AGP Executive Report

Rail & Logistics: Jordan moved into the implementation phase of the Aqaba–Shidiya–Maan railway, a $2.5bn, 403km project meant to cut transport costs, boost southern logistics, and strengthen Aqaba’s role as a gateway to the GCC, Syria, Türkiye and Europe. Investment Incentives: The Cabinet approved incentives for vehicle assembly and manufacturing in the Zarqa Development Zone, including electricity and land-price subsidies, tax exemptions, and export-related income tax relief tied to local jobs and industrial activity. Economic Outlook: The World Bank kept Jordan’s growth forecast at 2.7% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, citing resilience despite regional shocks. Business Sentiment: Jordan Strategy Forum data showed investor confidence up 21.9% in Q2 2026, with higher economic activity confidence and improved FDI inflows. Urban Planning: Amman faces a major growth-management test, with about 62% of municipal land still undeveloped; experts say Regulation 81 could reshape how the capital expands. Finance & Risk: Jordan Kuwait Bank Group published its first standalone 2025 climate report, outlining governance, strategy, risk management and emissions measurement. Insurance Sector: The GAIF 35 conference opened at the Dead Sea under “Insurance: Back to the Principles,” focusing on cooperation, digital change and policyholder protection. Agriculture: Calls are growing to shift toward high-value crops like carob and saffron to maximize returns from scarce water.

Aqaba Rail Deal: Jordan and the UAE broke ground on the $2.3bn Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan railway, a 403km freight line aimed at cutting transport costs and boosting mining exports, with plans to move about 16m tonnes annually of phosphate and potash. Investor Mood: The Jordan Investor Confidence Index rose 21.9% in Q2 to 186.6 points, led by stronger economic activity and GDP growth, though monetary-system confidence dipped and industrial production fell for a third straight quarter. Education Allowance Clarification: Jordan denied reports of an increase to education allowances for diplomats’ children abroad, saying the existing 2019 rules cap coverage at 75% of tuition (up to JOD 8,500 annually) and require invoices. Jobs vs Growth Reality: A new commentary argues GDP gains aren’t translating into household security in Amman, where rent and living costs still drive people to seek extra income or freelance work. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attempts to target Mecca and Medina, reaffirming solidarity with Riyadh and support for Yemen’s legitimate government. Insurance Sector: The Central Bank inaugurated GAIF’s 35th conference at the Dead Sea, highlighting insurance’s role in financial stability and the 2026 Insurance Contracts Law.

Economic Outlook: Jordan Investor Confidence Index climbed 21.9% in Q2 to 186.6 points, with gains in economic activity and a rise in real GDP growth to 3% (from 2.8% a year earlier). Foreign direct investment reached JD457.5m, while total Central Bank reserves stood at JD18.49bn. Mega Infrastructure: King Abdullah and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled broke ground on the $2.3bn Aqaba–Shidiya–Maan rail link, a 403-km project aimed at cutting mining transport costs and boosting exports. Finance & Business: Jordan Ahli Bank appointed Suleiman Abu Khader as Chief Wholesale Banking Officer to strengthen corporate and SME banking and digital growth. Insurance Sector: GAIF’s 35th conference opened at the Dead Sea, with CBJ Governor Adel Sharkas highlighting the 2026 Insurance Contracts Law and growth in premiums. City Services: Greater Amman Municipality issued emergency measures for expected weather, urging residents and businesses to prevent flooding and secure basements and warehouses. Markets: Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.26% to 4,204 points on JD20.8m turnover. Regional Trade & Security: Jordan-UAE rail plans and broader regional tensions also featured amid renewed focus on West Bank governance proposals and shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz.

Aviation Security & Regional Trade: Jordan’s role in the Flydubai cockpit-attack case is back in focus after reports say an Omani co-pilot tried to crash the Israel-bound flight into Ben Gurion, with passengers and the captain stopping the attempt and investigators pointing to multiple security failures across countries. Cybercrime & Law Enforcement: Jordan detained a suspected ShinyHunters hacker, “Rey” (Saif al-Din Khader), and he is reportedly cooperating with the FBI to track down other members after the group’s alleged breach of FBI systems. Economic Governance: RASED says the government has completed 17 of 85 Economic Modernisation Vision projects for 2026 (20%), with some projects not started and others delayed, while MPs’ ratings on performance remain mixed. Innovation & Competitiveness: Jordan climbed to 60th in WIPO’s 2026 Global Innovation Index and ranked 5th in the Arab world, highlighting progress in knowledge-driven innovation. Agribusiness & Exports: Jordan’s date sector drew over $500m in investment, exports about 65% of output, and targets JD150m in annual export revenues as new areas reach full production. Banking & Consumer Finance: Jordan Ahli Bank launched “Service Now, Pay Later” via its mobile app, offering financing up to JOD 10,000 for services with up to 12-month repayment. Tourism & Cross-Border Cooperation: Jordanian tourism bodies met Syria’s sector to push joint marketing and streamline entry/visa and border procedures to boost tourist flows.

