AGP Executive Report

Regional Security: Jordan’s armed forces said they intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles aimed at the Azraq area, with debris falling but no casualties or damage reported, as air defences stayed on high readiness. Diplomacy & Borders: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan told Iraqi Parliament Speaker Halbousi that Iraq’s security is a pillar of Jordan’s stability, stressing concern over armed groups operating beyond state control. Humanitarian Aid: 34 Gaza children returned to the enclave via the King Hussein Bridge after treatment in Jordan under the Jordanian Medical Corridor, coordinated with the JAF, Ministry of Health and WHO. UN Yemen Talks: UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said a new round of Yemen military coordination talks in Amman focused on ceasefire planning, maritime security and tension reduction. Local Health Services: Princess Raya Government Hospital in Irbid received two new kidney dialysis machines, plus beds and equipment, to expand capacity. Economy & Trade: CBJ issued JD150m in 25-year treasury bonds; ACI reported industrial exports up 5.1% in the first five months of 2026. Tourism & Sports: Jordan Tourism Board launched a global campaign, “Jordan: Unrivaled,” tying World Cup momentum to tourism promotion.

Regional Security: Jordan says it intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles aimed at the Azraq area, with debris falling but no casualties or damage reported, as Iran and the US trade retaliatory strikes. Arab Diplomacy: Arab states including the UAE, Qatar and Egypt condemned the Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait, pledging solidarity and support for measures to protect sovereignty. Local Governance: The Water Authority of Jordan dismantled illegal water connections and roadside tanks/sprayers in Qatraneh on the Desert Highway, preparing legal action against violators. Transport & Travel: Jordan’s land transport regulator plans a digital overhaul—100 electronic services and regulated intercity buses expanding to 1,000 by 2027—while Manchester Airport disruptions cancel and delay flights including Royal Jordanian and SunExpress. Sports & National Pride: Jordan’s World Cup debut continues to draw hype, with Royal Jordanian branding aircraft and travel touchpoints with Al Nashama images. Public Safety: Border Guard operations reported 231 smuggling/infiltration attempts foiled in H1 2026, including seizure of 11 million Captagon pills and downing 56 drones.

Transport Modernisation: The Land Transport Regulatory Commission says Jordan will launch about 100 electronic transport services and expand regulated intercity buses to 1,000 by 2027, as part of a wider digital overhaul of licensing and monitoring. Border Security: Jordan Armed Forces report Border Guard operations in H1 2026 including 231 smuggling and infiltration attempts foiled, 11 million Captagon pills seized, 56 drones downed, and major drug and weapons seizures. World Cup Spotlight: Crown Prince Hussein visited Jordan’s national team training camp ahead of the 2026 World Cup, urging discipline and mental readiness; Royal Jordanian also plans to decorate aircraft with Al Nashama images to carry the team’s story worldwide. Regional Diplomacy & Humanitarian Concerns: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry sent condolences to the Philippines after a deadly earthquake; meanwhile, the UN Commission says Israeli authorities are directly complicit in settler violence in the West Bank, and a Jerusalem humanitarian aid leader warns sirens and disruptions are worsening daily life. Economy & Finance: Central Bank of Jordan data shows foreign reserves at $27.18bn at end-May, while Amman Vision unveiled its ninth investment package of new land plots for projects across the capital.

Foreign Reserves Rise: Jordan’s foreign reserves climbed to $27.18bn at end-May, up from $27.05bn in April, with the Central Bank saying the level covers about 9.5 months of imports. Health Reform Funding: The Cabinet approved a $400m World Bank financing deal for results-based health sector reform through 2030, targeting better hospital governance, primary care, early detection of non-communicable diseases, and digital integration. Amman Investment Push: Amman Vision for Investment and Development launched its 9th investment package, adding new land plots for commercial, tourism, sports and industrial projects, building on 68 past projects worth about JD470m. Airspace Update: Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission said air traffic and airport operations are normal, urging travelers to rely on airlines and official updates amid regional escalation. Rights and Justice: Human Rights Watch urged Jordan to allow a pending appeal for Ayman Sandouka and review cybercrime law provisions used to restrict online speech. Regional Ties: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan met Iraq’s parliament speaker, stressing that Iraq’s security is a pillar of Jordan’s stability, especially over border and airspace threats. World Cup Culture: Royal Jordanian designated aircraft with Al Nashama images as Jordan prepares for its 2026 World Cup debut.

