AGP Executive Report

ASE Market Pulse: The Amman Stock Exchange saw Monday turnover hit JOD 16.4m on 8.1m shares across 5,185 trades, with the general index closing at 3,999 points (-0.33%); industrials rose (+1.19%) while services (-0.93%) and financials (-0.51%) slipped. SME Finance Boost: The Jordan Loan Guarantee Corporation reported H1 2026 growth, with guarantees issued reaching JOD 300m (up from JOD 204m a year earlier), plus corporate revenue rising to JOD 34.2m; it also backed 843 loans worth JOD 149m, including support for start-ups and micro-enterprises. Real Estate Law Move: Jordan’s Lower House approved 20 more articles of the 2026 Real Property Law amendments, bringing approved provisions to 27/37, including rules allowing non-Jordanians to own residential land outside urban planning zones up to 10 dunums. Water Carrier Digitalization: The Ministry of Water and Irrigation launched a single-window platform for the National Water Carrier Project, integrating licensing and permits with ASEZA services (22 in the first phase, expanding to 61). Agriculture Outlook: FAO expects a stronger 2026 cereal harvest in Jordan after favourable weather, forecasting production around 150,000 tonnes (+50% vs the five-year average). Regional Risk Watch: With US-Iran talks and strike-halt signals in the news, Jordan’s Senate president reiterated rejection of Iranian attacks and warned Jordan will not allow its land or airspace to be used for regional conflict. Investment Incentives: Cabinet approved new incentives for Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan, including electricity tariff reductions for industrial projects to attract investors and create jobs. Exchange Market Activity: Jordan’s money exchange market picked up, driven by Arab tourism, expatriate returns, and remittances (up 14.5% in the first five months of 2026 to about $2.1bn). Business Expansion: Imdaad entered Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman.

Middle East Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump says he will halt new strikes on Iran, citing “parameters” for a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, with negotiations set to begin Monday as Gulf allies (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) urged restraint. Regional Security & Trade: The Strait of Hormuz reopening is framed as key for global energy flows, while Iran denies any request to pause attacks and says the strait won’t return to pre-February status. Jordan Business & Services: Imdaad entered Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman. Jordan Economy & Markets: Amman Stock Exchange coverage highlights strong first-half profit growth (net profits up 14.3%) and rising turnover. Humanitarian & Education: Qatar Charity backs a prosthetic limb rehabilitation project for Gaza children in Jordan, while Orange Jordan’s Digital Schools students earned recognition at WikiChallenge 2026.

IMF Funding Boost: The IMF transferred $188m to Jordan after completing the 5th EFF review and the 2nd RSF review, with SDRs split between the Extended Fund Facility (~$134m) and Resilience & Sustainability Facility (~$54m), citing continued macro stability and progress on reforms. ASE Performance: Jordan’s Amman Stock Exchange reported H1 2026 net profit up 14.3% to JD1.20bn, led by a 64.3% jump in services, while Sunday trading saw turnover hit JD16m and the ASE index edge higher. Digital Services Push: Jordan’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Department began issuing fully digital vehicle licensing cards, with cash payments phased out and payments handled electronically after inspection and insurance. Renewables Contract: An EPC contract was signed for a UAE-funded 25MW wind project in Ma’an (five turbines), with SEPCO overseeing operations after handover. Regional Security & Trade Lanes: Saudi Arabia announced a Red Sea maritime security alliance with five African countries, including Jordan, aiming to protect shipping routes amid attacks and rising costs. Refugee Hosting Costs: The Jordan Economic Forum discussed the economic impact of refugees and urged donors to meet commitments to support host communities and enable sustainable partnerships.

Public Transport Upgrade: Jordan’s Land Transport Regulatory Commission (LTRC) has started trial operations for two new intercity bus routes linking Amman with Tafilah and Ma’an, under the second phase of modernizing scheduled public transport between governorates, with signed operating agreements to protect passengers’ rights and daily service from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Travel Risk Watch: The US State Department issued fresh security warnings to Americans across Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, flagging possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions amid heightened Iran-related tensions. Regional Energy/Trade Signal: US President Donald Trump said he will hold off new strikes on Iran, citing “parameters” of a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz—while Saudi leadership reportedly urged de-escalation to avoid retaliation risks. Tourism & Payments Deal: Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard signed an MoU to boost tourism through data-driven marketing, analytics on visitor spending and travel flows, and loyalty-style promotions—relevant for regional tourism competitiveness.

