AGP Executive Report

Public Finance Watch: Jordan’s domestic revenues rose 1.9% to JD 5.625b by end-July 2026, up from JD 5.518b a year earlier, with tax receipts up about JD 32m and non-tax revenues up about JD 75m—an encouraging sign of collection resilience amid regional shocks. China Pivot: King Abdullah II is set to visit China on Monday, with Jordan aiming to deepen economic and investment cooperation as Iran-related pressures weigh on the kingdom’s economy; the investment minister says China aligns with Jordan’s modernization priorities. Baptism Site Push: Jordan signed four agreements worth about $120m to develop the Lord’s Baptism area by 2030, including a museum, pilgrim village, infrastructure upgrades and a green corridor—backed by a high-level national committee chaired by the prime minister. Trade & Business Links: The Jordan Chamber of Commerce and Pakistan’s chambers signed an MoU to create a Joint Jordanian-Pakistani Business Council and boost trade, investment, delegations and joint ventures. Consumer Protection: The Jordan Chamber of Commerce warned against misleading pricing on electrical appliances, saying local prices have stayed stable despite higher shipping and insurance costs, while competition helps consumers. Local Delivery Reality Check: A Jerash governorate panel under “Maidani” highlighted gaps between announced government projects and on-the-ground progress, spanning health, water, transport, tourism and investment needs.

Public Finance: Jordan’s domestic revenues rose 1.9% to JD5.625b by end-July 2026, up from JD5.518b a year earlier, driven by higher tax collections and improved collection efficiency. Kingdom’s China Push: King Abdullah II begins a state visit to China on Monday, with meetings with Xi Jinping and top officials and talks with leading Chinese firms on new economic and investment cooperation. Investment & Industry Outlook: The investment minister said Jordan sees China as a strategic partner aligned with the Economic Modernisation Vision, especially in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation and green development. Public Sector Modernisation: Government reports 92% completion of public sector modernisation targets for the first half of 2026, with digital services expanding and activated digital IDs reaching 2.8 million. Tourism & Pilgrimage Development: Jordan signed four agreements worth about $120m to develop the Baptism Site area ahead of the 2030 second millennium celebrations, including a museum, pilgrims’ village and infrastructure upgrades. Local Implementation Watch: A Jerash governorate panel highlighted gaps between announced projects and on-the-ground delivery, with some commitments reportedly completed while others await studies or future budgets. Trade & Consumer Market: The Jordan Chamber of Commerce warned about misleading pricing of electrical appliances, saying supply is available and competition should benefit consumers. Regional Shipping Risk: Jordan condemned attacks on ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz as security risks continue to disrupt commercial shipping.

King Abdullah II-China ties: The King will start a state visit to China on Monday, meeting Xi Jinping and other top leaders, with an economic delegation and cooperation deals expected. Tourism momentum: Jordan saw same-day visitors rise 8.3% to 755,000 in the first seven months of 2026, while overnight tourists dipped 2% to 3.213 million; tourism revenues reached about JD 2.47bn. Baptism site mega-plans: Jordan is forming a high-level national committee to prepare for the 2030 second-millennium Baptism of Jesus celebrations, including infrastructure and tourism projects around the Baptism Site. Property law risk for rail projects: A House of Representatives amendment to the Real Property Law could allow expropriation of up to a quarter of land without compensation by expanding “road” to include railways. Trade and consumer impact: Jordan’s electrical appliance market is steady on prices, but importers’ credit sales have been halted and some items are sold near cost due to higher shipping, insurance, and delays. Regional shipping pressure: Jordan condemned Iranian attacks on ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, warning of threats to maritime navigation and safety. Aqaba astro-tourism push: Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority backed Perseid meteor-watching events in Wadi Rum to grow astronomy-based tourism.

