AGP Executive Report

Rail & Logistics Boost: Jordan and the UAE broke ground on the $2.5bn, 403km Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan railway, targeting bulk freight for phosphate and potash and linking Aqaba to the Maan Logistics Zone to cut transport costs and ease road pressure. Economic Confidence: The Jordan Investor Confidence Index rose 21.9% in Q2 to 186.6 points, with GDP growth at 3% and stronger activity, though industrial production quantity dipped for the third straight quarter. Agriculture & Water: The Farmers Union says October rains point to a “good” agricultural and water season, improving soil moisture, pastures and olive harvest conditions, with most olive presses expected to open in about 15 days. Urban Mobility: Amman flagged emergency measures ahead of expected rain, while separate reports highlight parking and traffic chaos around Roundabout 10 Market, pushing for a site and entrance/parking layout review. Insurance & Risk Management: The GAIF conference at the Dead Sea focused on strengthening the insurance sector, citing growth in premiums and the 2026 Insurance Contracts Law. Regional Security: Jordan and the GCC condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian facilities, reaffirming Amman’s solidarity and rejection of attacks on holy cities.

Rail & Mining Logistics: King Abdullah II and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled laid the foundation stone for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiya–Maan railway, a $2.3–$2.5bn, 403-km freight link aimed at cutting transport costs and boosting phosphate exports, with the first phase targeting about 13–16m tonnes annually. Insurance Sector: The GAIF conference opened at the Dead Sea with Central Bank Governor Adel Sharkas highlighting growth in premiums, the 2026 Insurance Contracts Law, and the push to strengthen resilience amid climate and cyber risks. Business Confidence: The Jordan Investor Confidence Index climbed 21.9% in Q2 to 186.6 points, driven by stronger economic activity, while monetary confidence dipped and industrial production quantity fell for a third straight quarter. Amman Enforcement: Greater Amman Municipality launched a crackdown on illegal valet parking, shutting down 30 sites and seizing equipment used to reserve spaces. Agriculture & Food Integrity: Farmers warned of olive oil fraud ahead of harvest, urging buyers to rely on trusted sources and avoid misleading “fresh” claims. Cybersecurity: Jordan-linked arrests in the ShinyHunters case were reported as authorities reportedly detained a key suspect “Rey,” with cooperation aimed at tracking the wider group. Market Watch: Amman Stock Exchange closed higher on Monday, with the general index up 0.26% and trading volume at JD20.8m. Weather Readiness: Amman issued emergency measures for expected conditions, urging residents and businesses to prevent flooding and secure materials.

Cybersecurity: Jordan detained “Rey” (Saif al-Din Khader), a suspected ShinyHunters member, and he’s reportedly cooperating with the FBI to help identify other hackers after the group’s extortion and FBIJobs.gov breach. Aviation Security: A Flydubai cockpit attack case is widening: Oman grounded pilot Hamam al-Hamami after signs of radicalization, but he was later hired by Flydubai, raising questions about cross-country checks and oversight. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan condemned Israel’s resumed “Sofa 53/Sufa 53” construction work along the 1974 disengagement line in Quneitra, calling it a breach of international law and Syria’s sovereignty. Agribusiness: Farmers in the Jordan Valley are pushing for price controls and tighter checks on agri-inputs, warning that unverified fertilisers and pesticides can damage yields and soil. Exports & Industry: Jordan’s date sector is expanding, with exports said to reach about 65% of production and revenues expected to rise as more planted areas come online. Governance & Economy: A poll by Hayat Center-RASED found 70% of MPs rate the Hassan government’s performance from moderate to very high, with most also backing continued modernization priorities.

Agribusiness & Exports: Jordan’s date sector is a major export engine, with nearly 1m palm trees, 700+ farms, 37,000 tonnes produced, and about 65% exported—supporting 10,000+ jobs and rising revenues. Farmgate Pressure: In the Jordan Valley, farmers are calling for price controls and tighter checks on fertilisers and pesticides, warning that unverified inputs can damage yields and soil fertility. Economic Growth: Jordan’s GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026, with manufacturing and agriculture driving nearly half the expansion, alongside export growth and higher bank financing. Industry & Jobs: A Prime Ministry report says PM Hassan inspected 183 sites in two years, with interventions across health, education, factories and tourism—supporting thousands of workers and upgrading training centres. Census Mobilisation: Field enumeration for the 2026 Population and Housing Census starts today, with 12,000 researchers visiting households across all governorates through October. Youth & Digital Creativity: The Arab Capitals Youth Meeting opened in Amman under “Youth and E-sports in Developing Creative Thinking,” spotlighting regional youth cooperation. Regional Tensions: Jordan condemned Israel’s resumed construction along the disengagement line in Quneitra, calling it a breach of international law. Tourism Demand: Urdunna Jannah has drawn 211,000+ participants, with buses, guides, restaurants and accommodation partners benefiting as the programme targets 220,000 in 2026.

