AGP Executive Report

Press Freedom: Women Journalists Without Chains says Jordanian-American investigative journalist Ali Younes faces charges after authorities detained him at Queen Alia Airport and later barred him from leaving the country, warning the case over his reposting of an opinion on U.S. aid risks criminalising legitimate debate. Judicial Cooperation: Morocco and Jordan signed an extradition agreement in Rabat to set a clear legal framework and procedures for handling requests, aiming to strengthen cooperation in fighting crime. Sports (Jordan spotlight): In the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Gilas Pilipinas edged Jordan 82-81 in overtime; Jordan coach Luis Guil praised the Philippines’ depth, while Carl Tamayo’s sprained ankle injury is being assessed ahead of the next match. Regional Youth Handball: Qatar booked a spot at the 2027 U19 World Championship by beating hosts Jordan 33-13, while Bahrain also reached the semis and secured qualification after beating Saudi 30-28 in Amman. Economy: Jordan’s total exports rose 14.5% in H1 2026 as the trade deficit narrowed, with national exports up and imports growing more slowly. Security: Jordan’s armed forces say they intercepted a guided balloon smuggling attempt and seized drugs inside Jordanian territory.

Jordan–Norway Ties: King Abdullah sent condolences to Norway’s King Haakon VIII after the death of King Harald V, while the Royal Hashemite Court announced three days of mourning. Security & Borders: The Jordan Armed Forces’ Southern Military Region foiled a major drug-smuggling attempt using a guided balloon, seizing the drugs after it was brought down inside Jordan. Regional Politics: Kurds in Syria agreed to dissolve the SDF’s long-running autonomous rule and integrate forces into the Syrian military, leaving Sweida as the last major holdout. Energy & Industry: Egypt’s Petrojet signed a $22.7m deal to build a 22-km gas pipeline linking Jordan’s Al-Muwaqqar Industrial Development Zone to the national network, due in 18 months. Economy: Jordan’s total exports rose 14.5% in H1 2026 as the trade deficit narrowed. Local Life: Greater Amman Municipality warned residents about fraudulent SMS messages claiming unpaid traffic fines, urging people to delete them and report scams.

Jordan-China Diplomacy: King Abdullah II met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides stressing a two-state solution and de-escalation, including calls to resume normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Gaza Humanitarian Updates: Jordan returned 20 sick children and 48 family members to Gaza after treatment under the Jordanian Medical Corridor. Syrian Returns: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned from Jordan since Dec. 2024, with nearly 45,000 returning in 2026. Economy & Trade: Jordan’s total exports rose 14.5% in H1 2026 as the trade deficit narrowed; re-exports jumped sharply. Energy Projects: UAE-backed Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed deals worth $70m to supply natural gas to Mowaqqar and Rawdah industrial cities. Local Services: Greater Amman Municipality warned of fraudulent messages about “unpaid traffic violations,” and announced rubber track work at Al-Nashama Park. Water Enforcement: Authorities detected five violations on a Naour water transmission line and repaired the pipeline.

Jordan-China Diplomacy: King Abdullah II met Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides stressing de-escalation, the two-state solution on 1967 lines, and keeping Strait of Hormuz navigation open. Gaza Humanitarian Update: Jordanian Medical Corridor patients returned to Gaza after treatment in Jordan; 20 sick children and 48 family members crossed via King Hussein Bridge. Regional Security: Israel carried out strikes and ground raids in southern Syria and intensified attacks in Lebanon despite US-brokered diplomacy, after an Amman security meeting. Tourism & Heritage: Work has started on the Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car in downtown Amman, aiming to boost tourism while officials say heritage protection is central. Local Governance & Safety: Greater Amman Municipality warned of fraudulent messages about “unpaid parking violations,” urging residents to ignore links and report scams. Economy & Services: ASE fell 0.21% to close at 4,008 points on JD12.7m turnover; dentists say clinic openings are getting harder as costs rise and demand weakens. Energy & Industry: Contracts signed for $70m UAE-backed natural gas supply to Al Muwaqqar and Rawdah industrial cities. Refugee Numbers: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec 2024.

