AGP Executive Report

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Jordanian rescue teams kept searching a week after twin quakes that killed nearly 2,000, pulling a 3-year-old boy from rubble in La Guaira after six days; officials warned that the 72-hour survival window has passed and shortages of food, shelter, and medical care are worsening. World Cup Drama: Harry Kane’s late double sent England into the Round of 16 against Mexico after a 2-1 comeback vs DR Congo, in a match overshadowed by a controversial penalty call involving Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh and VAR. Jerusalem Diplomacy: The US and Israel signed an agreement to allocate land for a permanent US embassy compound in Jerusalem, a move Israel hails as historic while Palestinian rights groups call it illegal. Amman Transport & Smart City: Greater Amman Municipality launched its second Voluntary Local Review, highlighting smart, resilient urban planning, digital transformation, and transport upgrades; a separate deal also advanced phase two of inter-governorate public transport. Jordan Economy: Jordan’s GDP grew 2.9% in Q1 2026, with industrial activity up 4.8% and contributing nearly 40% of overall growth. Irbid Exports: Irbid’s industrial exports reached $590.1m in the first half of 2026, up 8.9%, led by leather, knitwear, and chemicals.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Jordanian rescuers pulled a 3-year-old boy, Klieber Morán, alive from rubble in La Guaira six days after twin quakes, with officials saying his vital signs are good and he’s receiving care in Caracas, as the death toll nears 2,000 and UN agencies warn tens of thousands still need food and shelter. Energy Costs & Policy: Jordan’s World Bank-backed reform push comes as households elsewhere brace for higher energy bills, while Jordan’s own economic plans focus on turning stability into jobs and investment. Power Interconnection: Construction is advancing on the Iraq–Jordan electricity interconnection, with transmission towers and substation work underway and initial power transfer expected to start at 200MW, rising later. World Bank Loan: The World Bank approved a $700m loan to support Jordan’s green and digital transition, expand access to finance, and boost private investment and employment. Jordan Economy Watch: Q1 2026 growth held up at 2.9%, with industry and manufacturing leading gains, and the industrial sector growing 4.8% in the same period. Sports & Jordan on the Pitch: FIFA awarded Jordan $10.5m for its 2026 World Cup participation, and Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh is set to officiate England vs DR Congo in the last 32. Environment in Aqaba: Civil Defense launched a campaign to clean marine debris and harmful waste from the sea, with Public Security joining the effort.

Venezuela Earthquake Response: Jordanian civil defence rescuers pulled a 3-year-old boy, Klieber Morán, alive from rubble in La Guaira six days after twin quakes, after hopes were fading and the UN warned of widespread food shortages and broken services; the child received first aid and was taken to hospital as the death toll rose to about 1,943 and tens of thousands remained missing. Jordan in the Spotlight Abroad: Royal Jordanian confirmed one crew member died and others were injured after a bus carrying its crew crashed on New York’s Long Island Expressway while heading from JFK to accommodation. Local Crossings: A closer look at the King Hussein Bridge highlights how long waits, procedures, and complaints about informal payments can turn a routine trip into a stressful ordeal. Economy Update: Jordan’s GDP grew 2.9% in Q1 2026, up from 2.7% a year earlier, with agriculture and manufacturing leading gains. Security: The Eastern Military Zone said it foiled a narcotics smuggling attempt using electronically guided balloons, seizing the cargo inside Jordan.

World Cup Afterglow: Jordan’s first FIFA World Cup run may be over, but the country’s image is still winning hearts. Players left handwritten thank-you notes and traditional sweets for tournament staff, with FIFA praising the gesture; Zalatimo Brothers’ baklava and other desserts also got a global spotlight after the team’s final match against Argentina. Royal Visits & Culture Abroad: King Abdullah II was spotted dining at Khashoka in Richardson, Texas, where the Jordan national team also stopped after their Dallas Stadium defeat. Fuel Prices: Jordan’s Fuel Pricing Committee kept July fuel prices unchanged (gasoline 90 at 1,000 fils/litre; 95 at 1,310; diesel 850; kerosene 550) and maintained the JD7 household gas cylinder, noting continued government support costs. Energy Security: Jordan is studying options to expand and reinforce electricity links with Egypt, including a push to raise interconnection capacity beyond the current 500MW. Industry & Exports: Jordan’s industrial exports rose 9.1% in the first four months of 2026 to JD2.808bn, with mining leading gains. Humanitarian Response: Jordan’s search-and-rescue team in Venezuela rescued a three-year-old child from rubble six days after the earthquake.

