AGP Executive Report

King Abdullah’s China visit: His Majesty begins talks in Beijing with Xi Jinping, aiming to deepen Jordan–China cooperation beyond trade into investment, education and culture, with both sides also aligning on a just political solution for Palestine. Student Support Boost: The government allocates an extra JD10m to the Student Support Fund, backing 10,000 more university students and bringing the total expected beneficiaries to nearly 63,000. Jerash “Maidani” Check-Up: A Radio Al-Balad panel compared Cabinet-announced project progress in Jerash, with health, water, culture, education, transport and tourism all under review. Tourism Made Easier: Wego and the Jordan Tourism Board launch “Ahlan Jordan,” a single digital gateway for planning and booking trips, including curated packages with Petra stays. Culture & Heritage Spotlight: As-Salt’s UNESCO-listed tolerance and urban hospitality story gets renewed attention as a living heritage destination near Amman. Youth & Volunteering: Jordan’s Ministry of Youth is named the national focal point for the UN International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026. Local Arts/Tech: A young Amman sinologist shares how learning Chinese and culture shaped her path, from early kung fu inspiration to university study.

Education Support: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced an extra JD10 million for Jordan’s Student Support Fund, backing 10,000 more university students at the start of the academic year, with the fund’s budget rising to JD40 million. Financial Inclusion: The Central Bank of Jordan held a workshop for the midterm review of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (2023–2028), linking progress to the Economic Modernisation Vision and its 2026–2029 priorities. Jordan–China Economy: King Abdullah’s China visit is framed as a push to deepen investment and technology cooperation, amid a widening trade imbalance (China exports far more to Jordan than Jordan exports to China). Culture & Youth: The Ministry of Youth was named the national focal point for the 2026 International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, aiming to boost volunteering as a youth empowerment pathway. Local Governance Watch: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” highlighted uneven delivery of government projects—some completed, others still in studies or awaiting future budgets—covering health, water, culture, education, transport, and tourism. Renewable Energy: A Chinese-run wind farm in Shobak is highlighted as part of Jordan’s green transition, with renewables now around a quarter of electricity generation. Arts Calendar: Egypt’s CIFET experimental theatre festival is set for Sept 1–8, 2026, with productions and workshops from across the region and beyond. Royal Family: Princess Iman of Jordan welcomed twin baby girls on 14 August 2026, adding a double celebration to the Hashemite family.

Jerash Accountability Watch: A Radio Al-Balad “Maidani” panel in Jerash compared Cabinet-announced projects with what’s actually on the ground, with MP Hamza Al-Hawamdeh saying 70–80% of 2025 commitments are completed, while other items lag in studies, implementation, or future budgets—covering health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism, and agriculture. Royal Family News: The Royal Hashemite Court announced Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis welcomed twin baby girls on 14 August 2026, adding a double celebration to Jordan’s royal family. Culture & Heritage: Greek archaeologist Konstantinos “Dino” Politis, long active in Jordan’s archaeological community, was remembered for decades of work and the friendships he built across sites and research. Education & Economy: Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh said King Abdullah II’s China visit is expected to boost investment and cooperation aligned with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, especially in industry, innovation, and green development. Arts & Entertainment (Global): HBO’s new DC series “Lanterns” is drawing attention for its Green Lantern mentor-mentee mystery tone, while BookTok-to-screen adaptations keep expanding. Travel Practicalities: Multiple regional flight-cancellation advisories circulated, including UAE and Etihad updates, urging travelers to check status before departure.

Jerash Local Governance: A panel under “Maidani” compared Jerash Governorate’s July 2025 Cabinet promises with what’s actually on the ground, saying some projects are finished while others are still in studies, implementation, or waiting for future budgets—covering health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and agriculture, with calls for a hospital, better transport, a university, and jobs. Jordan–China Investment: Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh says King Abdullah II’s China visit is set to deepen economic and investment cooperation, aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan priorities with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision and its 2026–2029 push for investment, partnerships, and high-impact projects. Royal Family News: The Royal Hashemite Court announced Princess Iman and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis welcomed twin baby girls on 14 August 2026, adding a double celebration to Jordan’s royal family. Culture & Heritage: Tributes followed the death of Greek archaeologist Dino Politis, remembered for decades of work in Jordan and for the friendships and mentorship he offered to younger researchers. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Jordan is mentioned among states backing the UAE-led push accusing Israel of undermining the Gaza truce plan, while broader regional defense cooperation continues to shape the security conversation. Interfaith & Community Life: Faith leaders held an interfaith prayer vigil supporting highway patrol officers and immigrant communities amid a new North Carolina law expanding state cooperation with ICE.

