AGP Executive Report

Jordan-US Development Deal: Jordan and the United States signed a four-year strategic cooperation agreement worth $354.6 million, aligned with the Economic Modernisation Vision, targeting water and sanitation, energy, education, tourism, and economic opportunities to boost resilience and self-reliance. National Water Carrier Push: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250 million financing for the National Water Carrier, combining an Aqaba desalination plant, a long-distance conveyance pipeline, and a 281 MW solar component to expand safe drinking water supply to Amman and other governorates. Energy & Food Security Drive: King Abdullah chaired a government review on energy and food security, directing stronger strategic reserves, renewable and diversified energy plans, and expanded private-sector partnerships for storage and transport. Amman Stock Exchange Watch: The Amman Stock Exchange saw JD14.5m turnover with the general index down 0.31%, while the services sector rose 0.35%. Regional Risk to Trade & Services: Coverage on the U.S.-Iran Strait of Hormuz situation highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts but continued disruption risk, including airline cancellations affecting regional connectivity.

Jordan-US Development Finance: Jordan and the United States signed a four-year $354.6m strategic cooperation deal to back the Economic Modernisation Vision, targeting water and sanitation, energy, education, tourism and economic opportunities. Water Infrastructure Push: The AIIB approved $250m financing for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, including an Aqaba desalination plant, a 438-km underground pipeline and a 281MW solar power component to supply about 300m cubic meters of drinking water annually. Energy & Food Security Planning: King Abdullah chaired a government review on boosting energy and food security, stressing renewable energy, strategic grain reserves and stronger private-sector roles in storage and transport. Real Estate Reform: Jordan’s Lower House will resume debate on amended Real Property Law articles, after approving 20 additional articles, including steps to digitize land transactions and adjust rules affecting investment and ownership. Trade & Investment Signals: Amman Chamber data shows exports covered by certificates of origin hit JD904m in Jan–July (+18.6%), while Amman Stock Exchange turnover reached JD14.5m in a session and H1 listed-company net profits rose 14.3% to JD1.2005b. Regional Security Watch: Jordan warned an Israeli takeover of al-Aqsa is “imminent,” with an emergency foreign ministers meeting planned as tensions around Jerusalem’s holy sites rise.

Water Infrastructure Finance: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250m for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, backing Aqaba desalination, a 438-km pipeline, and a 281-MW solar plant to help deliver up to 300m cubic meters of drinking water annually. Digital Government for Projects: The Ministry of Water and Irrigation launched a single-window platform to streamline National Water Carrier licensing and permits, starting with integration to ASEZA services and expanding from 22 to 61 government services. Real Estate Law Update: Jordan’s Lower House approved 20 additional articles of the 2026 Real Property Law amendments, including a clause allowing non-Jordanians to own residential land outside urban zoning areas up to 10 dunums, while keeping border, archaeological and historical exclusions. Trade Performance: Exports covered by certificates of origin issued by the Amman Chamber of Commerce rose 18.6% to JD904m in Jan–July, with Iraq the top destination. Parliamentary Momentum: The House of Representatives will resume debate on the amended Real Property Law starting with Article 28. Agriculture Outlook: FAO expects a strong 2026 cereal harvest of about 150,000 tonnes, driven by favorable rainfall, though imports will remain significant. Capital Markets: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit JD16.4m on Monday, with the industrial index up while services and financials fell.

Middle East Diplomacy: Trump said new U.S.-Iran talks will start Monday and that he’s pausing further strikes, with any deal tied to “Immediate, Complete, and Total” opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat—while Iran denies or downplays claims of talks. Jordan Security: Jordan’s Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez condemned Iranian attacks on Jordan and Gulf states as “malicious acts,” stressing Jordan will not allow its territory to be used for regional conflict. Water & Infrastructure: Jordan launched a single-window digital platform for the National Water Carrier Project, integrating licensing and permits with ASEZA services to speed approvals and cut procedures. Real Estate Law: The Lower House approved 20 more articles of the 2026 Real Property Law amendments, including a rule allowing non-Jordanians to own residential land outside urban planning zones up to 10 dunums, while keeping border/archaeological/historical exclusions. Agriculture: FAO expects Jordan’s 2026 cereal harvest to rise to about 150,000 tonnes, driven by favorable rainfall, though imports will still be needed. ASE Market Watch: Amman Stock Exchange turnover hit JOD 16.4m; the industrial index rose while services and financials fell. Industrial Investment: Cabinet approved new incentives for Maan’s Rawdah Industrial Estate, including reduced electricity tariffs for five years to attract investors and jobs. Urban Services Deal: Imdaad entered Jordan via a JV with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman.

