AGP Executive Report

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.

Aviation Disruptions: Flights across the Middle East were diverted, delayed or suspended after Iran was accused of missile attacks toward Kuwait and Bahrain, with Bahrain briefly closing airspace and airlines extending Gulf suspensions; Jordan Tourism: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism says low-cost airlines resume July 1 will boost arrivals, with border-entry support and promotion of the “Ahlan Jordan” platform; Al-Aqsa Custodianship: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied reports that Washington is working with Israel to end Jordan’s Al Aqsa custodianship, calling the claims unverified; Holy Sites Condemnation: Jordan and Arab and Islamic partners condemned Israeli settler incursions and flag-raising at Al Aqsa under Israeli protection; Infrastructure & Roads: Works begin Wednesday on damaged sections of Queen Alia Airport Road (Madaba Bridge to 7th Circle) under a JD 5.9m tender funded by the Kuwait Fund; Water Enforcement: WAJ detected illegal pipeline violations in Jizah and Ruseifa, seizing an illegal drilling rig and reporting legal action; Economy & Industry: PM Hassan inaugurated six Chinese-owned Jinsheng factories in Karak, and announced incentives for the Rawda Industrial Area plus steps to expand industrial zones; Markets Integration: Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange activated an electronic trading link via Tabadul to broaden investor access; Humanitarian Pressure: UNHCR said 196,000 Syrian refugees returned from Jordan since Dec 2024, while WFP suspended food aid for 135,000 refugees in host communities due to funding shortfalls.

World Cup Jordan: Jordan named its 26-player squad for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, with Mousa Al-Tamari among the stars, and the team’s market value put at about €19.475m. Training camp is under way in San Diego ahead of a friendly vs Colombia, while the Youth Ministry plans giant-screen match broadcasts in Amman, Aqaba and Irbid plus screenings at 60 youth centers. Public Works: Maintenance is set to start Wednesday on damaged sections of the Queen Alia International Airport Road (from Madaba Bridge to 7th Circle), funded by a Kuwait Fund loan. Water Security: The Water Authority says it found illegal pipeline violations in Jizah and Ruseifa, including a seized drilling rig and illegal extensions supplying unauthorized homes. Finance: Jordan and the UAE activated an electronic trading link between the Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange via Tabadul to boost cross-border access and liquidity. Humanitarian: WFP suspended food aid for 135,000 Syrian refugees in host communities due to a funding gap, while JHCO reported Eid Al Adha assistance across Jordan and Gaza. Industrial Push: PM Hassan inaugurated six Chinese-operated factories in Karak and announced new incentives for Maan’s Rawda Industrial Area, alongside steps to expand logistics and investment. Weather: Temperatures edge slightly higher through Thursday with mild summer conditions across most regions.

Tabadul Link Boost: Jordan’s capital market institutions and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange have activated an electronic trading link via the Tabadul platform, letting investors trade across both markets through licensed brokerage firms and aiming to widen the investor base and improve liquidity. World Cup Support at Work: Labour Minister Khaled Bakkar urged private employers to align with Prime Minister Jafar Hassan’s decision to delay official working hours to 10am on World Cup final match days, so fans can watch Jordan’s historic campaign. Border Security Upgrade: Jordan announced the operationalization of advanced military facilities to strengthen land border security, improve 24/7 detection and rapid response, and curb smuggling and unauthorized infiltration. Local Crime Update: A shooting dispute in Amman’s Ashrafieh left one man dead and three injured; the gunman’s son was arrested after trying to flee. Regional Flashpoint: Jordan condemned “repeated” Iranian attacks on Kuwait as a violation of sovereignty and international law, reaffirming full solidarity with Kuwait. Business & Trade: Industry Minister said exports rose 1.6% in Q1 to JD2.129bn, with gains to Syria, China and EU markets; Zarqa re-exports hit about JD31.8m in May.

