AGP Executive Report

UN Diplomacy on Gaza: King Abdullah II used his UNGA address to warn Israel’s policies threaten the two-state solution and regional stability, drawing sharp reactions from Israel’s foreign ministry and prompting responses from Jordanian officials and political parties. Two-State Push: Saudi and Jordan called for stronger international action to implement the two-state solution at a UN meeting, with Jordan urging “concrete and deterrent” steps. Humanitarian Pressure in Gaza: UNRWA warned Israel is making it extremely difficult to bring in critical supplies, while Gaza’s health ministry reported new deaths and injuries amid ongoing attacks. Jordan Economy & Trade: Economists highlighted how Jordan is trying to turn its Gulf-to-Mediterranean location into economic value, while the Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.75% and the municipality issued 196 home business licenses. Water Security: WAJ and Public Security dismantled water theft networks in South Amman and seized an illegal drilling rig in Mafraq. Education Support: The UK pledged £2.85m to UNICEF to extend refugee education support in Jordan through 2029. Tech & Regulation: Jordan and Rwanda signed an ICT MoU, and Jordan’s TRC outlined a more proactive postal regulation model at a regional forum. Health & Community: JNC and WHO discussed expanding the role of mental health nursing in primary care.

UN diplomacy and Gaza focus: Belgium’s foreign minister joined European and Arab officials in a UN sideline minute of silence for Palestinian children, saying “silence can’t be our response,” as Jordan and Save the Children backed the push for urgent protection. Jordan’s UN warning: King Abdullah used his UNGA address to press for action over Gaza and the West Bank, warning Israel’s expansion is a regional threat and linking northern security to water security. Israel-Jordan fallout: Israel’s foreign ministry hit back at the King’s speech, accusing Amman of hypocrisy on international law. Water security investment: The US DFC approved up to $1b in loans and $800m in political risk insurance for Jordan’s National Water Carrier desalination and conveyance project, aimed at cutting the projected water deficit by 2040. Local regulation: Jordan’s Food and Drug Administration launched a campaign to simplify licensing for home-based food businesses and boost food safety. Travel and weather: Moderate conditions continue in most areas, but the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba stay hot; separate reports also flagged potential regional flight disruptions after a missile incident in Riyadh.

UN Diplomacy & Gaza/West Bank: King Abdullah’s UNGA address drew sharp domestic reaction, with Jordanian officials and analysts focusing on his call for concrete action over Israel’s Gaza and West Bank policies, and his warning that deterrence gaps could fuel further expansion. Security & Water: Jordan linked Israel’s moves in southern Syria to risks for its northern borders and water security, spotlighting the Yarmouk Basin. International Push for Gaza Plan: Jordan and regional partners urged full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, stressing ceasefire protection, aid delivery, and reconstruction steps. Israel Response: Israel’s foreign ministry hit back at the King’s UN remarks, reigniting a long-running legal and political dispute over Palestinians’ status. Local Regulation: The Jordan Food and Drug Administration launched a campaign to simplify licensing for home-based food businesses and reinforce food safety standards. Finance & Markets: Jordan’s amended AML law draft would bring virtual assets under oversight and expand asset-tracing and recovery powers. Business & Housing: Residential building permits rose 10.7% in the first seven months, while Aqaba ports moved to boost cargo handling efficiency. Culture & Youth: Qatar is set to join the Amman International Book Fair, and the Ministry of Culture released a new youth literature issue of “Sawt Al-Jeel.” Weather: Moderate conditions are expected through the week, with hot weather in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Regional Diplomacy at UNGA: King Abdullah warned that any threat to Jordan’s northern borders or water security is a national security issue, urging restraint as Israel’s regional moves and Syria’s situation raise alarms. He also called on the UN chief to step up efforts to restore stability and stressed Palestinians’ full rights and a two-state solution. Gaza Humanitarian Pressure: Jordan and Arab and Islamic states backed full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, calling for safe, unhindered aid delivery and reconstruction steps while warning against violations of humanitarian law. Northern Borders & Escalation: The King said Israel’s “appetite” is a regional threat, warning that Syria is the “warning” the world is ignoring. Aid Blocked in Practice: Reports say Israel has stalled delivery of 900 wheelchairs for Gaza children donated by Australian charities, leaving shipments stuck in Jordan. Tourism & Connectivity: Wizz Air resumed direct flights to Amman, and Jordan’s tourism push also includes new hotel branding—IHG’s Noted Collection is set to open a coffee-themed 50-room property in Amman. Economy & Investment: Jordan unveiled a near-$15bn investment opportunities portfolio ahead of a Jordan-EU conference, while Aqaba port logistics measures aim to cut cargo delays. Business & Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued a $100m green bond with IFC backing, and CoinMENA launched digital asset services inside the Central Bank’s JoRegBox sandbox. Local Development: Natural gas is moving toward implementation for Al Rawdah Industrial Estate, and bids were invited for four new school projects. Culture: Jordan selected “Sink” for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film race as the Jordan International Film Festival opened in Amman.