Regional Security & Culture Politics: Jordan is named among countries backing a new Saudi-led 14-state maritime defense alliance meant to protect Red Sea navigation after Houthi threats and missile strikes tied to the wider U.S.-Iran conflict. Interfaith Tensions in Jerusalem: Reports from Jerusalem’s Old City describe rising harassment of Christian clergy, including spitting incidents, as religious hostility grows around holy sites. Jordan Royal Family: The Royal Hashemite Court announced Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis welcomed twin baby girls on 14 August 2026. Media & Lifestyle: HBO’s “Lanterns” keeps DC’s Green Lantern grounded in a mentor-mentee mystery, while streaming watchers in the UAE are pointed to genre-focused platforms beyond Netflix. Travel Practicalities: UAE-to-India travelers are urged to expect extra airport security checks around Independence Day, with some Etihad cancellations and rebooking support.

Royal Family News: The Royal Hashemite Court announced that Princess Iman bint Abdullah II and Jameel Alexander Thermiotis welcomed twin baby girls on 14 August 2026, adding a rare double celebration to Jordan’s royal family. Youth & Education: The Ministry of Youth’s Secretary-General, Dr. Mazen Abu Bakr, took part in a dialogue at German Jordanian University on UN Security Council Resolution 2250, stressing that youth need education, participation and safe spaces to counter hate speech and misinformation. Higher Education Access: Jordan’s Unified Admissions Coordination Unit updated its website ahead of the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing available majors across public universities and community colleges. Culture & Community: Ajloun Cable Car’s “SUMMERIC – Ajloun Cable Car 2026” festival rolls out a 10-day program of arts, entertainment and family activities across the cable car’s two stations, aiming to boost tourism and local businesses. Cinema & Activism: Pro-Palestinian groups in Jordan called for a boycott of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” urging cinemas and the Jordanian Artists Syndicate to exclude the film over its producer’s political stance. Regional Security: Jordan is named among the signatories of a new 14-state maritime defense alliance led from Riyadh to protect navigation and energy routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Jordanian Education & Youth: The Ministry’s Unified Admissions Coordination Unit updated its website for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing 607 majors for bachelor applicants and 206 for intermediate diploma programs across public universities and community colleges. Arts & Community: Ajloun’s SUMMERIC Ajloun Cable Car 2026 festival kicks off with a 10-day lineup of music, children’s theater, book fair activities, and family events across the cable car’s two stations. Culture & Tourism: Preparations continue for Jordan’s 2030 Baptism Site anniversary at Al-Maghtas, with plans to upgrade infrastructure, train guides, and build long-term religious tourism while protecting the site’s spiritual and archaeological character. Media & Public Debate: Pro-Palestinian groups in Jordan and across the region renewed calls to boycott “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” urging cinemas to exclude the film over its producer’s political stance. Local Spotlight: King Abdullah II met Ma’an community leaders, stressing security readiness and pushing development priorities for health, education, agriculture, water, transport, and infrastructure.

Education & Youth: Jordan’s Unified Admissions Coordination Unit says its website data is fully updated for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing hundreds of majors across public universities and community colleges. Youth, Peace & Security: The Ministry of Youth’s Secretary-General joined a dialogue at German Jordanian University on UN Security Council Resolution 2250, stressing youth as partners in peacebuilding. Culture & Community Activism: Pro-Palestinian groups in Jordan and across the Arab world are calling for a boycott of “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” urging cinemas and artists’ bodies to exclude the film over producer Avi Arad’s pro-Israel stance. Tourism & Local Festivals: Ajloun’s Summeric “Ajloun Cable Car 2026” festival kicks off with a 10-day program of performances, children’s activities, a book fair, and horse shows aimed at boosting visitor experience and local business. Heritage & Faith Tourism: Preparations are underway for Jordan’s 2030 baptism anniversary at Al-Maghtas, with plans to upgrade infrastructure and training while protecting the site’s spiritual character. Climate & Daily Life: Experts warn Jordan’s warming is accelerating heat waves and disrupting rainfall, adding pressure to water and food security.

Jordanian Security & Development: King Abdullah II met Ma’an community leaders, stressing protecting national interests and stability, while directing more field visits and highlighting plans like the Aqaba–Ma’an Dry Port as a logistics and industrial hub. Christian Pilgrimage 2030: Jordan signed major agreements to prepare Al-Maghtas (Baptism Site) for the 2,000th anniversary in 2030, including a large museum and an integrated pilgrims’ village, with work starting in 2027. Cabinet Reshuffle (No Minister Changes): Prime Minister Jafar Hassan carried out a reshuffle without new ministers entering or leaving, appointing two deputy prime ministers and confirming the renamed Education Ministry structure. Cultural Arts Spotlight: Saudi’s Ithra Art Prize shortlisted works opened in Dhahran, with Jordanian audiences getting a regional contemporary-art moment. Language & Inclusion Online: UpScrolled added Irish language support, expanding its multilingual platform for marginalized voices. Palestinian Human Impact: A Palestinian family in Ein el-Hilweh described being left sleeping in the open after demolition, with medication and basic services disrupted. Climate Pressure: Coverage highlights Jordan’s rising heat and water stress, linking hotter summers and erratic rainfall to food and water security risks.

