AGP Executive Report

Jerash Festival Tech Glow-Up: Jordan’s 40th Jerash Festival is leaning hard into culture tourism, with a revamped sound-and-light show using 3D projection mapping and immersive storytelling to bring Roman and Islamic-era history to life after sunset. Amman Film Festival Spotlight: The 7th Amman International Film Festival (Awal Film) opened under “Beyond the Frame,” with HRH Princess Rym Ali calling for Arab filmmakers to reclaim their own stories, plus a tribute to late Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri. UNESCO Heritage Clash: UNESCO added the Palestinian village of Sebastia (biblical Samaria) to the World Heritage list and Danger list via an expedited process, drawing sharp criticism from Israel. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi met UN chief António Guterres on restoring regional security, backing humanitarian access in Gaza, and pushing action over West Bank conditions. Public Sector Update: Cabinet approved changes to Jordan’s unpaid leave rules for government employees—cutting the service requirement from five to three years and allowing open-ended leave. Culture & Lifestyle Note: A study on Jordanian university students links different caffeine sources to memory and psychological distress, adding nuance to everyday coffee/tea/energy-drink habits. Business Recognition: Orange Jordan received a 6-star EFQM Excellence Model certificate from KACE, marking a major institutional quality milestone.

Public Sector Updates: Jordan’s Cabinet approved changes to the public-sector unpaid leave bylaw, cutting the minimum service needed from five to three years and removing the old limit so leave can be open-ended, while keeping public services running. UN & Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met UN chief António Guterres in Amman to discuss restoring regional security and stability, including the US-Iran ceasefire, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and the worsening humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories. Jerash Festival Tech & Heritage: The 40th Jerash Sound and Light Show is drawing thousands by turning Roman and Islamic-era landmarks into an immersive night-time history journey using 3D projection mapping, sound, and storytelling. Film Culture in Amman: The 7th Amman International Film Festival – Awal Film opened under “Beyond the Frame,” with a major tribute to late Palestinian actor Mohammad Bakri and remarks from Princess Rym Ali on reclaiming Arab filmmakers’ right to tell their own stories. Education & Social Support: The Cabinet also backed new rules covering private school ratings and a framework for a new social protection and welfare fund aimed at strengthening support programmes and economic empowerment.

Jerash Festival Spotlight: Jordan’s 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts kicks off with major official participation, including the Prime Minister’s deputy opening the first phase and the Royal Jordanian named official carrier—another big moment for local arts and cultural exchange. Al-Aqsa Tensions: Reports say Al-Aqsa Mosque conditions are “extremely dangerous” as thousands of extremist settlers stormed courtyards under heavy protection, with regional and international condemnation echoing across the Arab and Muslim world. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Office calls on the Palestinian Authority to end arbitrary detention and torture, including cases involving children and detainees held despite court orders. Regional Travel Pulse: Gulf travel remains mostly operational, but airlines warn of delays and cancellations on select routes, including Dubai–Amman and other regional connections—check flight status before heading out. Culture & Print: Tashkeel’s Khali Balak Men RISO celebrates risograph printing with experimental works and community workshops running through August 21. Pop Culture (Global): San Diego Comic-Con ramps up Marvel/DC previews, while DC’s Lanterns trailer lands ahead of its India premiere on August 17.

Palestinian Rights Under Scrutiny: The UN Human Rights Office urged the Palestinian Authority to stop arbitrary detention and torture, including cases involving children and people held despite court orders, warning that “security reasons” can’t justify abuse. Al-Aqsa Tensions: Reports say thousands of extremist settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards under heavy protection, with Jordan and other Muslim states condemning the escalation and calling for access and worship protections. Jordanian Culture Spotlight: Jordan’s 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts kicked off, with officials including the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister opening the season, and Royal Jordanian named official carrier. Local Development: Bahrain’s Isa Town Northern Junction flyover opened to traffic, aiming to ease heavy congestion and improve connectivity to education and industrial areas. Travel Watch: UAE airports are largely operating normally despite regional advisories, but airlines warn of delays and cancellations on some routes—check flight status before heading out. Arts & Media: DC Studios released the Lanterns trailer, previewing a Green Lantern-inspired series with a global premiere date set for mid-August.

