AGP Executive Report

Jordan-China State Visit: King Abdullah II has started a weeklong trip to China, meeting Chinese business leaders in Shanghai and stressing Jordan’s improved business climate, strategic location and skilled workforce, as bilateral trade tops about $6.7bn. Tech & Industry Partnerships: The king also toured AgiBot, urging cooperation with Jordanian universities on robotics applications and knowledge exchange. Pharma & Food Deals: Chinese firms signaled interest in expanding partnerships with Jordan in pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing, including possible joint ventures and clinical R&D. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Israeli strikes on Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase in Idlib, calling them a violation of sovereignty and warning of dangerous escalation. Humanitarian Support: The Jordan Armed Forces said a nine-truck medical convoy reached the Jordanian field hospital in Khan Younis to keep Gaza healthcare running. Local Governance & Services: In Jerash, a panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program highlighted uneven delivery of Cabinet-announced projects, with some completed and others still awaiting studies or budgets. Sports: Bahrain’s youth handball team departed for Amman ahead of the Asian Junior Championship, while Jordan is set to host the Asian Karate Championship. Tourism Update: Jordan’s tourism income rose about 24.9% in July to $926.2m, though the recovery remains uneven by source markets.

Jordan-China push: King Abdullah II is in China for a state visit (Aug 18–24), with officials framing it as a shift toward green, tech and investment partnerships; Jordan-China trade hit $6.72bn in 2025 and $2.58bn in Q1 2026, and the King toured a Shanghai robotics firm, stressing cooperation with Jordanian universities. Water security: Jordan’s Water Authority says it found and shut down illegal tappings on major pipelines in Na’ur/Al-Rawda and Al-Muhammadiyah in Ma’an, disconnecting lines and confiscating tanks and pumps. Gaza medical support: The Jordan Armed Forces said a nine-truck medical convoy arrived at the Jordanian Field Hospital in Khan Younis to keep services running. Regional diplomacy: Jordan condemned Israeli airstrikes on Syria’s Abu Al Duhur airbase as a violation of sovereignty, while Kuwait and others stepped up de-escalation calls. Sports & youth: Kuwait’s junior handball team arrived for the Asian Junior Championship in Amman (Aug 19–31). Markets: Amman Stock Exchange index rose 0.32% Tuesday. Public safety: Police arrested 28 drug dealers and traffickers in multiple raids, including a dangerous armed suspect in Ma’an.

Jordan-China diplomacy: King Abdullah II is set to begin a visit to China on Aug. 18, pressing for deeper cooperation in green energy, technology, tourism and civil aviation, while urging Beijing’s role in easing Middle East tensions and advancing a two-state solution. Trade and investment: Jordan-China trade hit nearly $6.7bn last year, with China exporting far more to Jordan than vice versa, as Jordan seeks more balanced, investment-led ties. Local governance law: The House of Representatives approved 12 articles of the 2026 Local Administration Law, including key definitions tied to municipal services and planning. Humanitarian health: QRCS, Qatar Fund for Development and UNHCR wrapped up a SHARP project supporting Syrian refugees in Zaatari and Azraq, including 2,424 dialysis sessions for 36 patients. Gaza medical corridor: The army evacuated 31st group of sick children from Gaza for treatment in Jordan. Weather: Temperatures stay around seasonal averages in Amman, with hot conditions in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba. Sports: Korea’s U-18 handball team arrived for the Asian Championship in Amman. Royal family: Queen Rania shared first photos of twin granddaughters Talia and Rania.

Royal Diplomacy & Investment: Crown Prince Hussein chaired preparations for the Jordan–EU Investment Conference on 19 November at the Dead Sea, urging targeted sector opportunities, faster removal of investment roadblocks, and clear metrics to track results. Foreign Policy & Economy: King Abdullah II begins a week-long visit to China (Aug 18–24), pressing for Chinese investment in energy, aviation and technology as regional war strains Jordan’s economy and tests US ties. Local Governance Law: The Lower House approved 12 articles of the 2026 Local Administration Law, including municipal powers, planning roles, and a digital “Municipal Urban Development Observatory.” Regional Tensions: UNRWA accused Israel-linked Jerusalem Municipality staff of entering Shuafat camp facilities without authorization, while Israel’s municipality disputes the claims. Markets: Amman Stock Exchange trading hit about JOD 10 million; the index slipped 0.22%. Security: Army and Border Guard units foiled major drug smuggling attempts using guided balloons. Human Interest: Queen Rania shared first photos of twin granddaughters Talia and Rania, born to Princess Iman.

