AGP Executive Report

Municipal Services Outsourcing: Amman’s waste-collection transition is underway as Ruya Processing and Recycling starts operating new 2026 MAN vehicles in central Amman, with 5 units now and 11 expected next week, aiming for a wider rollout from Nov. 1. Energy & Power Security: The IFC is considering up to $200m financing for a new 700MW gas-fired power plant in Mafraq, with an estimated $900m total cost and possible board presentation on Nov. 17. Green Finance Push: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued a second $100m green bond with IFC as anchor investor, targeting renewable energy, efficiency, green buildings and sustainable transport. Education Access: The Prime Minister expanded the free school transport project in the southern Badia, adding 3,500 students (to 12,500 total) from the second semester. Rural Water-Smart Farming: Jerash governorate is using field schools and smart irrigation trials to help farmers improve returns per cubic metre amid water constraints. Solar for Remote Areas: Solar power is boosting electricity access off-grid, but experts warn that costs and approval bureaucracy still slow adoption. Markets Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange index rose 0.77% last week, with financials leading trading volume. Policy & Stability Debate: Columnists focus on interest-rate pressure, dinar confidence, Central Bank governor renewal, and how Jordan can maneuver amid regional risk. Tourism Growth Moves: Jordan Tourism Board opened a China representative office to lift Chinese arrivals, with priorities including digital marketing and direct-flight efforts. Regional Security Warning: The US State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel across the Middle East, citing possible unforeseen escalation tied to Saudi-Houthi fighting.

Jordan-EU Investment Push: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio of investment opportunities for the Jordanian-European Investment Conference on Nov. 19 at the Dead Sea, spanning 15 sectors, with energy and mining leading at about $7.1bn and transport/logistics also in focus. Digital Transformation: Crown Prince directives are boosting Jordan’s digital shift, including further development of the “Sanad” app and plans for an integrated national database to connect government services. Municipal Capacity Building: The Local Administration Ministry launched a training program for over 2,000 municipal employees, aiming to strengthen local service delivery that covers about 70% of direct citizen services. Tourism & Connectivity: The Jordan Tourism Board opened a China representative office to grow Chinese arrivals, while Aqaba Airport welcomed its first regular direct flights from Abu Dhabi, expanding Gulf links. Exchange Sector Support: Tourism receipts rose 2.9% to $5.56bn in the first eight months, and remittances climbed 14.1% to $2.97bn in the first seven months, supporting foreign currency inflows. Regional Security: Jordan joined a Saudi-led Multinational Maritime Defense Coalition moving toward operational deployment to protect navigation in the Red Sea.

EU Investment Push: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio of investment opportunities across 15 sectors for the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19 at the Dead Sea, with energy and mining leading at about $7.1bn, plus transport/logistics, water, tourism, industry and clean tech. Aviation Industry Spotlight: Skytrax named Singapore Airlines the world’s best airline for 2026; oneworld also won “World’s Best Airline Alliance,” while Kuwait Airways again missed the top rankings. Regional Security & State Capacity: France, Lebanon and Jordan met in Paris to secure international support for the Lebanese army and discuss a post-UNIFIL presence as UN peacekeeping nears its end. King Abdullah Abroad: Jordan’s King Abdullah held talks in Prague with Czech leaders, stressing de-escalation, West Bank risks, and expanding economic and trade ties, including private-sector and defence cooperation. Energy Risk Watch: Reports highlight how Red Sea disruptions tied to Houthi activity are thinning shipping flows and raising regional uncertainty—an issue with direct knock-on effects for trade and costs.

