors, development agencies, UN agencies, and foundations. Revenue is not derived from commercial product sales but from project-based humanitarian and development funding.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

ARDD (Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development) is a Jordanian civil society NGO that delivers free legal aid, civil documentation assistance, and humanitarian protection services to refugees and vulnerable Jordanians through field offices in Amman, Azraq Refugee Camp, and Za'atari Refugee Camp. The organization complements direct service delivery with five thematic program pillars (Women Access to Justice, Good Governance, Protection and Relief, Education, and Sustainable Livelihoods) and operates the Renaissance Strategic Center think tank and the Euro-MENA Initiative (Brussels) for policy research and advocacy.

Product overview

ARDD (Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development) is a Jordan-based civil society NGO offering a portfolio of interconnected programs, services, and initiatives rather than a unified software product. Its core work spans five programmatic pillars: Women Access to Justice (providing legal aid and protection services including free legal representation and civil documentation assistance), Good Governance (participatory governance and inclusive decision-making), Protection and Relief (humanitarian protection for refugees and vulnerable populations), Education (inclusive education and girls' leadership), and Sustainable Livelihoods (economic empowerment). The organization operates three structural components: the Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC), an independent think tank established in 2018 that conducts policy research; the Euro-MENA Initiative, established in 2024 in Brussels for regional cooperation; and an Emergency Hotline service. Supporting structures include the Al-Nahda Youth Network, Al-Nahda Women Network, Tawasol Network (on Women, Peace, and Security), and Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF). ARDD also manages award initiatives including the Ethics in Business Award (launched 2023) and the Al Nahda Localization Award. All offerings are program/service-based rather than technology products, with no AI features, APIs, or software integrations identified.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC): Independent think tank based in Jordan operating within ARDD's organizational framework, established in 2018 to promote policy initiatives for the Arab world.
• Euro-MENA Initiative

