AGP Executive Report

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and Saudi Arabia stepped up coordination to contain regional tensions. Amman also condemned a masked settler attack on a West Bank delegation that included European diplomats and reaffirmed its support for Palestine and international law. Aqaba and Energy: The prime minister inspected Aqaba’s port system and urged faster expansion. The Energy Ministry has retendered technical work to improve oil and petroleum-product storage capacity. Economic Outlook: Moody’s sees Jordan’s economy gradually growing by 3% despite regional pressures. Expatriate remittances rose 14.1% to $2.97 billion in the first seven months, and consumer confidence edged higher.

Economic Outlook: Jordan’s consumer confidence rose 1.9% year-on-year to 42.6% in the third quarter, with 64% saying the country is on the right track. Unemployment and inflation remain top concerns. Moody’s expects gradual growth to 3%, while remittances reached $2.97 billion in the first seven months, up 14.1%. Public Finances: Government operating spending fell 21.5% in the first nine months, saving JD94 million. Tourism and Heritage: The “Urdunna Jannah” program brought about 15,000 visitors to Salt and Balqa through September, supporting local businesses. Jerash’s restoration center is also expanding its role in preserving Jordan’s heritage. Food Security: Experts warn urban expansion and fragmented landholdings are shrinking productive farmland, and urge stronger protections. Diplomacy: Jordan condemned attacks by settlers on European diplomats and Palestinians in the West Bank, and joined 18 countries rejecting Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem.

Economic Outlook: Moody’s forecasts Jordan’s growth will reach 2.7% in 2026 and rise to 3% over the rest of the decade, citing infrastructure investment and stronger regional trade. Consumer confidence also improved, with 64% saying the country is heading in the right direction. Remittances: Transfers from Jordanians abroad climbed 14.1% year-on-year to $2.97 billion in the first seven months of 2026, bolstering a key source of foreign currency. Jobs and Investment: New agreements will support 171 Jordanian jobs in agriculture and food industries, but low wages, transport costs and limited social protection remain barriers to lasting employment. Jordan is also preparing nearly $15 billion in investment opportunities for a Jordanian-European conference in November, including renewable energy, transport and water security. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan joined 18 countries condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, reaffirming its rejection of the move.

Public Sentiment: A new Ipsos survey found 64% of Jordanians believe the country is heading in the right direction, with consumer confidence rising in the third quarter. But unemployment and the cost of living remain top concerns. Economic Outlook: Moody’s expects Jordan’s economy to grow 2.7% in 2026 and gradually reach 3%, while warning that high debt and unemployment remain challenges. Jordan is also seeking stronger EU participation in an investment summit, as debate grows over turning investment into jobs. Jerusalem Diplomacy: Jordan joined 18 Arab and Muslim countries in condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, saying the move violates UN resolutions and undermines a two-state solution.

Jerusalem Diplomacy: Jordan joined 18 Arab and Islamic countries in condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, calling the move unlawful and urging it to be reversed. The ministers reaffirmed support for East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state. Investment Outreach: In Brussels, Investment Minister Tarek Abu Ghazaleh urged stronger European participation in Jordan’s investment conference, set for the Dead Sea on Nov. 19. Regional Ties: Jordan and Bahrain signed an agreement on maritime transport and navigation. Aviation: Royal Jordanian joined all 15 oneworld carriers in committing to action against illegal wildlife trafficking.

Jerusalem Diplomacy: Jordan joined 18 Arab and Muslim states in condemning Colombia’s opening of an embassy in Jerusalem, calling on Bogotá to reverse the move and reaffirming East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. Trade & Ties: Bahrain and Jordan signed a maritime transport and navigation agreement to boost trade and coordination. King Abdullah’s state visits to Malaysia and Australia also advanced talks on defence, trade and technology cooperation. Economic Outlook: Jordan’s economy is maintaining growth despite regional pressures, while Jordanian officials promoted investment opportunities in Brussels. The Kingdom ranked third globally in sound money, and gas sales from the Risha field reached 30 billion cubic feet. Regional Challenges: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with Riyadh. Meanwhile, new aid is supporting Syrian families returning from Jordan, as UN officials say insecurity and weak economic prospects continue to deter refugee returns across the region.

Regional Ties: King Abdullah and Australia’s prime minister agreed to deepen defence and trade cooperation, with climate ties also on the agenda. Jordan has warned that Israel is seeking to displace Palestinians in the West Bank and reviewed Gaza’s humanitarian situation with Germany’s ambassador. Economy: The Jordan Strategy Forum says growth is holding despite regional challenges, while the investment minister describes Jordan as a safe gateway to neighbouring markets. Jordan also ranked third globally for sound money. Energy and Infrastructure: Sales from the Risha gas field have reached 30 billion cubic feet. A proposed Greater Amman Municipality sukuk issuance is being presented as a new way to finance municipal development. Regional Security: Jordan has condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as renewed missile threats underscore the risks to regional stability.

Jordan-Australia Ties: King Abdullah’s first visit to Australia in a decade produced pledges to deepen defence and security cooperation and support a two-state solution. The leaders condemned Israel’s proposed West Bank settlements, while officials discussed aid for Gaza, including 900 wheelchairs reportedly held at the border. Diplomacy: Jordan won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for 2027–29, joining 14 other newly elected members. West Bank: Jordan warned Israel is pushing Palestinians from the occupied territory, as UN reports cited continued strikes, aid restrictions and raids. Amman Transport: The municipality is studying the cost, routes and feasibility of a metro, with experts weighing it against expanding bus rapid transit. Public Finance: Greater Amman Municipality’s planned JD400 million sukuk could lower debt costs and free funds for local projects. Education: Jordan’s 2026–30 reform plan faces a test on learning outcomes: recent PISA results show only 26% of students met minimum reading proficiency. Farmers: Olive growers say higher pressing fees add to mounting production costs despite hopes for a strong harvest.

