AGP Executive Report

Gaza Humanitarian Pressure: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged the international community in New York to enforce international humanitarian law in Gaza and hold violators accountable, warning that aid is being blocked and supplies expire in warehouses. EU Ties: King Abdullah met European Council President António Costa on UNGA sidelines, stressing Jordan’s push to deepen EU cooperation and warning against escalating violations in West Bank and Jerusalem; he also met Kuwait’s crown prince and Lebanon’s PM to back regional calm and support Lebanon’s stability. Energy Moves: Jordan is preparing to supply Lebanon with 2 million cubic metres of natural gas per day once infrastructure is ready, while also supplying Syria with about 4 million; separately, two Jordan-Iraq energy routes are suspended as talks continue. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Jordan raised interest rates by 25 basis points, citing inflation pressures and the need to support dinar stability. Business & Finance: CoinMENA launched digital asset deposit, buying/selling and custody services inside the Central Bank’s JoRegBox sandbox; Bank al Etihad announced an MoU to enter the UAE via a new Abu Dhabi Global Market bank. Infrastructure & Jobs: Natural gas infrastructure for Al Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan is moving into implementation (nearly JD10m); the Public Works Ministry invited bids for four new school projects worth about JD8.689m; Labor set Sept. 30 as the deadline to regularize non-Jordanian workers’ status. Travel & Culture: European airlines are resuming flights to Jordan, with Wizz Air leading; IHG is bringing its Noted Collection brand to Amman with a coffee-themed 50-room hotel; the Jordan International Film Festival opened in Amman, while Jordan selected “Sink” for the Oscars’ international feature category.

Al-Aqsa Tensions: Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a blatant violation of the status quo and a desecration of the site, and urged international pressure to stop incursions. Regional Security: Jordan and Bahrain also condemned Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia, warning attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure breach international law. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Jordan raised interest rates by 25 basis points, but Jordanian banks will keep rates unchanged on existing individual loans. Economy & Jobs: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan unveiled incentives for Ma’an, including major cuts in land and electricity costs and wage support for Jordanian workers, while a JD10m natural gas project for Al Rawda Industrial City is set to cut industrial energy costs. Trade & Ports: Aqaba port cargo handling rose over 80% as the kingdom strengthens its role as a regional gateway amid Red Sea disruptions. Anti-Drug Drive: Jordan reported 119 crystal meth cases in the 8th week of its anti-crystal campaign. Culture & Sports: Amman hosted WAVA women’s volleyball where Lebanon and Jordan won gold and silver; Jordan also saw a surge in Dar Al-Saraya Museum visitors (+44.1%).

Al-Aqsa Tensions: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned Itamar Ben-Gvir’s storming of Al Aqsa/Al Haram Al Sharif, calling it a blatant violation of the status quo and urging international action to stop incursions and protect worship access. Regional Security: Jordan and Bahrain issued formal condemnations over Houthi drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia, warning that attacks on civilians and infrastructure breach international norms. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Jordan raised interest rates by 25 basis points, but banks said rates on existing individual loans will stay unchanged to avoid extra costs for borrowers. Maan Development Push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan unveiled incentives and a JD10m natural gas project foundation stone for Maan’s Al Rawda Industrial City, including lower land and electricity costs and wage support for Jordanian workers. Amman Services: Amman began a new waste-collection system in the city centre as private providers take over phased operations. Sports: Dina Ahmed won Saudi Arabia’s first women’s Asian Games medal, taking bronze in karate in Nagoya. Business & Energy: IFC is studying up to $200m financing for a 700MW gas-fired power plant in Mafraq.

Regional Security: Jordan and Bahrain condemned fresh Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, after Saudi air defences intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh and thwarted attempts to target civilians and infrastructure in several cities. Local Governance: The Ministry of Local Administration launched a Municipal Employees Capacity-Building Program to train and qualify more than 2,000 municipal staff, noting municipalities deliver about 70% of direct citizen services. Tourism & Connectivity: Jordan Tourism Board opened a China representative office to boost Chinese arrivals, with plans to expand digital marketing and push for more direct flights. Economy & Investment: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio of investment opportunities for the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19, spanning energy, transport, logistics and more. Water Enforcement: New violations were uncovered in Azraq and Sahab, including illegal well drilling and unauthorized water network connections, with sites restored and rigs confiscated. Urban Life: Amman Municipality upgraded sidewalks to improve pedestrian safety while relocating trees that obstruct movement.