Products and services

• Women Access to Justice Program Provides legal aid and protection services to women, supporting their access to justice through legal representation, documentation assistance, and policy advocacy. The program is targeted at women, including those from refugee and marginalized communities in Jordan.
• Good Governance (Participation and Partnership) Program Promotes participatory governance and inclusive decision-making processes at local and national levels in Jordan, working with civil society and government partners on participatory governance reforms and the CLOSER-Jordan Local Proximity Network.
• Protection and Relief Program Provides humanitarian protection services and relief assistance to refugees and vulnerable populations in Jordan, including civil documentation support and seasonal relief initiatives coordinated with Secours Islamique France and the Ministry of Social Development.
• Education Program Addresses education access and quality, including inclusive education initiatives, girls' leadership development, Social Emotional Learning curriculum localization (Tilli Kids), and support for refugee children's learning through partnerships with NAFE and the IRC under the IGNITE project.
• Sustainable Livelihoods and Economic Well-being Program Works toward economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations through skills development, employment support, and economic opportunities in coordination with ARDD's other programs.
• Legal Aid Services Provides free legal representation and counseling to refugees and vulnerable populations, including assistance with civil documentation such as birth and marriage certificates, delivered through community service offices in Amman, Azraq Refugee Camp, and Za'atari Refugee Camp.
• Emergency Hotline A dedicated emergency hotline (telephone +962 77 7387221) operated by ARDD's Amman Community Center providing emergency support, referral, and consultation services to beneficiaries in need of protection and legal assistance.
• Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC) An independent think tank based in Jordan, operating within ARDD's organizational framework, established in 2018 to promote new thinking and policy initiatives addressing challenges confronting the contemporary Arab world, producing research reports and policy briefs.
• Euro-MENA Initiative Aims at deepening understanding and fostering cooperation between Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), addressing pressing regional and global challenges in the context of rapid societal and geopolitical transformations; established in 2024 in Brussels, Belgium.
• Tawasol Network A collaborative platform supporting women's participation in crisis prevention, preparedness, and response within the Women, Peace, and Security framework in Jordan, coordinated by ARDD with the support of UN Women.
• New Generation (GenG) Program Aims to foster gender-just and violence-free societies through youth leadership, civic engagement, and policy influence, conducting research and youth-led advocacy under ARDD's New Generation (GenG) umbrella.
• Ethics in Business Award A civil society-led initiative implemented in partnership with the Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA) that recognizes the efforts of companies in achieving excellence in sustainable entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility in Jordan.
• Al Nahda Localization Award Annual award recognizing excellence and innovation in the localization of humanitarian and development work in the Arab world, conferred by ARDD.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 800 beneficiaries reached through social security awareness sessions
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Secours Islamique France (Islamic Aid – France)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Long-standing humanitarian partnership established since 2013 between ARDD and Secours Islamique France, implementing seasonal relief projects supporting refugees and host communities in Jordan. Partnership has provided food vouchers and seasonal aid to thousands of vulnerable families across Jordan.
• Euro-MENA Initiative (ARDD Europe)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Initiative established in 2024 in Brussels, Belgium, by ARDD to deepen understanding and foster cooperation between Europe and the MENA region, addressing pressing regional and global challenges amid rapid societal and geopolitical transformations.
• Jordanian Businessmen Association (JBA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership to implement the Ethics in Business Award, a civil society-led initiative recognizing business excellence in sustainable entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility in Jordan.
• Renaissance Strategic Center (RSC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Independent think tank operating within ARDD's organizational framework, established in 2018 to promote new thinking and policy initiatives addressing challenges in the contemporary Arab world. Produces research, policy briefs, and organizes seminars including the Local Governance Comparative Approaches Seminars with ODI.
• Independent DiplomatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership facilitating ARDD's engagement with diplomatic missions and international stakeholders. ARDD participated in the 95th UNHCR Standing Committee meeting at the invitation of Independent Diplomat, which facilitated bilateral meetings with UN agencies and diplomatic missions.
• International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative initiative with ICVA as part of ARDD's advocacy work at the international level, particularly regarding refugee rights and localization of humanitarian action.
• UN Women JordancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with UN Women on the Tawasol Network for crisis response under the Women, Peace, and Security agenda in Jordan, and broader gender equality programming.
• UNHCRcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerActive participation in UNHCR Standing Committee meetings and ongoing engagement on refugee protection, civil documentation, and refugee rights advocacy in Jordan.
• IGNITE (Ignite – Inspiring Girls and Grassroots Networks for Inclusive and Transformative Education)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject implemented by ARDD targeting girls aged 15–19 from refugee and marginalized communities in Amman and Mafraq, focused on leadership and advocacy for inclusive education. Funded by Raneem Muaddi Foundation with funding from the French Development Agency and in partnership with the International Rescue Committee.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerImplementing partner for the IGNITE project alongside ARDD, contributing to girls' education and leadership programming.
• Tawasol NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational coordination network coordinated by ARDD and supported by UN Women under Jordan's National Action Plan for UN Security Council Resolution 1325, focusing on women's participation in crisis response and peacebuilding.
• Jordan National NGO Forum (JONAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAR DD serves as a member and coordinating entity of JONAF, the national coalition of Jordanian NGOs, which implements joint humanitarian responses including food voucher distributions and coordination on refugee support.