Jordanian-Czech Economic & Defence Ties: King Abdullah II met Czech defence industry executives in Prague, touring innovative technologies and discussing ways to deepen Jordanian-Czech cooperation, including investment and business partnerships alongside defence and security training. Regional Security Diplomacy: In separate Prague talks, the King urged stronger international efforts to de-escalate tensions, warning against West Bank and Jerusalem measures tied to settlement expansion, while highlighting Jordan’s role in dialogue and respect for international law. Food Security & Water Governance: A Jordan-focused analysis argues the country’s food system remains structurally vulnerable, pointing to food sovereignty needs and the limited support for small farmers, while stressing that water efficiency should drive farm policy. Jordanian Remittances: Jordanian expat remittances reportedly reached $2.97bn, a key support line for household income amid wider economic pressures. Aqaba Industrial Safety: Reports on ammonia gas leaks in Aqaba and surrounding areas cite multiple injuries, raising questions about industrial safety and emergency response readiness. Middle East Trade & Sanctions: The UK and France announced bans on goods from illegal Israeli settlements, with measures targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion—an issue with direct implications for regional trade flows and compliance costs.

Lebanon Security & Regional Stability: France hosted talks with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II to back the Lebanese Armed Forces, calling them “indispensable” for stability and discussing a deployment plan as a prerequisite for international funding, equipment and training. Diplomatic Coordination: The meeting also focused on creating a new force to replace the UN mission in southern Lebanon, with Jordan and France reaffirming support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and state authority. Public Health: The WHO launched a new global strategy aimed at improving access to childhood cancer medicines, highlighting that treatment outcomes hinge on uninterrupted availability of drugs, not just new therapies. Tourism Confidence: Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 wrapped up in Dubai with strong participation from more than 115 destinations, signaling resilience despite geopolitical uncertainty and spotlighting AI, digital transformation and smart mobility. Jordan-Linked Training & Inclusion: Orange Jordan opened registration for its “Qadroon” training program with Ablers to empower 40 young people with disabilities (18–35) with digital and professional skills and mock interview support. Jordanian Business Finance: Reports also point to Jordanian expat remittances reaching $2.97bn, underscoring continued household inflows into the economy.

Lebanon-Army Support Talks: In Paris, President Emmanuel Macron, Lebanon’s Joseph Aoun and Jordan’s King Abdullah II pushed for a “clear, credible and realistic” plan to back the Lebanese Armed Forces and prepare for a post-UNIFIL security setup in southern Lebanon, with a new force discussed as the UN peacekeeping mandate nears its end. Regional De-escalation: The leaders also called for intensified international efforts to achieve comprehensive, sustainable de-escalation amid continued Israeli attacks, stressing Lebanon’s sovereignty and state authority. Jordan-France Coordination: A separate Jordan-France joint statement said both countries will coordinate to mobilize support under the “Aqaba Process,” reaffirm U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, and back steps toward a two-state solution. Jordan Remittances: Jordanian expat remittances rose 14.1% in the first seven months of 2026 to about $2.97bn, led by the UAE, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Disability Skills Program: Orange Jordan opened registration for its “Qadroon” training program with Ablers, targeting 40 university-educated youth with disabilities (18-35) for digital and professional skills, including AI tools and mock interviews.

Port & Trade Facilitation: Jordan’s Cabinet approved new port and supply-chain steps, including extending the grace period for Jordanian exports at Aqaba Container Port from 7 to 14 days for six months, cutting the goods-destruction fee from JD450/tonne to JD50/tonne for three months, and easing logistics rules to keep essential imports moving. Water Security: The Cabinet also backed Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority exemptions and facilities to kick off the National Water Carrier, targeting desalination of 300m cubic metres annually and boosting drinking-water availability across governorates. Public Sector Efficiency: Government vehicles will move to RFID-linked, electronic fuel dispensing with automatic logging to cut waste and improve accountability, building on a successful pilot. Regional Security & Aid: King Abdullah II, Macron and Lebanon’s Aoun met in Paris to prepare support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and plan for a post-UNIFIL security setup as the UN mandate ends. Tech & Education: Applied Science University won Jordan’s 2026 Arab AI Olympiad and qualifies for the Arab-level event in Egypt. Governance Watch: A new report highlights growing gaps in Jordan’s union pension funds between assets and obligations, raising questions on oversight and investment governance. Energy Cooperation: Jordan and China pushed green-energy cooperation after the King’s China visit, including studies for a green hydrogen project tied to Aqaba.

