AGP Executive Report

Jerusalem & Al-Aqsa Custodianship: As Jordanians mark Yawm Al Naksa, fresh claims about US-Israel plans to end Hashemite custodianship over Al-Aqsa Mosque are met with a clear denial from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, keeping the holy-site status quo at the center of regional tension. Culture & Heritage: Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh inspected preparations for the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, urging top-tier logistics and highlighting the milestone edition as a national and international cultural showcase. Education & Identity: Qatar Foundation launched the “Rasekh” accreditation framework to align international education with local Arabic language and cultural values, unveiling the first cohort of participating schools. Local Arts & Literature: Poet Alian Al-Adwan was re-elected president of the Jordan Writers Association, winning 160 votes and securing board and committee seats for his aligned teams. Jobs & Society: Jordan will suspend most foreign worker recruitment from June 1, 2026, as unemployment eases to around 16%, with key exceptions including textiles, development zones, and domestic work. Music Scene: Palestinian-Jordanian producer Big Murk shares his curated underground playlist in “3ala Mazag,” spotlighting regional hip-hop and bass-driven sounds. World Cup Culture (Jordan): Mousa Al Tamari’s World Cup rise is celebrated as he helps Jordan chase a historic finals dream.

Jerash Festival Prep: Jordan’s Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh inspected preparations for the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, urging top-tier logistical and technical readiness and highlighting the event’s role in boosting Jordan’s cultural presence regionally and internationally. World Cup Culture: Jordan winger Mousa Al Tamari is spotlighted as he chases a World Cup dream with the national team, with his rise tied to his community roots and outspoken Palestinian advocacy. Eid Al-Adha Aid: Qatar Red Crescent Society’s Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice campaign says it reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including Jordan, with meat distribution and Sharia-compliant slaughter coordinated through local partners. Arts & Music: Palestinian-Jordanian producer Big Murk shares his curated “3ala Mazag” playlist, while Zeyne and Marina Satti release the collaborative single “A’ti,” exploring love, distance, and female authority. Culture Travel: A guide looks at visiting Jordan’s desert castles (qasrs) east of Amman, tracing Umayyad-era sites and their shifting historical interpretations. Labor Policy: Jordan will suspend foreign worker recruitment across most sectors from June 1, 2026, as unemployment reportedly falls to 16% in Q1 2026, with garment/textile and some zones exempted.

World Cup & Jordanian pride: Mousa Al Tamari’s World Cup call-up caps a breakthrough run for Jordan, including the qualifier moment that helped steer the team toward a historic finals spot. Culture beyond the “golden triangle”: A travel feature looks at exploring Jordan past Petra, including desert-castle sites tied to early Islamic-era qasrs east of Amman. Music & identity: Palestinian-Jordanian artist Zeyne teams up with Marina Satti on the single “A’ti,” a track about love, distance, and female authority. Arts leadership: Poet Alian Al-Adwa was re-elected president of the Jordan Writers Association, winning a seventh consecutive term and filling key board and committee seats. Economy & jobs: Jordan will suspend most foreign labor recruitment starting June 1, 2026, as unemployment falls to 16%—with exclusions for key sectors and domestic work. Heritage & community: A UNICEF remote consultancy vacancy (based in Amman) targets education engagement and private-sector partnerships, aiming to boost learning outcomes.

Jordanian Football Spotlight: Jordan’s historic 2026 World Cup qualification is being celebrated after a 3-0 win away to Oman, with King Abdullah II praising “Al Nashama” as injuries test the squad ahead of the finals. World Cup Build-Up: Iraq also secured its spot after a grueling campaign and a chaotic trip to Mexico for the intercontinental playoff, showing just how much travel and pressure shaped the run. Labor & Jobs: Jordan will suspend most foreign labor recruitment from June 1, 2026 as unemployment falls to 16%, while keeping exceptions for garment/textile, development zones, and domestic workers. Education & Work: UNICEF announced a remote, nine-month report-writer consultancy in Amman focused on how private sector partnerships can strengthen education systems. Sports & Youth Culture: Jordan’s Ministry of Education honored winners of the 20th King Abdullah II Physical Fitness Award, reinforcing a school sports culture tied to healthier lifestyles. Women, Peace & Security: A new piece warns UN reforms risk erasing the women, peace and security agenda, even as women’s roles in conflict response remain essential.

