AGP Executive Report

Traffic & Safety in Amman: The Traffic Department and Greater Amman Municipality are rolling out “smart” traffic signals at high-congestion, accident-prone spots, starting with the Al-Nahda Bridge area toward the Eighth Circle, to reduce conflicts between main and secondary roads and shift from fixed officers to condition-based control. Education & Skills: BAU and UNESCO discussed expanding cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, including curriculum work and staff capacity-building to better match labor-market needs. Jordan–China Cultural & Tourism Push: King Abdullah’s China visit put tourism and cultural cooperation front and center, with talks on boosting Chinese visitor numbers and improving air connectivity, aiming to connect Jordan’s heritage with new audiences. Mawlid al-Nabi in Jordan: Jordanians marked the Prophet Muhammad’s birth with major religious events, including celebrations at Al Husseiniya Palace, plus sweets and community gatherings across governorates. Palestine & Jerusalem Under Pressure: Israeli forces seized the UNRWA vocational training institute in East Jerusalem’s Kafr Aqab, while Jordan and China reiterated support for a two-state solution and an independent Palestinian state.

Jerusalem & Al-Aqsa: Fifty-seven years after the 1969 arson at Al-Aqsa, Jordanian-focused coverage frames the anniversary as a warning over ongoing Israeli efforts to reshape the mosque’s historic status quo and identity. Education & Community: In Kafr Akab, Jerusalem Municipality has started renovating an UNRWA Kalandia Training Centre into a new educational and community complex, including a boys’ high school opening next week and plans for more schools, a mosque, and sports and healthcare facilities. Jordan–China Diplomacy: King Abdullah II wrapped up talks in Beijing with Xi Jinping, with both sides stressing de-escalation in the region and backing the two-state solution, while also signing cooperation MoUs spanning e-commerce, digital economy, film production, tourism, media, agriculture, and more. Youth & Skills: The King Abdullah II Fund for Development launched “Modern Technology Horizons” with Princess Sumaya University for Technology to train Jordanian youth and professionals for modern tech careers and labor-market needs. Culture & Faith: Jordanians marked Mawlid al-Nabi with official and religious events across Amman and other governorates, including Quran recitations and public sweets. Health Services: Government moves to clear arrears for university hospitals aim to stabilize budgets and improve continuity of care.

Jordan–China diplomacy: King Abdullah II returned home after a state visit to China, where talks with Xi Jinping focused on Middle East de-escalation and the two-state path for Palestine, alongside deeper cooperation in areas like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, engineering, tourism, education and culture. Development & youth skills: The King Abdullah II Fund for Development launched “Modern Technology Horizons,” training Jordanian youth and professionals for modern tech jobs in partnership with Princess Sumaya University for Technology. Digital economy MoUs: Jordan and China also signed agreements covering legal and judicial cooperation, e-commerce, and digital economy coordination. Religious life: Jordanians marked Mawlid al-Nabi with official ceremonies at Al Husseiniya Palace, plus sweets and community gatherings across Amman and other governorates. Healthcare stability: Government moves to settle university hospital debts aim to protect hospital budgets and keep services running smoothly. Education access: A push to phase out rented schools and improve school transport is framed as reducing pressure on families and students. Urban drought conversation: A new IIED “Make Change Happen” episode looks at how drought affects city life and adaptation. Local business spotlight: A profile highlights LYLA K’s founder and her logistics-to-jewellery journey, reflecting Jordan-region creativity and entrepreneurship.

Jordan–China State Visit: King Abdullah II met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides stressing deeper alignment on development strategies and a “two-state solution” as the only path to lasting peace, while Jordan reaffirmed its commitment to the “One China” principle. Bilateral Deals & Culture: Agreements and MoUs were witnessed covering justice cooperation, e-commerce, and digital economy coordination, alongside plans to expand ties in education, culture, health, media, and tourism. Youth & Tech Skills: The King Abdullah II Fund for Development launched “Modern Technology Horizons” to train Jordanian youth and professionals for modern tech jobs, with hands-on programs and accredited certifications. Healthcare Focus: Government moves to settle university hospital debts aim to stabilize hospital finances and improve care continuity. Education Infrastructure: The Ministry of Education says rented schools have dropped from 776 to 606 after phasing out 170, alongside 86 new schools and new technical school approvals. Community Health: A pharmacist-led perspective highlights gaps in antimicrobial stewardship and the need for stronger training and regulation to improve vaccination and responsible medicine use. Arts & Heritage: Al-Salt’s giant stone mosaic mural project is underway, using millions of pieces and volunteer training to document local history and identity.

