AGP Executive Report

Death Penalty Backlash: European sources in Jordan say the EU is deeply concerned after Amman ended the death-penalty moratorium, warning it could complicate aid and cooperation under the strategic partnership. Regional Diplomacy: Lebanon’s foreign minister called a US-brokered framework deal with Israel a “victory for diplomacy,” while Jordan’s FM described it as an “important step,” as Hezbollah rejected it. Security Tensions: Arab states, including Jordan, condemned a reported Iranian drone attack on Bahrain as a sovereignty violation and a setback to de-escalation. Crown Prince Focus: Jordan marked HRH Crown Prince Hussein’s 32nd birthday, highlighting his role in modernizing government services and pushing a tech-led digital future. Digital & Trade Moves: Jordan reviewed its National E-Commerce Strategy for 2026–2029, and EU trade data showed Jordanian exports to the bloc up nearly 50% in early 2026. Energy & Jobs: Experts said renewable energy, green hydrogen and green ammonia can boost investment, jobs, and energy security. Aqaba Match Logistics: Aqaba will screen Jordan’s World Cup match vs Argentina at dawn with major screens and shuttle services, while Public Security urged strict crowd rules. Local Economy: Gold prices rose to JOD 84 per gram for 21-karat buying.

Jordan–EU Diplomacy: Jordan and the EU are set to move ahead with a Jordan–EU Investment Conference scheduled for Nov. 19, with officials saying it will support cooperation and regional stability. Regional Security Talks: Iran’s latest moves are feeding talk of a wider West Asia security architecture involving regional powers and partners, with Jordan mentioned among potential participants. Energy & Economy: Jordan is pushing ahead on economic modernization, including new development programmes and investment initiatives, while also reporting progress on local revenues. Health & Infrastructure: Jordan deployed a field hospital to support operations in the West Bank, and a separate report highlighted how a cyberattack forced one Jordanian healthcare facility to revert to paper records. Transport & Municipal Planning: Royal Jordanian launched a direct route between Amman and Vienna, while Greater Amman saw government approvals tied to construction licensing and control regulations. World Cup Spotlight: Jordan’s World Cup campaign remains in focus, including match coverage and fan activity around Al-Nashama’s games.

World Cup Focus: Jordan’s World Cup run ended this weekend, but fans are still celebrating. A three-day “Visit Jordan Experience” festival in Downtown Arlington kicked off Thursday, with Jordan’s tourism minister and the Jordan Tourism Board bringing Jordanian music, food and culture to North Texas ahead of the team’s final match. Regional Diplomacy: Iran hit back at a US-GCC statement after talks in Bahrain, calling it interventionist and accusing Washington and Gulf partners of pressuring Tehran over its nuclear and missile programs and the Strait of Hormuz. Economy & Industry: Syrian industrialists are increasingly importing finished goods instead of investing locally, citing long payback periods and cross-border frictions—while the Syrian-Jordanian industrial zone faces hurdles from fees and strict invoice scrutiny. Local Governance & Public Services: Jordan’s World Cup momentum also shows up at home in development and infrastructure moves, including new programmes and investment efforts highlighted across the week’s coverage.

Death Penalty Resumes: Jordan resumed executions after nearly nine years, carrying out six convictions tied to terrorism and serious criminal cases, a move aimed at deterrence and security but likely to clash with European opposition. Diplomacy & Regional Talks: Ireland’s departing ambassador to Jordan said Amman remains a “force for moderation,” reiterating support for a two-state solution and highlighting humanitarian access and refugee support. Jordan–EU Investment: The EU Ambassador confirmed the Jordan–EU Investment Conference will go ahead on Nov. 19, with roughly €80m annually for refugee cooperation plus additional humanitarian funding under the 2025 partnership. Amman Stock Exchange: The ASE logged 12.7 million dinars in trading volume on Thursday, with the General Index up 0.54% to 3,865 points. Local Scene: Aqaba’s Great Arab Revolution Square hosted a large public viewing for Al-Nashama vs Algeria, with authorities stressing safe, organized family-friendly logistics. Venezuela Earthquake Aid: Jordan extended condolences and signaled readiness to support recovery after deadly twin quakes.