World Cup Spotlight (Jordan): Jordan’s “Al Nashama” made history by reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals for the first time, after a 3-0 win away to Oman and a run of results that secured qualification; the campaign is now being shaped by injuries to key players, with Ali Olwan recovering after surgery. Sports Journey (Iraq): Iraq also booked its spot after a grueling qualification and a tough intercontinental playoff trip to Mexico amid regional travel chaos, then sealing qualification with a 2-1 win over Bolivia. Royal & Holy Sites (Al-Aqsa): Fresh diplomatic friction is in the air as the UK reiterates that Jordan’s custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy sites “must be respected,” amid reports of efforts to reshape the status quo around Al-Aqsa. Disability & Inclusion (Jordan): Under Princess Taghrid’s patronage, Jordan launched its first comprehensive statistical report on children with disabilities (ages 2+), covering 2021–2025 to support better planning and services. Culture & Lifestyle (Amman): A Jordanian-Japanese strategic partnership and a Jordan-hosted Chinese language competition highlight ongoing cultural exchange efforts. Community Sports (Jordan): The King Abdullah II Physical Fitness Award ceremony honored school winners, reinforcing a culture of sports and healthy lifestyles in Jordanian education.

Sports & National Pride: Jordan Ahli Bank released the patriotic song “Falak Al Fouz” to celebrate Al Nashama’s FIFA World Cup qualification, tying it to its savings campaign with prizes running through December 2026. Education & Youth Culture: The Ministry of Education, with the Jordan School Sports Federation, honored winners of the 20th King Abdullah II Physical Fitness Award, spotlighting a school sports culture since 2005. Disability Rights & Inclusion: Under Princess Taghrid’s patronage, the Princess Taghrid Institute launched Jordan’s first comprehensive statistical report on children with disabilities (ages 2+), covering 2021–2025 to support evidence-based planning. Arts & Community Life: Mexican photographer Yolanda Andrade opened an “Life Goes On” exhibition in Amman, adding to Jordan’s growing gallery scene. Culture Exchange: Jordan hosted the finals of the Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for foreign college students, reinforcing people-to-people ties through language learning. Food Safety Watch: Health inspectors flagged serious issues at local restaurants, including moldy salsa and unsafe food storage, leading to closures. Regional Spotlight: Muslim countries, including Jordan, condemned Israeli settlers’ incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling them violations of international law and the holy site’s status.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship: The UK reiterated that Jordan’s role as custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites “must be respected,” after reports of US-Israeli plans to curb the Islamic Waqf’s authority. Regional Solidarity: Foreign ministers from Jordan and other Muslim states condemned Israeli ultranationalist incursions at Al-Aqsa, urging respect for the historical status quo and Jordan’s jurisdiction. Cultural Diplomacy: Mexican photographer Yolanda Andrade opened “Life Goes On” in Amman, spotlighting everyday life through contemporary photography. Education & Language: Jordan hosted the Chinese Bridge finals for foreign college students, with winners praising Chinese as a bridge for friendships and study. Community & Environment: Princess Alia launched a regional workshop in Amman on promoting positive community behaviour to reduce demand for wildlife and birds. Health & Safety: Local restaurant inspections flagged moldy salsa, unsafe food temperatures, and hygiene lapses, including cross-contamination and improper glove use. Disability Inclusion: Senator Asia Yaghi presented disability inclusion and accessible cities papers at the World Urban Forum in Baku.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship Under Fire: Foreign ministers from Jordan and other Muslim-majority states condemned Israeli settler incursions at Al-Aqsa and urged recognition of Jordan’s Hashemite role, while the US denied reports of any plan to strip custodianship. Disability & Inclusion: Senator Asia Yaghi highlighted disability inclusion and accessible cities at the World Urban Forum in Baku, pushing for independent living and gender-sensitive planning. Cultural Diplomacy in Amman: Mexican photographer Yolanda Andrade opened “Life Goes On” at Nofa Gallery, with the Mexican ambassador stressing art as a bridge between Jordan and Mexico. Chinese Language Exchange: Jordan hosted the finals of the 25th “Chinese Bridge” competition for foreign college students in Amman, spotlighting speeches, Q&A and talent performances. Education & Scholarships: Housing Bank, with the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, continued scholarship support for cancer students, meeting beneficiaries across Jordanian universities. Jordanian-Japanese Ties: A Jordanian-Japanese strategic partnership update emphasized development cooperation and Japan’s role as a key partner. Local Community Life: Jordanian pilgrims began returning after Hajj, and Jordan marked 100 years of evangelical ministry with calls for Arab leaders to engage globally.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship Under Fire: A British MP urged the UK government to oppose reported US-Israel plans to strip Jordan’s Hashemite custodianship of Al-Aqsa, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he’d never heard of such claims. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from Jordan and seven other Muslim-majority states condemned Israeli settler incursions at Al-Aqsa under Israeli protection, calling them violations of international law and stressing the “special role” of Jordan’s custodianship. Jordan-Japan Ties: Jordan highlighted a strengthened strategic partnership with Japan, citing development cooperation and JICA support during King Abdullah II’s recent visit. Education & Community Support: Housing Bank renewed scholarship support for King Hussein Cancer Foundation students, backing academic progress and care programs. Culture & Faith Milestone: Jordan marked 100 years of organized evangelical ministry, with leaders calling on Arab governments to engage with the global evangelical movement. Sports & Identity: Jordan’s World Cup moment made headlines as four nations—including Jordan—prepare for their first-ever 2026 World Cup appearances.