Budget Push: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan urged ministries to start drafting 2027 budgets now, so the government meets the constitutional deadline for parliamentary approval before end-2026, while also calling for a 15% cut in operational spending next year and a JD30 monthly salary boost for lower-paid civil and military staff and retirees. Health Reform Financing: The Cabinet approved a $400m World Bank deal to back Jordan’s results-based health sector reform through 2030, targeting better hospital governance, stronger primary care, earlier detection of non-communicable diseases, and faster digital integration. Regional Security & Energy Ties: Hassan met Iraq’s parliament speaker Heit al-Halbousi, stressing that Iraq’s security is inseparable from Jordan’s amid cross-border airspace and drone concerns, while Jordan’s Senate leadership also renewed support for extending the Iraqi oil pipeline through Jordan. Airspace Reassurance: Jordan’s civil aviation regulator said air traffic is operating normally and denied social-media claims of airspace closures, urging travellers to check with airlines. Economy Watch: Foreign reserves rose to $27.18bn in May, covering about 9.5 months of imports, according to the Central Bank of Jordan. Local Life & Culture: Amman’s Deek and Batta opened “Draft Kings,” Jordan’s first dedicated draft beer bar, timed for the World Cup buzz. Transport Access: LTRC announced new public transport routes for unserved areas in Jerash, Mafraq and Zarqa at a 500-fils single-trip fare. National Occasion: Jordan will mark the 27th anniversary of King Abdullah II’s accession to the throne on Tuesday.

Regional Security: Jordan’s government said missiles breached Jordanian airspace and the Public Security Directorate activated air-raid sirens, urging people to shelter and avoid windows; the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission also insisted air traffic and airport operations are normal and that there’s no truth to any airspace closure rumors. Royal & Economy: King Abdullah marked the 27th anniversary of his Accession to the Throne and told economic figures Jordan’s economy can withstand and overcome crises, stressing stability, investment, technology, and regional connectivity. Justice & Public Safety: The State Security Court sentenced a man to death for killing three anti-narcotics officers in an Amman raid. Social Support: Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans partnered with NSS to back education and living support for orphaned youth in Jordan. Business & Finance: EU and EIB launched a €400m facility to support Palestinian small businesses via local banks. Education & Youth: Qatar Foundation rolled out the Rasekh accreditation framework linking international schooling with Arabic language and local identity. Sports & Tech: JFA and Google named Google Gemini the official AI technical sponsor for Jordan’s national team ahead of its World Cup participation. Weather: Moderate summer conditions continue across most regions, with hotter weather in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba.

Regional Security: Air raid sirens sounded across Jordan after reports of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel, with the government warning it will not allow Jordan’s airspace to be used as a battleground and urging residents to follow PSD safety instructions. Local Justice: The State Security Court sentenced a man to death for killing three anti-narcotics officers during a March raid in east Amman, with the ruling set for review by the Court of Cassation. Education & Identity: Qatar Foundation launched the Rasekh accreditation framework to align international education with Arabic language and local cultural values, unveiling a first cohort of participating schools. Sports & Tech: The Jordan Football Association and Google signed a partnership naming Google Gemini as the national team’s AI technical sponsor, with fan-focused digital initiatives planned. Agriculture: Jordan’s National Agricultural Research Center reported promising wheat harvest results at the Maru station in Irbid, citing improved yields from research-developed varieties. Economy & Markets: Amman Stock Exchange trading volume reached JOD 18.2 million, with the general index down 0.57%. Humanitarian & Social: JHCO distributed tents to displaced families in southern Gaza, while NAF launched an industrial garment design and sewing program for women in Muwaqqar.

Aviation & Skills: Joramco Academy is now accepting applications for its four-year Aircraft Maintenance programme, starting in October, with a hybrid curriculum that pairs two years of theory with two years of hands-on training at Joramco and aims to prepare graduates for EASA and CARC licensing. Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange saw JOD 18.2 million in trading volume on Sunday, with the general index down 0.57% to 4,007 points. Jerusalem & Regional Tensions: On Yawm Al Naksa, Jordan and regional voices renewed warnings about efforts to change realities around Jerusalem and Al Aqsa, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied claims about ending Hashemite custodianship. Jordan-Iraq Ties: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and King Abdullah met Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat Al Halbousi, stressing stronger cooperation on energy, electricity, trade and security. Tourism Boost: The UK updated its travel advisory, reclassifying most of Jordan as safe, with Jordan’s tourism ministry calling it a confidence boost for visitors. Weather: Mild summer conditions continue across most regions, with heat mainly in the Badia, Jordan Valley and Aqaba. Labour Policy: Jordan will suspend foreign worker recruitment across most sectors starting June 1, 2026, as unemployment falls to about 16% in Q1.