Australia Ties: King Abdullah’s talks with Australia’s prime minister focused on closer defence, security, trade and climate cooperation. Australia also returned a rare Jordanian artifact dating back 12,000 years. West Bank Warning: Jordanian officials accused Israel’s government of escalating conditions to force Palestinians from their land and block statehood, warning of risks to the wider region. Economic Push: Jordan approved a JD400 million Greater Amman sukuk issuance, while officials say a Jordan-EU investment conference will showcase $15 billion in opportunities. Plans for a new freight railway could also link Jordan to the India-Middle East-Europe corridor. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure after a strike on Riyadh airport killed a Jordanian and injured four others.

Jordan–Australia Ties: King Abdullah and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese agreed in Canberra to deepen defence, security and economic cooperation. The King called for regional de-escalation and rejected Palestinian displacement. Development Planning: Jordan scored full marks on a global development-planning index, with 95% of new cooperation projects aligned with national priorities, up from 71% in 2018. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. A Jordanian was among those killed in the Riyadh airport attack, and four others were injured. Prices and Safety: Inflation was 2.26% in the first nine months of the year, with experts citing dinar stability and steady supplies. Patrols also caught a driver travelling at up to 210 km/h on the Azraq–Zarqa road.

Jordan–Australia Ties: King Abdullah’s state visit advanced defence, security and economic cooperation, with meetings involving Australian leaders and mining representatives. Australia also returned a 12,000-year-old artefact excavated in northern Jordan, underscoring cultural heritage ties. Regional Security: Amman condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as strikes on Riyadh’s airport heightened tensions and disrupted travel. Economy: Click transactions in Jordan reached JD19 billion in the first nine months of 2026, while 15,100 returned cheques worth JD134.4 million were recorded in September. Energy: Jordan is saving $4.76 per barrel through its oil deal with Iraq, as regional conflict keeps energy security in focus.

Royal Diplomacy: King Abdullah began a state visit to Australia focused on defence, trade and regional security. Australia also returned to Jordan a 12,000 BC archaeological artifact discovered in Pella. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports; a Jordanian was among those reported killed in the strikes, which have left hundreds injured and disrupted flights. Jordan-Malaysia Ties: The countries signed agreements on diplomatic consultations and training, while discussing wider economic, technology and defence cooperation. Economy and Energy: Social Security Investment Fund assets reached JD20.1 billion by the end of September, up about 8% since year-end 2025. Türkiye is also discussing a regional electricity link involving Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Syria. Humanitarian Support: China donated medical supplies to Jordanian hospitals treating wounded Palestinians evacuated from Gaza.**

Malaysia Visit: Jordan and Malaysia signed agreements on diplomatic consultations and training as King Abdullah’s state visit wrapped up. Talks also explored cooperation in semiconductors, advanced technical education, defence, trade and investment. Regional Security: Jordan condemned renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi airports and voiced solidarity with Riyadh. A Jordanian was among those killed in the deadly airport strike as Saudi Arabia warned of a serious response. Investment: Jordan is preparing to present about $15 billion in opportunities at a Jordan-EU investment conference, while officials are also taking part in IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok. Agriculture: Jerash expects olive production to rise 20% this season, with forecasts of 60,000 tonnes of olives and 11,400 tonnes of olive oil.

Regional Security: Jordan condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after a strike on Riyadh airport killed a Jordanian and injured hundreds; a follow-up attack killed one person and wounded 11. The kingdom’s airports remain under threat, raising concerns for regional travel and stability. Royal Diplomacy: King Abdullah II wrapped up a state visit to Malaysia, with talks focused on trade, investment, education and closer defence ties, including cooperation on drone technology. Economic Outlook: A Jordanian delegation is attending IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok ahead of reviews of the country’s reform and resilience programs. Meanwhile, the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19 is expected to showcase investment opportunities, with Spain highlighting cooperation in healthcare, infrastructure and renewable energy. Domestic Policy: Parliament faces debate over proposed Social Security Law changes, including retirement age and pension calculations, affecting about 1.6 million contributors.

Regional Security: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi airports after a strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport killed 12 people and injured more than 300, including a Jordanian among the dead. A fresh projectile hit the airport the next day, causing a fire and further injuries; operations remained suspended as Saudi Arabia vowed a response. Amman Finance: The Cabinet approved a JD400 million sukuk issuance for Greater Amman Municipality, offering a 5.5% annual return over five years. Officials expect it to save about JD70 million, with the bonds to be traded on the Amman Stock Exchange.

Riyadh Airport Attack: A Jordanian was among 12 people killed and 309 injured in Saturday’s strike on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. Four Jordanians were hurt; two have been discharged and two women remain in hospital. Jordan condemned the attack and said it is coordinating care and support for its citizens. Diplomacy: King Abdullah began a two-day state visit to Malaysia, joined by Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, as the countries mark more than six decades of diplomatic ties and seek to deepen education and research cooperation. Severe Weather: Heavy rain, thunderstorms and possible hail are forecast across parts of Jordan, with authorities warning of flash floods in valleys and low-lying areas through Monday. Transport Investment: Jordan’s planned Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway is being promoted as a major freight link with potential to connect regional trade routes to Europe.