Iran-Hormuz Diplomacy: US President Donald Trump says he will halt new strikes on Iran, citing Gulf allies’ urging and claiming “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; he adds negotiations are set to begin Monday, while Iran says Hormuz will not return to pre-Feb. 28 status. Regional Shipping & Energy Risk: The back-and-forth raises fresh uncertainty for Middle East trade routes, with warnings to Americans in the region and renewed focus on choke points that matter to oil and LNG flows. Jordan Municipal Services Deal: Imdaad is entering Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman, blending local infrastructure with regional environmental capabilities. Tourism Push: Saudi Tourism Authority and Mastercard sign an MoU to use data and analytics for global campaigns aimed at boosting Saudi visitor numbers toward 2030. ASE Business Pulse: Amman Stock Exchange data shows listed companies’ net profits up 14.3% in H1 2026, with services and industrial sectors among the fastest growers. Aviation Link: Somon Air receives its first Boeing 737 MAX jet as it modernizes its fleet and plans new routes across the Middle East and beyond. UNESCO Spotlight: UNESCO adds 25 new World Heritage Sites, including Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve.

ASE Performance: Jordan’s Amman Stock Exchange reported a strong H1 2026 showing, with listed companies’ net profit up 14.3% to JD 1.20bn, led by a 64.3% jump in services and 17.5% growth in industrial profits, alongside higher liquidity and trading activity. Renewables Deal: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy signed an EPC contract for a UAE-funded 25MW wind project in Ma’an, with five turbines to be supplied and installed under the SEPCO-led operation and maintenance plan. Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia announced a new maritime security alliance linking it with Jordan and Yemen plus five African countries (Egypt, Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, Somalia) to protect Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping as attacks disrupt trade. Regional Shipping Risk: The US says it will pause new strikes on Iran after “parameters” for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran rejects the claim and says the strait will not return to its pre-February status—keeping energy and logistics uncertainty high. Mobility Launch: Geely Jordan unveiled the new EX5 EM-i hybrid, positioning it as an efficient, long-range option for Jordanian drivers. Refugee Hosting Focus: The Jordan Economic Forum discussed the economic impact of hosting refugees and called for stronger international support to sustain host communities.

Middle East Risk to Trade: Trump says the US will pause new strikes on Iran after allies reached “parameters” for a deal that includes the “immediate, complete, and total opening” of the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged de-escalation amid fears of retaliation hitting Gulf energy infrastructure. Travel Disruption Watch: The US State Department issued fresh security alerts for Americans across Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, warning of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Shipping & Airspace Impact: Airlines are extending suspensions and adjusting schedules across parts of the region as operational uncertainty grows. Tourism & Payments Partnership: Saudi Tourism Authority signed an MoU with Mastercard to use data analytics and loyalty tools to boost inbound tourism and target key markets. Jordan Business Signals: Amman Stock Exchange weekly trading volume hit 73.4 million dinars, alongside continued local standards and metrology participation.

Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia’s proposed multinational defensive maritime coalition is gaining traction as a regional-led way to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab shipping, with analysts saying it signals a bigger GCC role in safeguarding global trade routes. US Travel Warnings: US embassies across Amman, Jerusalem and Baghdad urged Americans to consider departing amid “unforeseen escalation” fears tied to the US-Iran standoff, warning of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Jordan’s Market Pulse: The Amman Stock Exchange reported weekly trading volume of about 86.0m JOD (up from 73.4m JOD the prior week), with the financial sector leading activity. Standards & Trade Facilitation: Jordan’s Standards and Metrology Organization said 151 companies joined its Committed Trader Program in H1, alongside 158 Jordanian Quality Mark certificates, aiming to speed compliant imports through customs. Energy Costs Shield: Economists backed Jordan’s decision to freeze main petroleum product prices to curb inflation pressures and protect transport and industrial operating costs. Cross-Border Logistics: Egypt began enforcing rules blocking empty Iraqi trucks from entering, part of a reciprocity push that could reshape regional road freight flows.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia has moved to formalize a multinational maritime defense alliance, with 14 countries (including Jordan and Bangladesh) backing a framework to protect freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden—an effort analysts link directly to keeping trade and energy flows stable as regional tensions rise. Jordan in the Crosshairs: As the US-Iran conflict widens, multiple reports say Jordanian air defences intercepted Iranian missiles after attacks tied to the broader escalation, underscoring how quickly regional security shocks can spill into Jordan’s operating environment. Energy Risk Premium: Iran’s leadership has issued warnings that any new strikes could target major oil, gas and refining infrastructure across the region, raising the stakes for shipping and fuel markets. Gaza Ceasefire Oversight: A “Board of Peace” is set to oversee Gaza’s ceasefire implementation, with Hamas reportedly agreeing to a phased disarmament plan—while reconstruction costs are estimated at $70bn, keeping humanitarian and investment questions front and center. Trade Costs Watch: The US has imposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on imports from 60 countries, a reminder that compliance and sourcing decisions can quickly affect regional exporters and supply chains.

Red Sea Shipping Security: Saudi Arabia has launched a multinational maritime defense alliance after a Riyadh meeting with representatives from 43 countries and the EU, with 14 states backing the plan to protect the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden—Jordan is listed among the partners. Regional Risk for Trade: The push comes as the Iran-U.S. conflict widens and shipping faces new disruptions, with renewed missile and drone activity reported across the Middle East and concerns that freedom of navigation could face added limits. Jordan in the Spotlight: Jordanian air defenses reportedly intercepted missiles launched from Iran, underscoring how the Kingdom’s security posture is tied to regional logistics and energy routes. Aviation/Defense Claims: The U.S. denied Iranian claims about damage to F-35 jets in Jordan, while Iran said it struck U.S. assets in Kuwait and Bahrain—raising uncertainty for regional businesses and insurers. Business & Services: Royal Jordanian reported a net profit of JOD 1.4m in H1 2026 despite ongoing regional challenges, while Jazeera Airways expanded Amman services with three daily flights.

Red Sea Shipping Security: Saudi Arabia launched a multinational maritime defense alliance to protect navigation around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, backed by 14 countries including Jordan, after Houthi threats and attacks raised risks for oil and trade routes. Regional Defense Cooperation: A Riyadh meeting drew representatives from 43 countries plus the EU to discuss the alliance’s charter, command-and-control and future operations, with Saudi Arabia set as founding leader and permanent headquarters. Jordan in the Crossfire: As the US-Iran conflict escalated, Jordan reported intercepting Iranian missiles again, while Kuwait said an Iranian strike killed one person at a Chinese firm’s building—underscoring how quickly maritime and air corridors can be disrupted. Trade and Energy Impact: Analysts and reports link the widening conflict to higher fuel costs and renewed pressure on global supply chains, with shipping now increasingly sensitive to attacks near key chokepoints like Suez and Hormuz.

Red Sea Security: Saudi Arabia moved fast to formalize a multinational maritime defence coalition, with 14 founding states (including Jordan) backing efforts to protect Bab el-Mandeb, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from Houthi threats—aiming to safeguard shipping and energy supply lines. Jordan’s Position: Amman condemned the drone attack that sparked a fire at Egypt’s Damietta Port, reaffirming solidarity with Cairo as the incident raised fresh concerns for regional maritime trade. Escalating Middle East Risk: The US and Iran resumed missile-and-drone exchanges after a brief lull, with Jordan reporting interceptions of Iranian missiles and Kuwait reporting a fatal strike—fuel prices and global trade sentiment staying sensitive to any widening conflict. Defence Tech in Jordan: Willis College (Canada) announced a DND-funded cybersecurity partnership to build a training pipeline for the Jordanian Armed Forces at Al-Hussein Technical University, targeting a self-sustaining national cyber-defence hub.