Gaza Diplomacy: Jordan and Arab and Islamic partners urged full implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for Gaza, calling for preserving the ceasefire, ending violations, and ensuring safe, unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid and early recovery supplies. Royal UNGA Focus: King Abdullah delivered Jordan’s address at the 81st UN General Assembly, warning that attention has become a scarce geopolitical resource as crises compete for the world’s focus. Northern Borders & Water: The King said any threat to Jordan’s northern borders or water security is a direct national security threat, warning against expansionist ambitions. Tourism & Connectivity: Wizz Air resumed direct flights between Budapest and Amman with year-round service, while IHG signed a franchise deal to bring its coffee-themed Noted Collection brand to a new 50-key hotel in Amman. Finance & Green Growth: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued a second Green Bond with IFC backing up to USD 100m, and CoinMENA launched digital asset services inside the Central Bank of Jordan’s JoRegBox sandbox. Economy & Housing: Residential building permits rose 10.7% in the first seven months, and the government unveiled an investment opportunities portfolio worth nearly $15bn ahead of a Jordan-EU conference. Energy & Industry: Natural gas supply for Al Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan moved to implementation under an Emirati grant, and Jordan said gas deliveries to Lebanon await infrastructure readiness. Security & Water Enforcement: Authorities seized two illegal water drilling rigs in Amman and arrested seven wanted drug-smuggling suspects in Ramtha.

Green Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued its second Green Bond, with the IFC as anchor investor committing up to USD 100 million to back renewable energy, efficiency, green buildings, blue finance and sustainable transport. Tourism & Hospitality: IHG is bringing its new Noted Collection brand to Amman via a 50-key, coffee-themed hotel developed with Al Ameed Coffee, featuring a coffee reserve and experience centre on the first two floors. Diplomacy: King Abdullah met European Council President António Costa in New York, stressing EU-Jordan partnership and warning against regional escalation and West Bank/Jerusalem violations. Humanitarian Law: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged international action to enforce humanitarian law in Gaza, saying aid is blocked and supplies expire in warehouses. Energy Projects: A natural gas supply project for Al Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan is moving into implementation after a foundation stone laying, aiming to cut industrial energy costs. Tech & Finance: CoinMENA launched digital asset deposit, buying/selling and custody services inside the Central Bank of Jordan’s JoRegBox sandbox under regulatory supervision. Education: Public Works and Housing invited bids for four new school projects worth about JD 8.689 million. Weather: Moderate conditions are expected across much of Jordan, with hotter weather in the Badia, Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Gaza Humanitarian Pressure: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi urged the international community to enforce international humanitarian law in Gaza, saying aid is blocked and supplies expire in warehouses despite assistance being available. EU and Regional Diplomacy: King Abdullah met EU Council President António Costa in New York, stressing the need to end regional escalation and warning against Israel’s violations in the West Bank and Jerusalem; he also met Kuwait’s crown prince and Lebanon’s PM to back Arab efforts to restore calm and support Lebanon’s security. Al-Aqsa Condemnations: Jordan and other Arab states condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Al-Aqsa compound visit, calling it a provocation and a breach of the historical status quo. Energy and Industry: A natural gas project for Al Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan is moving into implementation under an Emirati grant, aiming to cut industrial energy costs; Jordan also said gas deliveries to Lebanon await infrastructure readiness. Finance and Tech: CoinMENA launched digital asset services inside the Central Bank of Jordan’s JoRegBox sandbox, while CBJ data showed household lending rising to JD 14.5bn. Education and Health Infrastructure: Public Works invited bids for four new school projects worth about JD 8.689m, and Zarqa’s East City plans a 60-bed hospital under a major investment project. Culture and Tourism: Jordan selected Zain Duraie’s “Sink” for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category; the Jordan International Film Festival opened in Amman, and IHG signed to bring its coffee-themed Noted Collection brand to a new 50-room hotel in the capital.

