AGP Executive Report

Rail Link: Jordan’s new Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an freight railway could become a key link in the India–Middle East–Europe corridor, connecting mining areas to Aqaba and supporting future routes toward Amman and the Gulf. Public Confidence: A University of Jordan poll found 66% of respondents expressed confidence in the government, while 56% said the country was moving in a positive direction. Optimism for the National Water Carrier reached 91%. Investment: Social Security Investment Fund assets climbed 8% to JD20.1 billion by the end of September, while Amman industry exports rose 6.5% to JD5.977 billion in the first nine months. Economic Outlook: The World Bank said Jordan made progress on economic and environmental reforms; its growth forecasts remain 2.7% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports, including the latest strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport, where people were injured and operations suspended.

Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed solidarity with Riyadh after airport strikes killed three people. The escalation triggered flight suspensions and fresh travel warnings. Palestinian Diplomacy: Prince Hassan said the Palestinian issue cannot be resolved by simply managing the conflict; Amman also backed Britain’s decision to keep its diplomatic mission open in East Jerusalem. Investment and Infrastructure: Jordan plans to present $15 billion in opportunities at a Jordan-EU investment conference, while work has begun on a $2.5 billion railway linking Aqaba with Shidiya and Ma’an to improve mining and port connections. Economic Outlook: The World Bank forecasts Jordan’s economy will grow 2.7% this year and 2.9% in 2027. Investor confidence rose 21.9% in the second quarter, while foreign property ownership in Jordan increased 17%.

Palestinian Issue: Prince Hassan said the conflict cannot be resolved by simply managing it, calling for a lasting solution. Property Market: Foreign property ownership in Jordan rose 17%, according to a new report. Investment: Jordan plans to present $15 billion in opportunities at a Jordan-EU investment conference, while work advances on a major railway linking Aqaba, Shidiya and Ma’an. Security: Jordan detained a teenager suspected of involvement in a data theft targeting the FBI; Reuters reports he is cooperating with investigators.

Investment: Jordan says $15 billion in opportunities will be presented at its conference with the EU, including $7.1 billion in energy and mining projects. Officials are also prioritizing investment beyond Amman. Infrastructure: Jordan and the UAE have launched work on a 403-kilometre railway linking Aqaba with industrial hubs, a project valued at about $2.5 billion. Economic outlook: Registered companies rose 7.24%, foreign reserves reached $28.5 billion and growth stood at 3%, led by industry. Regional diplomacy: Crown Prince Hussein represented the King at the MED9 summit in Croatia, while Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and reaffirmed solidarity with the kingdom.

Peace and Diplomacy: Prince Hassan said a just peace remains blocked by the absence of an Israeli government willing to accept it, and reaffirmed that the West Bank and Gaza are occupied territories. Investment: Jordan will present more than 40 opportunities worth over $15 billion at a Jordan-EU conference on November 19, spanning technology, energy, industry, logistics and water security. Officials are also pushing to spread investment beyond Amman, while Jordan and the UAE have launched work on a $2.5 billion railway linking Aqaba, Al-Shidiya and Ma’an. Regional Ties: Crown Prince Hussein met Monaco’s Prince Albert on the sidelines of the MED9 summit in Croatia; Jordan also condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports. Economic Pulse: Jordan’s foreign reserves reached $28.5 billion, registered companies rose 7.24%, and property trading increased 16% in September.

Rural Electrification: Jordan has connected 29,866 sites, including 170,254 homes, to the power grid since 1992. Projects approved for another 1,806 sites are underway. Investment Drive: Opportunities worth nearly $15 billion will be presented at the Jordan-European Investment Conference in November, with $7.1 billion in energy and mining projects. Food Safety: Olive oil producers and regulators are stepping up checks and enforcement to combat fraud ahead of the pressing season. Housing: Apartment sales rose 17% year-on-year in September, led by a 24% jump in smaller units, though sales for the first nine months remained 3% below last year. Economic Resilience: Foreign reserves reached $28.5 billion. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia, expressing solidarity with Riyadh and support for measures to protect its security. At the MED9 summit in Croatia, Crown Prince Hussein also called for efforts to ease regional tensions and safeguard international waterways. Economy: Foreign reserves reached $28.5 billion at the end of September, enough to cover about 9.2 months of imports. Company registrations rose 7.24% in the first nine months of 2026, while the government approved incentives for vehicle assembly and manufacturing projects. Public Safety: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan directed officials to replace unsafe heaters before winter and step up inspections of factories and shops. Digital Services: Electronic departure gates are now operating at Amman Civil Airport, with plans to expand the service. Transport: The proposed Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway is being advanced as a strategic project to improve port efficiency and connect Jordan to wider regional trade routes.

