AGP Executive Report

Jerash Festival Countdown: Jerash’s 40th Festival for Culture and Arts will run July 22–23 with 213 events across 15+ locations, including a new Hippodrome Theatre program for folkloric performances and a local crafts market. Astronomy for Amman Skies: Jordan will host a Mars–Uranus conjunction early Saturday, with the best viewing around 4:15 AM (peak at 9:10 AM won’t be visible in daylight). Tawjihi Update: 56,376 students are set for Jordan’s General Secondary Education Certificate exams, with the ministry urging early arrival and no electronic devices. KAFD “Tamkeen” Grants: The King Abdullah II Fund for Development selected 20 civil society projects under its third “Tamkeen” edition, focusing on youth and women’s political participation. Culture & Dance Spotlight: Christina Prakanthan’s Ādal showcase brought 80+ Bharatanatyam performers together for devotion and storytelling through 14 curated pieces. Festival Energy in the Region: The OC MENA Festival in California drew 24,000+ attendees celebrating MENA music, food, and art with major and emerging acts. Human Stories at Karameh: Reports highlight renewed chaos at the Karameh crossing as Palestinian and Jordanian travelers face delays amid booking and access restrictions.

Tawjihi Update: 56,376 students are set to sit Jordan’s General Secondary Education Certificate Examination this Thursday, with the Ministry of Education urging early arrival, strict rules on devices, and careful seat-number and name marking. Jerash Festival Countdown: Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts is gearing up for its 40th edition, with 213 events across 15+ locations and a new Hippodrome Theatre addition, launching July 22 under “A Legacy That Endures… Generations Unite.” Cultural & Civic Support: The King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) announced 20 projects funded under its third “Tamkeen” edition, focusing on youth and women’s political participation and civil society capacity-building. Digital Safety for Families: A National Center for Human Rights workshop in Amman produced recommendations to better protect children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities from digital violence, including calls for an observatory and adding the topic to school curricula. Astronomy Moment: Jordan will be able to observe the Mars–Uranus conjunction early Saturday, with best viewing around 4:15 AM.

Digital Safety in Schools: Amman’s National Center for Human Rights (with the Danish Institute for Human Rights) wrapped up a workshop on “Digital Violence and the Protection of the Most Vulnerable Groups,” urging an observatory, stronger Cybercrime Unit support, and adding digital violence to school curricula. Youth Innovation: More than 600 students showcased research at the Jordan Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition at Al Hussein Technical University, with an AI beehive monitoring project winning top prize and a trip to Dublin lined up. Smart City Governance: Greater Amman Municipality launched the second Voluntary Local Review for Amman under “Smart, Resilient and Livable City,” linking outcomes to SDG priorities and evidence-based planning. Heritage & Craft: Jerash highlights heritage furniture as a craft revival tied to Jordanian identity. World Cup Culture in Jordan: Jordanians marked the country’s first World Cup appearance with pride, including community moments like serving mansaf to Argentina supporters. Local Culture Picks: Levant-focused lifestyle stories included a spotlight on Jordanian hummus and a “cardamom coffee” style feature on finding Jordan’s soul.

Urban Planning & Sustainability: Greater Amman Municipality launched the second Voluntary Local Review (VLR) for Amman with UN-Habitat and ESCWA, aiming for a “smart, resilient and livable city” and linking local outcomes to national SDG and urban policy goals. Heritage Craft & Identity: Jerash artisans are reviving heritage furniture as a living Jordanian identity, with the culture director stressing documentation, exhibitions, and passing traditional skills to new generations. Education & Youth: Jordan’s Irbid Governorate development plan (2024–2026) maps about 140 projects worth nearly 700 million dinars, including health upgrades, traffic and water network work, and new schools to ease overcrowding. Culture & Community: Levitt Pavilion’s “Visit Jordan Experience” is set to bring local cultural programming to World Cup match weekend crowds. Global Culture & Pride: ICONSIAM in Bangkok closed Pride Month with Thailand’s first rainbow drone and fireworks show, spotlighting diversity and LGBTQIA+ visibility. Health Leadership: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia named Dr. Stella T. Chou as new Chief of Hematology, highlighting research in sickle cell disease and transfusion medicine.