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s Deputy PM and foreign minister Ayman Safadi held talks with Qatar’s PM and FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, focusing on bilateral ties and de-escalation efforts, with both sides stressing implementation of the US-Iran memorandum and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Gaza & Palestinian Statehood: Jordan and Arab and Islamic countries condemned Israel’s rejection of the Gaza peace roadmap and Palestinian statehood, saying Israel is obstructing efforts for a just, lasting peace. Real Estate Law: A joint Senate committee approved the 2026 Real Estate Ownership Law, setting rules for land expropriation for major projects like the railway, while outlining citizens’ right to object and judicial oversight. Education Support: The government added JD10m to the Student Support Fund to back an extra 10,000 university students at the start of the academic year. Economy Watch: Inflation rose to 2.13% in the first seven months of 2026, driven mainly by rents and transport, while the Amman Stock Exchange saw JOD 8.4m in trading and a 0.13% index dip. Transport & Services: The Land Transport Regulatory Commission began trial operations on the Amman–Ajloun route with JD1.50 fares and 2,000 free cards. Weather: Temperatures stay near seasonal averages through Tuesday before warming again midweek.

Real Estate Law: A joint Senate committee has approved Jordan’s 2026 Real Estate Ownership Law, clearing the way for land expropriation rules tied to major infrastructure projects like the Southern Ghor railway, while keeping citizens’ right to object and judicial oversight in focus. Public Transport Upgrade: The Land Transport Regulatory Commission has started a trial run on the Amman–Ajloun route, with buses offering CCTV, tracking, e-payment and free Wi‑Fi, plus a JD1.50 fare and 2,000 free cards to encourage public transport use. Banking Innovation: Jordan Ahli Bank launched the kingdom’s first “Rent Now, Pay Later” service via its mobile app, transferring rent to landlords and offering financing up to JD18,000 for up to 12 months. Energy & Economy: A feature highlights Chinese-run clean energy projects in Jordan’s desert, including the Shobak wind farm, as Jordan targets higher renewable electricity by 2035; meanwhile, domestic revenues rose 1.9% to JD5.625b by end-July, signaling resilience. Sports & Culture: Jordan hosts the Asian Youth Handball Championship (Aug 20–31) with Kuwait and Qatar among the teams; and Palestinian actor Alaa Shehada won a Fringe First at Edinburgh for “The Bridge,” a one-man show about life and separation under occupation. Royal News: Princess Iman and husband Jameel Alexander Thermiotis welcomed twin daughters, Talia and Rania, with Queen Rania sharing the names.

Public Finance: Jordan’s domestic revenues rose 1.9% by end-July to JD5.625b, with tax receipts up to JD4.126b, as the economy shows resilience amid regional strain. Public Sector Modernisation: The government says it hit 92% of public sector modernisation targets in the first half of 2026, with digital services expanding to 2,060 and digital IDs reaching 2.8 million. Local Services in Amman: The Civil Status and Passports Department will open selected Amman offices on Saturdays (9am-2pm) to handle rising demand. Baptism Site 2030: Jordan signed agreements for a roughly $120m package to develop the Lord’s Baptism area, including a $50m museum, a pilgrims’ village, infrastructure upgrades and a green corridor. Jerash Implementation Gap: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says some 2025 Cabinet commitments are largely done (70–80%), while other projects lag at studies or budget stages. Regional Security: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told Iran Jordan won’t allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks. Royal News: Princess Iman welcomed twin baby girls on Aug. 14. Travel Disruptions: UAE flight updates include multiple Etihad cancellations until Aug. 21 and other airline schedule changes—check before you fly.

King’s China Visit: King Abdullah II will begin a state visit to China on Monday, meeting Xi Jinping and top officials as Jordan looks to deepen economic ties amid Iran-linked regional strain. Public Services Push: The Prime Ministry says it hit 92% of public sector modernization targets in the first half of 2026, with digital IDs and service centers expanding. Baptism 2030 Projects: Jordan signed four agreements to develop the Baptism Site area, including a $50m museum and a pilgrims’ village, ahead of the 2,000th anniversary. Regional Security Line: Jordan’s foreign minister told Iran Amman won’t allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks, stressing it won’t be a “launching pad.” Tourism Numbers: Same-day visitors rose 8.3% to 755,000 in the first seven months, while overnight tourists dipped slightly; revenues reached about JD 2.47bn. Local Governance: Civil Status offices in Amman will open Saturdays in six locations to speed up services. Royal News: Princess Iman welcomed twin baby girls, with the Royal Hashemite Court announcing the birth.

