AGP Executive Report

Industrial Policy Push: The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply says progress is moving ahead on Industrial Policy 2024–2028, with a focus on finishing projects on schedule and boosting competitiveness, value addition and energy efficiency in factories. Aqaba Trade Speed-Up: Transport and industry officials met shipping, logistics and customs stakeholders to cut Aqaba Port delays, speed inspections and customs clearance, and reduce container dwell times to keep goods moving through key crossings like Karameh. Exports Up: Jordan’s industrial exports climbed 8.2% to JD3.668 billion in the first five months of 2026, led by chemicals and cosmetics, then leather and garments, with growth markets including Switzerland, China, Kenya and Thailand. US-Iran Frontline Tensions: Jordan reported intercepting and shooting down five Iranian missiles entering its airspace, as Iran claimed ballistic strikes on US targets in Jordan; Jordan also stressed it will protect sovereignty and citizens. Diplomacy for Calm: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN chief António Guterres urged respect for the US-Iran ceasefire and a return to talks, while warning against escalation in the West Bank and calling for UNRWA support. Local Life & Safety: In Irbid, a stray dog attack injured 12 people, including children, before authorities tracked down and killed the animal. Tech for Health: Crown Prince Hussein called for expanding hospitals and health centres linked to the Jordan Digital Health Centre to widen telemedicine and remote care. Real Estate Law: MPs are set to debate amended Real Estate Ownership Law provisions aimed at simplifying joint-property procedures and digitising transactions.

US-Iran Ceasefire Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN chief António Guterres met in Amman, urging both sides to keep the US-Iran ceasefire and return to talks, while stressing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and warning against renewed regional escalation. Air Defence Updates: The Jordanian Armed Forces said they shot down a drone that entered Jordan’s airspace over the eastern desert, and earlier reported intercepting 95 Iranian aerial threats over 16 days, with targets neutralised over unpopulated areas. West Bank and UNRWA: Jordan condemned an Israeli raid on a UNRWA training centre in East Jerusalem as a violation of international law, and the Senate’s Palestine Committee denounced settler violence and attacks in the occupied West Bank. Digital Finance Push: The Central Bank of Jordan selected BIO-key to support a national biometric authentication initiative for the financial sector, aiming to reduce reliance on passwords and tokens. Real Estate Law Debate: Jordan’s Lower House is set to debate amended Real Estate Ownership Law provisions, including full digitalisation of property procedures and faster dispute resolution. Transport and Water: Cabinet approved $97m financing for the National Water Carrier Project and advanced plans for “park and ride” facilities linked to BRT corridors. Culture and Sport: Amman’s Awal Film festival opened with a tribute to late actor Mohammad Bakri, while Jordan’s U17 volleyball team is set to compete in the Arab Youth Championship in Bahrain.

US-Iran Ceasefire Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met UN chief António Guterres in Amman, urging full adherence to the US-Iran ceasefire and a return to talks, while stressing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Airspace Security: Jordan’s armed forces said they shot down a drone that violated airspace over the eastern desert, and separately reported another drone interception earlier, with no casualties. UNRWA Under Fire: Jordan condemned an Israeli raid on the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in East Jerusalem as a “flagrant” breach of international law and UN immunities. Real Estate Law: The Lower House is set to debate amended Real Estate Ownership Law provisions, including full digitalisation of property procedures and faster dispute resolution for jointly owned properties. Digital Health Push: Crown Prince Hussein chaired a council meeting calling for expanding integration of hospitals and health centres into the Jordan Digital Health Centre network. Transport Upgrade: Government plans a 1,000-space electronic “park and ride” facility along key Amman corridors, linked to Bus Rapid Transit routes. Biometrics for Finance: The Central Bank selected BIO-key for a national biometric authentication initiative across Jordan’s financial sector. Weather: Summer conditions continue, with gradual warming expected later in the week.

Weather Watch: Jordan’s Meteorological Department says typical summer conditions will hold through Thursday, with a gradual warming trend starting then and very hot conditions expected in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba. Jordan-UN Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi met UN chief António Guterres in Amman, stressing the need to uphold the US-Iran ceasefire, resume talks, and support Gaza ceasefire efforts and humanitarian access, alongside coordination on Syria and West Bank developments. Cabinet Decisions: The Cabinet approved changes to unpaid leave rules for public employees (after 3 years, not 5), a new six-category system for private school ratings, and a framework for a social protection and welfare fund. Water Security: Cabinet also backed a $97m financing agreement with the French Development Agency for the National Water Carrier Project, a roughly $5.8bn plan to desalinate and deliver water nationwide. Transport Plan: Government moves ahead with studies for an electronic 1,000-space park-and-ride facility linking Jordan Street and Airport Road with BRT routes. Regional Security: Jordan reported intercepting and downing two drones targeting the Kingdom, with no casualties or damage, as regional tensions continue. Culture & Community: The 7th Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film opened under “Beyond the Frame,” featuring a tribute to late Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri. Business & Trade: Jordan and the US signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement, with garment and textile exports to the US set for zero tariffs.

