AGP Executive Report

Aqaba Trade Boost: Jordan expands Aqaba Port capacity as Iraq transit containers surge 933%, a clear sign regional trade is pushing logistics demand. Markets Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange saw turnover hit JD10.7m on Thursday with 5.6m shares traded; the ASE index slipped 0.01% to 4,092, while industrial and services sectors edged up. Foreign Property Inflows: Non-Jordanians bought 1,515 properties in Jordan in the first eight months of 2026 (down 1%), but transaction value rose 19% to JD147.1m, led by Iraqis by both number and value. Jordan–China Business Links: Chinese trade, investment and tourism delegations are set to visit Jordan soon to follow up on King Abdullah II’s China trip, aiming to turn cooperation into practical deals. Regional Energy Risk: The US-Iran conflict keeps widening the pressure on shipping and oil routes, with reports of strikes involving Jordan-based US assets and oil prices staying above $100—an external shock Jordan businesses can’t ignore.

Middle East Energy Shock: Iran says it attacked more than a dozen vessels near the Strait of Hormuz and expanded a “prohibited zone,” while UK maritime monitors reported disabling fire in the Gulf of Oman—pushing Brent back above $100 and reviving inflation and rate-hike worries across Asia. Jordan’s Exposure: Reports also link the escalation to strikes involving a US base in Jordan, underscoring how regional shipping risks can spill into Jordan’s security and economic planning. Settlement Trade Pressure: Eight Muslim-majority countries including Jordan welcomed the UK ban on imports tied to illegal Israeli settlements, urging wider international action and accountability for settlement-linked services and goods. Labour Compliance Window: Jordan’s Ministry of Labour extended work hours for labour offices/directorates from Sept. 12 to Sept. 30 (until 5pm) to help employers regularise non-Jordanian workers’ status. Household Debt Watch: Central Bank data shows Jordanian household debt rose to JD14.312bn in Q1 2026, with the biggest annual jump in personal loans. Local Development: Irbid City Center redevelopment reached 40%, with land acquisitions and new public spaces aimed at boosting tourism and commerce. Business & Travel: Iraqi Airways will double Baghdad-Amman flights on peak days from Sept. 11 as demand rises.

Investment & Growth: Jordan’s Prime Minister Jafar Hassan chaired an Investment Council meeting, saying development, industrial and free zones are key tools for jobs and regional growth, and pointing to major projects like the Aqaba–Shidiya/Maan railway, Maan–Aqaba land port, the National Water Carrier and the Risha gas field, alongside regulatory and digital reforms to improve the business climate. Diplomacy & Trade: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met Syria’s President Ahmad Al Sharaa in Damascus, conveying King Abdullah’s greetings and pushing a practical, institutional Jordan–Syria partnership, with focus on trade, investment, transport, customs, water and energy. Regional Security & Energy Costs: The US-Iran tanker and missile escalation is again driving oil above $100, with reports of strikes involving Jordan-based US facilities and wider Hormuz shipping disruption—raising inflation and market pressure. Sanctions on Settlements: Jordan joined eight Arab and Muslim states welcoming the UK’s ban on imports from illegal Israeli settlements and restrictions on related services, urging broader international action and accountability for settlement-linked activities. ASE Market Watch: Amman Stock Exchange trading was reported at about JD 14.3m, with the market also noted as down slightly in recent sessions.

Trade & Logistics Strategy: A new policy paper urges Jordan to stop being only a transit corridor and instead build a national plan to capture value from regional trade—turning location and stability into logistics, services, manufacturing and re-export, while warning that any rise in transit traffic could fade if it’s driven by temporary regional disruptions. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Wizz Air is restoring winter routes, including relaunching flights to Jeddah and Amman and confirming Abu Dhabi and Dubai from Oct. 25, with progressive route returns and fares starting from €24.99. Higher Education Capacity: The government is reconsidering cuts to medical and dentistry seats at public universities after PM direction, with any increase tied to university capacity, faculty, clinical training facilities and labour-market demand. Modernisation Metrics: A commentary argues Jordan needs better tools to measure whether the Economic Modernisation Vision is actually improving household life—not just tracking projects and macro indicators. Regional Energy Shock: Escalating US-Iran tensions tied to strikes around Jordan and the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil prices toward $100, raising supply-risk concerns for the wider region.

