His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to Sheikh Mohammad village in the northern Jordan Valley in Irbid Governorate, according to residents and officials. The King visited three families at their homes in the village and was briefed on their living conditions, the residents said.

An official confirmed the visit took place but declined to comment further.

According to sources, the King gave instructions to officials accompanying him to take measures to improve the living conditions in the village.

The sources added that as the King was touring the village he was greeted by residents, who number around 300, mostly working in agriculture.

The King instructed Royal Court officials accompanying him to conduct a comprehensive study on the village’s development and infrastructure needs and to ensure that they are met, the sources said, adding that His Majesty also requested that a basic school be built in the village.

The King also asked officials to study the conditions of all houses in the village to determine those that need to be rebuilt or restored as soon as possible.

This was the fourth surprise visit by the King this year.

The first was to Al Hashemiyyeh in Al Husseiniyyeh District in Maan Governorate, the second to Thaghra village in Mreigha District in Maan, and the third to Deir Al Kahf, a cluster of villages in the Northern Badia District in Mafraq Governorate.