Jordan's long experience in dealing with oil shale as a source of energy is introduced and discussed. Since the 1960s, Jordan has been investigating economical and environmental methods for utilizing this indigenous natural resource, which, due to its high organic content, is considered a suitable source of energy either by direct burning to generate electricity or by retorting to produce oil and gas. More than three decades of comprehensive engineering and economical studies, and test experiments for both retorting and direct burning carried out in co-operation with several international oil shale companies provide a solid foundation for a future oil shale industry in the country. Oil shale utilization in Jordan should be pursued because it will result in significant savings in foreign exchange, improve Jordan's energy supply security and create new jobs.