Al-Aqsa Status Quo: Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait condemned Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit and settler incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo and warning against attempts to divide the site. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Jordan raised key policy rates by 25 basis points, while banks said interest rates on existing individual loans will stay unchanged. Maan Development Push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan unveiled a two-year package for Maan, including incentives like reduced land prices and electricity costs to attract investment and create jobs. Energy for Industry: Work began on a JD10m natural gas supply project for Rawdha Industrial City, expected to cut industrial energy costs by 35–60% and boost competitiveness. Anti-Drug Drive: Authorities reported 119 crystal meth cases in the 8th week of the anti-crystal campaign, including 29 trafficking/distribution cases and 90 use cases. Trade & Logistics: Aqaba port cargo handling rose over 80% as the port strengthens its role as a regional gateway amid Red Sea disruptions. Tourism & Culture: Jordan Tourism Board opened a China office to grow arrivals, while Irbid’s Dar Al-Saraya Museum saw visitor numbers jump 44.1% in the first seven months of 2026.

Holy Sites: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the storming of Al Aqsa/Al Haram Al Sharif by extremist Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and settlers, saying it violates the holy site’s legal status and calls on the international community to force Israel to halt incursions. Central Banking: The Central Bank of Jordan raised interest rates by 25 basis points, while the Association of Banks in Jordan said rates on existing individual loans will stay unchanged to protect borrowers. Southern Development: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan unveiled a package to boost Maan’s economy, including incentives such as reduced land prices and electricity costs, and laid the foundation for a JD10m natural gas project to supply Rawdha Industrial City. Energy & Power: An IFC plan is being considered for up to $200m financing for a new 700MW gas-fired power plant in Mafraq to strengthen energy security. Regional Security: Jordan and Bahrain condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, warning that strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure breach international law. Travel & Tourism: Jordan Tourism Board opened a China office to grow Chinese arrivals, while Dar Al-Saraya Museum in Irbid reported a 44.1% visitor jump in early 2026. Public Health & Education: A study found 32.9% of Jordanian students aged 13–17 are overweight or obese, with concerns tied to low physical activity and high gaming hours.

Green Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued its second Green Bond worth $100m, with IFC as anchor investor, to fund renewable energy, efficiency, green buildings, blue finance and sustainable transport. Regional Security: Jordan and Bahrain condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia after a missile aimed at Riyadh was intercepted; Jordan called it a blatant violation of international law. Foreign Policy: King Abdullah met Czech leaders in Prague, stressing de-escalation and warning against annexation and settlement expansion in the West Bank, while also pushing defence and economic cooperation. Investment Push: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio of projects for the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19, spanning energy, mining, transport and logistics. Aid Blockage: More than 900 Australian-donated wheelchairs for injured Gaza children remain stuck in Jordan warehouses due to restrictions on aid deliveries. Public Services & Economy: Cabinet approved fuel-saving controls for government vehicles using electronic tracking, and extended Aqaba export grace periods to 14 days to ease supply pressure. Tourism & Connectivity: Jordan Tourism Board opened a China office to boost arrivals, and is working on direct flights to major Chinese cities.