Economic Modernisation: RASED says the government has finished 17 of 85 Economic Modernisation Vision projects for 2026 (20% completion), with 3 projects not started and 9 delayed, while MPs’ ratings remain mixed on jobs and living costs. Banking & Consumer Finance: Jordan Ahli Bank launched “Service Now, Pay Later” via its mobile app, financing education, healthcare, weddings, home/auto maintenance, insurance, travel and government services up to JOD 10,000 with up to 12 months to repay. Digital Services for Business: JFDA begins a pilot of 35 e-services for food, pharmaceuticals and medical devices to speed procedures and improve the business environment, with feedback feeding into a full rollout. Social Protection Digitisation: SSC reports 619,000 users adopted its mobile app since launch, adding 30+ services and expanding access for Jordanians abroad without a digital identity. Innovation & Tourism: Jordan ranks 5th in the Arab world and 60th globally in WIPO’s 2026 innovation index; Jordan and Syria’s tourism bodies agreed to push joint programmes and easier entry/visa steps. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers in the Jordan Valley renewed calls for price controls and tighter checks on agri-inputs as regulators and e-services expand. Governance & Politics: RASED’s assessment of PM Jafar Hassan’s two-year performance points to broad support for a cabinet reshuffle, with many MPs and parties backing a wider change. Regional Business Risk: Jordan confirmed arrest of a suspected ShinyHunters hacker linked to FBI data theft claims, with cooperation with US investigators reported.

Digital Economy & Jobs: The World Bank is close to approving a restructuring of Jordan’s $200m Youth, Technology and Jobs Project, extending the closing date to Aug. 31, 2028 and reallocating $3.8m—adding $2m for employment support (on-the-job training and wage incentives) while keeping total cost unchanged; progress includes 5,935 beneficiaries reporting new income opportunities and 12,429 receiving digital skills training. Banking: Jordan Kuwait Bank posted JOD 57.6m net profit for H1 2026, with assets at JOD 5.359bn and strong capital and liquidity buffers (CAR 23.94%, LCR 256%). Trade & Industry: Amman Chamber says exports covered by certificates of origin rose 20.7% to JD1.188bn in the first nine months, led by Iraq; separately, industrial exports grew 7.3% to JD5.17bn in the first seven months, with chemical/cosmetics and leather/garments leading. Regulation & Transport: The Land Transport Regulatory Authority will tighten oversight of app-based taxis (Uber/Careem/Jeeny etc.), with guarantee penalties for licensing and driver-permit violations and field inspections starting Oct. 7. Road Safety: PSD launches a winter roadworthiness campaign giving motorists one week to fix defects before citations, with drive-through inspection lanes across governorates. Food Security: Jordan reports wheat stocks covering 6.4 months locally plus contracted imports, bringing total coverage to about 9.6 months, as food security is framed as part of national risk management.

Jordan Exports Watch: Jordan’s exports to Iraq jumped 20.4% to JD632m in the first seven months of 2026, while imports from Iraq fell 56.6% to JD43m, widening the trade surplus to about JD589m. Industrial Output: Jordanian industrial exports climbed 7.3% to JD5.17bn in the first seven months, with most industrial sectors growing; chemicals and cosmetics led at JD1.207bn. Trade Facilitation: Amman Chamber of Commerce certificates of origin rose 20.7% to JD1.188bn in nine months, with 34,558 certificates issued. Transport Regulation: Jordan’s transport authority tightened app-based taxi oversight, warning Uber/Careem and others about fare compliance and vehicle/driver licensing checks, with guarantee deductions and a field inspection campaign starting Oct. 7. Food Security: Jordan’s wheat and barley reserves cover roughly 9.6 and 9.5 months respectively, but the focus is shifting toward boosting local production. Economy in Motion: Real GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, driven by stronger manufacturing and productive sectors. Cyber Security: Reuters reports a suspected ShinyHunters hacker was detained in Jordan and is cooperating with the FBI.