US Travel Warning: US embassies in Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad urged Americans to consider leaving West Asia and be ready for flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruptions as tensions with Iran rise. Royal Diplomacy: King Abdullah II spoke with UK PM Andy Burnham, stressing the need to intensify efforts to restore stability and halt Israel’s escalations in the West Bank and Jerusalem. Aviation & Trade Impact: QAIA reported 3.74m passengers in H1 2026 (down 15% y/y) while cargo and aircraft movements also fell, citing regional volatility. Digital Payments: Jordan’s DVLD fully moved licensing payments to e-channels and ended cash payments across all centers from Aug 2. Markets: Amman Stock Exchange weekly trading volume rose to 86.0m JOD (up from 73.4m), with the financial sector leading activity. Standards & Trade Facilitation: JSMO said 151 companies joined the Committed Trader Program in H1 2026, up from 143 a year earlier. Business Links: EuroCham Jordan and Switzerland discussed boosting trade and investment cooperation. Regional Shipping Security: Saudi Arabia’s proposed Red Sea maritime coalition signals a bigger GCC role in protecting key shipping lanes. Energy Costs: Economists backed Jordan’s fuel price freeze as a way to cushion inflation and protect purchasing power.

Regional Security & Energy: The US-Iran conflict is widening across the Middle East, with renewed strikes and retaliations reaching Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Yemen, Jordan and Egypt—raising fears of disruption to oil and shipping and a longer, costlier standoff. Jordan’s Role: Jordan continues intercepting Iranian missiles and is pushing for de-escalation, while King Abdullah discussed regional tensions and Gaza with Canada’s PM Mark Carney. Maritime Trade Protection: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defense alliance to safeguard Red Sea/Bab al-Mandeb/Gulf of Aden routes; Jordan is among the reported signatories, alongside 13 other countries. Business & Investment Links: EuroCham Jordan met Switzerland’s embassy to explore ways to strengthen trade and investment cooperation. Public Health: WHO Director-General Tedros visited Jordan, highlighting collaboration on universal health coverage, mental health, and emergency support for refugees and Gaza patients. Tariffs Watch: US Section 301 forced-labor tariffs were finalized for imports from 60 countries, adding new cost pressures for global trade. Aviation/Travel: Jazeera Airways expanded Amman services with three daily flights. Local Economy Snapshot: Royal Jordanian reported a net profit of JD 1.4m in H1 2026, citing continued resilience amid regional challenges.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia launched a Saudi-led, 14-nation maritime defence coalition to protect shipping around Bab al-Mandeb, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with a Riyadh meeting drawing 43 countries plus an EU delegation and plans for joint operations coordination and a general secretariat in the Kingdom. Jordan’s Regional Role: Jordan’s King Abdullah spoke with Canada PM Mark Carney about de-escalation, stressing Jordan will take necessary measures against Iran’s aggression and calling for stronger international efforts to prevent new facts on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank. Iran-US Escalation Risks: The Iran war keeps widening, with Iran claiming strikes on U.S. assets in Kuwait and Bahrain while the U.S. says it hit dozens of IRGC targets; Jordan also reported intercepting Iranian missiles. Gaza Ceasefire Mechanics: A “Board of Peace” framework is set to oversee Hamas disarmament and Gaza’s transition, with Hamas saying it agreed to phased disarmament while Israel has not endorsed the reports. Local Business Signal: Central Bank of Jordan kept its main interest rate unchanged at 5.75%, a key backdrop for borrowing and investment decisions.

Middle East Security: Iran and the U.S. traded missile barrages again after a brief lull, with Jordan reporting it intercepted Iranian missiles for a second straight day and Kuwait reporting a strike that killed one person. Jordanian Impact: The renewed escalation keeps Jordan on the frontline, with claims and counterclaims over attacks and interceptions involving U.S. bases in the region. Red Sea Trade Protection: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational defensive maritime coalition to secure the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with 14 countries backing the plan after a Riyadh meeting involving representatives from 43 states plus the EU; Jordan is listed among founding members. Regional Diplomacy: Pakistan, acting as mediator, said U.S.-Iran talks are ongoing and focused on de-escalation around the Strait of Hormuz even as attacks continue. Business Angle: With shipping and energy routes under pressure, the alliance signals a push to protect trade flows that matter directly to regional economies and logistics.