World Cup Exit, Jordan’s Reputation Soars: Jordan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign ended after defeats to Austria and Algeria, but FIFA praised the team for leaving the locker room spotless and gifting sweets and notes to staff—an image of sportsmanship that’s been widely shared. Royal Visit in Texas: King Abdullah II dined at a Jordanian restaurant in Richardson during the World Cup trip, alongside the national team’s visit after their Argentina loss. Amra City Green Push: The JCDCF and RSCN signed an agreement to create a 1,000-dunum ecological park in Amra City, with construction due to start early July and completion within three years. Amusement Park Tender: A design and feasibility study tender was awarded for Jordan’s largest amusement park under Amra City, targeting operations by end-2028. Child Protection Plan: The Social Development Ministry launched a national 2026–2030 action plan to prevent and respond to violence against women and children. Venezuela Earthquake Response: Jordan’s search-and-rescue team in Caracas recovered 11 bodies, and the Foreign Ministry confirmed remains of a Jordanian citizen were recovered. Transport & Trade: Jordan highlighted its logistics role at the Arab Union for Land Transport meeting, while the Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.5% on Monday.

Disaster Response: Jordan’s search-and-rescue team in Venezuela says it has recovered 11 bodies across two Caracas locations, including from a collapsed 10-storey building, as operations continue. Aviation & Tourism: Royal Jordanian will launch direct Amman–Tashkent flights, with the inaugural RJ196 departing June 30. Regional Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Jordan condemned Israeli incursions into southern Syria, warning they will worsen tensions. Jobs & Industry: The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply launched an “Industrial Entrepreneurship” program backed by a €35m German grant to support 370 MSMEs and create jobs, including funding for women-led firms. Labour & Immigration: The Ministry of Labour urged employers to use the status-rectification window until Sept. 30, 2026 to legalize non-compliant domestic workers, with fee and penalty exemptions. Sports & Culture: FIFA praised Jordan for leaving its World Cup locker room spotless and gifting sweets to staff; Jordan fans also shared mansaf with Argentina supporters. Health: The Amman Field Hospital’s emergency and ICU departments opened for their first patients. Economy: Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.5% on Monday; exports to EU markets jumped 49.3% in the first four months of 2026. Parliament: A royal decree summons an extraordinary Parliament session starting July 12.

Saudi Condolences: Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Ministry envoy Fouad Majali sent condolences to Saudi Arabia after an Aramco helicopter crash in Ras Tanura killed 14 nationals, with messages also coming from Oman, UAE, Bahrain and others. Gaza Health Crisis: Aid agencies warn Gaza’s sanitation collapse is driving a public health emergency, citing sewage flooding, damaged water systems and a surge in skin infections as heat and fuel shortages worsen conditions. World Cup Fallout: Lionel Messi made history by scoring in a seventh straight World Cup match as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas, ending Jordan’s debut campaign with pride despite elimination. Local Governance: A Royal Decree summons Parliament for an extraordinary session starting July 12 to debate major draft laws, including local administration, universities, real estate and vocational work. Economy & Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange closed Sunday down 1.06% with JD11.1m trading volume. Labor Rules: Jordan’s Ministry of Labor says exemptions for non-Jordanian workers during status rectification will not change, including fee and penalty relief. Water Security: Authorities detected illegal water diversions from the Disi pipeline south of Amman, removing major connections tied to tanker operations.

World Cup & Royal Visits: Lionel Messi made history by scoring in a seventh straight World Cup match as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas, with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez also on target; Jordan’s Mousa Al-Taamari replied after halftime. King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein attended, while the King met eight-year-old Shahm Al Manna in Texas and invited him to watch Al-Nashama live. Parliament Watch: A royal decree summons Parliament for an extraordinary session starting July 12 to debate major draft laws, including local administration, universities, real estate ownership, and professional work regulation. Water Security: Authorities detected illegal water diversions from the Disi pipeline south of Amman, including tanker filling and unauthorized connections, as investigations continue. Labor Policy: Jordan’s Ministry of Labor says exemptions for legalizing and rectifying non-Jordanian workers’ status will not change, including fee and penalty relief during the rectification period. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, stressing sovereignty and regional security. Business & Trade: Jordan Export House and AmCham-Jordan discussed boosting Jordanian exports to the US, while the Amman Chamber of Commerce met the tourist car rental syndicate over sector challenges and a 2026 licensing bylaw. Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange fell 1.06% on Sunday, with JD11.1m in trading volume.