Education Update: Jordan’s Ministry of Education says rented schools have dropped from 776 to 606 after phasing out 170, with 86 new schools opened and major maintenance under way, as the new academic year starts for about 2.2 million students. Vocational Push: Cabinet approved five new technical schools (nearly JD25m) and launched the Kingdom’s first free school transport project in Southern Badia. Traffic for Back-to-School: Amman’s Traffic Department rolled out a comprehensive plan with early-morning deployment, awareness activities, and tailored staffing around schools and key intersections. Cultural Heritage in Stone: In Al-Salt, a giant mosaic mural at the city entrance is being built to document local history and identity, with hundreds of volunteers trained to help install millions of mosaic pieces. Religious Guidance: Jordan’s Iftaa Department reiterated the duty to honor the Prophet’s status and warned that even unintentional disrespectful wording is a major sin. Sports & Lifestyle: A UAE Warriors debut spotlighted “Royal Jordanian Fighter” Ali Al Qaisi’s circle, while HBO’s Lanterns continues its mystery in episode 2, “Trust Fall.”

Education Update: Jordan’s Ministry of Education says rented schools are shrinking fast: 170 have been phased out over two years, dropping the number to 606, while the system runs 4,078 schools overall. The new academic year is starting without reported shortages of textbooks or desks, and the ministry points to 86 new schools opened in the past year plus extensions and maintenance worth JD185 million. Vocational Push: The Cabinet has approved five new technical schools (nearly JD25 million) to tackle double-shift and rented-building pressures, including sites in Amman, Mafraq, Jerash, and Irbid. School Year Scale: About 2.2 million students are set to begin classes for 2026–2027, with the ministry stressing readiness across schools and staff. Traffic & Safety: Amman’s Traffic Department is rolling out a comprehensive back-to-school plan with early-morning deployment, awareness activities, and tailored staffing near major roads and intersections. Culture & Heritage: In Al-Salt, a giant mosaic entrance mural is underway—50 meters long, millions of stone pieces, and hundreds of trained volunteers—aimed at preserving local history through art. Religious Guidance: Jordan’s Iftaa Department reiterates that even unintentional disrespect toward the Prophet Muhammad is a major sin, urging careful wording when discussing his biography.

Back-to-school logistics: Amman’s Traffic Department rolled out a comprehensive plan for the new academic year, with early-morning deployment from 6:00 a.m., extra patrols and female police officers near schools, plus safety booklets and awareness sessions in cooperation with community police. Education scale-up: About 2.2 million students across Jordan are set to start the 2026/2027 school year, with the Ministry of Education citing 7,818 schools and 146,910 teachers as preparations are finalized for a smooth first day. Jordan in regional crossfire: Reports say Jordan is being hit by the spillover of the Iran-US-Israel conflict, with Iranian missile/drone barrages reaching Jordan and tensions adding fuel to anti-American sentiment. Palestinian solidarity and legal pressure: UK court decisions rejected terrorism-linked sentencing for Palestine Action protesters, while separate coverage highlights how counterterrorism laws are being used against activism. Jordan–China ties: King Abdullah’s China visit is framed as a push for deeper cooperation in investment, manufacturing, technology, education and science, with renewable energy and AI flagged as key areas. Human stories abroad: Malaysian police say they rescued 17 Jordanian children from a suspected begging ring, arresting 15 adults and seizing passports and cash. Culture & identity in music: Palestinian-Jordanian singer Dana Salah released her debut album Bent Bladna, blending Palestinian dabke, R&B, Jamaican riddims and pop under her “Falahi Pop” sound.

Local Accountability: A Jerash panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program compared Cabinet-announced projects with what’s actually been delivered, with officials citing 70–80% completion of 2025 commitments and residents pushing for priorities like a hospital, transport upgrades, and a university. Education Access: Jordan’s Unified Admission drive for 2026–2027 closed with 74,340 applications; the unit warned fees must be paid by Aug. 23 or applications will be cancelled. Jordan–China Partnership: King Abdullah’s China visit is framed as a push for deeper cooperation in investment, manufacturing, AI, education, and renewable energy, with calls to attract Chinese factories and use Jordan’s location for regional re-export. Culture & Music: Palestinian-Jordanian singer Dana Salah released her debut album “Bent Bladna,” blending Palestinian dabke, R&B, Jamaican riddims, and pop under her “Falahi Pop” identity. Human Stories: Malaysian police say they rescued 17 Jordanian children from a suspected begging ring, arresting 15 adults and seizing passports, phones, and cash. Regional Tensions: The Muslim World League condemned an Israeli E1-plan tender for 1,234 settlement units, calling it a threat to a future Palestinian state.