Middle East Security: Jordan condemned Iran’s attack on a Chinese facility in Kuwait and said it intercepted Iranian missiles again after the US and Iran resumed missile barrages, raising fears of a wider regional spillover. Red Sea Trade Protection: Saudi Arabia pushed ahead with a Red Sea maritime defence coalition, with 43 countries attending and Jordan among the backers, aiming to secure Bab al-Mandeb and Gulf of Aden shipping lanes. Jordanian Foreign Policy: King Abdullah II spoke with France’s Macron about stopping regional escalation and Israel’s moves in the West Bank. Aviation & Tourism Impact: Royal Jordanian reported a first-half 2026 net profit of JOD 1.4m, but blamed higher fuel costs and regional disruptions; the carrier also expanded Amman services. Legal/Enforcement Efficiency: Jordan’s Justice Ministry said enforcement departments transferred about JD184m in three months, citing faster digital procedures. Cybersecurity Capacity: Willis College (Canada) announced a DND-funded partnership to build cyber-defence training for the Jordanian Armed Forces.

Middle East Security: Jordan says it intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles early Thursday, hours after the U.S. carried out a “heavy wave” of strikes on Iran-linked IRGC targets; no casualties were reported in Jordan. Regional Escalation: The conflict is widening as the U.S. and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed militias in Iraq, while Iran vows retaliation after attacks tied to a missile strike on a U.S. base in Jordan. Diplomacy Under Strain: Officials point to deep mistrust and a stalled diplomatic track, with hopes for a durable ceasefire fading as attacks resume. Trade & Energy Pressure: With the Strait of Hormuz facing renewed disruption, shipping and energy risks are rising, adding pressure to fuel and food prices across the region. Human Rights Watch: A new report highlights Jordan’s long delay in submitting an overdue periodic report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, urging a review of rights tied to work, health, education, housing, and social protection.

Middle East Security: Jordan’s air defences intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles as US and Saudi forces carried out coordinated strikes on Iran-backed militias in eastern Iraq, killing at least 20; the US also said it redirected 20 vessels in its Iran blockade. Energy & Markets: The regional escalation pushed oil higher, with Brent futures jumping above $90, while markets tracked the risk of a wider conflict. Diplomacy & Regional Support: King Abdullah spoke with Egypt’s Sisi, with both leaders stressing rejection of attacks on Jordan and Arab states and calling for intensified efforts to restore calm; US-GCC strategic coordination was also reaffirmed with Jordan in Washington. Jordan Trade & Logistics: Jordan moved to expedite cargo flow through Aqaba Port and border crossings, including faster customs clearance and reduced vessel wait times, to protect supply chains amid regional disruption. Industrial Policy: The Ministry of Industry reviewed progress on Jordan’s Industrial Policy 2024–2028, including energy-efficiency steps for industrial facilities. Business Pulse: Amman Stock Exchange trading rose modestly (up 0.53%).

Middle East Security: Jordan says it intercepted and destroyed five Iranian missiles launched toward U.S. and regional targets, as Washington reported it also stopped an “attempted surprise attack” and carried out joint U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed sites in Iraq. Oil & Trade: The renewed escalation pushed Brent up again (around the mid-$80s), reviving worries for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and wider Gulf trade. Diplomacy on Hormuz: Oman’s proposal for regional joint management of the Strait of Hormuz—based on voluntary fees—was rejected by Tehran, which insists on control of key lanes. Regional Politics: Pakistan and Jordan condemned Israeli settler incursions at Al-Aqsa and urged urgent international action, including a proposed emergency meeting of Arab and Islamic countries. Local Business/Finance Watch: With regional tensions back in focus, Jordanian firms tied to energy, logistics, and cross-border trade may face renewed cost pressure as markets react.

Digital Health Push: Jordan’s Digital Health Center is now producing 45,000+ remote radiology reports and supporting dialysis and intensive care via links to hospitals and health centres, with Crown Prince Hussein urging wider connectivity across the public system. Central Banking & Cybersecurity: The Central Bank of Jordan has picked BIO-key to roll out national biometric authentication for the financial sector, aiming to cut reliance on passwords and tokens. Diplomacy on Gaza/West Bank: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi held calls with regional partners and also spoke with Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar, stressing concern over Israeli strikes and settler violence, including Al-Aqsa incursions, and backing a coordinated Arab-Islamic response. UNRWA Under Fire: Jordan condemned an Israeli raid on the UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre in East Jerusalem as a violation of international law and UN agency immunities. Regional Security: Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned drone attacks targeting Jordan and reaffirmed solidarity, while GCC foreign ministers coordinated to reduce tensions and protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Agriculture Exports: Jordan’s Agriculture Ministry says export policies boosted competitiveness and supported food security, including JD2m in direct support for air and sea shipments.