Energy & Industry: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development backed a $70m Jordan natural gas push, signing contracts to supply Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities, aiming to cut energy costs and boost competitiveness. Development Finance: ADFD also signed a $300m financing deal for Jordan’s general budget and a $40m contract to build and equip five vocational and technical schools across Amman, Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid. Climate-Smart Farming: Jordan and the FAO agreed to train farmers through 44 field schools and 44 field days, targeting water-efficient, climate-smart agriculture for 880 farmers in Madaba, Karak, Tafilah and Ma’an. Diplomacy: Jordan’s parliament speaker met Qatar’s ambassador to review cooperation and strengthen parliamentary ties. Regional Security: Jordan welcomed Syria’s move to integrate the SDF into Syrian military institutions, calling it a step for unity and stability. Amman Projects: Work is underway for the Amman Cable Car project in downtown, with officials stressing heritage protections. Sports: Bahrain finished unbeaten in Group A at the Asian men’s youth handball championship in Amman, setting up quarterfinals.

Jordan-UAE Partnership: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met Abu Dhabi Fund for Development chief Mohamed Suwaidi to sign deals worth $110m for five vocational/technical schools and $70m to supply natural gas to Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities, aiming to cut energy costs and boost jobs. Parliament Update: Jordan’s 20th House wrapped up its first extraordinary session (July 12–Aug 26) after passing six bills on local administration, universities, property ownership, vocational work, consumer affairs, and education quality assurance. Amman Cable Car: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Greater Amman Municipality began downtown preparation and development works for the Amman Cable Car, saying the project won’t touch registered heritage buildings and won’t require new expropriation. Security & Syria: Jordan welcomed moves tied to Syria’s unity and stability, including the integration of the SDF into Syrian military institutions. UNRWA Under Pressure: Israel seized the Qalandiya Vocational Training Centre in East Jerusalem; UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the “unlawful entry,” warning it could deprive Palestinian youth of education. Economy Watch: The Jordan Strategy Forum says Jordan maintained stable growth and low inflation despite regional shocks, while the Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.18% on JD17.4m turnover. Sports: Bahrain’s under-19 handball team topped Group A in Amman with a 35-27 win over South Korea, setting up a quarter-final vs Saudi Arabia.

Parliament Update: A Royal Decree prorogued Jordan’s ordinary parliamentary session effective Aug. 26, after lawmakers passed six draft laws including local administration, universities, real estate ownership, and new regulation and quality assurance measures. Press Freedom: Jordanian authorities arrested and prosecuted investigative journalist Ali Younes in Amman after he reposted an article questioning US aid to the kingdom, raising fresh concerns about restrictions on political expression. Jerusalem/UNRWA: Jordan condemned Israel’s evacuation of UNRWA’s Qalandia training centre in East Jerusalem as a blatant breach of international law, while Israel said it will act against UNRWA “with all means at its disposal.” Regional Security: Qatar condemned Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s entry into Syria’s southwest buffer zone, calling it a violation of sovereignty, as Israel continues to justify its presence around Mount Hermon. Jordan-China Ties: King Abdullah II’s Beijing visit reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, with Xi outlining four principles for Palestinian settlement and new cooperation agreements spanning digital economy and green energy. Weather: Hot conditions persist through Friday, with temperatures easing slightly on Saturday. Sports: Youth handball in Amman wraps up group play today, with Jordan and Bahrain among the teams chasing top spots.

Jordan-Israel/UNRWA Crisis: Jordan condemned Israel’s raid and evacuation of the UNRWA Qalandia training centre in East Jerusalem, calling it a blatant breach of international law, while Israel says it will act against UNRWA “with all means at its disposal.” Parliament Watch: A Royal Decree prorogued the ordinary session of Parliament effective Aug. 26 after lawmakers passed key draft laws, including local administration and university reforms. Syria Delisting Boost: Jordan welcomed the US decision to remove Syria from the terrorism sponsor list, with officials saying it could unlock investment and help Syria rebuild. Palestinian Territories: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi and Palestinian VP Hussein Al Sheikh condemned settler terrorism, settlement expansion, and Israeli measures targeting UNRWA, including E1 settlement tenders. Regional Diplomacy: In Beijing, China’s Xi urged a “diplomatic” Middle East solution and respect for regional sovereignty in talks with King Abdullah II. Aviation/Travel: Airlines are gradually restoring some Middle East routes after the Iran-related conflict, but many suspensions remain, including to Dubai and Amman. Sports (Jordan-hosted): Kuwait’s U-17 handball team closes group play in Jordan today, while Qatar’s U-19 side advanced to quarter-finals after beating Syria.

