(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency) His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday bestowed medals on several national institutions and leading figures in recognition of their efforts in building the country and advancing its development.

Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein, Royal Family members and senior officials and officers attended the ceremony, which was held at the Royal Court.

The Royal gesture, which has become an annual custom observed during the celebrations marking the Kingdom's Independence Day, came in appreciation of their achievements.

Achievers included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Mohammed Thneibat, who received the Order of Al Hussein for Distinguished Contributions of the First Class, Samih Darwazeh, Michel Hamarneh, Sheikh Issam Arabiyat, Anwar Battikhi and the Faculty of Media at Yarmouk University that received the Independence Order of the First Class.