Jordan Census Kickoff: About 12,000 researchers begin the 2026 General Population and Housing Census field enumeration today, covering all 12 governorates through end-October, with self-enumeration already run for 170,000 households. Economic Growth Watch: Jordan’s real GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026 (up from 2.8% a year earlier), with manufacturing and agriculture driving roughly 46% of the gain, while exports and bank financing also supported momentum. Industrial Exports: Jordanian industrial exports rose 7.3% to JD5.17bn in the first seven months, with most sectors expanding and chemicals/cosmetics leading. Trade Documentation: Amman Chamber certificates of origin for exports jumped 20.7% to JD1.188bn in Jan–Sep, with Iraq the top destination by value. Food Security: Jordan reports wheat stocks covering 6.4 months locally plus contracted supplies in transit, lifting total coverage to about 9.6 months, as the debate shifts from storage to boosting local production. Amman Chamber Elections: Voting starts for the Amman Chamber of Industry Board and sector representatives, with 1,099 eligible industrialists and 10 candidates. Transport & Cities: Progress continues on a long-awaited transport hub expected to open next month, aiming to improve bus access plus cycling and pedestrian links. Cybersecurity: Reuters reports a suspected ShinyHunters member detained in Jordan is reportedly helping the FBI identify other hackers.

Industrial Exports Momentum: Jordan’s industrial exports climbed 7.3% to JD5.17 billion in the first seven months of 2026, with nine of 10 industrial sectors posting growth, led by chemicals and cosmetics (JD1.207b) and leather/garments (JD1.064b). Trade Facilitation: Amman Chamber of Commerce export certificates of origin rose 20.7% to JD1.188b in Jan–Sep, with 34,558 certificates issued and Iraq the top destination by value (about JD477m). Food Security & Reserves: Jordan is leaning on strategic wheat and barley stockpiles—wheat coverage at about 9.6 months including contracted supplies—while policymakers weigh how to shift from imports and storage toward more sustainable local production. Local Industry Governance: Voting opened for the Amman Chamber of Industry 2026 board and sector representatives, with polling running 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and 1,099 industrialists eligible. Aviation Security Watch: A Flydubai Israel-bound incident is again raising questions on pilot vetting and cockpit safeguards after reports of an alleged extremist co-pilot and emergency codes during diversion. Design & Creative Economy: Amman Design Week 2026 opened its main exhibition at Ras Al Ain, spotlighting local and regional makers in a restored 1930s industrial hangar.

Food Security & Reserves: Jordan is framing food security as national security, citing wheat stocks of about 610,000 tonnes (plus 302,000 contracted in transit) for roughly 9.6 months coverage, and barley coverage near 9.5 months, while the bigger question remains how to grow more locally. Industrial Exports: Amman Chamber of Commerce data show ACC-facilitated exports rose 20.7% to JD1.188b in Jan–Sep 2026, with 34,558 certificates issued; Iraq led by value, followed by Switzerland, then the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Chamber Elections: Voting has started at Amman Chamber of Industry for 2026 board and industrial sector representative seats, running 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Transport Infrastructure: A tender was launched for a new departure/arrival center in Zarqa on a 100-dunum site by the BRT station, with bids due Oct. 26. Urban Environment: Amman was named Arab Environmental Capital by the Arab Council of Ministers for Environmental Affairs, with next steps focused on waste, green spaces, air quality and sustainable transport. Aviation Security Shock: A Flydubai Tel Aviv-bound incident involving an Omani co-pilot has triggered fresh scrutiny of cockpit security and pilot vetting across the region.

Transport & Infrastructure: Jordan’s Land Transport Regulatory Commission launched a tender for a new departure and arrival center in Zarqa, covering about 100 dunums near the Amman-Zarqa BRT station, with a main building (~6,200 sqm), 10 auxiliary buildings (~700 sqm), parking for buses/cars, pedestrian bridges, roads/sidewalks and utilities; bids close Oct. 26, 2026. Environment & Cities: Amman was named the Arab Environmental Capital by the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for Environmental Affairs, based on 13 indicators spanning air quality, waste, water, green spaces, energy efficiency and community roles; next steps include better solid-waste management, more recycling, expanded green areas, cleaner air and more electric/hybrid and solar use. Aviation Security: A flydubai Flight FZ1073 incident—alleged cockpit stabbing and attempted control—ended with a safe emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; investigations involve Saudi, UAE and Israel, with renewed calls for stronger crew screening and tighter overseas security coordination.