Jerash Heritage Craft: Artisans in Jerash are reviving the heritage furniture industry, with the Jerash Culture director highlighting its role in preserving Jordanian identity and boosting tourism through exhibitions and documentation. Education & Scholarships: A community foundation event honored 2026 scholarship recipients, stressing how local philanthropy expands access to higher education and supports students across multiple years. Public Policy & Planning: Jordan’s Irbid Governorate outlines a 2024–2026 development plan with about 140 projects and nearly 700 million dinars, targeting health, education, infrastructure, and investment, including upgrades to healthcare and traffic solutions. Digital Youth & Sports: Orange Jordan sponsored the Javier Saviola Challenge, pairing football trials with cyberbullying awareness and screen-time guidance for children and parents. World Cup Culture Moment: Jordan’s first World Cup appearance ended early, but fans and officials say the team’s sportsmanship—like leaving thank-you notes and traditional gifts—won international respect. Film Funding: Doha Film Institute announced 48 projects supported in its 2026 spring grants cycle, including Jordan-based entries.

World Cup Culture: Jordanians kept the spotlight on sportsmanship at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with fans filling Levitt Pavilion and supporters sharing Jordanian mansaf with Argentina fans—plus the Jordanian delegation leaving thank-you notes and sweets for tournament staff, earning praise for humility and respect. Digital Youth & Sports: Orange Jordan sponsored the Javier Saviola Challenge, bringing football trials across Jordan and adding cyberbullying and screen-time guidance through its “Dynamo” team and a life-coach session. Film & Creative Funding: The Doha Film Institute backed 48 projects from 39 countries in its Spring 2026 grants, including Jordan-based work, reinforcing regional storytelling from development to post-production. Public Administration Training: The Jordanian Academy for Public Administration launched “Economic Impact Assessment” training for senior officials, pushing more systematic, impact-focused policymaking. Education Milestone: 126,000 students sat for the first Tawjihi exam session, marking the start of a new academic assessment cycle. Travel & Connectivity: Royal Jordanian is set to launch direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, with a tourism showcase in Amman ahead of the inaugural route.

Jordanian Culture & Lifestyle: Jordan’s World Cup debut may be over, but the goodwill is still rolling in: the Jordanian delegation won praise for leaving handwritten notes, sweets and souvenirs for tournament staff, with the Jordanian ambassador to Qatar calling it a “defining national milestone.” Sports & Culture: Fans in Texas went beyond rivalry with a heartwarming mansaf gesture for Argentina supporters, turning a matchday into a cultural welcome. Royal Spotlight: Queen Rania marked Crown Prince Hussein’s 32nd birthday with a sweet family photo, keeping the focus on fatherhood and joy. Youth & Digital Positivity: Orange Jordan sponsored the Javier Saviola Challenge, pairing football trials with cyberbullying awareness and screen-time guidance for kids across governorates. Arts & Film: Doha Film Institute announced Spring 2026 grants for 48 projects across 39 countries, including Jordan, backing independent and emerging filmmakers. Travel & Connectivity: Royal Jordanian is set to launch direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, with a tourism showcase in Amman ahead of the inaugural route. Health & Lifestyle: Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in Jordan after JFDA authorization, expanding approved options for people managing excess weight. Education & Community: High school students across the region celebrated the end of a long school journey, with families marking final exam days and graduation moments.

World Cup culture in Texas: King Abdullah II met Arlington’s mayor ahead of Jordan vs Argentina, while the Jordan Tourism Board ran a free “Visit Jordan Experience” festival at Levitt Pavilion with watch parties, immersive Amman-style activities, food and live entertainment. Hospitality on the pitch: Jordan fans in Arlington welcomed Argentine supporters with mansaf—turning a matchday rivalry into a cultural handshake. Royal family moments: Queen Rania marked Crown Prince Hussein’s 32nd birthday with a tender Instagram photo of him holding Princess Iman, spotlighting family life beyond official duties. Education leadership change: Headington School Oxford announced Dr Stephen Burley as incoming head (from Sept 2027) after Caroline Jordan’s 16-year tenure ends in Aug 2027. Health & lifestyle: Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy in Jordan after JFDA authorization, expanding approved options for weight management. Arts funding: Doha Film Institute awarded grants to 48 projects across 39 countries, including Jordan, supporting independent filmmakers from development to post-production. Travel & connectivity: Royal Jordanian is set to launch direct flights between Amman and Tashkent, with an inaugural departure on June 30.