Public-Private Mega Projects: Jordan plans a PPP package of mega projects worth about $10bn over the next 3–4 years, covering water, energy, transport, infrastructure and public services, with key items including the National Water Carrier and a natural gas pipeline from the Risha field aimed at lifting gas self-sufficiency to around 80% by 2028. Cabinet & Supply Chains: Crown Prince Hussein chaired part of a Cabinet meeting, urging faster work to tackle the economic fallout of regional instability, treating supply chains as a national priority, and directing measures to maintain strategic stocks of essential goods. EU Financing for Water & Education: Jordan signed two €96.5m agreements with Germany’s KfW—€36.5m for Syrian refugee children’s access to formal education and €60m for Azraq wellfield and main transmission line climate adaptation and drinking-water protection. Aqaba Port Growth: Aqaba Port reported sharp volume gains, with June handling rising to about 1.361m tonnes (from 677k in 2025) and August to about 1.503m tonnes (from 1.018m), alongside a big jump in truck throughput. Digital Skills for Government Media: A workshop in Amman trained 126 government media staff on digital platforms and social media tools, with support from Meta, as Jordan pushes to keep official communications effective in a fast-changing media landscape. Amman Design Week Returns: Amman Design Week reopens after a seven-year gap, running Oct 2–17 with 220+ designers and makers and 204 events, plus four permanent public-space projects. Regional Business Links: Jordan and Germany also continued cooperation via education and water deals, while Oman and Jordan signed an MoU to enhance joint social-development cooperation.

Public-Private Projects: Jordan’s Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Yarub Al-Qudah says the government is preparing a ~$10bn package of major projects over 3–4 years with the private sector under PPPs, spanning water, energy, transport, infrastructure and public services, including the National Water Carrier and a Risha-to-domestic gas pipeline aimed at lifting gas self-sufficiency to ~80% by 2028. Trade Momentum: Exports rose more than 14% in H1 2026 as Jordan pushes into new markets in Africa and Central Asia, with gains across 12+ industrial sectors and Aqaba Port container handling up over 5% in the first nine months. EBRD Expansion: The EBRD opened a new Amman office in Abdali, reporting €2.468bn cumulative investments through 91 projects since 2012, and says it aims to double its Jordan investment scale next year. Climate & Water Risk: New climate projections warn Jordan faces hotter, longer heat spells, more erratic rainfall, and higher drought/flash-flood risk, with water stress varying by region. Climate Finance Push: King Abdullah’s climate-finance directive is framed as a push to close the planning-to-implementation gap, building an investment-ready portfolio beyond single projects. Energy Dealmaking Regionally: ADIPEC 2026 in Abu Dhabi (Nov 2–5) is set to mobilize investment in “resilient and intelligent” energy systems amid geopolitical and infrastructure constraints. Security-Trade Link: INTERPOL’s cross-MENA operation coordinated from Amman led to 48 arrests, including Red Notice suspects, underscoring Jordan’s role in regional enforcement.

Jordan Investment Push: Jordan’s Ministry of Investment says its first-half 2026 performance report shows growth in key indicators, faster digitized investor procedures, and a shift toward “high-quality” projects that create production, exports, and jobs. ASE Market Snapshot: The Amman Stock Exchange saw Tuesday turnover hit about JD10.8m, with the general index edging up 0.18% and most sectors mixed. Education & Water Financing: Jordan and Germany (KfW) signed €96.5m in deals—€36.5m for Syrian refugee education access and €60m for Azraq wellfield and main transmission line climate and water protection. Women’s Economic Gains: A World Bank report says Jordan exceeded several women’s economic empowerment targets early, including women-owned business registrations and expanded flexible work adoption. Trade Resilience Plan: With Bab al-Mandab risk in focus, Jordan outlined three contingency routes—using Syrian ports, rerouting via other ports, and an overland corridor through Turkey and Syria—while noting Aqaba container flows are currently normal. Humanitarian Aid: Malaysia pledged $400,000 for Palestinians via Jordan-based support, including healthcare in Jerash Camp and food aid in Gaza. Global Policy Pressure: The UK and France moved to ban trade with illegal Israeli settlements, targeting companies and services tied to settlement expansion.