Regional Security & Energy: Saudi Arabia is building a 14-state maritime coalition to protect Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb shipping as Ansar Allah/Houthi threats raise fears of slower oil flows and higher prices; Diplomacy & Gaza Truce: The UAE and other Muslim-majority governments accused Israel of undermining the Gaza peace plan, pointing to rising friction around the ceasefire; Jordan’s Royal Focus: King Abdullah visited Maan and urged officials to keep field visits and prioritize infrastructure and services, while reaffirming security readiness; Education & Skills: Crown Prince Hussein attended the graduation of Al Hussein Technical University’s sixth cohort, highlighting job-market focused programs including AI, cyber security, and engineering; Culture & Identity: Nadeen Ayoub will help select Palestine’s Miss Universe 2026 representative, with final casting in Palestine and Jordan and a grand finale in Jordan; Arts & Heritage Projects: Jordan signed major agreements to prepare for the 2030 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ Baptism at Al-Maghtas, including museum and visitor-village plans; Local Economy: Experts say rising Iraqi investor interest is boosting foreign real-estate ownership value in Jordan, even as transaction counts dip.

Education & Royals: Crown Prince Hussein attended the graduation of Al Hussein Technical University’s sixth cohort (450 graduates), highlighting job-ready technical training and announcing new initiatives as the university marks its 10th anniversary. Government & Economy: A Royal Decree approved a cabinet reshuffle under PM Jafar Hassan, appointing new ministers including Education and Human Resources Development, while commentary urges a calmer approach to reshuffles. Budget 2027 Focus: Ahead of drafting the 2027 General Budget Law, coverage stresses tighter fiscal discipline amid rising regional costs and subsidy pressures. Scholarships: The Central Bank of Jordan opened applications for 12 Tawjihi-based scholarships leading to employment, one per governorate, for top students in economics, statistics, accounting, and finance. Culture & Dialogue: Jordanian writer Mustafa Al-Ryalat honored Bulgarian pop icon Vasil Naydenov in Sofia for strengthening cultural and musical bridges. Labor Links: Jordan and Libya signed an MoU to boost labor cooperation, including vocational training, labor inspection, and career guidance. Beauty & Representation: Nadeen Ayoub will help select Miss Palestine 2026, with final casting in Palestine and Jordan and a grand finale in Jordan in October. Travel & Lifestyle: UAE flight disruptions and regional security are affecting travel plans, with passengers urged to check updates and allow extra time.

Jordan–US Talks: King Abdullah met US Congress staff at Al Husseiniya Palace, stressing regional de-escalation and warning against Israeli unilateral steps in the West Bank and violations of holy sites in Jerusalem. Education & Skills: The House approved a 2026 Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission draft law to align training with labor-market needs, while the Central Bank launched 12 university scholarships for top Tawjihi students (95%+). Government Shake-up: A Royal Decree approved a cabinet reshuffle under PM Jafar Hassan, including new appointments for Local Administration, Economic Affairs, and Education. Labor Cooperation: Jordan and Libya signed an MoU to boost labor ties, including vocational training, labor inspection, and career guidance. Tawjihi Results: The 2026 pass rate hit 65.3%, with science fields at 70% and vocational disciplines led by IT (79.2%). Culture & Tourism: UNESCO’s Aqaba Marine Reserve listing is being celebrated as a new tourism push beyond Petra and desert. Mental Health Tech: Arab Therapy closed a $2m pre-Series A to expand AI mental healthcare for Arabic-speaking communities. Accessibility: Zain Jordan relaunched Basma+ for Deaf customers with enhanced video-call and SMS benefits.

Education & Youth: Jordan’s Tawjihi 2026 results are in: the overall pass rate hit 65.3%, the highest ever, with science-oriented tracks at 70% and IT in the vocational stream reaching 79.2%. Public Safety: The Public Security Directorate warned against firing gunshots during Tawjihi celebrations, promising strict action and a coordinated security-and-traffic plan. Government & Reform: The Prime Minister’s Office says a cabinet reshuffle will be limited, tied to the merger of Education and Higher Education ministries, with new deputy prime ministers meant to speed up key modernization projects. Digital Inclusion: Zain Jordan relaunched its Basma+ line for Deaf customers, adding 30GB internet, 3,000 video-call minutes, and expanded SMS and local-network calling benefits. Culture & Mobility: Jeeny launched a dedicated “Jerash Festival” service in the Jeeny app, offering pre-booked Amman–Jerash round trips and 20% off rides. Tourism Spotlight: UNESCO’s Aqaba Marine Reserve listing is being framed as a fresh tourism push—Jordan’s Red Sea story now joins Petra and Wadi Rum. Education-China Ties: Jordan is stepping up its education pivot toward China, with Yarmouk University planning a “China Village” for Chinese language and culture, plus broader interdisciplinary support.