Municipal Capacity Boost: The Ministry of Local Administration launched a new capacity-building program for municipal employees, training and qualifying over 2,000 staff nationwide, with a focus on urban planning, financial management, tenders and local development—reflecting that municipalities deliver about 70% of direct services to citizens. Tourism Push: The Jordan Tourism Board opened a China representative office to grow Chinese arrivals, highlighting demand for Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Amman and Jerash, and pointing to efforts to improve air connectivity. Aqaba Connectivity: King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba welcomed its first regular direct flights from Abu Dhabi, with twice-weekly services and more routes planned, including Moscow. Water Enforcement: New violations were uncovered in Azraq and Sahab, including illegal well drilling and unauthorized water network connections, with sites restored and cases referred for action. EU Investment Pipeline: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio for the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19, spanning 15 sectors, led by energy and mining, transport and logistics. Digital Transformation: Crown Prince directives are set to accelerate Jordan’s digital shift, including further development of the “Sanad” app and a connected national database. Local Safety & Greenery: Amman Municipality upgraded sidewalks for pedestrian safety while relocating trees that obstruct movement, alongside ongoing seedling planting. Dead Sea Panorama Numbers: The Dead Sea Panorama museum drew nearly 19,000 visitors in the first seven months, with Jordanian arrivals rising while foreign numbers dipped. Weather: Mild conditions across most areas, but hot in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Rally Spotlight: Omani driver Abdullah Al-Rawahi won the fifth round of the Jordan National Rally, dominating all six stages in a Škoda Fabia R5 despite extreme Dead Sea heat. Regional Security: Jordan condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty, and reiterated solidarity with Riyadh. Diplomacy in Focus: King Abdullah met Czech leaders in Prague, urging stronger international efforts to de-escalate tensions and warning against moves in the West Bank and Jerusalem, while also pushing defence and economic cooperation. Aid Bottleneck: More than 900 Australian-donated wheelchairs for Gaza’s injured children remain stuck in Jordan warehouses after Israeli aid-coordination blocked shipments. Culture & Heritage: A Handel “Messiah” performance was staged at Mukawir, linked to John the Baptist’s beheading, blending a Hungarian orchestra with Arab instruments under EU support. Health: WHO highlighted major gaps in access to childhood cancer medicines, stressing survival depends on uninterrupted treatment availability.

Jordan–Czech Defence Ties: King Abdullah met Czech defence-industry executives in Prague, touring new technologies and discussing ways to deepen Jordanian-Czech cooperation in defence and security. Regional De-escalation: In separate talks with Czech leaders, the King urged stronger international diplomacy to prevent escalation, warning against annexation and settlement expansion in the West Bank and violations at holy sites. Lebanon Support Push: France, Lebanon and Jordan met in Paris to back the Lebanese Armed Forces as “indispensable” for stability, and to plan a new force to replace UNIFIL. Aid Bottleneck in Jordan: More than 900 Australian wheelchairs for Gaza’s injured children remain stuck in Jordan warehouses, blocked by Israeli aid-coordination rules. Gaza Humanitarian Impact: The wheelchairs are dedicated to amputee and paralysed children, with families waiting as shipments are delayed. Security Incident: Jordan condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty. Local Governance: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan urged preparations for Jordan’s 2030 Baptism of Jesus anniversary, including infrastructure upgrades and international marketing.

Lebanon Support in Focus: King Abdullah II, Macron and Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun met in Paris to rally international backing for the Lebanese Armed Forces, with talks also covering a new force to replace the UN mission in southern Lebanon and steps to keep weapons in state hands. Regional De-escalation: Jordan also condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif and reiterated “absolute solidarity” with Riyadh, as Safadi and Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan discussed efforts to restore calm. Defense Ties: Jordan and France signed a defense cooperation agreement in Paris, while the Aqaba Process meetings in the French capital focused on supporting Lebanon’s security institutions. Local Security: Jordan’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate says it dismantled three drug networks in Amman and Irbid, arresting 19 suspects and seizing hashish and pills. Christian Tourism Prep: The prime minister urged enhanced preparations for the 2,000th Baptism anniversary in 2030, including infrastructure upgrades and international marketing. Health Access: WHO released a new strategy pushing for better access to childhood cancer medicines, highlighting medicine stockouts as a major survival barrier.