Tourism Push: Jordan Tourism Board opened a China representative office to boost Chinese arrivals, citing 19,095 visitors in 2025 and plans to expand digital marketing, trade ties, and tailored packages—plus work toward direct flights. Investment Pipeline: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio of investment opportunities for the Jordan-EU Conference on Nov. 19, spanning 15 sectors, with big focus on energy, mining, and transport. Regional Security: Jordan condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif and reiterated solidarity with Riyadh, as ministers discussed steps to curb regional escalation. Aqaba Process: King Abdullah chaired a new round of Aqaba Process meetings in Paris with France and Lebanon, focusing on support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and keeping arms with the state. Public Services & Economy: Cabinet approved electronic tagging for government fuel use to curb waste, and extended Aqaba export grace periods to 14 days amid supply pressure. Humanitarian/Local Impact: Over 900 Australian-donated wheelchairs for Gaza children remain stuck in Jordan warehouses due to aid restrictions. Weather: Mild conditions expected across most areas with hot weather in the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea and Aqaba.

Jordan–Czech Defence Ties: King Abdullah met Czech defence-industry executives in Prague, touring advanced technologies and discussing ways to deepen Jordan–Czech cooperation in defence and security. Regional De-escalation: In separate Prague talks, the King urged intensified international diplomacy to restore stability, warning against risks from Israeli measures in the West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza. Aqaba Process in Paris: King Abdullah chaired a new round of Aqaba Process meetings with France and Lebanon, focusing on supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and keeping arms with the state. Saudi Attack Condemnation: Jordan’s foreign minister condemned a Houthi drone attack on Taif, reiterating Amman’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and support for measures to protect sovereignty. Aid Blocked to Gaza: More than 900 Australian-donated wheelchairs for injured Gaza children remain stuck in Jordan warehouses after Israeli aid restrictions blocked delivery. Fuel Waste Controls: Cabinet approved electronic tagging and RFID-based automated fuelling for government vehicles to cut fuel waste and improve accountability. Anti-Drug Crackdown: Anti-narcotics units arrested 19 suspects in twin-city operations in Amman and Irbid, seizing hashish and narcotic pills. Tourism Push: Jordan is targeting Russian travellers with visa-free entry, expanded direct flights and new tourism partnerships. Local Governance: Greater Amman Municipality suspended “national worker” and “municipal employee” hiring categories since 2019, pending restructuring.

King’s Czech push: King Abdullah met Czech defence-industry executives in Prague, touring new technologies and stressing expanded Jordanian-Czech cooperation in defence, security and investment, while warning against regional escalation and Israeli measures in the West Bank and holy sites. Regional de-escalation: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi held talks with Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan, reiterating Amman’s solidarity with Riyadh after a Houthi drone attack on Taif. Lebanon support: The King chaired a new round of Aqaba Process meetings in Paris with France and Lebanon, focusing on strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces and keeping arms with the state. Aid bottleneck: More than 900 Australian-donated wheelchairs for Gaza’s injured children are stuck in Jordan warehouses, blocked from entering Gaza amid Israeli aid restrictions. Public services and economy: Cabinet approved fuel-saving controls for government vehicles using electronic links and RFID fuelling, and extended Aqaba export grace periods to 14 days to ease supply pressure. Local governance: Greater Amman Municipality suspended “national worker” and “municipal employee” hiring categories since 2019, with future recruitment handled via contracted private firms. Health access: WHO launched a new global strategy to improve access to childhood cancer medicines, highlighting medicine stockouts as a major survival barrier in low- and middle-income countries. Tourism and energy: Jordan is courting Russian travellers with visa-free entry and new partnerships, while Jordan and China advanced cooperation on green energy, including studies for a green hydrogen project.

