AGP Executive Report

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.

Jordan-US Development Finance: Crown Prince Hussein met US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Ben Black to boost cooperation on energy, logistics, water, rail and digital projects, leveraging Jordan’s regional position. SME Funding Boost: The World Bank says Jordan’s Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) exceeded targets in its first phase, mobilising about $109m in private capital and financing 180 companies, with strong youth and women-led participation. Public Health Enforcement: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered tighter inspections and closures for any facilities serving argileh or selling tobacco to minors, citing Article 63 of the Public Health Law. Tourism Snapshot: Petra welcomed 318,311 visitors in the first eight months of 2026, down 2.1% overall, but Jordanian visitors rose sharply. Sports & Broadcasting: The Jordan Football Association apologised for a faulty TV broadcast of Jordan’s friendly vs Syria, blaming an internet transmission fault and promising fixes for upcoming matches.

Startup & SME Finance: Jordan’s Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF) beat most targets in its first phase, mobilising about $108.9m in private capital (vs. $71.5m target) and financing 180 companies, with women-led firms at 26% and youth-led firms at 43% of venture-backed beneficiaries, according to a World Bank review. Public Health Enforcement: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered tighter inspections and closures of venues serving argileh or selling tobacco to minors, citing violations of Article 63 of the Public Health Law, alongside Cabinet approval of expanded electronic civil court procedures for 2026. Energy & Regional Trade Context: Jordan’s energy minister said China is a key partner for grid modernisation and clean energy, pointing to an MoU with China’s National Energy Administration covering storage, renewables, green hydrogen and ammonia. Business & Investment Signals: Jordan Enterprise Fund reported exceeding funding and investment targets (details not provided in the feed). Sports & Media Business: The Jordan Football Association apologised for a faulty TV broadcast of Jordan’s 1-1 friendly vs Syria, blaming an internet transmission fault and promising fixes ahead of upcoming matches.

Food Security & Costs: Jordan’s rising farm production costs are starting to hit consumers and overall food security, with experts warning against open-ended subsidies and calling for efficiency-focused policy as fertiliser prices jump amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Construction Signals: Building-permit data for the first seven months of 2026 shows licensed areas up overall, but new buildings and additions fell, suggesting more licensing of existing stock than fresh construction—an important distinction for demand in materials, labor and financing. Macroeconomic Outlook: The EBRD expects Jordan’s growth to rebound, projecting 2.5% in 2026 and accelerating to 2.8% in 2027 as energy prices ease and trade bottlenecks resolve. Energy & Industry Investment: Arab Potash Company began construction on a $1.1bn southern expansion project, aiming to boost potash output and strengthen exports while supporting food security. Retail & Consumer Deals: HyperMax (Majid Al Futtaim) marks its second anniversary in Jordan with a month-long promotions push across 29 stores and its digital platform. Trade & Exports to Saudi: Thirty-six Jordanian food firms will join Saudi Food Expo/Industrial Expo in Jeddah, with the Jordanian pavilion targeting supply and market demand across a large regional buyer base. Digital Services: Jordan’s Social Security Corporation rolled out new electronic services via its mobile app, including online pension calculations and faster medical treatment requests. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s UNGA messaging and regional partners’ calls keep spotlighting Palestinian statehood, Jerusalem’s holy-site status, and the need to protect sovereignty and stability.

Macroeconomy Outlook: The EBRD expects Jordan’s growth to rebound to 2.8% in 2027 after 2.5% in 2026, citing easing energy prices and fewer trade bottlenecks, while noting reserves covering over eight months of imports and inflation staying contained. Big Investment in Mining: Arab Potash Company (APC) has started construction on its $1.1bn Southern Expansion third cold crystallisation plant, aiming to boost exports and food security via higher-grade potash and upgraded logistics to Aqaba. Digital Finance & Compliance: Orange Money signed a strategic deal with ADSTRA to deploy AI-powered AML/CFT screening against sanctions lists and strengthen risk controls for a safer fintech ecosystem. Trade & Exports: 36 Jordanian food firms will take part in Saudi Food Expo and Saudi Industrial Expo 2026 in Jeddah, targeting a major regional market with products from sweets and dairy to packaging and machinery. Tourism Demand Signals: Hotel occupancy hit 57% in Amman and 43% at the Dead Sea, reflecting uneven travel momentum. Regional Water & Heritage Pressure: Reports say Israeli settlers have intensified efforts to seize West Bank springs and heritage sites, including diversion of spring water affecting Palestinian farming and tourism. Diplomacy at UNGA: Kuwait’s crown prince called for sovereignty-respecting dispute settlement amid “Iranian aggression” claims, while Jordan’s Safadi reiterated Jordan will not allow forced displacement of Palestinians.