Jordan–China Economic Push: Jordan’s Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh says China is central to the Kingdom’s industrial and investment plans, pointing to cooperation potential in advanced manufacturing, electronics, renewables, rail, logistics, agri-tech and pharmaceuticals. Tourism Numbers: Jordan recorded 8.3% growth in same-day visitors in the first seven months of 2026 to 755,000, while overnight tourists slipped 2% to 3.213 million; tourism revenues hit about JD 2.47bn. Astro-Tourism in Wadi Rum: Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority hosted a Perseid meteor shower event to position Wadi Rum for astro-tourism, stargazing and astrophotography. Maritime Security: Jordan condemned Iran’s attack on two UAE ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of international law and pledging solidarity with the UAE. Legal/Infrastructure Watch: A Real Property Law amendment passed by parliament could allow expropriation of up to a quarter of land without compensation by expanding “road” to include railways, raising constitutional concerns. Regional Security Debate: A Jordanian analyst urged the Kingdom to carefully assess new regional defense alignments, warning against “blind alignment” amid shifting security guarantees.

Economic Modernisation & Public Finance: Jordan’s EMV says it has completed short-term actions to improve its Future of Growth and Human Development rankings, including updates to survey methodology and health-related data submissions. Revenue Momentum: Domestic revenues rose 1.9% to JD5.625b in the first seven months of 2026, with tax receipts up to JD4.126b as collection efficiency improves. Investment & Trade Links: Jordan’s investment minister says the country wants to expand economic cooperation with China across investment, industry, trade and priority sectors like logistics, renewables and rail. Real Estate & Law: The House passed an amendment to the Real Property Law that expands the definition of “road” to include railways, potentially widening the scope for uncompensated land expropriation. Tourism & Pilgrimage Projects: Preparations for the 2030 Baptism of Jesus second millennium include a high-level national committee and plans for pilgrim-focused land development, museums and infrastructure. Local Business & Payments: valu Jordan partnered with Hypermax to roll out BNPL at stores and online, adding payment flexibility for everyday purchases. Tourism Boost in Ajloun: The Ajloun Cable Car festival “SUMMERIC” runs for 10 days with cultural and family programming aimed at driving visitors and supporting local businesses. Regional Water Pressure: Reuters reports West Bank settlers diverting spring water to a pool and restricting access, adding to a wider pattern of water and sanitation site attacks. Cultural Boycott Call: Jordan’s anti-normalisation group Taharrak urged cinemas to boycott “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” over producer Avi Arad’s Israel-linked stance.

Economic Modernisation & Rankings: Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision says it has completed short-term measures to improve the Future of Growth and Human Development rankings, including updates to survey methodology and health data submissions. Public Finance: Domestic revenues rose 1.9% to JD5.625b in the first seven months of 2026, with tax revenues up to JD4.126b as collection efficiency and the tax base improved. Payments & Retail Finance: JoPACC data shows CliQ transactions jumped 10.5% in July to 23.17m, with value up 8.7% to JD2.34b, and users reaching 2.35m. Investment & Trade Links: Jordan’s investment minister says the country is ready to expand economic cooperation with China across sectors like advanced industries, renewables, logistics and rail. Tourism & Projects: Preparations for the 2030 Baptism of Jesus Christ second millennium include a high-level national committee and four $120m agreements to develop lands around Al-Maghtas. Local Business & Jobs: A Jordanian-backed school-to-industry partnership highlights how Project Purpose links students with local employers for permanent roles. Capital Markets: Amman Stock Exchange closed higher, with the general index up 0.51% on Thursday.

Green Finance: Jordan has attracted over $623m in green and climate finance since 2021, with flows shifting from small pilots to larger, reform-linked packages tied to the Economic Modernization Vision. Tourism & Heritage: Preparations are ramping up for the 2030 second millennium of Jesus’ Baptism at Al-Maghtas, with a high-level national committee planning infrastructure, a museum, and a “green corridor” to turn the event into a long-term religious tourism boost. Politics & Governance: A cabinet reshuffle took place without adding or removing ministers, with two ministers named deputy prime ministers and committees restructured under them. Real Estate Law: Parliament passed a draft amending the Real Property Law after debate over defining railways as “roads,” raising major concerns about land expropriation limits and compensation. Security & Regional Context: Jordan is included in a new Saudi-led 14-state maritime defense alliance aimed at protecting Red Sea and Gulf of Aden trade routes amid Houthi threats. Local Economy & Infrastructure: King Abdullah met Ma’an community leaders, stressing stability and directing focus on sectors like health, education, agriculture, water, transport, and infrastructure, including the Aqaba–Ma’an Dry Port. Youth & Social Policy: The Minister of Youth marked International Youth Day in Jerash, highlighting youth as a pillar of modernization and the National Youth Strategy 2026–2030.