Amman International Film Festival: HRH Princess Rym Ali opened the 7th Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film at Al Hussein Cultural Center under the theme “Beyond the Frame,” with a tribute to late Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri. Transport & Urban Planning: The government is moving ahead with plans for a 1,000-space electronic park-and-ride facility along Jordan Street, Airport Road and the Na’ayyimah interchange, designed to plug into BRT routes and cut congestion. Regional Security: Jordan condemned attempted drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities launched from Iraqi territory, while the Jordan Armed Forces said it intercepted and shot down two drones targeting the kingdom with no casualties or damage. Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi is set to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres in Amman to discuss regional developments and UN efforts for stability. Trade & Jobs: Jordan and the U.S. signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement, with garments and textiles set for zero tariffs and other exports capped at up to 10%. Water Enforcement: Illegal groundwater wells were found in Karak and Deir Alla; one was sealed and legal steps are underway. Environment: Aqaba Marine Reserve was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Everyday Life: Heat is expected to persist, with hotter conditions in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Diplomacy: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi is set to meet UN chief António Guterres in Amman to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional stability, after Guterres’ Syria visit. Weather: Jordan Meteorological Department forecasts near-seasonal conditions Monday and Tuesday, then a gradual warming trend with hotter weather in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba by midweek. Regional security: Jordan’s air defences say they intercepted seven Iranian missiles and six drones, with no casualties reported, as the wider US-Iran escalation keeps travel and daily life under strain. Foreign relations: Safadi also spoke by phone with Canada’s Anita Anand on keeping the US-Iran ceasefire on track, resuming negotiations, and addressing Gaza and West Bank developments. UNESCO & Aqaba: The Aqaba Marine Reserve was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, highlighting its coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Economy & cost of living: Heat waves are pushing up electricity bills as households shift between fans and air conditioning to avoid higher tariff brackets. Trade: Jordan says garment exports to the US will get full duty-free access under the new reciprocal trade deal. Agriculture: Jordan reports a 15-year high local grain harvest, with about 110,000 tonnes received so far. Sports: Bahrain and Saudi Arabia face off for junior handball bronze today in China, with Bahrain aiming to repeat its 2024 Amman result.

Jordan-UK Business Push: Jordan’s Chamber of Commerce chief Khalil Al-Hajj Tawfiq met ABCC Secretary General Rita Massoud in London to map an execution-focused work program to boost Jordanian firms in the British market and attract UK investment, with priority sectors including IT, tourism, engineering, logistics, halal products, creative industries, pharmaceuticals and food manufacturing. Energy Expansion: Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh said Risha gas output is set to reach about 418 million cubic feet per day by 2029, exceeding grid demand, alongside plans to connect natural gas to industrial clusters within three years via pipelines and CNG supply. Aqaba UNESCO Win: PM Jafar Hassan visited Aqaba after the Aqaba Marine Reserve was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, calling it a boost for tourism and environmental protection, and also inaugurated a Quweira industrial gas station and backed new gas infrastructure. Trade Deal Boost: Jordan announced full customs duty exemption for Jordanian garment and textile exports to the US under a reciprocal trade agreement, aiming to strengthen exports and investment. Tourism Platform: The Ministry of Tourism launched “Ahlan Bel Urdun” to attract Arab visitors through a single digital platform with tailored packages. Security & Weather: Jordan thwarted a balloon drug-smuggling attempt on the eastern border; meanwhile, moderate summer conditions continue with hotter spells in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

UNESCO & Environment: Jordan celebrated the Aqaba Marine Reserve’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting its coral reefs, marine biodiversity and climate resilience. Aqaba & Aviation Safety: Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission said airspace is safe and flights are operating normally, with only Kuwait temporarily affected; travellers were urged to check updates. Trade & Economy: Jordanian imports from Iraq plunged over 60% in H1 2026, while exports stayed broadly stable; separately, foreign direct investment into Jordan rose 25% over the past year. Energy Costs: Heat waves are pushing up electricity bills as households shift between fans and air conditioning, often landing in higher tariff brackets. Food Security: Jordan’s local wheat and barley harvest hit a 15-year high, with about 110,000 tonnes received so far and deliveries expected to reach 130,000–140,000 tonnes. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Israeli settler attacks in the West Bank and reiterated support for the two-state solution; it also condemned Houthi attacks on a Saudi vessel and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh. Legal Modernisation: Jordan’s Official Gazette published e-procedure rules for Sharia courts, enabling electronic litigation and video hearings. Weather: Moderate summer conditions continue across most regions, but the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba remain extremely hot.