Tourism Boost: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism welcomed the UK’s updated travel advisory, reclassifying most of the country as safe and urging Britons to return for tourism and investment, with only a precautionary no-go zone near the Syrian border. World Cup Momentum: Prince Ali said Jordan’s 2026 World Cup qualification is the payoff of 20-plus years of youth development, highlighting Mousa Al Tamari as a model of the talent pipeline. Industrial Output: Jordan’s industrial exports rose 2.6% in Q1 2026 to JD2.027 billion, driven by stronger shipments to Asia and Europe. Regional Security: Jordan condemned an Israeli strike in south Lebanon that killed Lebanese Army personnel, calling it a violation of sovereignty and urging an end to attacks and full UN Security Council 1701 implementation. Gulf Tensions: Jordan also condemned Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as “flagrant” breaches of international law, reaffirming solidarity with both states. Labour Market Policy: Jordan will suspend foreign worker recruitment across most sectors from June 1, with key exemptions including textiles/garments and roles in development zones. Culture Calendar: Culture Minister Mustafa Rawashdeh inspected Jerash ahead of the 40th Jerash Festival, stressing top-tier logistics and media support for the milestone edition. Local Economy & Trade: Amman Chamber of Commerce said certificates of origin for exports rose 24.1% in the first five months of 2026 to JD624 million. Sports Spotlight: Jordan’s Al Nashama World Cup run continues to draw attention as the squad faces injury setbacks ahead of the tournament.

Gulf Security: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned Iranian missile attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait as a “flagrant” breach of sovereignty and a dangerous escalation, reaffirming full solidarity with both states. Tourism Boost: The Jordan Tourism Ministry welcomed the UK’s updated travel advisory, saying most of the country is now classified as safe, with only a precautionary area near the Syrian border. Trade & Industry: The Amman Chamber of Commerce reported export certificates of origin worth JD 624 million over five months, up 24.1% year-on-year, alongside a rise in the number of certificates issued. Labour Market: Jordan will suspend recruitment of non-Jordanian workers across most sectors from June 1, with exemptions including domestic work and garment/textile, as unemployment falls to 16.1% in Q1 2026. Food Security: Jordan’s food self-sufficiency climbed to 61.4% in 2024, up from 57.3% in 2020, driven by surpluses in vegetables and some livestock products. World Cup Spotlight: Mousa Al Tamari’s World Cup squad selection caps his rise, as Jordan prepares for its historic 2026 finals debut.

Labour Market Policy: Jordan will suspend recruitment of non-Jordanian workers across most sectors starting June 1, with exemptions for domestic workers, garment/textile, and some development-zone and high-skilled roles, as unemployment falls to 16.1% in Q1 2026. Food Security: Jordan’s food self-sufficiency rose to 61.4% in 2024, up from 57.3% in 2020, driven by surpluses in vegetables and key livestock products, while wheat and seafood still rely heavily on imports. Regional Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi urged solidifying Lebanon’s ceasefire and backing state authority, while also meeting EU human rights envoy Kajsa Ollongren to expand Jordan-EU cooperation. Judicial Cooperation: Saudi Ambassador Prince Mansour bin Khalid Al Saud visited the Jordan Judicial Institute, praising its role in training and qualifying judicial talent. Finance & Markets: The Central Bank of Jordan issued JD100m in 2026 treasury bonds, and Amman Stock Exchange connectivity expanded as BHM Capital activated ASE coverage via Tabadul. World Cup Focus: Jordan’s historic 2026 World Cup qualification keeps momentum high, with the national team set for Group J matches starting mid-June.

Green Finance Push: ABJ CEO Maher Al Mahrouq urged Qatari investors to back Jordan’s green economy, pointing to renewable energy, sustainable transport, the circular economy and low-emission infrastructure as key pillars of the Economic Modernization Vision. Labour Market Rules: The Labour Ministry suspended recruitment of non-Jordanians across most sectors from June 1, with exemptions for domestic work, garment/textiles, some zone-based input manufacturers and high-skilled roles. Food Security Update: Jordan’s food self-sufficiency rose to 61.4% in 2024 (up from 57.3% in 2020), driven by surpluses in vegetables and some livestock, while wheat and seafood still rely heavily on imports. World Cup Focus: Jordan’s historic FIFA 2026 run continues to dominate coverage, with “Al Nashama” set for Group J matches against Austria, Algeria and Argentina. Regional Diplomacy & Aid: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called for cementing Lebanon’s ceasefire and state control of weapons, while JHCO and WFP sent a new 28-truck aid convoy to Lebanon. Markets & Connectivity: CBJ issued JD100m in 2026 treasury bonds, and Tabadul-linked trading ties expanded further for Amman Stock Exchange access. Tourism Signal: UK travel guidance for Jordan was downgraded, reopening the door for visitors to Petra and other sites.