Energy Security & Shipping: Iran rejected Trump’s “total control” claim over the Strait of Hormuz, saying the waterway stays closed unless Washington meets Tehran’s demands; meanwhile attacks around Bab al-Mandeb and Red Sea routes keep disrupting global energy flows. Regional Defense & Jordan’s Position: Jordan is listed among signatories to the Mecca mutual defense pact (Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan), with analysts framing it as security signaling that reshapes the Abraham Accords logic—while Jordan’s lawmakers stress protecting sovereignty and pressing the US to curb Israeli aggression. Jordanian Infrastructure & Law: Parliament passed a Real Property Law amendment that expands “road” to include railways, potentially allowing expropriation of up to a quarter of land without compensation—raising constitutional concerns. Tourism & Major Projects: Jordan signed about $120m in agreements to develop lands adjacent to Al-Maghtas for the 2030 Baptism of Jesus Christ millennium, including a museum and integrated pilgrim village; a PM circular centralizes all related communications under a high-level committee. Labor & Compliance Risk: A report warns Jordan’s garment sector labor controls can trap workers beyond factory hours under kafala-linked practices, after US CBP actions tied to suspected forced labor. Local Governance: King Abdullah visited Maan, directing upgrades to infrastructure and services and reaffirming security readiness.

Cabinet & Budget 2027: Jordan’s government reshuffle was limited, focusing on strengthening deputy prime ministers’ oversight of economic and services files, while Budget 2027 planning is framed as a “new fiscal philosophy” built on spending discipline amid rising regional costs and subsidy pressure. Tax & Digital Trade: The Income and Sales Tax Department highlighted the National Electronic Invoicing System as a unified platform to improve invoice validity, reduce errors, and support broader business and administrative efficiency. Real Estate Investment Flows: Iraqi investors remain a major driver of non-Jordanian property demand, with their ownership value in Jordan rising to about JD 53.3m in the first seven months of 2026, even as transaction counts edged down. Logistics & Aqaba Port: Transit through Aqaba is surging for the Iraqi market, with major jumps in containers and refrigerated shipments, reinforcing Aqaba’s role as a regional logistics hub. Tourism & Infrastructure: Jordan is stepping up preparations for the 2030 Second Millennium of Jesus’ Baptism, forming a high-level national committee and outlining projects around the Baptism Site to boost pilgrim stays. Regional Security: King Abdullah II urged comprehensive regional de-escalation and warned against unilateral Israeli steps in the West Bank and threats to Jerusalem’s holy sites.

Regional Security Watch: Jordanian analyst Rana Sabbagh urges Amman to assess the new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement” carefully, warning against “blind alignment” as U.S. protection guarantees look less reliable amid shifting West Asia dynamics. Gaza Ceasefire Pressure: The UAE and other Muslim-majority states accuse Israel of undermining the Gaza peace plan and say the next steps depend on Israel meeting its obligations. Aqaba Trade Surge: The Jordan Shipping Association reports transit growth via Aqaba—especially for Iraqi-bound containers—highlighting Aqaba’s expanding role as a logistics hub. Jordan-US Ties: King Abdullah meets U.S. Congress staff, stressing regional de-escalation and warning against Israeli unilateral moves in the West Bank and violations of holy sites in Jerusalem. Banking & Business: Jordan Kuwait Bank launches its Golden Jubilee “50 Years Among Our People” campaign. Humanitarian & Health: Jordanian Medical Corridor efforts continue as Jordan University Hospital receives four Gaza children for specialized heart care. Skills & Education: The Central Bank of Jordan opens applications for 12 university scholarships for top Tawjihi students. Labor Cooperation: Jordan and Libya sign an MoU to strengthen labor cooperation, including vocational training and labor inspection. Tech Startup: Arab Therapy closes a $2m pre-Series A to expand AI mental healthcare across the region.