Regional Security: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty, and reiterated Amman’s solidarity with Riyadh. Diplomacy & Lebanon: In Paris, King Abdullah met France and Lebanon leaders as part of the Aqaba Process, with a focus on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, strengthening state control, and creating a new force to replace UN peacekeeping in southern Lebanon. Jordan-France Ties: Jordan and France also issued a joint statement after talks between King Abdullah and President Emmanuel Macron, including a defence cooperation agreement and shared calls to curb regional escalation. Fuel Oversight: The Cabinet approved measures to reduce fuel waste by government vehicles using electronic tracking and automated fuelling logs. Economy & People: Remittances from Jordanians abroad rose 14.1% in the first seven months of 2026 to about $2.97bn. Public Safety: Anti-narcotics units arrested 19 suspects in Amman and Irbid, seizing hashish, pills and firearms. Media Freedom: CPJ urged Israeli authorities to immediately release Palestinian-American journalist Naqaa Hamed, detained near Bethlehem.

Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said the government is grateful for Crown Prince Hussein’s follow-up on key projects, urging faster work to cushion the economic fallout of regional instability, with supply chains treated as a national priority and strategic stocks maintained. Jordan-Lebanon Ties: King Abdullah met Lebanon President Joseph Aoun in Paris, reaffirming Jordan’s support for Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and calling for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory. Green Energy Cooperation: Jordan and China are pushing green energy links after the King’s China visit, including a memorandum to study a green hydrogen project using renewable power and desalinated water from Aqaba. Local Governance: Greater Amman Municipality suspended hiring for “national worker” and “municipal employee” roles since 2019, saying future recruitment will be handled by contracted private firms. Tech & Development: Jordan hosted the World Bank’s World Development Report 2026 launch on AI, highlighting opportunities for exportable digital services and productivity gains. Sports: East Bengal drew 2-2 with Al Hussein in the AFC Champions League Two opener in Amman after leading 2-0.

Royal & Regional Diplomacy: King Abdullah met Lebanon President Joseph Aoun in Paris, reaffirming Jordan’s support for Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and urging an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory. Economic Modernisation: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan thanked Crown Prince Hussein for follow-ups on national projects; the Regent also pushed Cabinet to accelerate work, treat supply chains as a national priority, and maintain strategic stocks. Aqaba Process / Security: The King’s France trip will also see Aqaba Process talks focused on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces. Air Travel Disruptions: British Airways revised Middle East schedules amid airspace instability, with Amman services due to resume Nov. 4 (four weekly flights) and Abu Dhabi direct flights delayed until winter 2027. Local Governance: Greater Amman Municipality suspended “national worker” and “municipal employee” hiring categories since 2019, shifting future recruitment to contracted private firms. Development & Investment: Jordan hosted the World Bank’s World Development Report 2026 launch on AI, highlighting opportunities for digital services; EBRD also opened a new Amman office and aims to scale up investment. Public Health & Safety: Jordan’s civil defence council reviewed winter readiness plans and emergency coordination. Sports: East Bengal begin ACL Two group play in Amman against Al Hussein. Environment: Jordan marked World Ozone Day, stressing progress under the Kigali Amendment and a shift to sustainable cooling.

Regional Security: The U.S. and Jordan launched “Eager Lion 2026” at Fort Carson, Colorado, with more than 200 troops training on counterterrorism, air defence, maritime security, cyber and disaster response—marking the first time the exercise is hosted by the U.S. Diplomacy & Aid: Malaysia announced $400,000 in humanitarian support for Palestinians via the Humanitarian Trust Fund, backing healthcare in Jerash Camp and hot meals in Gaza. Economy & Trade: Amman Chamber exports to Iraq jumped 26.2% in the first eight months of 2026 to about $1B, lifting total exports to 5.263 billion dinars (+9.2%). Development Finance: Jordan signed €96.5m in German KfW financing for education access for Syrian refugee children and climate-resilient water upgrades for the Azraq wellfield and main transmission line. Culture & Heritage: Thousands gathered at Machaerus for Handel’s “Messiah,” spotlighting Jordan’s Christian heritage ahead of major 2030 commemorations. Sports: Korea thrashed Jordan 114-80 to reach the Asian Games basketball semifinals.