Investment & Jobs: Jordan’s Cabinet approved incentives to lure vehicle manufacturing and assembly into the Zarqa Development Zone, with benefits tied to investment size, local assembly stages (CKD vs SKD), and job creation for Jordanians. Transport & Trade: Economists say the new Aqaba–Al-Shidiya–Maan railway project—backed by a $2.5bn UAE-Jordan investment—could cut transport costs, boost supply-chain efficiency, and open new opportunities for mining and logistics. Local Governance: Amman authorities carried out a two-day crackdown on illegal parking services, aiming to improve traffic order. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and the UAE discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, including efforts to manage escalation in the region. Security & Misinformation: A viral video claiming a Houthi attack on Mecca was debunked as footage from a thunderstorm days earlier. West Bank Tensions: Israel-backed settlement activity in the occupied West Bank continues amid renewed international criticism.

Mega-Projects & Industry: Jordan’s Cabinet approved incentives for vehicle assembly and manufacturing in the Zarqa Development Zone, with electricity, land-price and tax breaks tied to investment size and job creation for Jordanians. Rail & Regional Trade: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said the Aqaba–Shidiya–Maan railway has entered its implementation phase, positioning Aqaba as a gateway and Maan as a storage and distribution hub, with the project also discussed in calls involving UAE leadership. Economy Watch: The World Bank kept Jordan’s growth forecasts at 2.7% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, citing resilience despite regional shocks. Urban Planning: A new push to apply Planning and Regulation System No. 81 is framed as a way to manage Amman’s expansion, as about 62% of municipal land remains undeveloped. Water & Agriculture: Jerash irrigation canal lining projects are reducing water loss and restoring supply to farmers in Wadi Souf and other areas. Security & Diplomacy: Jordan reiterated solidarity with Saudi-led Yemen efforts amid Houthi attacks, while regional talks also continue around “verifiable security arrangements” linked to Lebanon.

Jordan-UAE Rail Boost: Jordan and the UAE broke ground on the $2.5bn, 403km Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan railway, aimed at easing road freight and strengthening exports, with phosphate and potash highlighted as key cargo. Local Economy & Investment: Jordan’s investor confidence index rose 21.9% in Q2, signaling improving sentiment for business and growth. Security & Regional Tensions: Israel is building a new defensive line across the Golan Heights, stretching toward the Jordan border, as Damascus warns of violations and regional partners raise concerns. Humanitarian & Conflict Fallout: Reports say an Israeli professor was indicted over a mass-casualty plan targeting Palestinians, including alleged intent to force displacement toward Jordan and other areas. Aviation Disruptions: UAE flights faced fresh delays amid rising war tensions, with multiple cancellations reported at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. AI Policy Watch: Major AI firms are pushing to bypass Australia’s copyright rules for training data, adding to global pressure on content laws.

West Bank Governance Debate: Opposition leader Avigdor Liberman says Israel should keep security responsibility and territorial contiguity in Areas A and B, while Palestinians should take responsibility for public order—also calling to dismantle the Palestinian Authority and cancel Oslo. Regional Infrastructure Boost: King Abdullah and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled witnessed the groundbreaking of the $2.5bn Aqaba–Al-Shidiya–Maan railway, aimed at cutting freight costs and moving phosphate and potash to Aqaba more efficiently. Insurance Sector Focus: Central Bank Governor Adel Sharkas opened the GAIF conference at the Dead Sea, highlighting growth in premiums and the 2026 Insurance Contracts Law. Aviation Security Shock: Reports on the attempted hijacking of flydubai Flight FZ1073 say the Omani co-pilot planned a Ben Gurion crash months in advance; Israeli authorities were reportedly prepared to shoot down the aircraft. Local Education Legal Questions: In Iloilo, a cancelled Teachers’ Day class suspension in Pavia raised questions about whether mayors can suspend classes without proper legal grounds. Banking Appointments: Jordan Ahli Bank named Suleiman Abu Khader as Chief Wholesale Banking Officer.