Jordan Economy: Jordan’s real GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, with the productive economy—especially manufacturing and related activities—driving the improvement, according to Department of Statistics estimates. Food Security: Jordan is relying on strategic wheat and barley reserves—covering roughly 6.4 months of consumption for wheat from stored stocks plus contracted supplies—while policymakers face the bigger question of how to boost sustainable local production. Transport & Trade: Arab Bridge Maritime reported a record $40M profit for the first nine months of 2026, citing stronger revenues and fleet expansion plans. Environment: Amman was named the Arab Environmental Capital, with the next phase focused on waste management, recycling, greener spaces, air quality and sustainable transport. Aviation Watch: Reports on the Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv cockpit incident and emergency codes are keeping regional aviation security in the spotlight. Regional Air Links: Eurowings will launch direct flights to Baghdad from Berlin and Düsseldorf from Dec. 10, adding to Middle East connectivity. Business & Markets: Jordan’s population and housing census begins nationwide, while Amman’s business scene continues to be shaped by local governance and economic momentum.

Jordan Economy: Jordan’s GDP growth hit about 3% in Q2 2026, with the Department of Statistics citing support from agriculture and manufacturing, as the country pushes resilience amid regional strain. Energy & Costs: The Fuel Pricing Committee raised gasoline and diesel prices for October, while the Energy Ministry said Jordan holds 60 days of petroleum product stocks. Trade & Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange saw continued momentum, with reports of companies posting profit growth and the ASE index moving up modestly. Water & Environment: Jordan is cutting water losses by 10 percentage points, and Amman was named Arab Environmental Capital, with next steps focused on waste, green spaces, air quality and cleaner transport. Policy & Data: Jordan launched the 2026 General Population and Housing Census, starting nationwide data collection. Regional Business Context: India and Jordan are looking to deepen textile ties, signaling continued interest in supply-chain cooperation.

Aviation Security Shock: A FlyDubai cockpit stabbing and attempted crash on the Dubai–Tel Aviv route forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, putting global scrutiny on crew screening and aviation protocols back in the spotlight. Regional Business Risk: The incident also underlines how quickly Middle East security disruptions can hit travel, insurance, and cross-border operations for airlines and partners. Jordan-India Trade: Jordan and India are pushing deeper textiles and apparel ties, including sourcing, investment, joint ventures, and AI for fashion forecasting, with India already supplying about $48m to Jordan in 2025. West Bank Policy Pressure: A new analysis argues Israel’s expanding West Bank measures amount to a broader territorial trajectory, raising the question of how Jordan and the international community can prevent de facto annexation. Energy & Costs Watch: Reports highlight fuel and diesel price pressures and potential speed or rationing measures abroad, a reminder for Jordan’s own cost-control and energy planning.

Jordan Economy: Jordan’s GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, with analysts pointing to stronger agriculture and manufacturing, plus government measures, PPP projects, and higher Central Bank reserves. Population & Housing: The Department of Statistics has started the 2026 Population and Housing Census nationwide, covering about 2.5 million households, with fieldwork running through end-October and teams using QR-verified IDs via the Sanad app. Energy Costs: The Energy Ministry said Jordan holds 60 days of petroleum product stocks, while a Fuel Pricing Committee decision raised gasoline and diesel prices for October. Agriculture & Exports: Jordan Valley date palm production is being positioned as a key export-oriented sector, with officials highlighting value-chain upgrades and market access. Logistics & Trade: The Arab Freight Forwarders Alliance held a conference in Amman to push stronger Arab supply-chain links and integration, aiming to cut costs and improve resilience. Education & Tech: Orange Jordan and the Education Ministry showcased “Digital Schools” in Zarqa, expanding tablet-based learning and digital tools for thousands of students. Aviation Incident: A Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a cockpit stabbing and passengers reportedly helped stop the attacker; Israel suspended flights to Israel while investigations continue.

Jordan Economy: Jordan’s GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, with gains led by agriculture and manufacturing, and analysts pointing to government projects, PPP expansion, and higher Central Bank reserves. Energy Security: The Energy Ministry says Jordan has about 60 days of petroleum product stocks and enough LPG storage for roughly 38 days, after reassessing storage capacity via a tender to strengthen resilience. Fuel Prices: The Fuel Pricing Committee raised gasoline and diesel by JD0.05 per litre for October, while kerosene stayed unchanged; LPG cylinder pricing remains fixed and industrial LPG continues to be subsidized. Capital Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange reported 14.3% growth in capital profits and JOD 13.5m daily trading volume, citing improved confidence and ongoing market modernization. Logistics & Trade: The Arab Freight Forwarders Alliance held its first conference in Amman, urging tighter Arab logistics cooperation to build interconnected supply chains and cut costs. Regional Security: Jordan’s King Abdullah held calls with the Netherlands and the UK’s national security adviser, stressing de-escalation and warning against dangerous developments in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Aviation Incident (Regional): A Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after a cockpit stabbing, with passengers and crew reportedly intervening—an event Israel is treating as a potential security threat.