Jordan’s Currency Watch: Jordan Chamber of Commerce says strong demand for the Jordanian dinar is rising at exchange companies, driven by faster economic activity, export momentum, and higher remittances; officials also expect more activity as expatriates return and Gulf tourists arrive, supporting foreign-currency reserves. Jobs & Green Finance: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation launched two new guarantee programmes—“Guarantee for Employment” (funded by Germany’s KfW with €25m) and “Green Finance Guarantee” (backed by the Central Bank and GIZ)—to expand SME access to credit and support job creation and energy/environment projects. Public Finance Update: Jordan’s government borrowed JD2.075bn via Treasury bonds and bills in the first five months of 2026, while also settling JD1.250bn in outstanding debts. Energy & Resources: Jordan announced proven uranium reserves of about 42,000 tons, enough for nuclear energy needs for up to 80 years, as it moves toward processing and added-value production. Regional Solidarity: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry and Deputy PM Ayman Safadi sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, pledging readiness to support relief efforts.

Jordan-Linked Diplomacy: Jordan is among the countries that sent solidarity to Venezuela after a deadly earthquake, with President (E) Delcy Rodríguez thanking regional and international partners including Jordan. Regional Governance & Cooperation: Jordanian officials also continued pushing parliamentary and economic ties, including talks on expanding cooperation and coordination with the UAE and meetings involving Jordan and Azerbaijan on broader economic and parliamentary links. Human Rights Pressure: Human Rights Watch urged Jordan to reinstate a death-penalty moratorium after six executions, keeping the spotlight on Jordan’s justice and sentencing direction. Public Finance & Development: Jordan’s economic agenda featured continued momentum, including planning and investment moves such as IMF-related financing expectations and major water and infrastructure agreements. Local Economy Signals: Jordan’s business scene saw updates ranging from manufacturing output figures to banking and market activity, including Central Bank and Amman Stock Exchange reporting.

Urban Governance Reform: The Greater Amman Municipality has approved a new Building Permits and Oversight System for 2026, aiming to modernize licensing with digital tools, clearer timelines, and a single application process to cut duplication and boost transparency. Energy & Jobs: Jordan’s mining sector now employs over 9,000 people and is expected to create more than 30,000 jobs by 2033 as output and value chains expand, with key minerals including rare earths, copper, gold, lithium and potash. Tech & Investment Push: Crown Prince Hussein met US tech leaders in Silicon Valley and visited Zipline’s autonomous logistics HQ, highlighting Jordan’s drive to position itself as a regional technology hub. Power Grid Research: Jordanian researchers evaluated grid-forming battery storage integrated with utility-scale solar PV to improve frequency stability and resilience during grid disturbances. Local Economy & Transport: The Cabinet approved adding 30 buses to inter-governorate routes, supporting expanded operational capacity for public transport. Health Tourism Pitch: A new Jordan-focused push argues the country can become a “smart medical tourism” hub by blending AI with healthcare and natural therapy destinations.

Jordan’s Regional Diplomacy: Morocco’s FM Bourita travels to Amman to cement ties with Egypt and Sudan, as Arab diplomacy intensifies to bolster regional stability. Arab League Leadership: Nabil Fahmy is appointed Arab League chief amid regional insecurity and distrust. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Greater Amman Municipality approvals include construction licensing and control regulations within its limits, while the government greenlights 30 more buses under inter-governorate transport. Economy & Finance: Jordan’s central bank holds its rate at 5.75% and local revenues reach JD 3.3b in the first four months of 2026; the IMF backs faster growth tied to major investment projects. Energy & Water Projects: Deals and agreements move forward on the National Water Carrier and major water desalination, alongside Aqaba’s logistics and green ammonia push. Public Safety & Justice: Jordan resumes executions after nearly a decade, with six hangings reported.