Gaza Teachers Under Fire: Jordan-linked coverage highlights the Palestinian Education Ministry saying Israel has killed over 800 Palestinian teachers and injured more than 3,300 since the Gaza war began, with hundreds of educators facing detention and daily suffering at checkpoints. Jordan-Israel Debate: A Jordan-focused opinion piece asks why Amman escalates rhetoric against Israel while still coordinating on practical files like aid routes, water and regional security, arguing the language may be aimed at domestic unity and regional leverage. Vocational Push in Jordan: The Vocational Training Corporation launched the 2026–2027 training year, enrolling 5,134 trainees across 34 institutes, with women making up 41% of enrolment. Flydubai Security Fallout: Reports on the Flydubai co-pilot attack continue to raise questions about aviation security and coordination ahead of the Israel-bound flight. Jordan’s Innovation Ranking: Jordan is cited among regional innovation standouts, climbing in global innovation index rankings.

Economic Modernisation Watch: Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision 2026 is only 20% complete, with the government finishing 17 of 85 projects, while 3 projects haven’t started and 9 face delays, according to RASED monitoring. Foreign Relations: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Yemen’s FM Afrah Al Zouba, who delivered a letter to King Abdullah from Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council chairman, and the two sides agreed to activate political consultations and prepare the 15th Jordan-Yemen Higher Committee session. Innovation Push: Jordan climbed to 60th in the WIPO Global Innovation Index and ranks fifth in the Arab world, with progress driven increasingly by knowledge and a strong showing in scientific and technical articles. Youth & Culture: Jordan hosted the 21st Arab Capitals Youth Meeting in Amman, focusing on youth and e-sports and creative thinking, with officials from across the region attending. Finance & Services: Jordan Ahli Bank launched “Service Now, Pay Later” via its mobile app, offering financing up to JOD 10,000 for services like education, healthcare, weddings, home/auto maintenance, insurance, travel and government services. Regional Security: Syria condemned Israel’s “violations” of its sovereignty, accusing it of completing the “Sufa 53 line” inside Syrian territory.

Jordan Census Prep: Jordan’s 2026 General Population and Housing Census field enumeration starts today, with about 12,000 researchers visiting homes across 12 governorates until end of October, including self-enumeration for 170,000 households earlier this week. Economic Momentum: Jordan’s GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, with manufacturing and agriculture driving nearly half the expansion, while exports rose 6.2% in H1 and bank credit facilities increased. Banking Results: Jordan Kuwait Bank reported JOD 57.6m net profit for H1 2026, citing disciplined risk management and continued digital investment. Local Business & Trade: Amman Chamber highlights export performance, while Jordan’s industrial exports and tourism push remain in focus. West Bank Developments: Israeli forces detained Palestinian farmers and seized a truck in Tubas, as settlers continued attacks across multiple areas, according to reports. Regional Security Lens: Commentary and reporting also track wider Middle East pressures, including Iran-related shipping risks and ongoing tensions around Al-Aqsa.

Prime Ministry Service Delivery: Jordan’s PM inspected 183 sites across the Kingdom over two years, with interventions completed at 125 locations and work ongoing at 58, covering health, education, social services, industry, tourism and youth. Chronic Medicines Access: The Ministry of Health launched “Whats-Thru” in Amman to let patients request chronic-disease meds via QR/WhatsApp, prepare them in 48–72 hours, and collect from a dedicated counter to cut waiting times. Trade & Industry: Amman Chamber certificates of origin for exports rose 20.7% to JD1.188bn in nine months, while Jordan’s industrial exports grew 7.3% to JD5.17bn in the first seven months. Tourism Pressure: Hotel occupancy in Jordan averaged 38% in September, with demand hit by regional conditions and the Gaza war; officials say efforts are underway to attract visitors via events and new markets. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Lower House First Deputy Speaker Khamis Atiyeh met Arab ambassadors in Ethiopia, stressing coordination on the Palestinian cause and regional stability.

Jordan Economy: Jordan’s Department of Statistics estimates real GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, edging up from 2.8% in Q2 2025 and 2.9% in Q1 2026, with gains tied to manufacturing and other productive sectors. Tourism Push: Jordan hosted its first international hot air balloon skydiving event at Wadi Rum, aiming to support a tourism recovery. West Bank Tensions: Reports say Israel’s settler incursions into Al-Aqsa have surged, with more than 11,400 settlers entering since Sept. 12, alongside rising politicization at the holy site. Aviation Security Shock: The FlyDubai FZ1073 incident continues to ripple, with Israel planning repatriation flights for passengers stranded in the UAE and investigations probing how the attack unfolded. Regional Security Thinking: A Haaretz report highlights an Israeli institute program discussing future security scenarios that include treating Egypt and Jordan as potential threats. Diplomacy: The US Senate confirmed Henry Wooster as its next envoy to Kenya, with a stated focus on stability during the 2027 election.