Regional Finance: Jordan and the UAE officially activated an electronic trading link between the Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange via the Tabadul platform, aiming to widen investor access and boost liquidity through cross-border trading. Middle East Security: Jordan condemned “repeated” Iranian attacks on Kuwait and reaffirmed full solidarity with the Gulf state, as Kuwait reported air-defence interceptions. Lebanon Crisis: Jordan also denounced Israel’s expanded ground operations in Lebanon, warning of violations of sovereignty and international law as ceasefire efforts face new setbacks. Capital Markets & Trade: Zarqa reported JD 31.8m in May commercial re-exports, led by vehicles and auto parts, alongside sanitary ware, pharma, food and electronics. Jobs & Economy: Jordan’s unemployment fell to 16.1% in Q1 2026, while a World Bank-backed programme reported 61,000+ job opportunities created. Industry & Investment: PM Hassan ordered incentives for the al-Rawdah Industrial Zone and pushed ahead with plans for an Aqaba–Ma’an dry port logistics hub. Tourism: Low-cost airlines are set to resume flights to Jordan on July 1, expected to lift European arrivals. Health & Governance: Jordan’s Reayah cancer care programme marked a major shift in funding and access for eligible groups. Weather: Pleasant summer conditions continue, with hotter weather in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Jordan Economy & Jobs: Unemployment fell to 16.1% in Q1 2026, down year-on-year, with DoS reporting improvements across key groups. Industrial Push: PM Jafar Hassan ordered expanded incentives for the al-Rawdah Industrial Zone and inaugurated six Jinsheng factories in Karak’s Al-Qatrana, aiming to boost investment and create about 700 jobs. Trade & Food Security: Aqaba Port received 44,000 tons of US rice for Iraq despite regional shipping disruptions. Tourism Outlook: Low-cost flights to Jordan are set to resume July 1, expected to lift arrivals, while Eid al-Adha demand kept restaurants busy, especially in Amman and Ajloun. Weather: Pleasant conditions continue through Wednesday, with hotter weather in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba. Regional Diplomacy & Holy Sites: Jordan condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and settlers’ incursions into al-Aqsa, warning against any changes to the site’s status.

Al-Aqsa Mosque: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the storming of Al Aqsa/Al Haram Al Sharif by Israeli extremists, calling it a violation of international law and warning that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem’s holy sites, with Jordan’s Awqaf Department the sole legal authority for the compound. Industrial Push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered incentives for the Al-Rawdah Industrial Zone in Ma’an—matching those of Karak’s King Hussein bin Abdullah II Industrial Estate—until natural gas reaches the zone, while also pushing the Aqaba-Ma’an Dry Port master plan and studies ahead of year-end. Jobs and Investment: Hassan inaugurated six Chinese-owned Jinsheng factories in Al-Qatrana, Karak, saying the integrated complex aims to create 700 jobs and directed steps to convert it into a development zone to unlock further investment. Tourism Recovery: The Tourism Ministry said low-cost airlines will resume flights to Jordan on July 1, expected to boost arrivals, especially from Europe, as border and entry-point readiness steps continue. Eid Demand: Restaurant owners reported strong Eid al-Adha holiday demand, driven by salary timing, expatriate returns, and family outings, with Amman and Ajloun among the busiest. Weather Update: Pleasant to moderate conditions are set to continue through Wednesday, with relatively hot weather in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Tourism & Travel: Budget flights to Jordan are set to resume July 1 after months of regional aviation disruption, with the Tourism Ministry saying the move should lift tourist arrivals and support the “Ahlan Jordan” digital platform. Public Health: A Higher Population Council report marks World No Tobacco Day warning that tobacco use tops 50% among Jordanians aged 15+, with low-income groups hit hardest by the cost and health burden. Weather Watch: Mild conditions continue across most regions Saturday, with temperatures rising slightly Sunday; Amman is expected around the mid-20s to teens at night, while the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba stay relatively hot. World Cup Build-Up: Jordan’s national team begins a key friendly test against Switzerland on Sunday as it prepares for its historic 2026 FIFA World Cup debut, then heads to the US for the next stage of its tour. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait, calling them a violation of sovereignty and a threat to Gulf stability, and reiterated solidarity with Kuwait. Holy Sites & Diplomacy: Fresh reporting claims the US and Israel are working to end Jordan’s custodianship of Al-Aqsa and replace the Islamic Waqf with a new arrangement aligned with Israeli interests. Sports Business: Transfermarkt data says Jordan’s national squad market value has climbed to about €18.25m, driven by rising player valuations after World Cup qualification.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship Under Pressure: Middle East Eye reports the US and Israel are working to end Jordan’s historic role over Al-Aqsa and replace the Islamic Waqf with an Israeli-run “multi-faith” management plan, raising fears of changing the site’s Muslim identity and access rules. Holy Sites Tightened: Israel closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to worshipers “until further notice,” with checkpoints and electronic gates shut, which Jordan’s officials and Palestinian authorities condemned as a violation of freedom of worship and the status quo. Gulf Security: Jordan condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait as a breach of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability, stressing solidarity with Kuwait and calling for restraint. World Cup Spotlight: Jordan’s national team, set for its first FIFA World Cup appearance, is preparing for Group J matches starting June 16, with fans in Amman celebrating the historic qualification. Jordan Football Value Surge: Transfermarkt data puts Jordan’s squad market value at about €18.25m, led by Mousa Tamari, reflecting growing international attention after recent regional success. Independence Day Diplomacy: King Abdullah II sent congratulatory letters to Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev on Independence Day, as Jordan-Azerbaijan ties and trade were highlighted. Tech and Jobs: A Jordan initiative called Techween is tackling the gap between university graduates and tech-sector hiring needs, amid concerns about youth unemployment and brain drain. Film Buzz: Suriya’s “Karuppu” crossed Rs 300 crore worldwide, with RJ Balaji sharing behind-the-scenes details and Aamir Khan’s congratulatory message.