Royal Spotlight: Queen Rania marked Crown Prince Hussein’s 32nd birthday with a tender Instagram photo of him holding Princess Iman, keeping the message personal and family-first. Jordanian Culture & Heritage: The Ministry of Culture backed the Wadi Araba Heritage Camel Festival, highlighting camel traditions as part of Jordan’s Bedouin national narrative and intangible heritage. Tourism & Local Identity: Ajloun launched “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs, protect water heritage, and turn them into eco-tourism trails without losing their role in irrigation. Health & Lifestyle: Novo Nordisk announced the launch of Wegovy in Jordan after JFDA authorization, expanding approved options for people living with excess weight. World Cup Pride (Culture in Motion): Jordanian fans in Arlington and beyond are celebrating the country’s first-ever World Cup qualification with free Jordan Tourism Board events, watch parties, and cultural experiences as Jordan prepares for its final group match. Food Culture: A Jordanian hummus recipe story brings home how the dish travels and adapts across families and cities.

World Cup & Jordanian pride in Texas: King Abdullah II met Arlington’s mayor ahead of Jordan’s final Group J match vs Argentina, while the Jordan Tourism Board’s free “Visit Jordan Experience” at Levitt Pavilion brings watch parties, Jordanian food and culture to fans. Jordanian fans turn football into culture: From Arlington convoys to West LA’s Miya Miya spotlighting Jordanian shawarma, Jordanians abroad are using the tournament to introduce people to Jordan’s people, tastes and traditions. Crown Prince Hussein birthday: Jordan marks HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein’s 32nd birthday, with reminders of his role in youth-focused initiatives, modernization efforts and volunteerism. Heritage & tourism in Ajloun and Wadi Araba: Ajloun launches “Ajloun, Land of Springs” to restore historic springs for eco-tourism, while the Wadi Araba Heritage Camel Festival is praised for strengthening Jordan’s national narrative and Bedouin heritage. Regional security headlines: Kuwait and Bahrain condemn renewed Iranian attacks after missiles and drones target their territories, with GCC states issuing follow-up condemnations. Culture at home, education abroad: A Jordanian hummus recipe column and a note on a UK headteacher appointment both underline how lifestyle and education stories keep flowing alongside Jordan-focused culture coverage.

World Cup Culture: Jordanian fans in North Texas and Arlington are turning the team’s historic first qualification into a full-on lifestyle moment, with free “Visit Jordan Experience” events at Levitt Pavilion and big match-day gatherings ahead of Saturday’s Jordan vs Argentina clash. Royal Spotlight: Jordan marks Crown Prince Al Hussein’s 32nd birthday, with coverage highlighting his youth-focused initiatives, volunteerism push, and tech-forward modernization work. Heritage & Tourism: Ajloun’s “Land of Springs” initiative is restoring historic springs to keep water traditions alive while boosting eco-tourism. Bedouin Identity: Wadi Araba’s Heritage Camel Festival is spotlighted as a key cultural milestone for preserving intangible heritage and strengthening Jordan’s national narrative. Food & Home: A Jordanian hummus recipe story brings local kitchen culture to readers far beyond Amman. Community & Faith: Jordan Hill Missionary Baptist Church announces its Annual Men’s Day Service, reflecting ongoing community life.

Jordanian Food Abroad: As the 2026 World Cup brings global fans to Los Angeles, West LA’s Miya Miya is turning Jordanian shawarma into a social-media hit, with the chef spotlighting family tradition and importing key ingredients from Jordan. Royal Birthday: Jordan marks the Crown Prince’s 32nd birthday, highlighting his Amman roots, Sandhurst and Georgetown education, and his role in youth-focused development and modernization. Heritage & Tourism in Ajloun: The “Ajloun, Land of Springs” initiative restores historic springs to protect water heritage while building eco-tourism trails. Bedouin Culture Spotlight: The Ministry of Culture backs the Wadi Araba Heritage Camel Festival, framing camel traditions as a core part of Jordan’s national narrative. World Cup Culture on the Ground: In North Texas, Jordanians and visitors gather at Levitt Pavilion for a free “Visit Jordan Experience” ahead of Jordan’s final group match vs Argentina, blending football pride with food and cultural booths. Local Sports Moment: Jordan coach Jamal Sellami says the team wants to leave a positive impression as Argentina’s lineup remains uncertain, with Messi’s status a key question. Community & Faith: Jordan Hill Missionary Baptist Church announces its Annual Men’s Day Service with guest speaker Rev. William V. Lucas.