Caribbean-style travel push for Jordan’s Gulf growth: The Jordan Tourism Board ramped up GCC efforts after Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, unveiling new partnerships and routes with Royal Jordanian and ASEZA, appointing VFS Global Tourism Services as its regional representative, and signing an MoU with Qatar Airways to boost destination marketing. Energy security on the agenda: King Abdullah reviewed progress in Jordan’s gas sector, including Risha field development, Arab Gas Pipeline links, and the Amman–Zarqa gas distribution network to expand domestic use. Remittances to investment focus: Economists urged Jordan to redirect rising expatriate remittances into productive projects and public-private partnerships, noting first-seven-month inflows of $2.966bn (+14.1%). Fuel price pressure: With Brent above $107, Jordan’s gradual pricing approach is widening the local-global gap, with the Treasury absorbing about JD224m in differences through end-August. Regional finance spotlight: Amman Stock Exchange was named best-performing Arab bourse for 2025, with the ASE General Index up 45.1% and market cap rising to about JD26.5bn. Tech and AI cooperation: Crown Prince Hussein met tech leaders in New York to discuss AI systems, digital government services, and logistics automation in Aqaba. Local business note: NEPCO warned that higher global fuel and gas prices are driving generation-cost increases that show up as operating losses and rising debt.

ASE Milestone: The Amman Stock Exchange was named the best-performing Arab bourse for 2025, with its General Index jumping 45.1% to 3,611.6 points and market cap rising 50.1% to about JOD26.5bn, alongside a surge in trading volume. Crown Prince Tech Talks: HRH Crown Prince Hussein met tech leaders in New York to explore AI cooperation, digital government services, and logistics automation in Aqaba. Remittances Focus: Economists say Jordanians’ remittances kept climbing—up 14.1% in the first seven months to $2.966bn—and urge shifting more of the inflow from consumption toward investment and productive projects. Energy Costs Pressure: NEPCO warned that higher global fuel and gas prices are widening the gap with local electricity selling prices, pushing operating losses and debt higher. Trade Snapshot: Jordan’s exports rose 4.6% in Jan–Jul 2026 to JD5.509bn, while the trade deficit narrowed 6% to JD5.190bn. Water Loss Cuts: Jordan reduced water losses by 10 percentage points over four years, recovering more supply without adding new resources. Gas Sector Review: King Abdullah chaired a review of gas plans, including expanding Risha Gas Field and linking it to the Arab Gas Pipeline to strengthen energy security. GAIF 35 in Dead Sea: Jordan will host GAIF 35 (Oct 4–7) with about 1,900 participants, positioning the Kingdom as a regional insurance and finance hub.

Public Finance: Jordan’s total public debt hit JD50.121bn by end-July 2026, with gross public debt at 110.8% of GDP, and government debt to the Social Security Investment Fund at JD11.982bn. Insurance & Investment Climate: Jordan is set to host GAIF 35 (Oct 4-7) at the Dead Sea, under royal patronage, with around 1,900 expected participants from 48 countries—a signal of confidence in Jordan’s stability and financial sector. Local Development: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan toured Tafileh, directing upgrades to youth, health and education services, and highlighting an export-focused apparel factory employing nearly 400 Jordanians. Trade & Tariffs (Regional Impact): The US expanded Section 232 pharma tariffs but granted zero-tariff treatment for select specialty drugs; Jordan is listed among eligible jurisdictions, alongside countries like India and Bangladesh. Maritime Economy: World Maritime Day coverage spotlights Aqaba’s push to turn IMO-style maritime rules into faster port processing, better cargo handling, and smoother logistics links.

Prime Minister’s Tafileh push: PM Jafar Hassan toured Tafileh Governorate, directing upgrades to youth, education and healthcare services, including a computer lab and sports field at the Qadisiyah Youth Centre, plus expansion of medical services at Gharandal Primary Healthcare Centre and assessments for Tafileh Military Hospital. Jobs and exports spotlight: Hassan also visited the Classic Fashion Apparel Industry factory in Al-Rashadiyah, praising its exports, 18 branches nationwide, and nearly 400 jobs (including support for people with disabilities), with on-site childcare and benefits. Census logistics: Jordan’s population census is set to start Thursday, Oct. 1, for one month, using about 12,000 field researchers, with awareness materials and a governorate liaison structure to keep operations on track. Digital finance compliance: Orange Money Jordan partnered with ADSTRA to strengthen AI-powered AML compliance, aiming to improve monitoring in the digital payments ecosystem. Tourism momentum: Petra welcomed more than 318,000 visitors in eight months, underscoring continued demand for Jordan’s flagship heritage site.