Jordanian-Chinese ties: King Abdullah’s state visit to China is framed as a push for deeper cooperation in investment, manufacturing, technology, education and science, with local experts urging Jordan to attract Chinese factories and renewable energy projects rather than rely only on trade. Local Governance: A Jerash governorate panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program says some 2025 commitments are moving faster than others, with residents pressing for priorities like a hospital, transport links, a university and jobs. Regional Security: The “Mecca Pact” signed by Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan is discussed as a major shift in Gulf security thinking amid US-Iran tensions, with analysts noting it’s more political than a full NATO-style war mechanism. Culture & Music: Palestinian-Jordanian singer Dana Salah releases her debut album “Bent Bladna,” blending Palestinian dabke, R&B and Jamaican riddims into a “Falahi Pop” sound about home across languages and places. Arts & Screen: HBO’s new DC series “Lanterns” is highlighted as a bold adaptation that’s already sparking debate among fans.

Jordan-China ties: Jordanian sectors are looking to deepen cooperation with China in investment, manufacturing, technology, education and science as King Abdullah II visits Beijing this week, with experts urging Amman to attract Chinese factories and renewable energy partnerships rather than only boosting trade. Local delivery check: A Jerash panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program says some 2025 Cabinet commitments are moving fast, while others are still stuck in studies, implementation delays or future budgets—covering health, water, culture, education, transport and tourism. Youth & community building: The Arab Youth Centre opens its first permanent Jordan hub with the Crown Prince Foundation, aiming to train, mentor and incubate youth projects across leadership, entrepreneurship, tech, sustainability and future skills. Culture & heritage: Jordan’s role in peace and tourism gets a spotlight through “Handel’s Messiah” at Mukawir, alongside new school and community cultural initiatives. Regional spotlight: Jordanian and Palestinian authorities renew warnings over growing threats to Al-Aqsa’s “historic and legal status quo” as Israeli practices inside the compound expand. Human stories: Malaysia police rescued 17 Jordanian children allegedly trafficked for begging, arresting 15 suspects and seizing passports and phones.

Local Accountability in Jerash: A panel under “Maidani” compared Cabinet-announced projects with what residents say is happening on the ground, with gaps still showing in health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and agriculture—alongside calls for a hospital, better transport, a university, and jobs. Youth & Community Building: The Arab Youth Centre opened its first permanent Jordan hub with the Crown Prince Foundation, aiming to train and mentor young people through labs, incubation, and regional partnerships across leadership, entrepreneurship, tech and sustainability. Humanitarian & Rights Focus: Malaysian police rescued 17 Jordanian children suspected of being trafficked for begging and arrested 15 people in raids, after children were reportedly brought in on social visit passes and used for daily collections. Regional Security Debate: Opinion coverage weighed the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan “Mecca Pact,” noting it may deter threats but lacks enforcement and a shared cooperative political culture. Royal & Cultural Diplomacy: Jordan’s King Abdullah II began a state visit to Beijing, highlighting cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure, education and culture. Financial Literacy for Youth: “Your Financial Compass” held its Mafraq stop, training youth and women on money management, markets, investment basics and risk awareness.

Jordanian Culture & Local Governance: A Jerash governorate panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program compared Cabinet-announced projects with what’s actually happening on the ground, with officials citing that roughly 70–80% of 2025 commitments are completed while others wait on studies, implementation, or future budgets—covering health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism, and agriculture. Youth & Regional Culture: The Arab Youth Centre opened in Jordan in partnership with the Crown Prince Foundation, the first permanent institutional rollout of its UAE model, offering leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, tech, research, sustainability, and mentorship plus incubation spaces. Humanitarian & Refugee Reality: UN data shows humanitarian funding to Jordan has fallen about 92% since 2016, leaving the Jordan Response Plan for Syrian refugees covered at just 2.2% of estimated needs. Community Safety: Police in Malaysia rescued 17 Jordanian children suspected of being trafficked for begging and arrested 15 suspects, seizing passports, phones, and cash during raids. Arts & Culture Publishing: Middle East Report’s Issue 319 spotlights “Art at Work,” examining how artists across the region create under war and political pressure, including Palestinian and Lebanese visual essays and culture politics. International Spotlight on Jordan: King Abdullah II arrived in Beijing for a state visit, with both sides expected to discuss education, science, culture, and broader regional coordination.