Jordan-Peru Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi spoke by phone with Peru’s Carlos Espa on boosting bilateral ties, especially in economy and tourism, and agreed to launch the first round of political consultations under a 2005 MoU. Investment & Business Climate: Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision update points to reforms to improve the investment environment, including an amended investment regulation, an upgraded “Invest in Jordan” portal, and thousands of incentive transactions. Manufacturing Output: The manufacturing sector’s GDP hit JOD 1.6bn in Q1 2026, alongside export and digital transformation initiatives. Banking Expansion: Bank of Jordan Group opened its first Saudi branch, signaling growing regional finance demand tied to Vision 2030. Aviation & MRO: DAE Engineering said regional conflict disrupted maintenance schedules, but Joramco in Amman still completed 142 aircraft checks in H1 and expects a steadier winter pipeline. Education Results: Tawjihi 2026 pass rate reached a record 65.3%, with vocational disciplines like IT leading. Tourism Boost: UNESCO listed the Aqaba Marine Reserve, giving Jordan a fresh tourism push beyond Petra and the desert. Logistics Positioning: Jordan ranked third Arab-worldly in the Logistics Performance Index, with strong port turnaround performance.

Education & Skills: Jordan’s Tawjihi 2026 pass rate hit a record 65.3%, with science streams at 70% and vocational/technical tracks showing strong IT results (79.2%) as the first vocational cohort graduates. Investment Climate: The Economic Modernization Vision’s first-half 2026 update says Jordan processed 3,801 investment incentive transactions, activated investor post-care services, and upgraded the “Invest in Jordan” portal plus an investment map of 100 opportunities. Industry & Jobs: Manufacturing GDP reached JOD 1.6 billion in Q1 2026, alongside export diversification steps and support for small and medium industrial firms. Telecom Inclusion: Zain Jordan relaunched its Basma+ line for Deaf customers with 30GB data, 3,000 video-call minutes, and SMS/video-focused benefits. Capital Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange closed up 0.59% to 3,987 points on JD18.2m volume. Logistics & Trade Positioning: Jordan ranked third Arab-worldly in the Logistics Performance Index, with Aqaba port performance highlighted (about 0.6 days vessel turnaround). Corporate & Aviation Tech: Ramco Systems won a deal with Royal Jordanian Airlines for aviation software, while Jerash Holdings reported record fiscal 2027 Q1 revenue of $50.2m. Humanitarian Health: JHCO delivered 1,845 medical services in Gaza during a “Free Medical Week” with Yas Medical Center. Tourism Spotlight: UNESCO listed the Aqaba Marine Reserve as World Heritage, pushing a new tourism push beyond Petra and the desert.

Regional Security Watch: Jordanian analyst Rana Sabbagh says the new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca Joint Defense Agreement means Amman must reassess its strategic interests in a shifting, more multi-polar region—especially as Israeli policies and unpredictable US stances under Trump add risk. Capital Markets: Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) reported strong H1 2026 momentum, citing higher trading activity and new access for global investors. Tech & Payments: Infinite Business Solutions (IBS) says it runs 1,500 kiosks and 25,000 POS terminals across the region, with Saudi Arabia as its biggest market, as demand for self-service fintech grows. Aviation Modernization: Ramco Systems won an aviation software deal with Royal Jordanian Airlines to digitize maintenance, engineering, and MRO operations. Water Infrastructure Under Strain: Jordan’s Disi pipeline faced attacks on air release valves in Al-Jafr, causing leakage estimated at about 5,000 cubic meters per day while repairs continue. Transport & Trade: Jordan ranked 3rd in the Arab world on the Logistics Performance Index, with Aqaba highlighted as a key corridor for faster port handling. ASE Update: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit about JD9m Sunday; the general index slipped 0.56% as industrial and financial sectors also eased. Insurance Deal: Jerusalem Insurance completed the merger of Arabia Insurance Jordan, with Arabia Insurance Jordan deregistered and capital increased. Local Business & Community: Markazia Toyota partnered with Amman FC to back youth talent through a long-term development program.