Holy Sites Under Pressure: Israeli forces closed the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron to worshipers “until further notice,” tightening measures around the site and drawing condemnation over freedom of worship. Al-Aqsa Custodianship Fight: A new report says the US and Israel are working to end Jordan’s historic custodianship of Al-Aqsa, replacing the Jordan-backed Islamic Waqf with an Israeli-linked “multi-faith” arrangement; Jordan and the Palestinian Authority warn this would break the status quo and threaten the site’s Arab and Islamic identity. Regional Security: Jordan condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait as a violation of sovereignty and a threat to Gulf stability, urging restraint and international action to stop escalation. Jordanian Diplomacy: King Abdullah II sent congratulatory letters to Azerbaijan on Independence Day, while Jordan also highlighted strong, longstanding ties with Qatar. Sports Spotlight: Jordan’s World Cup debut is set for June 16 against Austria, and Jordan’s squad market value reportedly climbed to about €18.25M after recent tournament success. Weather: Mild conditions are expected in most regions, with dust possible from northwesterly winds.

Regional Security: Jordan condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on Kuwait, calling them a blatant violation of sovereignty and a threat to Gulf stability, and reiterated full solidarity with Kuwait while urging restraint and international action. Holy Sites & Diplomacy: Jordan’s Al-Aqsa custodianship is again in the spotlight after reports of a US-Israel plan to replace the Jordan-backed Islamic Waqf with an Israeli-influenced multi-faith arrangement; the Palestinian Authority warned this would impose Israeli sovereignty and alter the status quo. US-Iran Talks & Abraham Accords Pressure: As the US signals progress on a potential Iran framework and Strait of Hormuz reopening, Washington is also pushing Middle East states to join the Abraham Accords—an approach Pakistan rejected, saying it conflicts with national ideology and trust concerns. Local & National: Jordan marked its 80th Independence Day with royal addresses and celebrations, while Crown Prince Hussein urged the national team “Al-Nashama” to keep fighting ahead of the World Cup. Weather: Temperatures are set to drop slightly Thursday with pleasant conditions across most regions, with moderate weather continuing into Friday.