Local Governance & Service Delivery: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” compared Cabinet promises with what residents say is actually happening on the ground, with gaps still showing in health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and agriculture. Humanitarian Crisis & Refugees: UN data shows humanitarian funding for Jordan has dropped 92% since 2016, with only about 2.2% of the Jordan Response Plan needs covered this year. Education & Culture: “Our Jordan in Our Eyes” continues training young Madaba residents to turn photography from a hobby into a way to document Jordan’s places, people and heritage. Jordan–China People & Knowledge: A new phase in Jordanian-Chinese cooperation is putting students, researchers and science collaboration at the center as King Abdullah’s China visit begins. Cultural Heritage Event: Handel’s “Messiah” is set for 12 September at Mukawir (Machaerus), framed as a faith-and-heritage message for Jordan’s tourism and cultural resilience. Accessibility in Tourism: Etihad Bank backs Aqaba’s first accessible, inclusive beach for people with disabilities, aiming to make recreation safer and more inclusive. Public Transport: Ajloun residents push to expand a smart transit pilot to better connect villages and key routes to Amman.

Local Governance & Accountability: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” compared Cabinet promises with what’s actually been delivered on the ground, spanning health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and agriculture, with MPs citing a 70–80% completion rate for 2025 commitments. Culture & Heritage: “Handel’s Messiah” lands at Mukawir (Machaerus) on 12 Sept, with European and Jordanian artists, framed as a faith-and-tourism message of cultural resilience. Arts & Youth Skills: “Our Jordan in Our Eyes” training continues in Madaba, teaching young residents to turn photography from a hobby into a profession. Accessibility & Community: Etihad Bank backed Aqaba’s first accessible beach for people with disabilities, adding inclusive facilities and a 100-meter wheelchair pathway. Education Milestone: Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa met top Tawjihi achievers for 2025–2026, discussing higher education and the new curriculum. Culture & Lifestyle: Dar Amira opened in Amman’s Abdali, bringing Moroccan hospitality, cuisine and tea as a Jordan-led regional brand plan. Transport & Daily Life: Ajloun residents push for expanding a smart bus pilot and improving terminals to cut reliance on private transport.

Education Economy: Amman is pitching international students as a growth engine, arguing Jordan can turn tuition into a wider spending cycle across housing, transport, healthcare, tourism and more. Royal Education & Youth: Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa met top Tawjihi achievers, while the Armed Forces inaugurated a new Ajloun boys’ secondary school focused on education and military culture. Local Implementation Watch: A Jerash panel under Radio Al-Balad’s “Maidani” program compared Cabinet-announced project progress with what residents say is actually happening on the ground. Culture & Dialogue: BilAraby wrapped up its “BilAraby in…” tour across Damascus, Amman and Djerba, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees and spotlighting youth experiences and community-rooted ideas in Arabic. Sports Tourism: Jordan’s Youth Ministry backed the 24th Asian Karate Championship, stressing international standards, facilities and cultural exchange. Jordan–China Ties: King Abdullah’s China visit is framed as a chance to rebalance trade and secure real investment, production and job-creating projects—not just more agreements.

Education & Youth: Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa met top Tawjihi achievers at Basman Palace, discussing higher education and the new high school curriculum. Sports & Culture: Minister of Youth Dr. Raed Sami Al-Adwan said Jordan’s hosting of the 24th Asian Karate Championship shows international confidence in Jordan’s ability to deliver major events, boosting sports tourism and cultural exchange. Local Governance (Jerash): A “Maidani” panel on Jerash measured Cabinet project promises against on-the-ground reality, with health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism and jobs all in focus. Jordan–China Relations: King Abdullah II’s China visit is framed as a push for implemented projects, investment, production, exports and technology transfer, while the Chinese ambassador highlighted trade growth and cooperation plans. Humanitarian Pressure: UN data reviewed by Al-Ghad says humanitarian funding to Jordan has fallen by over 92% since 2016, leaving the Syrian refugee response plan only about 2.2% funded. AI Strategy: Experts urged Jordan to update and speed up its national AI strategy to protect its responsible AI gains after a strong GIRAI ranking.