Humanitarian Aid: Malaysia announced $400,000 in aid for Palestinians, including $200,000 for healthcare in Jerash Camp and $200,000 for hot meals in Gaza, delivered in Amman via ANERA and World Central Kitchen. Disaster Preparedness: Jordan and NATO kicked off planning for “Dareb Al-Aman 7,” a multinational disaster response exercise in October 2027, led by Jordan’s crisis management centre with international partners. Education & Water Financing: Jordan signed two KfW deals worth €96.5m—€36.5m for Syrian refugee children’s access to formal education and €60m for climate adaptation and protection for the Azraq wellfield and main transmission line. Trade & Economy: Amman Chamber exports to Iraq jumped 26.2% to about JD769m (~$1B) in the first eight months of 2026, with overall exports up 9.2%. ASE Update: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit JD10.8m Tuesday as the general index edged up 0.18%. Tourism Milestone: Crown Prince Hussein visited the Bethany Beyond the Jordan site to oversee preparations for 2,000 years since the baptism of Jesus, with celebrations planned for 2030. Sports: Al Hussein host East Bengal in AFC Champions League Two on Wednesday at 7:00pm local time.

Regional Security: Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said Iran severely damaged the U.S. Fifth Fleet logistics hub in Bahrain, forcing the evacuation of about 1,300 military families and leaving port access effectively denied. Jordan-Gaza Aid: Journalist Rana Sabbagh said Jordan has food and medical stocks and trucks ready for Gaza, but a closed road and Israeli restrictions keep supplies from reaching residents. Aqaba Industrial Safety: An ammonia leak at an Aqaba industrial complex injured 14 people, with some treated on-site and others taken to hospital; authorities said air readings showed no pollution. Public Health: A national survey found 32.9% of Jordanian students aged 13-17 are overweight or obese, with low daily physical activity driving new school nutrition and activity measures. Tourism & Heritage: The tourism minister outlined upgrades to the Baptism Site ahead of 2030, including better visitor services and stronger international promotion. Culture: The Amman International Book Fair’s silver jubilee is set for Sept 24-Oct 3, with Qatar as a key participant and a focus on the “Jordanian narrative.” Sports: Al-Faisaly kick off AFC Champions League Two against Qatar’s Al Rayyan on Wednesday.

U.S.-China-Iran tensions: Trump confirmed China “spies on us” after a report tied Chinese satellite imagery to an Iranian strike on a Jordanian base that killed three American service members, while China rejected the claims ahead of a Xi–Trump meeting. Aqaba safety: An ammonia gas leak during maintenance at an Aqaba industrial complex injured 11–14 people, with Civil Defense and site teams controlling the incident and checking air safety before work resumes. Border security: Jordan’s Eastern Military Region intercepted three drug-smuggling attempts using guided balloons, seizing the narcotics and handing cases to authorities. Education access: The prime minister expanded the Southern Badia free school bus program, adding 3,500 students (total 12,500) and extending transport to about 900 teachers, with plans for tracking via a mobile app. Local development: Greater Amman Municipality reported about JD48m spent on road rehabilitation and expansions across millions of square metres. Tech & finance: IFC appointed Thomas Jacobs as division director for Iraq, the Levant and Yemen, based in Amman, focusing on infrastructure, credit access, digitalization and water security. Digital commerce: Valu Jordan and Zbooni Jordan signed a partnership to bring BNPL payments to merchants on the platform. Health snapshot: A school survey found 32.9% of Jordanian students aged 13–17 are overweight or obese, with low daily physical activity.

UAE-Jordan Diplomacy: King Abdullah II met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, reaffirming fraternal ties and pushing economic and security coordination under the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Regional Security: Jordan condemned continued storming of Al Aqsa by extremist Israeli settlers, warning of consequences and calling for an end to restrictions on worshippers. Money & Markets: Jordan’s CliQ instant payments hit JD16.64bn in value since start of 2026, while Amman Stock Exchange trading slipped to JD9.9m on Sunday. Border Security: The Jordanian Armed Forces said they thwarted an eastern smuggling attempt using guided narcotics balloons and also arrested four would-be infiltrators at the northern border. Travel & Tourism: Royal Jordanian launched a new direct Abu Dhabi–Aqaba service, boosting UAE-Jordan connectivity and Red Sea access. Weather: Monday stays hot in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba, with a slight cool-down expected Tuesday. Aviation/Geopolitics: Reports say Iran may have used Chinese satellite imagery linked to a Jordan base attack; Trump played down the claim ahead of his Xi meeting.