Child Cancer Medicines: The WHO says survival for children with cancer increasingly hinges on whether essential chemotherapy drugs are available and affordable, not on new discoveries—highlighting stockouts of key medicines in low- and middle-income countries and launching a new global strategy to improve access. Jordan-Saudi De-escalation: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan discussed steps to end regional escalation and restore calm, with Jordan reiterating solidarity with Saudi Arabia after a Houthi drone attack on Taif. Aqaba Process in Paris: King Abdullah chaired a new round of Aqaba Process meetings with France and Lebanon to support the Lebanese Armed Forces and strengthen Lebanon’s security and sovereignty, including mechanisms for international support. Fuel Waste Controls: Cabinet approved measures to curb fuel consumption by government vehicles using electronic data-link and RFID automated fuelling, aiming to cut waste and improve accountability. Port Supply Relief: The government doubled the grace period for Aqaba Container Port exports to 14 days and eased fees tied to goods destruction to protect steady flows of essential goods. Anti-Narcotics Crackdown: Jordan’s anti-narcotics units arrested 19 suspects in twin-city operations in Amman and Irbid, seizing hashish, pills, and firearms. Baptism Anniversary Prep: The Prime Minister ordered preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus in 2030, pushing timelines, infrastructure upgrades, and international marketing for Christian pilgrimage. Regional Security Claims: Jordan urged caution as online Iran-linked propaganda falsely claims Jordan and Bahrain demanded U.S. troop withdrawals—saying the claims mix unrelated events into a misleading narrative. Tourism and Trade Moves: Jordan is pushing Russian tourism with visa-free entry and partnerships, while also expanding cooperation with China on green energy, including studies for a green hydrogen project tied to Aqaba.

Regional Security: Jordan condemned a Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s Taif, calling it a blatant violation of sovereignty, and said it stands in full solidarity with Riyadh as Jordan and Saudi foreign ministers discussed steps to curb escalation. Diplomacy & Defence: King Abdullah met France President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, with both sides highlighting defence cooperation and backing the Aqaba Process talks aimed at supporting Lebanon’s armed forces and keeping arms with the state. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Anti-narcotics units arrested 19 suspects in twin-city crackdowns in Amman and Irbid, seizing hashish slabs, pills and firearms. Government Services: The Cabinet approved electronic fuel-tracking for government vehicles to curb waste, and extended Aqaba export grace periods amid supply pressure. Local Life: Residents in Taqbal renewed calls to relocate a waste transfer station after another fire revived long-running health and environmental complaints. Economy & Energy: Jordan and China moved toward green energy cooperation, including studies for a green hydrogen project linked to Aqaba. International Spotlight: Jordan dropped the case against American journalist Ali Younes after a travel ban was lifted, though legal action remains open.

Green Energy Diplomacy: Jordan is moving to deepen cooperation with China on green energy after King Abdullah’s China visit, including a memorandum to study a green hydrogen project using renewable power and desalinated water from Aqaba. Regional Ties: The King met Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun in Paris, reaffirming Jordan’s support for Lebanon’s security and sovereignty amid ongoing regional tensions. Economic Push: The Crown Prince urged faster action to protect supply chains and strategic stocks, while the government also plans about $10bn in PPP mega-projects over the next 3–4 years across water, energy, transport and public services. Investment & Jobs: The EBRD opened a new Amman office, saying its Jordan investments total €2.468bn since 2012 and aiming to expand next year. Public Sector Updates: Amman Municipality has frozen “national worker” and “municipal employee” hiring categories until further notice, while a government workshop trained 126 media staff on digital platforms. Sports: Al Hussein held East Bengal to a 2-2 draw in the AFC Champions League Two Group D opener after leading 2-0 at halftime. Humanitarian & Aid: More than 900 Australian-donated wheelchairs for Gaza children remain stuck in Jordan warehouses due to restrictions on aid deliveries. Weather: Temperatures are set to ease from Thursday, with moderate conditions returning to most regions.