Green Finance: ABJ CEO Dr Maher Al Mahrouq urged Qatari investors to back Jordan’s green economy push, pointing to renewable energy, sustainable transport, circular economy and low-emission infrastructure. Lebanon Ceasefire & UN Safety: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called for cementing Lebanon’s ceasefire and keeping weapons under state control, while Jordan condemned an attack on a UNIFIL position that killed a Serbian peacekeeper. Regional Security Ties: Kuwait and Jordan held high-level security and defense talks, with both sides stressing coordination to boost stability. Labour Market Policy: The government suspended recruitment of non-Jordanians across most sectors from June 1, with exemptions for domestic work, textiles and some specialized roles. Food Security Update: Jordan’s food self-sufficiency rose to 61.4% in 2024 (up from 57.3% in 2020), driven by surpluses in vegetables and some livestock products, though wheat and other staples still rely on imports. Markets & Investment Links: CBJ issued JD100m treasury bonds, and BHM Capital became the first UAE firm to route clients to the Amman Stock Exchange via Tabadul. Humanitarian Aid: JHCO sent a 28-truck aid convoy to Lebanon, bringing Jordan’s total to 130 trucks. Travel Disruption: British Airways extended Middle East flight suspensions, affecting Amman among other destinations.

Humanitarian Relief: Jordan dispatched a 28-truck aid convoy to Lebanon, the sixth under its land and air bridge, bringing total deliveries to 130 trucks with food supplies coordinated with JHCO, WFP, the Armed Forces and the Foreign Ministry. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Iran’s attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, calling them violations of sovereignty and international law, while Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi conveyed condolences and solidarity to both countries. West Bank Tensions: Jordan also condemned Israel’s approval of 2,126 new settler units in the occupied West Bank as a setback to the two-state solution. World Cup Impact: Jordan confirmed early kick-off times for its historic 2026 World Cup debut, with Prime Minister Jafar Hassan directing public institutions to start at 10:00am on match days to help fans follow Al Nashama. Public Safety & Drugs: The Public Security Directorate reported anti-narcotics operations that arrested 18 drug dealers and seized illicit substances across several governorates. Weather: Mild summer conditions are set to persist through Sunday, with hotter temperatures mainly in desert and low-lying areas.

West Bank Settlements: Jordan condemned Israel’s approval of 2,126 new settler units in the occupied West Bank, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a blow to the two-state solution. Regional Solidarity: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi condemned Iran’s attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait in separate calls, stressing Jordan’s full support for their security and sovereignty. World Cup Logistics: With Jordan’s World Cup debut approaching, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered public institutions to start work at 10:00am on match days to help fans follow Al Nashama’s early-morning games. Security Crackdown: Jordan’s Anti-Narcotics Department said it arrested 18 drug dealers and promoters across several governorates and seized illicit drugs, including crystal meth in the Northern Badia. Health Study: A Jordan-based study links early-onset kidney stones (before age 45) to higher risks of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. Trade & Industry: Pharmaceutical exports rose 17.6% in Q1 2026 to JD147 million, while the Zarqa Free Zone saw a sharp drop in vehicle clearances for the domestic market. Smart Mobility: Greater Amman’s investment arm launched a smart parking project with a unified digital platform, targeting about 5,600 spaces by 2031.

Aviation & Travel Disruptions: Jordan reported 29,096 aircraft movements in the first five months of 2026, with overflight traffic also rising as airlines gradually restart services after regional tensions. Trade & Industry: Jordan’s pharmaceutical exports climbed 17.6% in Q1 2026 to JD147 million, while vehicle clearance at Zarqa Free Zone fell 65.3% in the first five months, hitting EVs hardest. Smart City & Transport: Greater Amman Municipality’s investment arm launched a smart parking project with a private-sector partnership, aiming for a unified digital system covering on- and off-street spaces. Economy & Markets: Foreign investors held 46.3% of Amman Stock Exchange market value by end of May, and Jordan’s wholesale price index rose 1.13% in Q1 2026. Humanitarian & Social: WFP suspended food aid for 135,000 Syrian refugees in host communities due to funding gaps, while JHCO said it delivered Eid Al Adha assistance in Jordan and Gaza. Regional Focus: Jordan and Arab partners condemned Israeli settler incursions into Al Aqsa, as US Secretary of State Rubio denied reports of any US plan to end Jordan’s custodianship. World Cup Build-Up: Jordan named its 26-player 2026 World Cup squad and urged flexible work hours during finals days.