AGP Executive Report

Energy Security: Jordan has launched a tender to expand and assess its oil storage capacity, aiming to strengthen energy security and resilience to supply disruptions, with key sites including Aqaba, Madouna and Zarqa. Food & Water Resilience: The Agriculture Ministry says Jordan meets over 60% of food needs despite water scarcity, supported by strategic stocks and imports for water-intensive staples, while exports rose to over JD1.6bn last year. Monetary Stability: Central Bank of Jordan data shows foreign reserves climbed to $26.6bn by end-July, covering 8.7 months of imports, alongside steady banking liquidity and capital strength. Digital Jobs Push: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship opened the “North Platform” in Irbid to expand digital training, co-working and entrepreneurship support for youth under the Youth, Technology and Jobs Project. Local Industry Support: The Amman Chamber of Industry held a workshop with the Higher Council for Science and Technology to boost cooperation, including technical and financial support for factories to improve competitiveness and export readiness. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and other Arab and Islamic states condemned Israel’s Gaza violations, warning they could derail efforts for the next phase of the Gaza plan. Sports Finance: Jordan Football Association president Prince Ali says FIFA released overdue Arab Cup prize money after an eight-month delay.

Sustainable Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank (JKB) issued its second Green Bond with IFC support (up to $100m), backing renewable energy, energy efficiency, blue finance, green buildings and sustainable transport—aligned with Jordan’s modernization and green finance strategies. Capital Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange saw JOD 15.5m trading value on Wednesday (3.79k transactions; index down 0.45%), with 27 stocks rising and 37 falling. Energy & Infrastructure: Jordan’s Public Works and Housing completed southern road maintenance worth about JOD 3.9m under the Kuwaiti-loan tenders, including Al-Kharazah–Al-Dhira, Qatraneh Desert and Qatraneh–Karak roads. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan hosted an Arab ministerial push to confront Israeli measures in occupied Jerusalem and protect Al-Aqsa’s status quo; UNESCO also kept the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls on the World Heritage “in Danger” list. Trade/Industry: CES Power signed a multi-year direct purchase agreement with Caterpillar to expand cleaner temporary power solutions across the UK and Ireland.

Regional Diplomacy: Arab and Islamic foreign ministers met in Amman to coordinate international action against “illegal” Israeli measures in occupied Jerusalem, warning they could push the region toward religious conflict; Jordan’s Ayman Safadi stressed Israel has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem and called for intensified diplomacy with key capitals. UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO kept Jerusalem’s Old City and its Walls on the World Heritage in Danger list, saying conservation conditions to remove it have not been met—Jordan welcomed the decision. Accountability Mechanism: Palestinian officials said the meeting adopted a more institutional, sustainable way to document alleged Israeli violations to strengthen political and legal efforts. ASE Market Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange saw JOD 15.5m in trading on Wednesday, with the index closing down 0.45%. Local Infrastructure: Jordan’s Public Works and Housing completed road maintenance in the south under a Kuwaiti-loan funded phase, including resurfacing and safety upgrades on key routes. Food Security: Jordan’s strategic reserves report said wheat and barley cover close to 10 months, with additional contracted shipments en route.

Banking & Inclusion: Ahli Bank won the 2026 Jordan Diversity Trailblazers Gold Trophy at the Amman Stock Exchange, backed by IFC and partners, highlighting progress on women’s participation and ESG-linked workplace programs. US-Jordan Cooperation: Jordan and the United States signed a four-year, $354.6m development financing agreement aligned with the Economic Modernization Vision, targeting water security, energy, education, tourism and economic opportunities. Jerusalem/Foreign Policy: Jordan warned an Israeli takeover of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is “imminent,” convening an emergency Arab-Islamic foreign ministers meeting; Deputy PM/FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar is in Amman for the Jerusalem ministerial talks. Football Governance: Prince Ali bin Al Hussein accused FIFA and Gianni Infantino of “blackmail,” saying FIFA withheld help over issues like World Cup visas, taxes and unpaid Arab Cup prize money unless Jordan endorses Infantino’s reelection. Cybersecurity: A report says MENA saw a sharp surge in DDoS attacks in Q2, with politically motivated hacktivists driving most incidents.