Digital Finance & Compliance: Orange Money (Orange Jordan) signed a strategic deal with ADSTRA to deploy AI-powered AML/CFT screening, including sanctions-list checks and customer risk assessment, aiming to strengthen security and compliance ahead of regulatory expectations. Gaza & Palestinian Displacement: Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said Amman will not allow forced displacement of Palestinians toward Jordan, calling it an existential threat and warning that Israel’s actions could push the region toward further conflict. Gulf Shipping & Energy Security: Trump posted a map branding the Strait of Hormuz “Trump Strait” after Iran proposed reopening the waterway within seven days under conditions; meanwhile Bahrain rejected any permit or fee regime for passage, stressing transit rights under international law. Tourism Demand Signals: Hotel occupancy data showed Amman at 57% overall in late September, Dead Sea at 43%, and Petra sharply lower, while Jordan’s tourism push also featured partnerships and regional travel-market activity. Jordan’s Business & Finance Links: EU officials reiterated Jordan’s economic and security resilience as a key partner, while World Bank funding for Jordan health reform and local banking/fintech sponsorships point to continued investment momentum.

Tourism & Hospitality: Jordan Hotels Association data shows hotel occupancy in the third week of September hit 57% in Amman, 43% at the Dead Sea, and a low 2% in Petra for three-star properties, with five-star Amman strongest at 70%. EU-Jordan Ties: A European Parliament delegation in Amman said Jordan is “strong and resilient,” highlighting EU support for stability, refugees, and economic modernization, including the €3bn 2025-2027 partnership package. Health Financing: The World Bank disbursed $100.65m of $400m for Jordan’s Health Sector Reform Program, aimed at improving primary healthcare quality and public spending efficiency through 2031. Airline Payments & Tourism: Royal Jordanian plans to add Yandex Pay to its ExploRJordan platform for Russian customers around mid-2027, alongside expanding Russia routes including planned Moscow–Aqaba flights. Humanitarian Access: The Red Cross says it has had no access to Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons since Oct. 7, 2023, warning access barriers are worsening globally. Regional Business Outlook: Jordan’s ICT cooperation is set to deepen after Jordan and Rwanda sign an ICT MoU, adding to Amman’s push for digital partnerships.

Tourism & Aviation: Jordan Tourism Board and Wizz Air renewed a strategic partnership as Wizz Air resumes direct Budapest–Amman flights from 22 September 2026, aiming to strengthen connectivity to Amman and Aqaba and support tourism recovery. ICT Cooperation: Jordan and Rwanda signed an MoU to deepen ICT collaboration, with priorities including AI, cloud, digital identity, cybersecurity, data protection, telecom infrastructure, digital payments and cross-border interconnect. UNRWA Support: Jordan’s foreign minister participated in a UNRWA ministerial meeting in New York, with countries stressing pooled political and financial support for the agency’s education, health and relief role. Two-State Stance: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi rejected “absurd” Israeli proposals to resolve the Palestinian issue at Jordan’s expense, warning against settlement expansion and the E1 plan. Regional Trade Security: Bahrain led 80 UN member states calling for the urgent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, citing threats to energy security and disruption to international trade. Business & Finance Signals: Reports also highlighted Jordan’s broader economic resilience and policy moves, alongside regional investment and banking developments.

UN Diplomacy & Palestine: Jordan’s Ayman Safadi rejected “absurd” Israeli moves to resolve the Palestinian issue at Jordan’s expense, warning settlement plans like “E1” could derail the two-state path. Humanitarian Pressure: Safadi also said UNRWA is facing a “political assassination” push, while Egypt urged “sustained and unhindered” humanitarian access to Gaza and early recovery. Regional Two-State Push: Saudi and Jordan called for stronger implementation of the two-state solution at a UNGA sidelines meeting. Jordan-UN Economic Angle: King Abdullah II framed Jordan as a trade, industry and technology hub linking the Gulf to the Mediterranean, with economists urging more investment in multimodal transport and customs facilitation. ICT Cooperation: Jordan and Rwanda signed an MoU to expand digital transformation and emerging tech collaboration. Tourism & Trade: Jordan’s tourism chief kicked off high-level talks in Japan to boost Japanese arrivals. Business & Markets: EBRD said Jordan’s economy shows resilience; Amman issued 196 home business licenses; Aqaba cargo handling rose over 80%.