Jordan-China diplomacy: President Xi Jinping met King Abdullah II in Beijing, reiterating China backs a two-state solution and urges resumption of Palestine-Israel talks, while stressing respect for regional sovereignty and a comprehensive ceasefire approach. Bilateral deals: The visit wrapped with multiple cooperation MoUs across diplomacy, trade, industry, judicial cooperation and digital areas, as Jordan and China also reaffirmed commitments on the US-Iran ceasefire and keeping the Strait of Hormuz navigable. Regional de-escalation in Jordan: Jordan hosted Syrian-Israeli talks aimed at calming tensions after recent strikes, with reports also pointing to a proposed US-supervised “special operations room” in Jordan to prevent clashes involving Israel, Syria and Turkey. Local economy & tech: The Amman Stock Exchange launched an upgraded electronic trading system, while the King Abdullah II Fund for Development rolled out the “Modern Technology Horizons” project to train Jordanian youth and professionals. Sports: Qatar’s U19 handball team advanced to quarter-finals in Amman; Kuwait lost to Iran and faces a must-win match next.

Jordan–China Aviation & Trade: Royal Jordanian and Air China signed an MoU to deepen airline cooperation and explore nonstop Amman–Beijing service, alongside codeshares, cargo, training and ground-handling links. Regional Diplomacy: China’s Xi Jinping told King Abdullah II that a two-state solution is the “right direction,” urging renewed Palestine–Israel talks, while Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi said Jordan wants to work with China and other partners under the UN Charter framework. Jordan–China Deals in Beijing: The King met Chinese Premier Li Qiang and witnessed multiple government MoUs, including legal and judicial cooperation, e-commerce, and digital economy coordination. Jordan’s Digital Push: The Amman Stock Exchange launched an upgraded Optiq trading system and a new auction-based closing price mechanism; the King Abdullah II Fund for Development launched “Modern Technology Horizons” to train youth for modern tech jobs. AI in Transport: Experts say Jordan’s transport digitisation is still early, and real AI use depends on turning data into forecasting and decision tools. Local & Services Updates: ASE inched up; Ajloun’s cable car festival drew 25,000+ visitors; maintenance works on the Amman–Salt road start Monday evening. Security & De-escalation: Jordan hosted a Syrian–Israeli meeting at Syria’s request to reduce tensions after strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase. Culture & Media: Crown Prince Hussein attended the Prophet’s birth anniversary ceremony; a new daily newspaper, “Ahdath Al Mamlaka,” launched in print.

Jordan–China Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing as King Abdullah’s visit continues, with both sides pledging to deepen the strategic partnership and expand trade, investment and tourism. Education & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Education says 170 rented schools have been phased out over two years, with 606 still in use; it also approved five new technical schools and reports no shortages of textbooks or desks for the new year. ASE Modernisation: The Amman Stock Exchange rolled out an updated Optiq trading system and a new auction-based mechanism for closing prices. Road Works: Maintenance and expansion begin Monday evening on a central stretch of the Amman–Salt road, including widening and safety upgrades under a temporary traffic plan. Weather Watch: Temperatures stay slightly above seasonal averages through Thursday, with very hot conditions in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba. Regional Security Talks: Syria’s foreign minister met Israel’s Mossad chief in Amman in US-mediated talks to de-escalate after recent strikes. Humanitarian/Justice: Malaysia police rescued 17 Jordanian children from a suspected begging ring, detaining 15 adults. Sports: Qatar U19 handball beat Iran 24-22 for a third straight win in Amman; Malaysia’s U16 women beat Jordan 4-0 in the Srikandi Merdeka Cup third-place match.

Jordan-China diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Chinese FM Wang Yi in Beijing as King Abdullah II’s visit continues, with both sides pledging to deepen the strategic partnership and expand cooperation in trade, investment and tourism. Aviation links: Royal Jordanian and Air China signed an MoU to boost connectivity between Amman and Beijing, including possible codeshare and new routes. Education push: The Cabinet approved procedures to establish five new technical schools nationwide and launched free school transport in Southern Badia, as Jordan expands vocational education capacity. Public sector AI: Minister Badria Al-Balbisi said AI is already reshaping government work and stressed early employee reskilling and a skills framework for responsible use. Markets update: The Amman Stock Exchange rolled out an updated Optiq trading system and introduced an auction-based mechanism to set closing prices. Security and borders: The military thwarted an attempted southern-border infiltration by four individuals, while a drone-led drug smuggling attempt was also intercepted. Regional tensions: Jordan condemned an attack on a Syrian security bus near Damascus and urged de-escalation after Israel’s strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase. Human trafficking case: Malaysian police rescued 17 Jordanian children from a suspected begging ring and detained 15 adults, with authorities tracing links to the group. Sports (youth handball): Qatar beat Iran 24-22 in Amman to stay on top of Group B ahead of its final group match.