Jerusalem Holy Sites: Jordan warned an “imminent” Israeli takeover of al-Aqsa/Dome of the Rock could trigger religious conflict, prompting an emergency Arab-Islamic foreign ministers meeting in Amman. Diplomacy & Regional Coordination: Pakistan’s FM Ishaq Dar is set to attend to push a unified stance as ministers weigh the worsening situation in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank. US-Jordan Funding Deal: The US and Jordan signed a $354.6m four-year strategic objective agreement supporting water security, energy, education, tourism and economic opportunities under Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. Digital Government Push: Jordan says public-service digitization reached 85.5% in Q2 2026, with Digital ID and the Sanad platform expanding access. FIFA Row Hits Jordan Football: JFA President Prince Ali accused FIFA’s Gianni Infantino of “blackmail” over alleged unpaid Arab Cup prize money and World Cup-related visa/tax issues, as FIFA faces broader leadership pressure. Water Infrastructure Finance: The AIIB approved $250m for the National Water Carrier Project, alongside a push for a single-window platform to streamline procedures.

Parliament Watch: Jordan’s House of Representatives resumed work on the 2026 draft amendments to the Real Property Law, after approving 20 more articles on Monday; the bill now has 27 of 37 provisions cleared, including changes that would allow non-Jordanians to own residential land outside zoning areas up to 10 dunums. Trade & Exports: The Amman Chamber of Commerce reported ACC certificates of origin covering exports hit JD904 million in the first seven months of 2026, up 18.6% year-on-year, with Iraq the top destination. Water Security Investment: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250 million financing for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, supporting Aqaba desalination, a 438-km pipeline, and renewable power to help expand safe drinking water supply. Finance for SMEs: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation said H1 2026 guarantees rose to JOD 300 million and corporate revenue climbed to JOD 34.2 million, alongside new employment and green financing guarantee programs. Market Pulse: Amman Stock Exchange turnover reached about JOD 16.4 million on Monday, with the index down 0.33% as industrial shares rose while services and financials fell. Regional Risk: US-Iran talks remain in focus as Trump claims negotiations are ongoing and Hormuz reopening is possible, while Iran denies direct talks—keeping shipping and energy uncertainty high.

ASE Market Pulse: The Amman Stock Exchange saw Monday turnover hit JOD 16.4m on 8.1m shares across 5,185 trades, with the general index closing at 3,999 points (-0.33%); industrials rose (+1.19%) while services (-0.93%) and financials (-0.51%) slipped. SME Finance Boost: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation reported H1 2026 growth, with guarantees issued reaching JOD 300m (up from JOD 204m a year earlier), plus corporate revenue rising to JOD 34.2m; it also backed 843 loans worth JOD 149m, including support for start-ups and micro-enterprises. Real Estate Law Move: Jordan’s Lower House approved 20 more articles of the 2026 Real Property Law amendments, bringing approved provisions to 27/37, including rules allowing non-Jordanians to own residential land outside urban planning zones up to 10 dunums. Water Carrier Digitalization: The Ministry of Water and Irrigation launched a single-window platform for the National Water Carrier Project, integrating licensing and permits with ASEZA services (22 in the first phase, expanding to 61). Agriculture Outlook: FAO expects a stronger 2026 cereal harvest in Jordan after favourable weather, forecasting production around 150,000 tonnes (+50% vs the five-year average). Regional Risk Watch: With US-Iran talks and strike-halt signals in the news, Jordan’s Senate president reiterated rejection of Iranian attacks and warned Jordan will not allow its land or airspace to be used for regional conflict. Investment Incentives: Cabinet approved new incentives for Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan, including electricity tariff reductions for industrial projects to attract investors and create jobs. Exchange Market Activity: Jordan’s money exchange market picked up, driven by Arab tourism, expatriate returns, and remittances (up 14.5% in the first five months of 2026 to about $2.1bn). Business Expansion: Imdaad entered Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman.