Digital Economy & Payments: Crown Prince Hussein reviewed progress on the Sanad Business app and urged it to launch with the services Jordanian business owners need, while also pushing wider e-payments to simplify transactions tied to government services. Capital Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange saw JD15.2m in trading Tuesday, with the ASE index up 0.47% and sector gains led by services (+1.03%). Aviation & Connectivity: Royal Jordanian expanded its fleet with a 17th A320neo aircraft, while Wizz Air said it will restore winter links including Amman and other Middle East routes. Trade & Foreign Policy: Jordan welcomed the UK’s ban on trade in goods from Israeli West Bank settlements and broader European restrictions, calling them consistent with international law and supportive of the two-state solution. Regional Security & Energy: Saudi Arabia condemned Houthi attacks that injured 73 civilians and disrupted operations at energy facilities, while regional tensions continue to feed into global commodities and shipping risk. Business & Industry: PMET reported large-scale caesium sampling at CV13, supporting downstream chemical testwork and future ore-sorting trials. ASE Market Watch: Trading activity and index movement underline steady investor participation as the week moves into the new trading cycle.

Aqaba Port Expansion: Aqaba Development Corporation will tender this month for a new oil port as vessel traffic rises, with plans to treat Aqaba’s ports as one logistics system to keep imports and exports moving. Climate Finance Push: King Abdullah II directed the government to build a comprehensive national climate finance strategy with private-sector coordination, highlighting $295m Green Climate Fund support for the National Water Carrier. Trade Cost Relief: Jordan extended a tax break on higher sea freight costs for six more months to protect supply chains and consumers amid regional pressures. Digital Finance Growth: Egypt-born fintech Valu officially launched in Jordan, offering consumer financing and BNPL up to 60 months after Central Bank approval, while Jordan Ahli Bank rolled out certified remote digital signatures. Regional Security Spillover: Jordan condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian and economic sites and warned against continued targeting of commercial vessels, as the escalation disrupts energy operations. Water Skills for Jobs: The National Water Carrier project is expected to drive demand for trained Jordanian workers, with vocational and labor planning tied to early project stages. Legal/Compliance: A Jordanian man was arrested in Kuwait over a KD 25,000 investment scam involving alleged stock-market trading.

Digital Finance & Banking: Jordan Ahli Bank, with Tawqi3i, launched Jordan’s first certified remote digital signature service, letting customers sign loan agreements via ahli Mobile using eKYC and CBJ PKI integration. Fintech Expansion: Valu officially launched in Jordan after Central Bank approval for a specialized finance licence, offering consumer financing and BNPL up to 60 months through retail and digital channels. Capital Markets: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit JD13.6m on Monday; the general index rose 0.26% with mixed sector moves. Trade & Industry: Jordan’s exports reached JD4.66bn in H1, up 6.2% year-on-year, with calls for more export-focused investment and public-private partnerships. Climate Finance Push: King Abdullah directed government to draft a unified national climate finance strategy with private-sector support, citing $295m Green Climate Fund backing for the National Water Conveyance Project. Judiciary & Business Climate: The King received 2025 reports from the Judicial Council and Sharia Courts, stressing modernization and prioritizing economic chambers to support investment. Endowments Revenue Plan: Awqaf ministry unveiled a three-year plan to double investable endowment revenues, valuing properties at about JD516m. Consumer Safety: The Consumer Protection Directorate ordered a corrective programme for 188 JAC E10X vehicles after reports of sudden stops, including halting sales of stock pending inspections. Regional Business Context: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi chaired Arab League ministerial work on Jerusalem, calling for stronger political, diplomatic and economic pressure to protect holy sites.

Exports & Investment: Jordan’s national exports hit JD4.66bn in the first half of 2026, up 6.2% year-on-year, with industry pushing for more export-focused investment and public-private partnerships. Energy & Trade Logistics: The Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba Port using LNG regasification and transport through Syria, reinforcing Jordan’s role as a regional energy hub. Ports & Supply Chains: PM Jafar Hassan chaired talks on keeping supply chains moving by streamlining procedures at Aqaba and border crossings, with Aqaba operating at full capacity. Fintech Payments: Valu’s Jordan unit officially launched its flexible payment and BNPL services after receiving its final Central Bank license. Water Enforcement: Water authorities detected and removed multiple illegal water lines and sealed illegal wells used to supply farms, chalets, homes and car washes. Digital Economy & AI: Jordan and Saudi HUMAIN signed an MoU to advance Arabic AI models, support startups, and build AI talent and infrastructure. Regional Health Cooperation: GCC health ministers met in Bahrain to strengthen joint preparedness, medicine supply chains and coordination amid regional security pressures. Tourism & Inclusion: Aqaba hosted the “Peace Beach Charity Bazaar” to empower people with disabilities through income-generating local products. Tourism Development (Ajloun): A study highlights Ajloun’s tourism strengths while calling for infrastructure upgrades, higher tourism budgets, and easier licensing. Agency Awards: Campaign Middle East’s Agency of the Year Awards added new categories like gaming & esports and influencer marketing. Stock Market: ASE turnover reached JD13.4m Sunday, with the general index up 0.36%.