World Cup Culture in Texas: Jordan’s debut run may be over, but fans are still celebrating. A three-day “Visit Jordan Experience” at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington brought Jordanian food, music, and culture to thousands ahead of Saturday’s match vs. Argentina, with coach Jamal Sellami and captain Noor Al-Rawabdeh framing the tournament as a message of Jordanian identity and perseverance. Community & Heritage: The same World Cup spirit drew Jordanian fans to Downtown Arlington’s festival, while local organizers highlighted how football helps people connect across backgrounds. Religious Observance: Ashura (10 Muharram) was marked with reminders of tragedy and forgiveness across Islamic traditions, alongside the parallel remembrance of Nine Av in Jewish tradition. Education & Faith Debate (US): Texas education leaders approved a required reading list for millions that includes Bible passages, intensifying controversy over religion in public classrooms. Immigration Rights (US): Congressman Maxwell Frost criticized a Supreme Court ruling that clears the way to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians, warning of deportation risks for hundreds of thousands.

World Cup & Jordanian culture abroad: Jordan’s team bowed out of the FIFA Men’s World Cup, but fans kept the spirit alive with a three-day “Visit Jordan Experience” festival in Downtown Arlington, featuring Jordanian music, cuisine and tourism messaging ahead of the final match. Heritage & regional ties: A new push to revive the historic Hejaz railway is framed as both a cultural bridge and a geopolitical signal, with Türkiye and Saudi Arabia signing a memorandum and earlier trilateral coordination involving Jordan. Local arts & identity: A Jordanian-origin Chicago educator was honored with the 2026 Trailblazer Award from the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago, highlighting mentorship and community impact. Public life & policy debate: Jordan’s execution of six convicted people after a nearly nine-year moratorium reignites discussion about security, deterrence and the country’s stance versus European opposition to the death penalty. Diplomacy spotlight: Ireland’s departing ambassador to Jordan praised Amman’s moderation role and reiterated support for a two-state solution during a National Day event in Amman. Education & youth: Jordan’s Zarqa development plans and vocational support measures point to continued investment in services and training for young people.

Jordanian Education & Exams: Ammon News reports the first Tawjihi exam session for 126,679 students begins Thursday, with Islamic Education and Islamic Studies exams across 738 centers, including candidates in correctional and juvenile rehabilitation centers and students with disabilities. Jordanian Culture & Heritage: A piece on Jerash Springs highlights how dozens of water springs—long used for agriculture and summer picnics—could be rehabilitated and developed for eco-tourism, with better infrastructure and visitor facilities while protecting their water role. World Cup & Jordanian Pride: Jordan’s first World Cup exit is remembered for a touching detail: the squad left their dressing room spotless and left tokens for stadium staff, after a narrow run that ended following the Algeria match. Diplomacy in Amman: Ireland’s departing ambassador to Jordan praised stability efforts, reiterated support for a two-state solution, and pointed to education and people-to-people cooperation as key drivers of growing bilateral ties. Public Policy Debate: Jordan’s resumption of capital punishment after a nearly nine-year moratorium—six executions in terrorism and serious criminal cases—sparks renewed discussion over deterrence at home and European opposition abroad.

World Cup Culture: Jordan’s first-ever World Cup run ended after a 2-1 loss to Algeria, but the squad won hearts by leaving the dressing room spotless and sharing sweets and thank-you notes with staff. Royal Spotlight: Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa cheered Jordan from the stands again as the team faced Algeria, with King Abdullah also attending in a Jordan jersey. Education & Youth: Amman’s Tawjihi 2026 first session begins Thursday, with 126,679 students sitting for Islamic Education and Islamic Studies across hundreds of centers. Tech & Learning: Crown Prince Hussein met Silicon Valley leaders, discussing cooperation on Jordan’s ‘Siraj’ educational support platform and vocational training tools. Tourism & Heritage: Jerash springs could become eco-tourism attractions, if infrastructure and visitor services are developed while keeping their role in agriculture. Lifestyle & Food: A Jerash “quiet luxury” coffee and ancestral kitchens feature highlights Jordanian flavors and heritage. Sports & Community: A Jordanian-themed World Cup fan story shows how Arab communities in the stadium united through shared culture and clothing.