Middle East Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump says he will halt new strikes on Iran, citing “parameters” for a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, with negotiations set to begin Monday as Gulf allies (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) urged restraint. Regional Security & Trade: The Strait of Hormuz reopening is framed as key for global energy flows, while Iran denies any request to pause attacks and says the strait won’t return to pre-February status. Jordan Business & Services: Imdaad entered Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman. Jordan Economy & Markets: Amman Stock Exchange coverage highlights strong first-half profit growth (net profits up 14.3%) and rising turnover. Humanitarian & Education: Qatar Charity backs a prosthetic limb rehabilitation project for Gaza children in Jordan, while Orange Jordan’s Digital Schools students earned recognition at WikiChallenge 2026.

IMF Funding Boost: The IMF transferred $188m to Jordan after completing the 5th EFF review and the 2nd RSF review, with SDRs split between the Extended Fund Facility (~$134m) and Resilience & Sustainability Facility (~$54m), citing continued macro stability and progress on reforms. ASE Performance: Jordan’s Amman Stock Exchange reported H1 2026 net profit up 14.3% to JD1.20bn, led by a 64.3% jump in services, while Sunday trading saw turnover hit JD16m and the ASE index edge higher. Digital Services Push: Jordan’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department began issuing fully digital vehicle licensing cards, with cash payments phased out and payments handled electronically after inspection and insurance. Renewables Contract: An EPC contract was signed for a UAE-funded 25MW wind project in Ma’an (five turbines), with SEPCO overseeing operations after handover. Regional Security & Trade Lanes: Saudi Arabia announced a Red Sea maritime security alliance with five African countries, including Jordan, aiming to protect shipping routes amid attacks and rising costs. Refugee Hosting Costs: The Jordan Economic Forum discussed the economic impact of refugees and urged donors to meet commitments to support host communities and enable sustainable partnerships.

Public Transport Upgrade: Jordan’s Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) has started trial operations for two new intercity bus routes linking Amman with Tafilah and Ma’an, under the second phase of modernizing scheduled public transport between governorates, with signed operating agreements to protect passengers’ rights and daily service from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Travel Risk Watch: The US State Department issued fresh security warnings to Americans across Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, flagging possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions amid heightened Iran-related tensions. Regional Energy/Trade Signal: US President Donald Trump said he will hold off new strikes on Iran, citing “parameters” of a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz—while Saudi leadership reportedly urged de-escalation to avoid retaliation risks. Tourism & Payments Deal: Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard signed an MoU to boost tourism through data-driven marketing, analytics on visitor spending and travel flows, and loyalty-style promotions—relevant for regional tourism competitiveness.

US Travel Warning: US embassies in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad urged Americans to consider leaving West Asia and be ready for flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions as tensions with Iran rise. Royal Diplomacy: King Abdullah II spoke with UK PM Andy Burnham, stressing the need to intensify efforts to restore stability and halt Israel’s escalations in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Aviation & Trade Impact: QAIA reported 3.74m passengers in H1 2026 (down 15% y/y) while cargo and aircraft movements also fell, citing regional volatility. Digital Payments: Jordan’s DVLD fully moved licensing payments to e-channels and ended cash payments across all centers from Aug 2. Markets: Amman Stock Exchange weekly trading volume rose to 86.0m JOD (up from 73.4m), with the financial sector leading activity. Standards & Trade Facilitation: JSMO said 151 companies joined the Committed Trader Program in H1 2026, up from 143 a year earlier. Business Links: EuroCham Jordan and Switzerland discussed boosting trade and investment cooperation. Regional Shipping Security: Saudi Arabia’s proposed Red Sea maritime coalition signals a bigger GCC role in protecting key shipping lanes. Energy Costs: Economists backed Jordan’s fuel price freeze as a way to cushion inflation and protect purchasing power.