Aviation Security Shock: A FlyDubai cockpit stabbing and alleged attempted crash on the Dubai–Tel Aviv route forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, prompting calls for heavier screening of crew and tighter vetting for Israel-bound flights. Aviation-Trade Impact: The incident is already raising questions for airlines and regulators across the region about how security protocols work when departures and crew screening happen outside Israel. Regional Energy & Logistics: With diesel and maritime chokepoints under strain, analysts warn the Strait of Hormuz situation is “more efficient under insecurity,” pushing shipping to riskier routes. Jordan-Industry Link: India and Jordan are moving to deepen textile and apparel cooperation, including sourcing, investment, and joint ventures—an opportunity for Jordan’s manufacturing and export push. Local Economy Watch: Jordan’s Q2 growth momentum continues to be highlighted by official figures, with agriculture and manufacturing cited as key drivers.

Agribusiness & Exports: Jordan Valley date palm stakeholders say the sector has shifted from traditional farming into an investment and export engine, with the Ministry of Agriculture highlighting plans to boost quality, marketing, processing and value addition as Jordanian Date Harvest and Picking Day opens. Macroeconomy: Jordan’s economy grew 3% in Q2 2026, with experts pointing to stronger agriculture and manufacturing and noting the role of government measures, PPP projects and higher foreign reserves. Logistics & Trade: The Arab Freight Forwarders Alliance held its first conference in Amman, calling for tighter Arab cooperation to build resilient supply chains and strengthen Jordan’s logistics hub role. Energy Security & Costs: Jordan has about 60 days of key petroleum product stocks, while the Fuel Pricing Committee set October fuel prices with small increases for gasoline and diesel and unchanged kerosene, alongside continued LPG support. Aviation Security: A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv (FZ1073) made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a reported cockpit stabbing and alleged crash attempt, prompting flight suspensions to Israel and an investigation.

Jordan Economy Update: Jordan’s GDP grew 3% in Q2 2026 (up from 2.8% a year earlier), with agriculture leading at 7.8% and manufacturing at 6.2%, while electricity and water also posted gains—signals of resilience despite regional shocks. Energy Security: Jordan has about 60 days of petroleum product stocks (including gasoline, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel) and LPG storage for roughly 38 days, as the Energy Ministry pushes storage expansion plans. Fuel Prices: The Fuel Pricing Committee set October fuel prices after a rise in global crude and refined products: 90-octane and 95-octane gasoline and diesel each up by JD0.05/litre, kerosene unchanged; household LPG stays at JD7 per 12.5kg cylinder. Logistics & Trade: The Arab Freight Forwarders Alliance held its first Amman conference, urging tighter cooperation among freight and logistics firms to build more efficient, resilient Arab supply chains and strengthen Jordan’s logistics hub role. Aviation Shock (Regional): A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Israel (FZ1073) made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a cockpit stabbing and rapid altitude loss; passengers and crew reportedly subdued the attacker, with investigations ongoing.

Tourism & Aviation: Jordan Tourism Board steps up its Gulf push after Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, lining up new airline and media partnerships to drive year-round GCC arrivals, while the “Careers in Aviation” programme graduated its 4th cohort of 57 young Jordanians, with 58% already landing jobs or internships in airport services, engineering and cabin crew. Energy & Gas Sector: King Abdullah reviewed progress and next steps for Jordan’s gas sector, including Risha field development, Arab Gas Pipeline links and the Amman–Zarqa distribution network to expand domestic gas use and strengthen energy security. Remittances for Investment: Economists urged Jordan to redirect rising expatriate remittances—up 14.1% to $2.966bn in the first seven months—toward investment and productive projects via tools and public-private partnerships. Fuel Pricing Pressure: With Brent above $107, Jordan’s gradual fuel-pricing approach is widening the local-global gap, pushing Treasury costs to about JD224m through end-August as NEPCO warns higher generation costs are hitting operating losses and debt. Logistics & Trade Links: Neom tendered studies for a 400km-plus freight rail link connecting Oxagon’s Port of Neom to Saudi Arabia’s North-South Railway at Al-Baseeta, aiming to reduce reliance on road or sea legs for cargo. Tech & Industry Cooperation: Crown Prince Hussein met tech leaders in New York on AI systems and models for digital government, plus manufacturing and automation opportunities for Aqaba logistics. Pharma Trade: The US granted tariff exemptions on select specialty drugs and ingredients from eligible markets including Jordan, covering areas like orphan drugs, nuclear medicines and cell/gene therapies.