Tawjihi Results: Jordan’s 2026 Tawjihi exam saw a record-high pass rate of 65.3%, with science-oriented tracks reaching 70% and vocational/technical results led by IT at 79.2%, as the Ministry highlights the first cohort graduating from the newer vocational stream. Public Safety: The Public Security Directorate urged families to celebrate Tawjihi results without firing gunshots, announcing strict enforcement and a coordinated security and traffic plan across the Kingdom. Government Updates: Jordan’s Prime Minister’s Office says any Cabinet reshuffle will be limited, tied to the constitutional merger of Education and Higher Education into the new “Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development,” with a focus on speeding up economic modernization projects. Digital Inclusion: Zain Jordan relaunches its Basma+ line for Deaf customers with enhanced benefits, including 30GB internet, 3,000 minutes of video calls, and SMS/number minutes designed for everyday communication. Tourism & Heritage: Jordan tourism gets a major boost as UNESCO places the Aqaba Marine Reserve on the World Heritage List, opening new chances for international travel interest beyond Petra and desert routes. Culture & Mobility: Jeeny launches a dedicated “Jerash Festival” service in its app, offering pre-planned Amman–Jerash round trips and 20% off rides for festival-goers. Parliament Watch: The House of Representatives is set to discuss the 2026 Draft Law on the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority, alongside energy committee talks on complaints about rising gasoline consumption rates. Arts & Society: A Jordanian‑Swedish producer with Palestinian roots, Linda Mutawi, is profiled for bridging European and Arab cinema through “cultural intelligence,” reflecting how cross-border storytelling is reshaping the industry. Local Economy: Jordan’s tourism performance is highlighted in a progress report: 3.15 million visitors and 2.47 billion JOD revenue in the first half of 2026, with work underway to upgrade sites and expand air routes.

Public Safety & Tawjihi: Jordan’s Public Security Directorate warned against firing gunshots during Tawjihi results celebrations, saying it will act firmly with security and traffic plans to keep roads safe. Jerash Festival Mobility: Jeeny launched a dedicated “Jerash Festival” service inside its app, offering pre-booked round trips between Amman and Jerash with 20% off and fixed fares. Tourism Numbers: Jordan’s Economic Modernization update reports 3.15 million visitors and 2.47 billion JOD in tourism revenue in H1 2026, alongside work to upgrade sites and boost niche tourism. Parliament Watch: Jordan’s House of Representatives will meet to advance the 2026 Draft Law on the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority, and to hear citizens’ complaints about rising gasoline consumption rates. Humanitarian Aid for Palestinians: Indonesia’s Baznas is deepening cooperation with Jordan’s King Hussein Cancer Foundation to expand medical support for Palestinians and add long-term healthcare scholarships. Jerusalem/Al-Aqsa Diplomacy: Arab foreign ministers met in Amman after warnings that changes to the Al-Aqsa status quo could spark a wider religious conflict. Regional Security: Analysts and officials discussed the wider impact of a Saudi-Turkiye-Pakistan defense pact and the shifting regional balance around Israel, Iran, and U.S. strategy. Culture & Arts: A new music release from Cameroonian Kiwi artist Estère (“Obsidian”) highlights her African-ness and a London-made sound.

Jerash Festival & Mobility: Jeeny launched a dedicated “Jerash Festival” service inside its app, offering pre-planned round trips between Amman and Jerash, fixed fares, and 20% off rides to help visitors enjoy Jordan’s arts landmark with less travel stress. Tourism Momentum: Jordan’s Economic Modernization progress report says the country welcomed about 3.15 million visitors in the first half of 2026, generating roughly 2.47 billion JOD in tourism revenue, alongside upgrades to destinations and facilities. Parliament Watch: Jordan’s House of Representatives will meet to advance the 2026 Draft Law on the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority, while the Energy and Mineral Resources Committee reviews complaints about rising gasoline consumption rates. Public Health Protection: Health professional syndicates in Amman urged tougher laws and stronger enforcement against people impersonating doctors and other medical professionals, warning the current penalties may not deter offenders. Heritage in Madaba: Madaba rolled out a Cultural, Tourism, and Heritage Trail project, using mosaics, churches, and historic sites to frame culture as a national identity project. Palestinian Medical Aid: Indonesia’s Baznas said it is expanding humanitarian cooperation with Jordan’s KHCF to support Palestinian healthcare, including medical aid and longer-term education scholarships.