Regional Security & Energy: The US-Iran conflict is widening across the Middle East, with renewed strikes and retaliations reaching Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan and Egypt—raising fears of disruption to oil and shipping and a longer, costlier standoff. Jordan’s Role: Jordan continues intercepting Iranian missiles and is pushing for de-escalation, while King Abdullah discussed regional tensions and Gaza with Canada’s PM Mark Carney. Maritime Trade Protection: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defense alliance to safeguard Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb/Gulf of Aden routes; Jordan is among the reported signatories, alongside 13 other countries. Business & Investment Links: EuroCham Jordan met Switzerland’s embassy to explore ways to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. Public Health: WHO Director-General Tedros visited Jordan, highlighting collaboration on universal health coverage, mental health, and emergency support for refugees and Gaza patients. Tariffs Watch: US Section 301 forced-labor tariffs were finalized for imports from 60 countries, adding new cost pressures for global trade. Aviation/Travel: Jazeera Airways expanded Amman services with three daily flights. Local Economy Snapshot: Royal Jordanian reported a net profit of JD 1.4m in H1 2026, citing continued resilience amid regional challenges.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia launched a Saudi-led, 14-nation maritime defence coalition to protect shipping around Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with a Riyadh meeting drawing 43 countries plus an EU delegation and plans for joint operations coordination and a general secretariat in the Kingdom. Jordan’s Regional Role: Jordan’s King Abdullah spoke with Canada PM Mark Carney about de-escalation, stressing Jordan will take necessary measures against Iran’s aggression and calling for stronger international efforts to prevent new facts on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank. Iran-US Escalation Risks: The Iran war keeps widening, with Iran claiming strikes on U.S. assets in Kuwait and Bahrain while the U.S. says it hit dozens of IRGC targets; Jordan also reported intercepting Iranian missiles. Gaza Ceasefire Mechanics: A “Board of Peace” framework is set to oversee Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s transition, with Hamas saying it agreed to phased disarmament while Israel has not endorsed the reports. Local Business Signal: Central Bank of Jordan kept its main interest rate unchanged at 5.75%, a key backdrop for borrowing and investment decisions.

Middle East Security: Iran and the U.S. traded missile barrages again after a brief lull, with Jordan reporting it intercepted Iranian missiles for a second straight day and Kuwait reporting a strike that killed one person. Jordanian Impact: The renewed escalation keeps Jordan on the frontline, with claims and counterclaims over attacks and interceptions involving U.S. bases in the region. Red Sea Trade Protection: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational defensive maritime coalition to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with 14 countries backing the plan after a Riyadh meeting involving representatives from 43 states plus the EU; Jordan is listed among founding members. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan, acting as mediator, said U.S.-Iran talks are ongoing and focused on de-escalation around the Strait of Hormuz even as attacks continue. Business Angle: With shipping and energy routes under pressure, the alliance signals a push to protect trade flows that matter directly to regional economies and logistics.

Middle East Security: Jordan condemned Iran’s attack on a Chinese facility in Kuwait and said it intercepted Iranian missiles again after the US and Iran resumed missile barrages, raising fears of a wider regional spillover. Red Sea Trade Protection: Saudi Arabia pushed ahead with a Red Sea maritime defence coalition, with 43 countries attending and Jordan among the backers, aiming to secure Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes. Jordanian Foreign Policy: King Abdullah II spoke with France’s Macron about stopping regional escalation and Israel’s moves in the West Bank. Aviation & Tourism Impact: Royal Jordanian reported a first-half 2026 net profit of JOD 1.4m, but blamed higher fuel costs and regional disruptions; the carrier also expanded Amman services. Legal/Enforcement Efficiency: Jordan’s Justice Ministry said enforcement departments transferred about JD184m in three months, citing faster digital procedures. Cybersecurity Capacity: Willis College (Canada) announced a DND-funded partnership to build cyber-defence training for the Jordanian Armed Forces.

Middle East Security: Jordan says it intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles early Thursday, hours after the U.S. carried out a “heavy wave” of strikes on Iran-linked IRGC targets; no casualties were reported in Jordan. Regional Escalation: The conflict is widening as the U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed militias in Iraq, while Iran vows retaliation after attacks tied to a missile strike on a U.S. base in Jordan. Diplomacy Under Strain: Officials point to deep mistrust and a stalled diplomatic track, with hopes for a durable ceasefire fading as attacks resume. Trade & Energy Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz facing renewed disruption, shipping and energy risks are rising, adding pressure to fuel and food prices across the region. Human Rights Watch: A new report highlights Jordan’s long delay in submitting an overdue periodic report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, urging a review of rights tied to work, health, education, housing, and social protection.