Energy & Trade: Jordan’s Cabinet approved supplying Lebanon with natural gas via Aqaba Port, using LNG regasification in Aqaba and transport through Syria, reinforcing Amman’s role as a regional energy hub. Ports & Supply Chains: PM Jafar Hassan chaired talks on keeping Aqaba port operations running smoothly and streamlining procedures at border crossings with the private sector to protect the flow of goods amid regional tensions. Fintech & Payments: Valu Group’s Jordan unit officially launched the first phase of its flexible digital payment and BNPL services after receiving its final Central Bank license. Water Security: Water authorities stepped up enforcement, removing illegal water lines, sealing illegal wells, and seizing equipment used to supply farms, chalets, homes and car-wash stations. Markets: The Amman Stock Exchange rose 0.36% as turnover reached JD13.4m. Digital Education: The World Bank approved a $3.5m grant to prepare Jordan’s public schools for digital transformation, including connectivity readiness and device program feasibility. AI Cooperation: Jordan and Saudi HUMAIN signed an MoU to advance Arabic AI models and support public-sector AI adoption, startups and talent. Domestic Safety Tech: The “Aman” system has tracked 14,515 domestic violence cases, expanding automated coverage and civil society partnerships. Climate Policy & Youth: A report urges clearer green-tech tax rules, better household energy efficiency, and deeper youth/community involvement in climate decisions. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan and other Arab and Islamic states condemned Israeli statements on forced displacement from Gaza, warning of serious legal and stability risks.

Digital Education Upgrade: The World Bank approved a $3.5m grant to prepare Jordan’s public-school digital transformation, including readiness assessments across about 3,500 schools, connectivity and device pilots, and cost/specs for nationwide rollout. Public Services Access: The Civil Status and Passports Department expanded Saturday hours at several Amman offices and service centers to help citizens who can’t visit during weekdays, with Saturday transactions rising steadily. Travel & Documents: Jordan launched an “Electronic Passport Issuance Application” service at selected government service centers, running from 9am to midnight. Hajj Registration: Initial Hajj registration for Jordanians and Gaza residents in Jordan starts next Sunday and runs until Sept. 27 online, with a JD200 refundable fee for the primary applicant and eligibility tied to age and prior pilgrimage status. Trade & Logistics: Jordan Customs Chief inspected the Jaber Border Customs Center and ordered practical fixes to keep cargo moving smoothly amid the shipping crisis. Economic Outlook: Crown Prince Al Hussein reiterated priorities like investment, technology, youth support, and building on economic agreements with China to turn stability into stronger growth. Regional Context: Jordan’s US alliance remains under pressure as Iran-linked attacks target Jordan’s military sites, while diplomats also weigh regional de-escalation and West Bank risks. Business Pulse: Amman Chamber reported export certificates of origin rising 20.7% to JD1.031bn in the first eight months, signaling stronger trade documentation momentum.

Passport Modernization: Jordan launched an electronic passport issuance application service at several government service centers, with access from 9 a.m. to midnight at Al-Muqabalain, North Amman, West Amman and Balqa centers. Trade Facilitation: The Jordanian Customs Department’s director general made an unannounced visit to the Jaber Border Customs Center to tackle a shipping crisis, urging faster solutions and better coordination to keep cargo moving. Civil Services Access: The Civil Status and Passports Department expanded Saturday working hours at six Amman offices and at comprehensive service centers across governorates to help citizens who can’t visit on regular days. Jordan-France Economic Push: Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met France’s top Europe and foreign affairs minister in Paris, stressing stronger cooperation and expecting active French participation in Jordan’s Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19. Exports Update: Amman Chamber reported export certificates of origin rising to JD1.031bn in the first eight months, up 20.7% year-on-year, with Iraq the top destination by value. Tourism Development: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited the “Blessed Tree” site and Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation project, directing a broader eastern Jordan tourism push covering wildlife reserves, nature areas and heritage sites. Regional Risk Watch: Jordan’s US alliance remains under pressure as Iranian strikes target military bases, while Jordanian leaders say they will keep the relationship despite the security and economic costs.