Jordan-Kuwait Solidarity: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Kuwait as a “flagrant violation” of sovereignty and a threat to Gulf security, pledging full support for Kuwait’s measures to protect citizens and residents. Al-Aqsa Custodianship Row: The Palestinian Authority warned against a reported US-Israel plan to strip Jordan of its historic Al-Aqsa custodianship, saying it would change the status quo and risk imposing Israeli sovereignty over the site. Regional Tensions Watch: As US-Iran talks continue, reports say Washington carried out “self-defense strikes” near the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran disputed claims and signaled retaliation concerns. Independence Day in Jordan: King Abdullah II and Queen Rania marked Jordan’s 80th anniversary with major ceremonies, alongside royal family members and Eid greetings, while the Crown Prince urged Jordanians to back the national team ahead of the World Cup. Eid Al-Adha & Local Life: The Tourism Ministry launched an Eid events program across Jordan’s tourist and archaeological sites, and Equiti Jordan signed a three-year partnership with the Jordan Tennis Federation to back junior tennis and padel. Weather: Temperatures are expected to dip slightly, with pleasant conditions across most regions through Friday.

Orthodox Education & Heritage: King Abdullah II inaugurated the Baptism Site International Orthodox University campus at al-Maghtas (Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan), aiming to turn the site into a study and pilgrimage hub ahead of the 2030 baptism anniversary. Eid Al-Adha Diplomacy: Jordan’s King sent Eid greetings to Jordanians and Arab and Islamic nations, while Crown Prince Hussein and the royal court received similar cables from regional leaders. Independence Day Spotlight: Jordan marked its 80th anniversary with major royal ceremonies and King Abdullah’s message on security, stability, and democratic progress. Al-Aqsa Custodianship Under Pressure: The Palestinian Authority warned against reported US-Israel plans to strip Jordan’s custodianship of Al-Aqsa, saying any change would undermine the status quo and Arab-Islamic identity. Regional Security & Hormuz: The US carried out “self-defense strikes” near the Strait of Hormuz as Iran-US talks continue, with Jordan closely watching regional de-escalation efforts. Sports & World Cup Pride: Jordan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance is set for June 27 against Argentina, with Jordanian fans in North Texas gearing up. Tourism for Eid: The Tourism Ministry launched an Eid Al-Adha events program across Jordan’s tourist and archaeological sites to boost domestic travel. Local Economy & Sport Sponsorship: Equiti Jordan signed a three-year deal with the Jordan Tennis Federation as official partner through April 2029. Weather: Mild conditions are expected across much of the kingdom, with hotter weather in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Eid Al Adha Greetings: King Abdullah II sent Eid Al Adha congratulations to Jordanians and the Arab and Islamic world, calling for God to protect the homeland and its people. Independence Day Spotlight: Jordan marked its 80th anniversary with royal ceremonies and King Abdullah’s message on security, democratic progress and resilience amid regional challenges. Regional Diplomacy: A Jordanian minister said relations with Qatar are robust and longstanding, with both sides keen to deepen cooperation. Al-Aqsa Custodianship: The Palestinian Authority warned against any plan to strip Jordan of its custodianship of Al-Aqsa, saying it would undermine the status quo and Arab and Islamic identity. Middle East Tensions: Reports say US-Iran talks are gaining momentum, but the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint after renewed strikes and threats. Sports & Pride: Jordan’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance is set for June 27 against Argentina, with Jordanians abroad gearing up. Tourism for the Holiday: The Tourism Ministry launched an Eid Al-Adha events program across Jordan to boost domestic tourism. Security Update: Jordan’s Armed Forces said they thwarted an infiltration attempt on the northern border and transferred the apprehended person to authorities.

Jordan–Qatar Ties: Jordan’s Government Communication Minister Dr. Mohammad Momani says relations with Qatar are “robust and longstanding,” pledging deeper cooperation across fields as the country marks its 80th Independence Day. Al-Aqsa Custodianship Alarm: The Palestinian Authority warns against a “dangerous” plan to strip Jordan of its historic Al-Aqsa custodianship, saying any shift would undermine the site’s Arab and Islamic identity and the status quo. Hormuz Tensions: Fresh U.S. strikes near the Strait of Hormuz have added uncertainty to fragile talks with Iran, with reports of attacks on vessels and threats of retaliation. Abraham Accords Pushback: Pakistan rejects joining the Abraham Accords, saying it clashes with “fundamental ideologies” and questioning trust in Israel. Independence & Eid Mood: Eid Al-Adha greetings and Independence Day messages filled the headlines, while Jordan’s tourism ministry rolls out an Eid events program and the national team’s World Cup debut keeps fans buzzing.