Death Penalty Returns: Jordan resumed executions after nearly a decade, hanging six convicted men in a single morning, with cases tied to terrorism and drug offences, drawing renewed rights-group criticism. Public Transport Upgrade: The Cabinet approved adding 30 buses to Karak-Zarqa and Karak-Aqaba routes under an inter-governorate public transport project, including intelligent transport systems, electronic payments, and tracking, with performance reporting due by end-2026. Cybersecurity Alert: Jordan’s National Cyber Security Center said a healthcare facility was hit by a cyberattack that forced doctors to revert to paper records, stressing the center does not pay extortion demands. Regional Diplomacy in Amman: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi met EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to deepen Jordan-EU cooperation, while Arab foreign ministers held consultative talks in Amman on regional crises and the US-Iran roadmap. Water & Climate Support: Japan agreed to fund a JOD 169,342 water-harvesting project in Wadi Araba, and the World Bank highlighted Jordan’s push to implement its Economic Modernization Vision despite instability. Economy Watch: Gold prices in Jordan fell to JOD 84.5 per gram for 21-karat, and local reports flagged ongoing pressure from subsidy spending in the 2026 budget.

Amman Diplomacy: Jordan hosted the resumed 165th session of the Arab League at ministerial level, with Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah leading Kuwait’s delegation and Ayman Safadi saying Arab foreign ministers held “open, candid” talks on regional challenges and the future of joint Arab action, with Gaza and Palestinian rights at the center. Jordan-Regional Ties: On the sidelines in Amman, Jordan’s foreign minister met Somalia’s Ali Mohamed Omar and Libya’s Taher Salem Al Baour to discuss boosting cooperation and shared regional issues. Jordan Economy & Development: The government announced a JD 800m-plus Zarqa development programme, while Labour Minister Khaled Al-Bakkar allocated an extra JD 1m to support vocational graduates’ small home-based projects through interest-free loans. World Cup Focus: Jordan’s World Cup campaign continues with the Algeria vs Jordan match in Santa Clara, where both teams fight for knockout hopes.

Arab Diplomacy in Amman: Jordan hosted an Arab foreign ministers’ consultative meeting, with Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi inviting ministers to coordinate positions on regional challenges, ahead of the resumed 165th Arab League Council session at ministerial level. Qatar Solidarity: Jordan expressed solidarity with Qatar after an explosion and fire at the Barzan gas facility in Ras Laffan Industrial City, urging safety for the missing and a speedy recovery for the injured. Regional Connectivity: Turkey says the Saudi–Turkey rail corridor is under technical assessment, with costs and financing targeted to be finalized by year-end, and notes Jordan and Syria rail rehabilitation plans to support the route. Local Economy Jobs: A new clothing factory agreement in Ma’an’s Udhruh district aims to create 400 jobs, with government support and expansion of productive branches across the governorate. Industry Exports: Irbid Chamber of Industry reported $107m in certificates of origin in May, led by textiles and leather, with key export destinations including the US and Netherlands. Amman Safety: Two people were injured after a fire broke out in a four-storey building in Al-Qweismeh, with authorities investigating the cause.

Death Penalty Resumes: Jordan executed six men on Sunday, ending a nine-year moratorium, with spokesman Mohammad Momani saying the convictions involved terrorism and killings of security personnel; he added that more than 100 remain on death row and executions will proceed “one by one.” Local Development Push for Zarqa: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and government officials outlined an 800+ million Jordanian dinar, three-year executive programme for Zarqa Governorate, targeting water, health, transport and public services, with 155 projects and a 77% completion rate. Diplomacy & Trade: Jordan’s Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Algeria’s FM Ahmed Attaf in Amman to reaffirm bilateral cooperation, including economic and health ties, and to prepare for the 10th session of their joint ministerial committee. World Cup Spotlight: Jordan’s ambassador to the US Dina Kawar said the team’s debut is a chance to show Jordan beyond security headlines, while Jordan prepares to face Algeria after an opening loss.

Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: Qatar Red Crescent Society, with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization, wrapped up a food and water drive for displaced families, distributing about 59,095 food parcels and providing potable water to shelters and camps across Gaza’s governorates. Death Penalty Expansion: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said the government will amend laws to broaden death-penalty application, after six executions by hanging were carried out for cases under the State Security Court, with a focus also on major drug traffickers and smugglers. Transport Upgrade: The Land Transport Regulatory Commission announced direct bus routes linking Jerash and Balqa to King Hussein Medical Center, starting Monday, with electronic payment and surveillance on board. Zarqa Development Plan: Hassan unveiled a JD800m executive programme for Zarqa over three years, targeting healthcare, education, public transport, industrial growth and jobs, with 155 projects planned. Local Data Milestone: Jordan’s 2026 population and housing census enumeration is 86% complete nationwide, with building enumeration at 87% and a growing interest in self-enumeration. Industry Snapshot: Jordan’s manufacturing output is reported at about $21bn annually, with the manufacturing sector highlighted as a key driver of added value and employment.

Jordan Economy & Industry: Jordan’s manufacturing production hit $21bn, with value-added industries employing about 254,000 workers across 18,000 establishments, as officials stress jobs, exports and GDP impact. Public Sector Reform: The government is rolling out competency frameworks to reshape recruitment, promotion, training and performance management under one merit-based model. Amra City Push: JCDCF approved final designs and launched engineering works for the Amra International Convention and Exhibition Centre, targeting major MICE events with 16,000 sqm of exhibitions and 12,000 sqm for conventions. Aqaba Logistics Tech: ASEZA and Abu Dhabi Ports Group launched Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, using AI to manage Aqaba truck movements and cut waiting times, now handling 3,500–4,000 trucks daily. Refugees & Syria: On World Refugee Day, Syrians in Jordan say return depends on security and jobs, even as political changes in Syria revive hopes. Regional Context: Aid pledges of $10bn for Syrians drew warnings that peace prospects are bleak, with fighting intensifying. World Cup in Jordan: Viewing events for Jordan’s matches continue in Amman’s Roman Theatre and other downtown venues with early entry and capacity rules.

Gaza Humanitarian Toll: UNICEF says at least 265 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since the first phase of a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, with children dying in homes, schools and while playing—an average of one child every day for more than eight months. Jordan Economy & Industry: Jordan’s inflation over the past five years averaged 2.198%, lower than the global 5.194%, while the Jordan Chamber of Industry says manufacturing output is about $21bn annually and value-added drives jobs and growth. Syrian Refugees Return: UNHCR reports more than 200,000 Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned from Jordan since Dec 2024, with 23,150 returning in 2026 so far. Energy & Infrastructure: Jordan’s Water Ministry and KfW signed an agreement to implement the National Water Carrier grant, and Jordan Green Ammonia secured Aqaba land for a $1bn green ammonia project. Public Life & Policy: Jordan is set to allow Christians to opt out of male-based Sharia inheritance rules, and a separate report highlights Jordan’s Central Bank holding its rate at 5.75%.

Jordan-Aqaba Tech Push: AD Ports Group launched Noatum Ports – Maqta Ayla Digital Solutions, a joint venture with Aqaba Development Corporation, to run a Port Community System and a truck management project aimed at speeding permits and boosting logistics efficiency in Aqaba. EU Migration Crackdown: The European Parliament passed a law enabling offshore deportation “return hubs” via alliances with non-EU states, with human-rights and non-refoulement conditions. Gaza Humanitarian Alarm: UNICEF warned Gaza’s ceasefire is a “deadly illusion,” citing continued strikes and saying 265 children have been killed since the ceasefire was declared. Local Justice Update (US, not Jordan): A federal judge ordered Salah Sarsour’s release from ICE detention pending a habeas case, though deportation proceedings continue. Sports/World Cup: Algeria filed a complaint with FIFA over refereeing in its 3-0 loss to Argentina. Public Safety/Video: LAPD released body-cam footage of a fatal dog shooting in Canoga Park during a welfare check tied to Knicks championship celebrations.