World Cup (Jordan): Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Group J in Dallas, with goals from Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martínez and Lionel Messi, who became the first player to score in seven straight FIFA World Cup matches. Royal & Sport: King Abdullah met Arlington Mayor Jim Ross ahead of the match, while Jordanian officials say Crown Prince Hussein’s steady backing is driving a new era for Jordanian sport. Christian Rights: Jordan’s Cabinet approved amendments to exempt Christians from Sharia inheritance rules, allowing property transfers via ecclesiastical courts and legal adoption for Christian families. Foreign Policy: Jordan condemned Iranian drone attacks on Bahrain and welcomed the Lebanon–Israel framework deal, calling for full Israeli withdrawal and UN Resolution 1701. Regional Humanitarian: Jordan said a Jordanian resident died in Venezuela’s earthquakes and urged citizens to use embassy hotlines for help. Tech & Economy: Jordan is pushing digital transformation under Crown Prince Hussein, while exports to the EU rose sharply in early 2026.

EU Human Rights Pressure: European sources in Jordan say ending the death-penalty moratorium and moving toward executions will complicate EU-Jordan cooperation, with Brussels warning that human-rights reviews can affect aid approvals. Crown Prince Spotlight: Jordan marks HRH Crown Prince Hussein’s 32nd birthday, highlighting his role in modernising government services and pushing a tech-led national agenda. Digital Push: Under the Crown Prince’s supervision, Jordan is accelerating AI and digital government initiatives, including platforms and services aimed at boosting the knowledge economy. Energy & Jobs: Experts say expanding renewables plus green hydrogen and ammonia can strengthen energy security, attract investment, and support multiple sectors. Tourism & Heritage: Ajloun launches “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs for eco-tourism while keeping water use for irrigation. World Cup in Jordan & Abroad: Jordan’s final group match vs Argentina is set for 5:00 AM screenings and public security plans across governorates, while fans in Texas celebrate the team’s first-ever World Cup qualification.

World Cup & Jordanian pride: Jordan’s debut at FIFA World Cup 2026 ends after a 2-1 comeback loss to Algeria, but fans are still rallying for Saturday’s final Group J match vs Argentina in Dallas, with Jordanians in North Texas packing events like the free “Visit Jordan Experience” at Levitt Pavilion. Sports & nerves: Jordan coach Jamal Sellami says the team will face a top Argentina side even if Lionel Messi is likely to be rested, while some supporters worry Messi’s training video could “send” him into overdrive. Air cargo & growth: Royal Jordanian says it’s pushing fleet and cargo expansion, including plans to grow with Airbus A330F aircraft. Security & drugs: Jordan’s army says it foiled a narcotics smuggling attempt using electronically guided balloons. Regional humanitarian aid: Jordan dispatched search, rescue and medical teams to help after Venezuela’s earthquakes, with a field hospital and supplies expected soon. EU ties: The Jordan–EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19 will proceed as scheduled, the EU ambassador says. Economy watch: Amman Stock Exchange trading hit JD12.7m on Thursday, with the index up 0.54%.

Humanitarian Response: Jordan sent search-and-rescue teams and medical staff to Venezuela after twin earthquakes, with a field hospital and aid supplies expected to follow. Regional Diplomacy: The EU says the Jordan–EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19 will proceed as scheduled, while reiterating near-100 million euros in annual refugee support. Security & Drugs: The army thwarted a narcotics smuggling attempt using electronically guided balloons, and Saudi authorities seized 1.4 million amphetamine pills hidden inside a rock-crushing machine, arresting a Jordanian resident and three Saudis. Economy & Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.54% to 3,865 points on JD12.7m turnover. Public Policy: Jordan resumed executions after nearly nine years, executing six people in terrorism and serious criminal cases. Sports & Society: Jordan’s World Cup run ended after a 2-1 loss to Algeria, but fans kept celebrating, including a Jordan Tourism Board festival in Arlington.