Water Security: An attack on a main air release valve along the Disi water pipeline in Al-Jafr caused leakage estimated at about 5,000 cubic meters per day, with crews working to repair damage without stopping pumping. Aqaba Railway Compensation: Cabinet approved a full compensation and land-swap mechanism for expropriated properties tied to the Aqaba Railway Project, including waiving the “legal quarter” deduction and setting roles for Arab Potash Company in covering 50% of approved compensation costs. Logistics & Trade: Jordan ranked 3rd in the Arab world on the 2024 Logistics Performance Index, with Aqaba highlighted for fast port handling and lower shipping costs. ASE Market Watch: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit about 9 million JOD, while the general index slipped 0.56% to 3,963 points. Tourism Numbers: Jordan welcomed around 3.15 million visitors in H1 2026, with tourism revenue reaching 2.47 billion JOD. Smart Water Transformation: Water and Irrigation and Digital Economy ministers inspected progress on the smart transformation project to improve water and wastewater management using AI. Business Climate Push: The government reported 100 new investment opportunities and progress on Economic Modernization projects, including upgrades to the “Invest in Jordan” platform and investor facilitation. Insurance Deal Closed: Jerusalem Insurance completed the merger of Arabia Insurance Jordan, increasing paid-up capital to 17.7 million JOD. Local Mobility for Culture: Jeeny launched a dedicated Jerash Festival in-app mobility service with pre-planned round trips and discounts. Energy/Shipping Tensions: Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s recognized government condemned an attack on a UAE-operated tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fresh maritime security concerns.

Tourism & Jobs: Jordan welcomed 3.15m visitors in H1 2026, with tourism revenues hitting about JD2.47b, as authorities pushed site visits, events and new air routes (including 60+ routes with Royal Jordanian) and advanced religious tourism projects. Energy & Mining Targets: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources says it wants to lift the energy sector’s GDP contribution to 0.52b JOD by 2027 and mining to 1.7b JOD, alongside higher exports and investment. Climate Finance: The World Bank approved a Jordan program with $194.44m in climate-related funding (27.78% of the total), including reforms to unlock private renewable energy and transmission investment. Food Security & Industry: Jordan’s food industry covers over 62% of local market needs, while officials say wheat and barley reserves can last close to 10 months. Investment & Execution: Government progress reports show 343 of 394 Economic Modernization Vision projects are already in execution, with new incentives and investor support measures. Labor Compliance Deadline: Employers and homeowners have until Sept 30, 2026 to legalize and adjust the status of non-Jordanian workers in violation, with inspections set to intensify. Regional Trade & Logistics: Aqaba merchants say recent ASEZA decisions are a “turning point” for logistics readiness and regional trade competitiveness. Governance & Infrastructure: Work has started on the design phase for the Amman cable car project, under the 2026–2029 modernization program. Security & Trade Routes: Jordan condemned an Iranian attack on a UAE-owned tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to maritime security. Heritage: UNESCO added Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve to the World Heritage List, boosting global visibility for its coral and marine biodiversity.

Tourism & Trade: Jordan welcomed 3.15 million visitors in H1 2026, with tourism revenues hitting about JD2.47 billion, as the Economic Modernisation Vision (2026-2029) points to stronger air connectivity and growing religious, MICE and leisure activity. Aqaba Logistics Boost: Aqaba merchants say recent ASEZA executive decisions are a real turning point, improving logistics readiness and strengthening the port’s role in regional trade. Food Security & Industry: Jordan’s food industry covers over 62% of local market needs, with production and supply capacity helping reduce import reliance and support strategic reserves. Energy & Mining Targets: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources plans to lift the energy sector’s GDP contribution to 0.52 billion JOD by 2027 and raise mining contribution to 1.7 billion JOD, alongside higher investment and export targets. Climate Finance: The World Bank approved Jordan’s 2026 development policy financing with $194.44m in climate-related funding (27.78%), including support for renewable energy and digital government payments. Labor Compliance Deadline: The Ministry of Labor warns that only 58 days remain to legalize and rectify the status of non-Jordanian workers in violation, with inspections and deportations set to intensify after Sept. 30. Health Regulation: Health syndicates call for tougher laws and stronger enforcement against people impersonating doctors and dentists, saying current penalties don’t deter enough. Regional Energy Security: Jordan condemned an Iranian attack on a UAE-flagged ADNOC tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to maritime security and global trade. Jerusalem/Al-Aqsa Diplomacy: Arab League foreign ministers, meeting in Amman, warned that any tampering with the Al-Aqsa status quo could trigger a wider religious conflict with international repercussions.