His Majesty King Abdullah II paid his inaugural visit to Maan, a city with deep historical roots in Jordan's foundation, on April 28, 1999, less than two months after assuming the Throne. During this visit, he announced the establishment of a university in Maan, dedicating it to the memory of the late King Hussein bin Talal.

The people of Maan had harboured the dream of having a university in their city for generations. With the establishment of Al Hussein bin Talal University, this dream became a reality, serving as a catalyst for development, modernisation, and social and cultural change in the region. This university represents the most significant project in Maan since the construction of the Hejaz Railway station in 1904.

Fully cognisant of the persisting development hurdles confronting Maan, the King comprehended the paramount importance of education and development in catalysing positive transformation and guaranteeing stability and the rule of law. Maan was accorded utmost priority in the governorate development programme initiated by the King at the outset of his reign.

Maan has become a focal point for substantial investments in solar energy, hosting the largest solar energy complexes in the Kingdom, alongside the Middle East's second-largest station. The first complex comprises nine projects generating a total capacity of 165 megawatts of electricity, with investments totalling $500 million. Moreover, the Jordanian Phosphate Mines Company, ranked as the fifth-largest phosphate producer globally, has seen significant expansion of its mines in the Al Shidiyeh area near Maan, employing in hundreds of workers from the city.

After 25 years of development and modernisation efforts, Maan has transformed into a city with numerous development initiatives. The population more than doubled from 30,000 in 2000 to approximately 75,000 in 2023. This marks a notable turnaround considering the population decline witnessed in the city during the latter part of the 20th century, as documented by the Department of Statistics.

The city of Maan has experienced notable social and economic progress, driven by the initiatives and economic endeavours of its residents. A vibrant local investment scene has emerged, while urban expansion has extended towards the west and north. This expansion has seen the establishment of new residential areas, medical facilities and modern markets. Concurrently, there has been a significant wave of social and cultural modernisation. Women have assumed increasingly influential roles in both society and decision-making circles. A growing number of women have pursued higher education degrees abroad, completing their postgraduate studies at Western universities. Meanwhile, the city’s young people have become actively engaged, with the Maan Sports Club competing in Jordanian leagues.