Energy Security & Gas Sector: King Abdullah chaired a review of Jordan’s gas strategy, including plans to expand production at the Risha Gas Field and link it to the Arab Gas Pipeline, alongside updates on the Amman-Zarqa Gas Distribution Network to grow domestic gas use. Electricity Costs: NEPCO warned that higher global fuel and gas prices are directly driving up generation costs, widening the gap with selling prices and showing up as operating losses and rising debt. Tech & Investment: Crown Prince Hussein met tech leaders in New York to discuss cooperation on AI systems and models, digital government initiatives, and automation of logistics operations in Aqaba. Remittances & Growth: Economic experts urged Jordan to steer rising expatriate remittances (up 14.1% to $2.966bn in the first seven months) toward investment and productive projects via tools and public-private partnerships. Local Industry & Jobs: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan toured Tafileh, backing upgrades to youth and healthcare facilities and highlighting the Classic Fashion Apparel factory’s exports and employment impact. Insurance Sector: Jordan is set to host GAIF 35 (Oct 4–7) in the Dead Sea, drawing about 1,900 participants from 48 countries, with registration expected to top 2,000. Maritime & Trade Logistics: World Maritime Day coverage in Aqaba focused on turning maritime rules into faster port performance, safer operations, and better coordination between ports, logistics areas, and transport networks.

Maritime & Trade Execution: World Maritime Day in Aqaba spotlights how IMO rules must translate into faster ship processing, shorter waits, better cargo/container handling, and smoother links between ports, logistics zones and transport networks. Insurance & Investment Climate: Jordan is set to host GAIF 35 (Oct 4-7) at the Dead Sea, drawing about 1,900 participants from 48 countries, a sign of confidence in Jordan’s stability and a chance to connect insurers, reinsurers and investors amid rising cyber, climate and geopolitical risks. Local Industry & Jobs: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan toured Tafileh, backing upgrades to youth, health and sports services, and highlighting the Classic Fashion Apparel factory’s exports, employment scale and support for workers. Food Security Pressure: Rising farm costs are putting Jordan’s food security under strain, raising the stakes for agriculture and supply planning. Regional Energy Corridor: Iraq–Syria border trade is shifting toward oil and fuel flows, with Syria shipping gasoline to Iraq via Banias, reflecting changing export routes and regional energy needs. Economic Diplomacy: Jordan’s finance and planning officials met counterparts in the region to boost ties, including food security, fertilisers, trade and investment.

Prime Minister & Industry: PM Jafar Hassan toured Tafileh, pushing upgrades to youth, healthcare and military hospital services, while spotlighting the Classic Fashion Apparel factory in Al-Rashadiyah as a jobs-and-exports success model (about 400 workers, including people with disabilities, plus childcare and clinics). Local Manufacturing & Jobs: Hassan again pledged support for expanding “successful investments,” reinforcing the government’s focus on garment manufacturing and export-led employment. Food Security & Trade: Finance Minister Zeina Zeid Toukan met India’s Nirmala Sitharaman in Doha to boost bilateral cooperation on food security, fertilisers, trade and investment, with a target to raise trade to $5bn by 2030. Regional Connectivity: Crown Prince Hussein met US DFC CEO Ben Black to explore Jordan-linked projects across energy, logistics, water, rail and digital sectors. Tourism Pulse: Petra welcomed 318,311 visitors in Jan–Aug 2026 (down 2.1% overall), with foreign arrivals falling sharply while Jordanian visits surged 35.7%. Aviation Leadership: A profile highlighted Royal Jordanian CEO Samer Majali’s long track record and the airline’s strategic role for Jordan’s tourism and trade links.

Crown Prince & Development Finance: HRH Crown Prince Hussein met US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) CEO Ben Black to boost cooperation on energy, logistics, water, rail and digital projects, leveraging Jordan’s location for regional connectivity. Tourism Pulse: Petra welcomed 318,311 visitors in the first eight months of 2026, down 2.1% year-on-year, with foreign arrivals falling sharply while Jordanian visitors rose 35.7%. Food Industry Linkages: Saudi Arabia’s Saudifood Show and Saudifood Manufacturing 2026 opened in Jeddah, spotlighting investment and local production under Vision 2030, while Jordanian electronics retailer TCL invited Jordanian partners to IFA 2026 in Berlin. Energy Flows: Syria began shipping gasoline to Iraq via the Banias terminal under a three-month renewable deal, using road tankers and aiming to scale up daily capacity. Local Business & Services: Jordan Football Association apologized for a faulty TV broadcast of the Syria friendly, citing an internet transmission issue, and said fixes are underway for upcoming matches. Tech & Sovereignty: A report highlights Google Cloud’s push for data residency across the Middle East, including options spanning Qatar and Amman.