UNGA & Jordan’s Economic Positioning: Jordan’s King Abdullah II used his UN General Assembly address to frame Jordan as a trade, industry and technology hub linking the Gulf to the Mediterranean, urging continued investment in transport, logistics, and trade facilitation to turn geography into growth. Macroeconomic Resilience: The EBRD said Jordan showed “notable resilience” in H1 2026, with GDP growth of 2.9% y/y in Q1, supported by agriculture, manufacturing and trade, while reserves stayed “comfortable” at $26.5bn (July 2026). Water Infrastructure Financing: The US DFC approved up to $1bn in direct loans and $800m in political risk insurance for Jordan’s National Water Carrier desalination and conveyance project, targeting 75% of the projected water deficit by 2040. Private Sector & Innovation: JEDCO highlighted R&D and innovation as key to expanding Jordan’s pharma industry, citing exports above JD600m annually and targets to lift exports to about JD2.1bn by 2033. Humanitarian Protection: A UN-backed Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel gained historic support from over two-thirds of UN members, with Jordan among partners.

Water & Infrastructure Finance: The US DFC approved up to $1bn in direct loans and $800m in political risk insurance for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, a BOT scheme led by Meridiam and Suez, aimed at tackling about 75% of the country’s projected water deficit by 2040, with a total cost near $5.8bn and major grant support plus a large government contribution. Foreign Policy & Deterrence: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi told the UN that Israel will keep undermining the two-state solution unless international action becomes “concrete and deterrent,” citing settlement expansion and Gaza conditions. UNGA Spotlight on Jordan: Jordanian officials and lawmakers broadly praised King Abdullah II’s UN speech for pushing accountability over crisis management, warning that lack of deterrence could fuel further regional escalation. Food Safety Regulation: Jordan’s Food and Drug Administration launched a campaign to simplify licensing for home-based food businesses and reinforce food safety and quality standards. Trade & Logistics: Jordan and Turkey discussed reducing transit costs and waiting times at the Jaber border crossing to strengthen road and goods movement. Humanitarian Operations: Jordan’s Nablus Field Hospital/12 deployed to provide medical and humanitarian care in Nablus, following earlier missions that treated tens of thousands of patients.

UN General Debate: Jordan’s King Abdullah II told the 81st UNGA that Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat, warning that Gaza, the West Bank and southern Syria are being reshaped by “terrifying levels” of impunity and settlement expansion, and urging stronger international action including sanctions. Regional diplomacy: Jordan’s King also met UN chief António Guterres, calling for intensified efforts to restore regional stability through diplomacy and dialogue, and stressing full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire and protection of holy sites. Jordan–Iraq ties: King Abdullah met Iraq’s PM Ali Al-Zaidi in New York, reaffirming cooperation in energy, the economy and investment, and warning against any new realities in Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. Anti-money laundering reform: Jordan’s draft amended AML/CFT law for 2026 would bring virtual asset service providers under regulation and expand powers to trace, seize, freeze and confiscate assets, with possible restrictions on cash payments. Water security financing: The US DFC approved up to $1bn in loan financing plus up to $800m political risk insurance for Jordan’s National Water Carrier project, including a seawater desalination plant under a BOT model. Energy trade logistics: Iraq is studying the Haditha–Aqaqba pipeline, while fuel oil exports via Jordan continue using tanker trucks and Aqaba port capacity. AI workforce angle: A Jordan-focused piece argues the job is shifting from prompting to supervising AI agents, pushing the country to build skills for practical AI use and service creation.

UNGA Diplomacy: Jordan’s King Abdullah II used the 81st UN General Assembly to warn that Israel’s “expansionist appetite” is a regional threat, calling forced displacement in the West Bank a “war crime” and saying the world has chosen to “manage” the Palestinian-Israeli conflict instead of resolving it. Gaza Humanitarian Pressure: Jordan joined Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in urging full implementation of the Gaza Comprehensive Plan’s first phase, including safe and unhindered aid delivery, preserving the ceasefire, and rejecting any forced displacement or territorial/demographic changes. Regional Talks in New York: Jordan’s King met UN Secretary-General António Guterres, calling for stepped-up efforts to restore stability through diplomacy and the two-state solution, and also held talks with Iraq’s PM on boosting cooperation in energy, economy and investment. Jordan-Canada Defense & Stability: Canada’s PM Mark Carney met King Abdullah on UN sidelines, pledging support for a negotiated two-state solution and agreeing to deepen defense collaboration. Energy & Trade Context: In parallel, Carney urged a Canada-U.S. fertilizer partnership to reduce dependence risks, as global energy and security tensions continue to roil markets.