Banking & Finance: Housing Bank for Trade and Finance Group reported net profits of JOD 82.2m in the first half of 2026, up 2.6%, and said it issued the Kingdom’s first blue bond (USD 100m) with EBRD support to fund sustainable projects tied to water and the National Water Carrier. Digital Government: Jordan climbed to 71% in the 2025 Government Electronic and Mobile Services Maturity Index (GEMS), its highest score in four years, as digital services expand for citizens and businesses. Real Estate Law: The Lower House will debate amended Real Estate Ownership Law provisions, including full digitalization of property procedures and faster dispute resolution for jointly owned properties. Central Banking Tech: The Central Bank of Jordan selected BIO-key for a national biometric authentication initiative to standardize secure access across the financial sector. Water Infrastructure: Cabinet approved a $97m financing agreement with France’s development agency for the National Water Carrier Project, aimed at completing financial closure and starting implementation. Trade & Regional Economy: Iraq and Jordan discussed boosting bilateral trade ties and convening an Iraqi-Jordanian economic committee in Baghdad. Regional Security With Business Impact: Jordan and the UN stressed upholding the US-Iran ceasefire and resuming talks, as drones and cross-border tensions continue to raise risks for regional stability and commerce.

Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s FM Ayman Safadi met UN chief António Guterres in Amman, urging strict adherence to the US-Iran ceasefire, a return to talks, and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while also pressing for Gaza ceasefire implementation and lifting Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid. Cabinet & Social Policy: The Cabinet approved changes to public-sector unpaid leave rules (shorter eligibility from 5 to 3 years, and open-ended leave duration) plus updates on private school ratings and a new social protection framework. Water Infrastructure Finance: Jordan cleared a $97m financing agreement with France’s development agency to support the National Water Carrier Project, a $5.8bn mega plan aimed at boosting water security via desalination and major pipeline works. Public Services Digital Push: Crown Prince Hussein urged faster completion of digital automation at the Civil Status and Passports Department and wider public awareness of Sanad e-services. Transport & Congestion Plan: Government moved forward on “Park and Ride” facilities, including an electronic garage for about 1,000 vehicles, linked to BRT corridors. Industry & Exports: Jordan’s industrial exports rose 8.2% in the first five months to about JOD 3.668bn, with gains across Europe and parts of Asia and Arab markets. Tourism Uptick: Overnight tourist arrivals reached 491,788 in June (+1.8% y/y), lifting total tourists and visitors to 600,216 (+0.8% y/y). Security & Early Warning: Jordan tested a national mobile emergency alert system across governorates through Aug. 2, and reported drone incidents in the region amid a US-Iran fighting lull.

National Emergency Alerts: Jordan’s National Center for Security and Crisis Management starts today testing the National Mobile Warning System across most governorates through Aug. 2, with trial messages based on dust-storm warnings in Arabic and English plus a distinctive alert tone. Trade & Industry: Jordan’s textile and garment exports to the U.S. will be exempt from customs duties under a newly signed Reciprocal Trade Agreement, with other Jordanian exports facing tariffs capped at 10%, a boost for a sector that exceeded JD 431m in exports to the U.S. in the first four months. Remittances: Central Bank data shows remittances from Jordanians abroad rose 15% in the first five months of 2026 to $2.06bn, led by the UAE, U.S., Saudi Arabia and others—supporting liquidity and consumption. Aqaba & Energy Security: A Prime Minister visit to Aqaba highlighted natural gas infrastructure steps and UNESCO’s Aqaba Marine Reserve listing, aiming to reassure investors amid regional security concerns. Regional Risk to Markets: Oil prices slid as U.S.-Iran hostilities paused, even as Red Sea shipping risks and drone incidents near Jordan’s border kept volatility high. Exports Momentum: Jordan’s industrial exports rose 8.2% in the first five months of 2026, with gains across multiple international markets.