• Global Mentoring InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for strategic dialogue on the future of aid and localization of humanitarian action in Jordan. Over 40 representatives from UN agencies, donors, international NGOs, Jordanian organizations, and policy experts participated in the strategic reflection session.
• Jordanian Ministry of Social DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordination with the Ministry of Social Development on humanitarian programming, including food voucher distribution, ensuring alignment with official Jordanian frameworks.
• Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordination with JHCO on humanitarian aid distribution to ensure complementary efforts and proper targeting of the most vulnerable families.
• National Alliance for the Future of Education in Jordan (NAFE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAR DD collaborates with NAFE on education reform and advocacy, including the Nidaa for Change project closing ceremony and broader education policy dialogue.
• Al-Nahda Youth NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal youth network under ARDD's framework, providing participatory capacity development and youth engagement in civic participation across the Arab world.
• Al-Nahda Women NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal women's network under ARDD, focused on women's leadership, access to justice, and gender equality advocacy.
• Overseas Development Institute (ODI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLondon-based think tank collaborating with ARDD's Renaissance Strategic Center on the Local Governance Comparative Approaches Seminars series, producing policy papers and comparative governance research.
• Forum for Supporting the Justice SectorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal network focused on justice sector reform and support, part of ARDD's network ecosystem.
• The Human and Economic Development Forum (HEDF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal network addressing human and economic development issues, part of ARDD's network ecosystem.
• Migration and Refugee Forum for the Arab World (MARFA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network coordinated by ARDD addressing migration and refugee issues across the Arab world.
• Middle East and North Africa Social Policy Network (MENASP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network addressing social policy in the MENA region, coordinated through ARDD's Renaissance Strategic Center.
• Inclusive Social Security Policy Forum MENA (ISSPF MENA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional forum addressing inclusive social security policy across MENA, coordinated by ARDD.
• The Observatory to Prevent Extremist Violence (OPEV)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network focused on preventing extremist violence, part of ARDD's regional and international network ecosystem.
• The Global Network for the Question of PalestinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational network coordinated by ARDD focused on advocacy for the Palestinian cause and related rights.
• Localization Working GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity of practice coordinated by ARDD focused on localization of humanitarian action in Jordan.
• Right to Health Working GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity of practice addressing right to health issues, part of ARDD's network ecosystem.
• The National Alliance for Combating Narcotics in JordanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity of practice addressing narcotics prevention, part of ARDD's network ecosystem.
• Jordan International Cooperation Forum (JICOF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity of practice addressing international cooperation, part of ARDD's network ecosystem.
• Tilli KidscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to localize the Social Emotional Learning curriculum for Palestinian refugee children and children in the Arab region, implemented by ARDD.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• CARE International: Major humanitarian and development organization with active programming in Jordan targeting refugees and vulnerable women, including economic empowerment and women's leadership — directly comparable programmatic overlap to ARDD's Sustainable Livelihoods and Women Access to Justice portfolios.
• Refugees International: Advocacy and policy organization focused on refugee rights and humanitarian response — closely aligned with ARDD's Euro-MENA Initiative and Renaissance Strategic Center policy work on refugee documentation and localization.
• ABAAD Resource Center for Gender Equality: Lebanon-based MENA NGO specializing in gender-based violence response, women's rights advocacy, and protection programming — directly comparable to ARDD's Women Access to Justice program and gender-focused community dialogue work.
• Secours Islamique France: France-based humanitarian organization and long-standing ARDD partner (since 2013) implementing seasonal relief and food voucher programs for refugees and host communities in Jordan — directly overlapping in beneficiary focus and funding sources.
• International Rescue Committee (IRC): Global humanitarian organization delivering legal aid, protection, and women's empowerment programming for refugees in Jordan and across MENA. IRC is already an implementing partner on ARDD's IGNITE project and shares a comparable model combining direct service delivery with advocacy.
• Kvinna till Kvinna: Swedish foundation funding and supporting women's rights organizations across the MENA region, including Jordan — overlapping directly with ARDD's Al-Nahda Women Network, Tawasol Network, and broader women-led civil society strengthening work.
• Mercy Corps: Humanitarian and development INGO with a substantial Jordan country office working on refugee livelihoods, governance, and youth programming — overlapping significantly with ARDD's programmatic pillars and donor ecosystem.
• Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): Major INGO providing legal aid, documentation support, and protection services to refugees — directly comparable to ARDD's Protection and Relief and Women Access to Justice programs — with significant operational presence in Jordan.

Regional players

• EuroMeSCo (Euro-Mediterranean Study Commission): Euro-Mediterranean policy research network based in Barcelona producing research on EU-MENA relations — comparable to ARDD's Euro-MENA Initiative in thematic focus (Europe-MENA cooperation) though operating as a research network rather than service delivery NGO.

Broad incumbents

• Oxfam: Large multinational humanitarian confederation with regional MENA programming covering women's economic empowerment, governance, and humanitarian response. Operates at a much larger scale and broader geographic footprint than ARDD but addresses the same thematic pillars.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AR_Renaissance
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ArabRenaissance
• Facebookfacebook.com/ArabRenaissance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/arab-renaissance
• Instagraminstagram.com/ar_renaissance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about ARDD