Bab al-Mandab Contingency: Jordan’s Industry, Trade and Supply Minister Ya’rub Al-Qudah says the government has drawn up three backup plans to protect supply chains if the Bab al-Mandab Strait is disrupted, including rerouting via Syrian ports, shifting to other ports, and using an overland corridor through Turkey and Syria; he added that container traffic to the Port of Aqaba is currently normal and Aqaba throughput is up more than 5% year-on-year to Sept. 1. Tourism Red Tape: A new push argues Jordan’s tourism revenue is being held back by duplicated and inconvenient airport and border procedures, calling for faster administrative steps that keep security intact but align travel flows with international standards. Labour Links with Gulf: Jordan is seeking deeper labour-market cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, including job-matching platform collaboration and workforce development exchanges, as discussed on the sidelines of the Arab Labour Conference in Cairo. Money Laundering Commitment: Jordan reiterates that its anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing drive is anchored in top-level political commitment, with coordinated legislative, regulatory, judicial and security implementation aimed at continuity beyond international review timelines. Aqaba Ammonia Leak: An ammonia leak at an Aqaba industrial complex injured 14 people, with authorities saying air-quality monitoring found no pollution and investigations are ongoing. Trade Signals: Indian rice exporters say shipments to Jordan have surged nearly eight-fold, with traders looking beyond traditional big buyers toward faster-growing markets like Jordan and Turkey. ASE Market Watch: Amman Stock Exchange turnover and trading activity continue to be monitored closely as investors track local market momentum.

Aqaba Industrial Safety: An ammonia gas leak at an Aqaba industrial complex left 11–14 people with breathing difficulties after maintenance work on a pump by a Japanese company; authorities contained the leak, treated some cases on-site and others in hospital, and will review procedures before workers return. Digital Payments for SMEs: Valu Jordan and Zbooni Jordan signed a strategic partnership to help merchants digitize sales and customer interactions, with Zbooni enabling Valu’s Buy Now, Pay Later option for eligible customers. Capital Markets Watch: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit JD10.9m on Monday, with the general index up 0.31% and gains led by services and industrial sectors. Education & Social Support: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered an expansion of the free school transportation program in Southern Badia, adding 3,500 students (to 12,500 total) and covering about 900 teachers, with plans for a mobile tracking app. Trade & Investment Links: Jordan’s King Abdullah II’s China visit opened “practical cooperation” avenues, with follow-up on agreements in e-commerce, industry and energy, and growing Jordanian exports such as dates, olive oil and fertilizer. Private Sector Development: IFC appointed Thomas Jacobs as Division Director for Iraq, the Levant and Yemen, with priorities including infrastructure, credit access for SMEs, digitalization and water security. Regional Policy Signals: France and Canada joined the UK in banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements and targeting companies tied to settlement expansion.

UAE-Jordan Economic Push: King Abdullah II met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, reaffirming ties under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and stressing cooperation in economic, trade and development, alongside regional coordination. Trade & Supply Resilience: Jordan’s Industry and Trade Minister said the government is ready with contingency plans if the Bab al-Mandab Strait faces disruption, including land transport options, while also moving to sign preferential trade deals with Rwanda and Uzbekistan and preparing private-sector energy projects like gas pipeline tenders. Payments Growth: Jordan’s CliQ instant payments hit about JD 2.43bn in August (+3.9% month-on-month) with nearly 24m transactions, bringing 2026 totals to JD 16.64bn. Education Reform: Jordan’s Tawjihi was not abolished but split into a school certificate for grade 12 completion and a separate national exam for university admission. Water-Efficient Farming: Experts urged a shift to “more water-efficient production,” rethinking crop mix based on water productivity, economic value and food security. Public Finance Debate: A commentary warns that selective presentation of fiscal numbers can polish the government’s performance without showing the full picture. Geopolitics With Business Impact: Reports on alleged Chinese satellite imagery tied to a strike on a US base in Jordan add uncertainty to regional risk pricing and investor sentiment. Israel Settlement Trade Sanctions: France and Canada joined the UK in banning trade with illegal Israeli settlements, targeting services tied to settlement expansion—an issue with direct implications for regional commerce and compliance.