Death Penalty Resumes: Jordan has executed six people after nearly nine years without executions, citing deterrence and national security needs, a move that again puts it at odds with European opposition to capital punishment. Regional Diplomacy: Ireland’s departing ambassador to Amman said Dublin will keep backing Jordan and the two-state solution, highlighting education links and humanitarian support. Humanitarian Aid: Jordan sent its ninth aid convoy to Lebanon—20 trucks coordinated with the armed forces, foreign ministry, WFP and UNRWA—and also dispatched medical and logistical supplies to surgical stations in Ramallah and Jenin. Security Crackdown: Authorities seized 1.4 million amphetamine pills hidden inside a rock-crusher machine, arresting suspects including Saudi citizens and a Jordanian resident. Economy & Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange logged JD12.7m in trading volume as the index rose 0.54%; exchange companies also report strong dinar demand tied to exports and remittances. Energy & Industry: Jordan announced proven uranium reserves for up to 80 years and said renewable systems connected to JEPCO’s grid surpassed 40,000 installations. Sports Tragedy: A 15-year-old fan died after a crowd crush during a World Cup screening in Amman; the national team observed a minute of silence as preparations continue for Argentina.

Humanitarian Aid: Jordan sent its 9th humanitarian convoy to Lebanon—20 trucks organised by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation with the Armed Forces, Foreign Ministry, WFP and UNRWA—aimed at urgent needs and public health support. Economy & Trade: National exports rose 7.3% in the first four months of 2026 to JD2.956bn, while the trade deficit narrowed 13.4% to JD2.694bn, as re-exports and key sectors like fertilisers and pharmaceuticals grew. Finance & Currency: Exchange companies reported strong demand for the dinar, linked to export momentum and remittances; foreign reserves reached $27.2bn by end of May. Energy Transition: Renewable energy systems connected to the JEPCO grid topped 40,329 by end-2025, with installed capacity above 716MW. Jobs & Green Finance: JLGC launched “Guarantee for Employment” (KfW-funded) and “Green Finance Guarantee” to expand SME lending for jobs and energy/environment projects. Sports & Public Safety: Jordan mourned 15-year-old Zaid Al-Damasi, who died in a crowd crush during a World Cup screening; the national team observed a minute of silence as preparations continue for Argentina. Regional Security/Drugs: Jordan seized about 150,000 Captagon pills at the Jaber border in a joint operation with Syria. Energy Security: Jordan announced proven uranium reserves of around 42,000 tons, said to cover nuclear needs for up to 80 years.

World Cup, but make it Jordan: After Jordan’s 2-1 loss to Algeria, the team left a spotless locker room with sweets and a thank-you note for stadium staff, turning a painful exit into a viral “nice” moment. Royal diplomacy in Silicon Valley: Crown Prince Hussein met US tech leaders in California, discussing cooperation on AI, fintech, education tech and autonomous logistics, as Jordan positions itself as a regional tech hub. Air connectivity boost: Royal Jordanian launched a direct Amman–Vienna route with four weekly flights, aiming to strengthen tourism and trade links with Central Europe. Trade snapshot: Jordan’s national exports rose 7.3% in the first four months of 2026, while the trade deficit narrowed 13.4%, driven by garments, fertilizers and potash. Human rights pressure: Human Rights Watch urged Jordan to reinstate a death-penalty moratorium after six executions. Water security focus: Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez called for a new water project approach, including desalination, deep groundwater and reducing water loss.

World Cup Safety: One person was killed and eight others injured in a stampede at Hashemite Square in central Amman during a public screening of Jordan’s World Cup match against Algeria, as thousands gathered to watch the 2-1 defeat; authorities say an investigation is ongoing. Aviation & Tourism: Royal Jordanian launched a new direct Amman–Vienna route with four weekly flights starting Wednesday, aiming to boost European connectivity and tourism. Urban Governance: The Cabinet approved a new Building Permits and Oversight System for Greater Amman, using digital tools to streamline licensing, cut duplication, and improve transparency and timelines. Public Transport: Government approved adding 30 buses to inter-governorate routes—15 on Karak–Zarqa and 15 on Karak–Aqaba—equipped with electronic payments and tracking for scheduled service. Energy & Water: Jordan and Japan will fund small-scale water harvesting infrastructure in Wadi Araba via the Jordan–Japan Counterpart Fund, while researchers highlight grid-forming BESS performance to stabilize utility-scale solar PV. Diplomacy & Business: Crown Prince Hussein met US tech entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and visited Zipline, while Jordan’s House speaker discussed expanding ties with Azerbaijan’s PM.