Baptism Millennium Prep: Jordan has kicked off preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ in 2030 by forming a high-level national committee, with plans for a pilgrim-focused “integrated village,” a museum, a green corridor and site infrastructure upgrades. West Bank Security: Jordan condemned escalating settler attacks in the occupied West Bank, including violence around Qusra near Nablus, urging Israel to stop and accountability for perpetrators. Tourism Pulse: Jordan reported an 8.3% rise in same-day visitors in the first seven months of 2026 to 755,000, while overnight tourist numbers dipped 2% to 3.213 million and revenues reached about JD2.47b. Royal News: Princess Iman welcomed twin baby girls on 14 August 2026, confirmed by the Royal Hashemite Court. Regional Tensions: Jordan condemned an Iranian attack on UAE-linked ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and voiced solidarity with the UAE. Mental Health Partnership: WHO and Lions Clubs International Foundation signed a three-year deal to expand mental health services in Jordan and Nepal, including counselling and care at Al Basheer Hospital. Astro-Tourism: Wadi Rum hosted an event to watch the Perseid meteor shower, pitching the area for stargazing and astrophotography tourism. Economy & Investment: Jordan is seeking closer economic ties with China, highlighting cooperation in advanced manufacturing, renewables, rail, logistics and agri-tech.

Baptism 2030 Prep: Jordan has kicked off preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ Baptism at Al-Maghtas (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), forming a high-level national committee and signing agreements for about $120m in projects including a museum, pilgrim village and ecological trails. Tourism Update: Visitor numbers rose 8.3% to 755,000 same-day arrivals in the first seven months, while overnight tourists slipped 2% to 3.213m; tourism revenues hit about JD2.47bn in H1. Syrian Refugee Aid: WFP says food assistance for Syrian refugees in host communities has been suspended since April due to funding gaps, while camp aid continues at reduced levels. Economy & Finance: Domestic revenues grew 1.9% to JD5.625bn in the first seven months; meanwhile, CliQ transactions rose 10.5% in July to 23.17m. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Iran’s attack on UAE-linked ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and voiced solidarity with the UAE. Education Admissions: The Unified Admissions Unit updated its website for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing hundreds of majors for applicants. Climate Pressure: A new look at Jordan’s warming warns heat waves and erratic rainfall are increasingly stressing water and agriculture.

Baptism Millennium Prep: Jordan has kicked off preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism at Al-Maghtas (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), forming a high-level national committee and signing four development agreements worth $120 million for a pilgrim village, museum, green corridor and site infrastructure. Local Law & Land Rights: The House of Representatives passed an amendment to the Real Property Law that expands the definition of “road” to include railways, raising concerns about whether up to a quarter of land can be expropriated without compensation. Refugee Aid Pause: WFP says food assistance for Syrian refugees living outside camps has been suspended since April due to funding shortages, while camp aid continues at reduced levels. Economy Watch: Domestic revenues rose 1.9% to JD5.625b in the first seven months of 2026, with tax revenues up and collection efficiency improving. Finance & Payments: Jordan’s CliQ system saw July transactions jump 10.5% to 23.17 million, with total value up 8.7% to JOD 2.34b. Regional Security Ties: The head of Jordan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff met a US Congress delegation to discuss bilateral military cooperation and regional security. Tourism Push: Ajloun’s cable car festival “SUMMERIC” runs for 10 days with daily cultural and family events aimed at boosting local tourism. Climate Pressure: Experts warn Jordan’s warming is intensifying heatwaves and disrupting rainfall, adding strain to water and agriculture. Aviation Disruptions: UAE flight updates show Etihad cancellations until Aug 21 on several routes, while Emirates status varies by route and passengers are urged to check before travel.

Baptism 2030 Push: Jordan has kicked off preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ Baptism at Al-Maghtas, with Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan chairing a high-level national committee and signing four $120m agreements for a museum, pilgrim village, green corridors and infrastructure upgrades. Education Access: The Unified Admissions Coordination Unit updated its website for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing hundreds of majors across public universities and community colleges. Economic Ties: Jordan’s Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh says the country wants to expand economic cooperation with China across industry, logistics, renewables and railways. Security & Diplomacy: The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Maj. Gen. Yousef Al-Hunaiti, met a US Congress delegation to discuss bilateral military cooperation, while Jordan also hosted regional border-security talks. Culture & Boycotts: Pro-Palestinian groups in Jordan and the region called for a boycott of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” over producer Avi Arad’s Israel support. Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange index rose 0.51% in Thursday trading.