Water & Investment: Jordan’s water-sector debate is shifting from “finding more water” to building resilient systems, with experts pointing to the need for better financing tools, basin-level partnerships, and scalable tech to move from plans to execution. Regional Security & Costs: Jordan’s long US alliance is being tested as Iranian drones and missiles target the kingdom, raising risks for stability and the economy while Amman signals it will keep the partnership. Energy-Route Risk: A renewed focus on Strait of Hormuz disruption highlights why Jordan and neighbors need real redundancy beyond announcements—more alternative capacity to keep trade moving if shipping is hit. Transport & Infrastructure: Jordan’s transport upgrade plans are under review, while the water carrier is edging toward a construction phase—both tied to improving service delivery and economic resilience. Markets Watch: ASE activity continues with turnover and index movement reported this week, as investors track regional shocks and local growth signals.

Middle East Security & Trade: Jordan’s US alliance is again in the spotlight as Iranian drone and missile attacks target the kingdom’s military sites, raising risks for regional stability and for business planning tied to logistics, insurance, and energy flows. Sanctions & Finance: The US escalated its Iran pressure campaign by sanctioning a Turkish bank described as a “critical financial lifeline” for Tehran, while the EU is reported to have joined the same “Operation Economic Outcast,” tightening access to global banking. Energy Costs: With the Iran conflict disrupting fuel supply, diesel prices are hitting record levels in the US, a reminder that higher transport costs can quickly ripple into consumer prices and supply chains. Jordan-Economy Context: Separate coverage points to Jordan’s ongoing economic strain alongside security volatility, as Amman weighs how to keep foreign partnerships while managing heightened strike exposure.

US-Iran Escalation: Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. conflict with Iran isn’t a “war,” as Washington leans on economic pressure and naval escorts to keep Strait of Hormuz shipping moving, with oil prices staying elevated. Jordan-US Fallout: Jordan’s close alliance with the U.S. is drawing repeated Iranian drone and missile strikes on its military bases, adding pressure to an already weak economy and to instability in the West Bank. Energy & Markets Watch: The renewed fighting is keeping traders focused on potential disruptions to global oil flows, with analysts warning of higher costs if tensions deepen. Tech Disruption: Major AI services including ChatGPT, Claude, Grok and Gemini reportedly suffered near-simultaneous outages, with users across the Middle East including Jordan reporting access problems. Water Sector Update: Jordan’s water ministry says dams are ready for the 2026/2027 rainy season, with safety checks and maintenance work completed ahead of expected inflows.

Middle East Shipping & Energy: Iran warns the US economy could face fuel shortages as Hormuz tensions flare, while Saudi and regional states condemn attacks on tankers and seafarers, keeping shipping risk and oil-price volatility front and center. Jordan’s Security & Military: King Abdullah appoints a new head of the armed forces, as Jordan continues to face missile and drone threats linked to the wider US-Iran confrontation. Economic Modernization & Jobs: Jordan reports net job creation for Jordanians reaching 87,617 in 2025, moving closer to the Economic Modernization Vision’s ~100,000 jobs target. Transport Upgrade: The transport minister reviews plans to develop Jordan’s land, sea and air system to boost efficiency and safety. Tourism Demand: “Our Jordan Is Paradise” nears 181,000 participants, with Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba leading overnight stays. Aviation & Trade Links: Jordan and China advance air connectivity talks after a MoU between Royal Jordanian and Air China, including a potential Amman–Beijing direct route. Water Infrastructure: Dams are declared ready for the 2026/2027 rainy season after dam-safety inspections and maintenance work. Business & Investment: Queen Alia International Airport invites concessionaires for duty free, F&B and convenience through 2039, aiming to expand commercial space as passenger numbers rise. Corporate Governance: CFI Financial Group appoints Federico Cirulli as board chairman as it scales internationally.

Domestic Tourism Boost: Jordan’s “Our Jordan Is Paradise” program has drawn nearly 181,000 participants since launch through Aug. 31, with Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba leading overnight stays; the ministry says demand is also spreading to newer stops like Iraq Al Amir, Umm Al-Rasas and Rehab, aiming for about 220,000 beneficiaries in 2026 and expanding local business participation to 400+ establishments. Air Connectivity & Trade: King Abdullah II’s China visit is opening new economic cooperation, highlighted by an MoU between Royal Jordanian and Air China to explore a direct Amman–Beijing route plus codesharing, interline deals, cargo and training. Energy & Standards: Jordan’s Parliament energy committee pressed for tougher fuel-station monitoring and testing after complaints on high consumption rates, including checks on whether ethanol levels exceed approved limits. Climate Pressure: A new UN-linked warning frames Jordan’s climate risk as rising costs across water, agriculture, health and energy, with adaptation capacity under strain. Regional Shockwaves: The US-Iran confrontation keeps rattling the region and markets, with renewed strikes and counterstrikes around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks reported involving Jordan and Gulf states, while oil prices stay volatile.