UAE-Jordan Ties: King Abdullah II met UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation in economic, trade and development under the UAE-Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Anti–Money Laundering Push: Jordan reiterated political commitment to its 2027-2029 mutual evaluation on anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing, with MENAFATF officials praising reforms and noting progress toward compliance. ASE Market Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange saw Sunday trading volume hit JD9.9m, while the general index slipped 0.16% as sector performance diverged. Banking & Fintech: Jordan’s Central Bank of Egypt launched the fourth FinTech Got Talent 2026 edition for university students, aiming to back young innovators and strengthen the regional fintech hub. Tourism & Transport: Royal Jordanian added direct Abu Dhabi–Aqaba flights, boosting access to southern Jordan and Red Sea tourism. Women in Finance & Sports: Jordan Ahli Bank sponsored Red Bull Car Park Drift and backed drifter Mira Al Tarazi, highlighting support for women talent. Regional Risk: Iran-US tensions continued to dominate headlines, including reports of attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and warnings of escalation.

West Bank Trade Sanctions: The UK says it will ban goods from illegal Israeli settlements and target specific companies and individuals tied to settlement expansion, with France now following suit and ending trade with settlements alongside a wider coalition. Jordan-EU Investment: Jordan’s chambers flag the Nov. 19 Jordan-EU Investment Forum as a push to grow exports and attract investment in renewable energy, digital, logistics and industry. Jordan-Russia Trade Boost: Jordan and Russia wrap up their 7th joint commission in Moscow, agreeing to expand cooperation across trade, energy, agriculture, transport, tourism and ICT. Climate Finance Strategy: A royal directive calls for an integrated national strategy for climate finance with private-sector input, aiming to unlock global green/blue funding. Food Security Funding: The World Bank says the region needs about $12bn annually to turn food security into an economic opportunity, linking water, irrigation efficiency and innovation. Professional Oversight: Jordanian syndicates warn that online training courses for licensed professionals are being marketed without clear accreditation or oversight, prompting calls for enforcement. Tourism Push: Ajloun welcomed 27 tour buses under “Our Jordan Is Paradise,” supporting local tourism projects and community income. Energy & Security Watch: Regional tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi pipeline attacks keep shipping and energy risk in focus, with Jordan among countries condemning attacks on critical infrastructure. Local Markets: Amman Chamber reports exports up 9.2% to JD 5.263bn in the first eight months of 2026.

West Bank Trade Sanctions: The UK, followed by France and Canada, announced bans on goods from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, targeting specific companies and services tied to settlement expansion and joining a wider coalition. Jordan-Russia Economic Push: Jordan and Russia wrapped up their 7th joint commission in Moscow, agreeing to expand cooperation in trade, industry, investment, energy, agriculture, transport, logistics, tourism and ICT, with Jordan positioning itself as a logistics hub for reconstruction-linked projects. Energy Security Shock: Arab and Islamic countries, including Jordan, condemned attacks on Saudi’s East-West oil pipeline, warning that strikes on critical infrastructure threaten regional stability and energy security. Regional Travel Caution: International SOS urged travellers to reassess plans across the Middle East as US-Iran tensions stay high, flagging risks to airspace, flights and maritime routes, including after Saudi pipeline suspensions. Food Supply Tender: Jordan’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply floated an international tender for 100,000–120,000 metric tons of feed barley, with bids due Sept. 16. Business Pulse: Amman Chamber reported exports up 9.2% to JD 5.263bn in the first eight months of 2026, led by growth in packaging/paper and chemicals/cosmetics. Labor Agenda: Jordan will chair the Arab Labor Conference in Cairo (Sept. 13–20), focusing on the future of work, skills, startups and job creation. Legal Modernization: Justice Minister Bassam Talhouni said Jordan is pursuing a more integrated approach to modernizing legislation and judicial services to improve implementation and investment confidence.