UNESCO & Environment: Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, praised for its coral biodiversity and heat-resilient reefs. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on a Saudi vessel in the Red Sea and reiterated solidarity with Riyadh as fears of wider Yemen conflict grow. Energy & Cost of Living: Heat waves are pushing up electricity bills, with households moving into higher tariff brackets as they rely more on air conditioning. Economy & Trade: Foreign direct investment into Jordan rose 25% over the past year, while the Industry Minister said garment exports to the US will get duty-free access under the new reciprocal trade deal. Agriculture & Food Security: Jordan’s local grain harvest hit a 15-year high, with about 110,000 tonnes received so far. Justice Reform: The Official Gazette published new e-procedure rules for Sharia courts, enabling electronic filings and video hearings. Weather: Saturday is fair but very hot in desert areas, the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Air Defence Update: Jordan’s Armed Forces said they intercepted and shot down seven Iranian missiles and six drones aimed at Jordan, with no casualties or damage reported. Regional Security & Travel: The wider US-Iran conflict is driving fresh travel disruption, with multiple airlines suspending Middle East routes and US embassies across the region issuing security alerts for Americans, including in Amman. Legal Modernisation: Jordan’s Official Gazette published new e-procedure rules for Sharia courts, paving the way for electronic filings, video hearings, and electronic notifications. Foreign Affairs: Amman condemned a terrorist attack on police in Pakistan and also criticised Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa, while Jordan MPs urged global action over Al-Aqsa violations. Economy & Tourism: Amman hotels hit their highest mid-July occupancy, and officials reiterated Jordan’s push to attract investment despite regional shocks. Border Security: The army foiled a drug-smuggling attempt using guided balloons on the eastern border.

Iran-Iraq War Spillover: Jordan’s Armed Forces say air defenses and the Royal Jordanian Air Force shot down 7 Iranian missiles and 6 drones targeting the Kingdom, with no casualties or damage reported, while engineering teams secured debris sites. US-Iran Tensions: Multiple reports describe sirens and explosions tied to the wider US-Iran exchange, as countries in the region brace for escalation and airlines adjust routes. Local Security: Jordan says it foiled a bid to smuggle narcotics via guided balloons on the eastern border, downing the balloons and handing seized items to authorities. Diplomacy & Jerusalem: Jordan’s MPs and foreign ministers condemned Israeli extremists’ storming and provocations at Al-Aqsa, urging urgent international action and warning of further escalation. Cross-border Crime Probe: Irish detectives have travelled to Jordan to liaise in the Jamey Carney murder case, seeking grounds for detention and possible extradition. Business & Investment: King Abdullah met UK business leaders in London and opened the Jordan-UK Business Forum, while Jordan and Japan launched a working group to boost investment cooperation. Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR in Jordan says it received about $77.7m for the first half of 2026, leaving a $202.3m funding gap for refugee operations.

Air Defence & Regional Security: Jordan says its air defences intercepted four Iranian missiles and six drones targeting the kingdom, with three missiles shot down and the rest falling in remote areas; engineering teams secured impact sites and officials urged the public to stay away from debris. US-Iran Fallout & Travel Risk: The EU aviation safety agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid Jordanian airspace (Amman FIR) through August 31, citing a sharp rise in military activity and missile/drone trajectories; multiple countries also renewed Middle East travel warnings as airlines adjust routes. Diplomacy & Holy Sites: Jordan joined regional foreign ministers in condemning Israeli extremist incursions into Al Aqsa, warning they violate international law and obstruct a two-state path. Investment Push: In London, King Abdullah met UK business leaders and attended the Jordan-UK Business Forum, where Jordan’s ministers pitched the kingdom as a trusted investment destination with stable policy and free-trade access. Jordan-Japan Economic Talks: Jordan and Japan launched a working group to turn the King’s 2025 visit into practical steps for investment and public-private partnerships. Jerash Festival Opens: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan inaugurated the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, running July 22–Aug 2 with 220+ events. Refugee Funding Gap: UNHCR in Jordan reported it received about $77.7m for the first half of 2026, leaving a $202.3m shortfall for refugee operations.