US-Iran Escalation: The US resumed a “heavy wave” of strikes on Iran after an attempted ballistic missile attack on US forces in Jordan, with CENTCOM saying it hit dozens of IRGC command, missile/drone, coastal and maritime targets. Jordan Air Shield: Jordan reported intercepting and destroying five Iranian missiles, with no casualties, as the regional flare-up threatens to widen. Saudi Joins the Fight: Saudi Arabia publicly coordinated strikes with the US against Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters, while Gulf states voiced full support for Riyadh’s security actions. Diplomacy Stalls: Iran’s deputy foreign minister said Tehran has not requested talks for over two weeks, despite Trump’s earlier “good chance” comments. Trade Pressure: With Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions and oil-price swings, the conflict is again raising costs for energy and basics across the region.

Middle East Security & Energy: Iran’s “surprise” missile attack on a US base in Jordan triggered a new escalation, with Jordan intercepting and destroying five missiles as the US and Saudi Arabia launched coordinated strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20; Oil & Shipping Impact: a reported drone strike on a US-owned LNG tanker at Egypt’s Damietta port sparked fires and pushed global oil prices above $90, while fears of wider disruption to regional shipping lanes grew; Jordan Trade Logistics: Jordan’s Transport and Labor ministries met logistics and customs stakeholders to speed cargo flow through Aqaba Port and border crossings, including faster clearance and reduced vessel/container delays; Industrial Policy: Jordan’s Ministry of Industry said progress continues on Industrial Policy 2024–2028 projects, including energy-efficiency work in industrial facilities; Markets Watch: the Fed held rates for a fifth straight meeting amid an internal split, while geopolitics and the oil jump rattled equities ahead of major earnings.

Regional Security: Jordan reported intercepting and destroying five Iranian missiles early Wednesday, after the U.S. said it had knocked down an Iranian barrage aimed at American forces in the region, with Iran also claiming strikes on U.S. sites in Jordan. Iraq Escalation: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia carried out coordinated airstrikes in eastern Iraq against Iran-backed militia logistics and weapons sites, citing more than 30 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities in 72 hours. Hormuz Talks: Oman proposed a Gulf-backed plan for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz with voluntary ship fees, but Iran rejected the idea, insisting inbound and part of outbound control must remain under Iranian authority. Energy Markets: Oil prices jumped again on renewed Middle East tensions, with Brent rising around 3–4% amid fears that shipping disruptions could return. Diplomacy Watch: Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire and peace framework, warning that delays could derail prospects for an independent Palestinian state.

Regional Security: Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned repeated drone attacks on Jordan as a breach of sovereignty, while GCC foreign ministers coordinated to reduce tensions and protect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomacy & Deterrence: Gulf states also pushed tighter military cooperation and contingency planning after fresh strikes on oil infrastructure, with Oman reportedly advancing a joint management idea for Hormuz. Jordan-US-Iran Fallout: Jordan’s army said it shot down a drone that entered its airspace amid the wider US-Iran standoff, as Israel’s defense minister claimed US warplanes were taking off from Israel to hit Iran. Digital Economy: Jordan jumped to 71% in the UN ESCWA digital government maturity index for 2025, and the Central Bank selected BIO-key for a national biometric authentication platform for financial services. Trade & Industry: The US exempted Jordanian apparel and textiles from customs duties, boosting competitiveness for a sector that topped JD431m in exports to the US in early 2026. Real Estate Law: The Lower House is set to debate amendments to the Real Estate Ownership Law, including full digitalization of property procedures and faster resolution of co-ownership disputes.