Traffic & Safety for Students: Jordan’s Traffic Department rolled out a comprehensive plan for the new academic year, with officers starting deployments from 6:00 a.m. around schools across Amman and governorates, adjusting staffing by road type and intersections, and running road-safety awareness in schools with booklets for students and parents. Jordan-China Ties: A new wave of attention followed King Abdullah II’s Beijing visit, with analysis stressing Jordan’s goal is economic survival and growth—not a strategic break from Washington—while highlighting the still-lopsided trade relationship and hopes for investment, technology, manufacturing and tourism. Regional Security & Syria: Saudi Arabia and Jordan condemned a bombing that hit a bus carrying Syrian security personnel near Damascus, while Jordan joined a wider group of Arab and Islamic states condemning Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu Al Duhur airbase and warning of escalation. Heat Alert: Jordan Meteorological Department forecasts temperatures rising gradually, turning very hot by Tuesday in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba, with dust visibility risks in desert areas. Humanitarian/Legal Follow-Up: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry said it is monitoring Jordanians—including children—exploited for begging in Malaysia and coordinating for their return, with suspects to face legal action under anti-human trafficking law. Education Admissions: Unified admission applications for 2026–2027 totaled 74,340, with the fee payment deadline set for Sunday at 3 p.m. via eFAWATEERcom.

Jerusalem Holy Sites: Jordan marked the 57th anniversary of the 1969 Al Aqsa fire, with the Royal Committee warning threats to Islamic and Christian holy sites are ongoing, citing continued raids and attempts to change the status quo. Syria Crisis: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned an Israeli drone strike on a civilian vehicle in Beit Jinn near the Golan, calling it a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and warning against repeated escalations. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from 12 countries, including Jordan, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur military airport as a dangerous escalation and urged an end to violations. Humanitarian & Consular Follow-up: Jordan is monitoring Jordanians, including children, exploited for begging in Malaysia, coordinating with Malaysian authorities on safety and return; police say 17 Jordanian minors were rescued. Education: Unified admission for 2026–2027 closed with 74,340 applications submitted; applicants must pay fees by Aug. 23 to stay in the competition. Sports (Amman): Bahrain’s youth handball team extended its winning start in Amman, while Qatar’s U19 team set to face Iran in the Asian Championship. Culture & Tourism: Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve highlighted community engagement and scientific monitoring after UNESCO recognition, and Jordan’s biblical heritage is set to be featured in a “Dawn of Christianity” exhibit in Washington.

Jerash Delivery Check: A panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program says Jerash projects announced in a July 2025 Cabinet session are moving at uneven speeds, with MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh estimating 70–80% of 2025 commitments completed, while other items are still in studies or awaiting future budgets. Heatwave Watch: Jordan Meteorological Department warns of dust and dangerous sun exposure, with Monday temperatures jumping 4–5°C above seasonal averages and desert areas hitting around 40°C. China-Jordan Push: King Abdullah met Chinese leaders in Beijing, including NPC chairman Zhao Leji and SASAC officials, stressing deals in energy, mining, fertiliser, food and advanced industries as both sides seek stronger strategic partnership. Al-Aqsa Status Quo Under Strain: Ahead of the 57th anniversary of the 1969 arson, reports say Israeli authorities have expanded Jewish worship practices inside Al-Aqsa, drawing Jordanian and Palestinian warnings of attempts to change the historic status quo. Sports in Amman: Bahrain’s youth women’s volleyball team arrived for the Arab U18 event starting in Amman, while Qatar won 20 medals at the West Asian Table Tennis Championships hosted in the city. Humanitarian Relief: The UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed will fund treatment for Jordanian toddler Katia with spinal muscular atrophy in Dubai, after her family’s appeal went viral.

Jordan-China ties: King Abdullah met China’s top lawmaker Zhao Leji in Beijing, with both sides stressing a stronger strategic partnership and new agreements across sectors. State firms and governance: The King also met SASAC officials, seeking Chinese know-how on managing state-owned enterprises and improving governance. Local delivery watch: A Jerash governorate panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program said many 2025 commitments are progressing unevenly, with some projects completed and others still in studies or awaiting budgets. Humanitarian spotlight: Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed will fund treatment for 16-month-old Jordanian toddler Katia Abu Al-Saud with spinal muscular atrophy, after her family’s appeal went viral. Regional politics: Jordan and Egypt condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tenders, warning they threaten East Jerusalem and undermine a two-state path. Sport in Amman: Qatar won 20 medals at the West Asian Table Tennis Championships in Amman, while Jordan hosts youth handball and volleyball events. Arab youth push: The Arab Youth Centre opened in Jordan as a permanent hub for leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.