Air Defense Update: Jordan’s armed forces say they intercepted four Iranian missiles and six drones targeting the kingdom over the past 24 hours, with no casualties or damage reported, and engineering teams securing impact sites. Aqaba on Alert: Sirens and heightened readiness were reported in the south as regional Iran–U.S. tensions spill into Jordan’s airspace, with authorities urging the public to avoid rumor and follow official guidance. Aviation Warning: The EU aviation safety agency (EASA) advised airlines to avoid operating in Jordanian airspace (Amman FIR) through Aug. 31, citing a sharp rise in military activity and risks to civil flights. Sovereignty Debate: Jordanian political, social and tribal figures renewed calls for the withdrawal of foreign forces and for reviewing the U.S. security agreement, warning escalation could harm Jordan’s economy and stability. Jerash Festival: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan opened the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts in Amman, running July 22–Aug. 2 with more than 220 events. Business Links: Damascus Chamber of Commerce welcomed Jordan’s expanded entry facilitations for Syrian investors, saying it will boost trade and investment cooperation. Sports: UAE judo wrapped up the Arab Junior and Youth Championship in Amman with 11 medals total, while Bahrain’s U17 women’s team was eliminated after losing 0-2 to hosts Jordan.

Red Sea Shipping Tensions: Yemen’s Houthis claimed they struck two Saudi oil tankers after declaring a maritime embargo near the Bab al-Mandeb, while the UK’s maritime monitoring body said at least one tanker reported being hit and a fire was being fought. Jerash Festival Launch: Jordan kicked off the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, running July 22 to Aug. 2, with more than 220 events and performances from nearly 20 countries. UNHCR Funding Gap: UNHCR in Jordan said it has received about $77.7m for the first half of 2026, leaving a $202.3m shortfall for refugee operations. Aqaba Airspace Under Strain: As Iran-U.S. tensions escalated, Jordan reported intercepting missiles and drones targeting the kingdom, with sirens heard in Aqaba. Aviation Safety Warning: The EU aviation regulator EASA advised airlines to avoid Jordanian airspace through Aug. 31, citing rapid security deterioration. Jerusalem Heritage: Jordan welcomed UNESCO’s decision to keep Jerusalem’s Old City on the World Heritage in Danger list. Local Youth Focus: Crown Prince Hussein met youth from Karak, stressing education, tourism projects, and regional cooperation. Trade Boost: Jordan and the U.S. signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement to cut duties and ease barriers, aiming to expand exports and investment.

Aviation Disruption: The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to avoid Jordanian airspace (Amman FIR) until August 31, citing a sharp rise in drone and missile activity tied to the renewed U.S.-Iran conflict; Air Defense Updates: Jordan says it intercepted four of six Iranian missiles launched toward the kingdom, with two falling in remote areas, and also shot down Iranian drones with no reported casualties; Regional Security: Sirens sounded in Aqaba as explosions were reported after interceptions, while Jordan and the U.S. continued defense coordination in Washington; Diplomacy & Trade: Jordan and the U.S. signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement to cut reciprocal customs duties and reduce non-tariff barriers, and Jordan’s Chamber of Commerce met Georgia’s ambassador to discuss expanding business ties; Jerusalem & International Law: Jordan welcomed UNESCO’s decision to keep Jerusalem’s Old City on the World Heritage in Danger list and backed European moves banning imports of Israeli settler products; Yemen File: Jordan condemned Houthi statements alleging a Saudi blockade and urged UN action to uphold Yemen and Red Sea navigation resolutions.

Middle East Security: Jordan says its air defences intercepted three Iranian missiles and neutralised five drones, with no casualties reported, as the US-Iran conflict keeps widening and Amman faces a tough balancing act between hosting US forces and avoiding escalation. Aqaba Under Pressure: The regional turmoil has also put Jordan’s only seaport and airport in the spotlight, with travel and operations disrupted at times even as Jordan denies evacuation orders and says facilities continue working. Trade Boost: Jordan and the United States signed a Reciprocal Trade Agreement to cut reciprocal customs duties to 10% and expand market access, with added focus on labor rights, environment enforcement, and customs procedures. Jerash Festival: Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts marks its 40th edition from July 22 to Aug. 2, turning the ancient city into a hub for performances and cultural exchange. Local Development: The prime minister inspected Jerash eco-tourism and Ramtha vocational training projects, pushing service upgrades and curriculum modernisation. Sports & Youth: Kyrgyz athletes won eight medals at the Asian Youth Judo Championship in Amman, while Jordan Ahli Bank sponsored a WABA U18 basketball event. Regional Shipping Risk: Tankers carrying Saudi oil reportedly U-turned in the Red Sea after Houthi threats, raising fears of higher costs and tighter energy logistics.