Faith & Community: Jordan marked 100 years of organized evangelical ministry at Amman Baptist School, with World Evangelical Alliance secretary general Rev. Botrus Mansour urging Arab leaders to strengthen ties with the global Church, alongside book and documentary launches and testimonies from Jordanian church leaders. Holy Sites & Diplomacy: A Group of Eight Arab-Islamic states statement condemned extremist Israeli settlers’ incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli protection and the raising of the Israeli flag in its courtyards, stressing the historical Hashemite custodianship and rejecting any change to Jerusalem’s historical and legal status quo. Custodianship Claims: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied reports that the US is working with Israel to end Jordan’s Al Aqsa custodianship, questioning the credibility of the claims. Lifestyle & Culture: A Jordanian-themed café and roastery, Al-Hamawi Roastery & Cafe, marked its first year in Orland Park, leaning into pistachio lattes, Turkish coffee, and Jordanian products. Arts & Education: Jordanian-linked cultural life also shows up abroad, from scholarship and teacher recognition stories to arts awards highlighting music and education.

Al-Aqsa Condemnations: Pakistan and seven other Muslim countries, including Jordan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, condemned “continued incursions” by extremist Israeli settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards under Israeli police protection, including the raising of Israeli flags, calling it a violation of international law and the holy-sites status quo. Jordan-UAE Markets: Jordan and the UAE moved closer on regional finance as the Tabadul electronic link officially launched, connecting the Amman and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges to boost cross-market trading and investor access. Jordanian Healthcare & Tourism: Jordan’s Health Minister highlighted royal support for Istiklal Hospital on its 25th anniversary, including upgrades, medical tourism growth, and a new “Istiklal Medical Tourism Platform.” Luxury & Hospitality: Fairmont Amman’s leadership outlined plans to elevate culinary experiences, guest journeys, and Jordanian heritage-led cultural immersion as the luxury sector grows. Culture & Lifestyle: Stone Fine Jewelry founders Ghadeer Al Taher and Joumana Jallad shared their “How I Got My Job As…” journey, blending craft, contemporary design, and personal storytelling. Global Culture Watch: Palm Springs International ShortFest revealed a 329-film lineup across 71 countries for June 23–29.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship & Holy-Site Status: Jordan and the UAE condemned Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa courtyards, including flag-raising and anthem-singing under police protection, calling it a provocation that violates the site’s historical and legal status. Regional Tensions: Kuwait reported intercepted Iranian drones and missiles, while Iran warned patience over a Hormuz blockade is running out—raising fears of wider escalation. Jordan’s Health & Lifestyle: Istiklal Hospital marked its 25th anniversary with renewed royal-backed support for medical tourism and healthcare upgrades, and the Reayah cancer programme was highlighted as a major shift toward broader coverage. Culture & Faith: A Jordan-linked perspective on baptism and the Jordan River’s symbolism framed faith as restoration amid life’s chaos. Business & Tech: Jordan and the UAE launched the Tabadul electronic link between Amman and Abu Dhabi stock exchanges, aiming to deepen regional financial ties. Education & Society: Jordanian households face holiday-driven spending pressure, with experts pointing to rising essentials and heavy loan repayments. Digital Economy: HalaPremium.com launched a curated MENA digital asset marketplace focused on AI, Web3, and Vision 2030 themes.