Baptism of Jesus preparations: Jordan has kicked off major planning for the 2030 second millennium celebration, with Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan forming a high-level national committee and issuing a circular requiring all ministries and public bodies to coordinate only through it, including plans for a pilgrim village, museum, green corridor and site infrastructure. Border security: The Jordan Armed Forces said the Northern Military Region foiled an illegal crossing attempt by five people, arresting them and referring them to authorities. Humanitarian law push: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi spoke by phone with ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric about expanding cooperation and preparations for Jordan’s “Humanity in War” conference later in 2026. Regional security ties: Kuwait’s first deputy premier and interior minister met Jordan’s intelligence chief to discuss ways to boost security cooperation. Local crackdown on begging: Social Development officials detained a female beggar in downtown Amman found with about $46,600, urging the public to donate only through licensed charities. Parliament and property law: A House vote on amending the Real Property Law could expand uncompensated land-taking rules to railway projects, raising constitutional concerns.

Baptism 2030 Push: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan set up a high-level national committee and ordered all government communications on the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism to go through it, with plans for a museum, pilgrim village, green corridor and infrastructure at the Bethany Beyond the Jordan site. Legal Spotlight: A House of Representatives amendment to the Real Property Law could let authorities expropriate up to a quarter of land without compensation by redefining railways as “roads,” raising constitutional questions. Security on the Ground: King Abdullah visited Maan and stressed readiness of the Armed Forces and security agencies to protect Jordan’s territory and airspace; meanwhile Border Guard units foiled an illegal crossing attempt by five people on the northern border. Regional Diplomacy: Senate President Faisal Fayez urged the U.S. and the international community to apply practical pressure on Israel to stop aggression and settler violence, and rejected any Iranian attacks violating sovereignty. E-waste Move: GSMA launched an initiative to cut e-waste and extend device lifespans, partnering with Closing the Loop and RGX. Mental Health Funding: Jordan-founded Arab Therapy raised $2m pre-Series A to expand Arabic-language, AI-supported therapy services across the Middle East.

Regional Security Talks: Jordan, Iraq, Syria and the Kurdistan Region met in Amman to boost border security, coordination and information-sharing against cross-border threats, with a sideline meeting between Iraq’s army chief and the US Central Command chief. Jerusalem and De-escalation: King Abdullah II met US Congress staff and urged comprehensive regional de-escalation, warning against Israeli land confiscations and settlement expansion in the West Bank and stressing the need to stop violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Golan Heights Condemnation: Jordan condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the occupied Syrian Golan, saying it violates international law and UN resolutions. Humanitarian Aid for Gaza: Jordan University Hospital received four Gaza children for specialized care under the Jordanian Medical Corridor, as the Arab Army evacuated earlier batches of sick children. Education and Jobs: The House approved an Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission draft law, while the Central Bank opened applications for 12 university scholarships for top Tawjihi students. Business and Tech: Arab Therapy, a Jordan-founded AI mental health startup, closed a $2m pre-Series A to expand across the region; Royal Jordanian selected Ramco Systems to modernize MRO operations. Economy Watch: Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.09% in Tuesday trading. Culture: A Jordanian writer honored Bulgarian pop artist Vasil Naydenov in Sofia for strengthening cultural dialogue.

US-Jordan Ties: King Abdullah met US Congress staffers, stressing the need for regional de-escalation and warning against Israeli unilateral steps in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Diplomacy & Borders: Jordan hosted a high-level Arab Army meeting with senior commanders from Syria, Iraq and Iraq’s Kurdistan to boost coordination on border security and cross-border threats. Humanitarian Aid: Jordan University Hospital received four Gaza children for specialized heart care under the Jordanian Medical Corridor; the hospital said it has treated 59 children since last August. Education & Jobs: The Central Bank opened applications for 12 university scholarships for top Tawjihi graduates, linking study in economics, statistics, accounting and finance to employment. Legislation: Parliament advanced the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission draft law to align training with labor-market needs. Regional Response: Jordan condemned Colombia’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights as a violation of international law. Security: The Eastern Military Region foiled two major drug smuggling attempts using remotely guided balloons. Economy & Investment: Jordan reported 3,801 investment-incentive transactions in H1 2026 and progress on Economic Modernization reforms.