Al-Aqsa Flashpoint: Jordan and the UAE condemned Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, including the raising of Israeli flags, calling it a provocative breach of the site’s historical and legal status quo and urging authorities to stop escalations. Health & Governance: Jordan’s Reayah cancer care programme marks a major shift in access and funding, guaranteeing oncology coverage for key groups including citizens aged 60+, children and teens under 19, and National Aid Fund beneficiaries. Social Policy & Daily Life: A Jordanian economic commentary highlights holiday spending pressure as prices rise and household debt bites, with many families relying on loans and seeing big portions of income go to repayments. Public Health Watch: A tobacco-use report says more than half of Jordanians aged 15+ use tobacco, with heavy spending and links to rising cancer burdens. Culture & Learning: Jordanian media coverage also points to ongoing education and community milestones, while international culture items—from major literary prizes to streaming picks—underscore how lifestyle trends keep flowing into the region.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship & Religious Status: Jordan condemned Israeli settlers’ incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, warning against any attempt to change the site’s historical and legal status quo, after flags and slogans were raised under police protection. Regional Diplomacy: The UAE also criticized the move as a provocation and reiterated support for Jordan’s role as custodian, urging international efforts toward a two-state solution. Lebanon Escalation: France called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting as Israel’s offensive in south Lebanon drew condemnation from European and Muslim countries, with Macron stressing the need for a US-Iran agreement and weapons to fall silent. Hajj Logistics: Jordanian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia began entering the kingdom via Mudawwara and Omari customs, with officials inspecting readiness to speed procedures around Eid Al-Adha. Public Health: Jordan’s Higher Population Council marked World No Tobacco Day with figures showing over half of adults use tobacco, highlighting heavy costs on low-income families and links to cancer.

Al-Aqsa Custodianship: Jordan strongly condemned Israeli settlers’ incursion into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East al-Quds, warning against any attempt to change the site’s historical and legal status and stressing the need to preserve the established status quo. Public Health: Jordan’s Higher Population Council marked World No Tobacco Day with alarming figures: over half of Jordanians aged 15+ use tobacco, with men making up 71% of users; it also says low-income smokers spend heavily on cigarettes, squeezing budgets for essentials like food, medicine, education, and debt repayment. Culture & Lifestyle: A look at Mother’s Day traditions across the Arab world highlights why Tunisia celebrates it on May 31, while other regions follow different dates. Digital Governance (Regional): Qatar’s Cabinet approved draft laws on e-invoicing and private schools, alongside measures supporting social professions and digital transformation. Pilgrimage Logistics: Jordanian pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia are being processed through customs centres as officials inspect readiness ahead of Eid al-Adha.

Hajj Logistics: Jordanian Customs inspected the first returning Hajj groups at Mudawwara and Omari border centres, boosting staff and coordination to speed entry for pilgrims and Palestinian pilgrims. Public Health: Jordan’s Higher Population Council marks World No Tobacco Day with alarming figures: over half of Jordanians aged 15+ use tobacco; 83% started before 24, and average monthly spending hits 78 dinars—hurting low-income families while adding pressure to healthcare. Peacekeeping & Service: The Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army says it has deployed more than 142,000 personnel in UN missions since 1989, delivering medical care and protection across decades. Culture & Learning: Florida State University’s Learning Systems Institute will collaborate with IREX on early grade education in Jordan, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and whole-child development. Arts & Heritage: A report highlights Jordan’s cultural stake in Al-Aqsa custodianship amid claims of plans to strip Jordan’s role, keeping the debate centered on faith, control, and heritage. Sports & Pop Culture: A look at an Air Jordan 4 “Glitter Glove” one-of-one sample and a World Cup 2026 preview add lighter lifestyle reads for the week.