UNESCO Spotlight: Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, marking the country’s first natural World Heritage Site and highlighting the Red Sea’s climate-resilient coral ecosystems. Jerash Festival: The 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts brought Jordanian music to life at the Roman Amphitheatre, reviving classics by Abdo Musa and Faris Awad and featuring local performers and ensembles. Culture & Community: Amman’s cultural scene also stays busy, with events like risograph-focused exhibitions at Tashkeel celebrating experimental printmaking and creative collaboration. Regional Faith & Politics: Reports say the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque is “extremely dangerous” amid renewed settler storming, while Jordan and other Arab states condemn the escalation. US Sanctions: The U.S. sanctioned a UK-based Muslim Brotherhood leader over alleged Hamas funding, adding pressure on governments to take a tougher stance. Jordanian Life & Mobility: A Jordanian asylum-linked rise in Ireland has been linked to UK visa changes, and travel advisories continue to be monitored across the region.

Jerusalem & Al-Aqsa: A researcher warned that the situation at Al-Aqsa Mosque is “extremely dangerous” as thousands of extremist settlers stormed the compound under heavy Israeli protection, with Jordan and other Muslim states condemning the escalation and calling for an end to restrictions on worshippers. Regional diplomacy: Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE issued a joint statement urging Israel to halt violations at the holy sites and remove access restrictions. Palestinian rights pressure: Elders’ fact-finding leaders urged sanctions to stop settlement expansion and the destruction of Gaza, arguing that occupation and settlement policies are dismantling the conditions for a viable Palestinian state. Jordanian society & economy: A Jordanian labour-market analysis argues the real challenge is weak job creation from limited labour demand, not just unemployment. Culture & arts: Jordan launches the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, with Royal Jordanian named official carrier and earlier preparations led by senior officials. Lifestyle & entertainment: DC Studios released the Lanterns trailer, with the Green Lantern-inspired series set to premiere in India on August 17. Sports (global, light): The Tour de France heads into its final stage in Paris, with route shortened due to wildfires.

Jordanian Culture & Lifestyle: Tashkeel in the UAE hosts “Khali Balak Men RISO,” a risograph group exhibition running until Aug 21, celebrating experimental printmaking through texture, layering, and community workshops. Jerash Festival: Jordan kicks off its 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, with the opening led by top officials and a focus on cultural exchange. Local Development: Isa Town’s Northern Junction Development Project moves into its first phase, inaugurating a flyover to ease heavy traffic and improve connectivity. Education & Youth: Jordan’s Ministry of Education completes preparations for Tawjihi exams (2009 track), setting the stage for the upcoming testing period. Regional Faith & Public Life: Jordan’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee condemns Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa, calling for urgent international parliamentary action to stop violations. Culture & Heritage: A Jordanian founder is spotlighted for teaching AI to “listen to trees,” blending tech with environmental storytelling. Arts & Pop Culture: DC’s “Lanterns” ramps up at SDCC with an immersive training experience and a new trailer push ahead of its Aug 16 HBO Max premiere.

Jerusalem Holy Sites: Jordan’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee condemned Israeli far-right escalation at Al-Aqsa/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, urging urgent international parliamentary action to stop violations, including settler incursions, Israeli flag-raising and tents in the courtyards. Regional Diplomacy: Eight Arab-Islamic states—including Jordan—issued joint condemnations of the same Al-Aqsa actions, calling them illegal, extremist and a threat to the two-state solution. Aviation Safety: Europe’s aviation authority extended a Gulf airspace warning and issued a conflict-zone bulletin for Jordan, recommending airlines avoid Jordanian airspace until Aug. 31 due to rising missile/drone activity. Jordanian Culture & Arts: Jordan launched the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, with royal and government participation highlighting culture and civilizational dialogue. Local Lifestyle: Jordanian MPs urged global action over Al-Aqsa violations as public debate and regional messaging intensify. Sports & Culture Abroad: Tour de France stage 19 delivered a record Alpe d’Huez climb by Tadej Pogačar, while Texas churches ran “Sharing Christ at the Cup” outreach during the FIFA World Cup.

Al-Aqsa Mosque Status-Quo Under Fire: Jordan’s Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee condemned Israel’s “provocative” escalation at Al-Aqsa/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, citing far-right minister-led incursions, settler presence under police protection, and acts like raising the Israeli flag and erecting tents—urging urgent international parliamentary action to stop violations. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign ministers from eight Arab and Muslim-majority states, including Jordan, also issued joint condemnations, calling the actions a “flagrant violation” of international law and warning they fuel hatred and extremism while undermining peace efforts. Gulf Aviation Warning: Europe’s aviation authority extended a Gulf airspace warning until August 31 and issued a conflict-zone bulletin for Jordan, recommending airlines avoid Jordan’s airspace amid rising missile and drone activity. Jordanian Culture Spotlight: Jordan launched the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, with the prime minister and other officials opening the event and Jerash youth highlighted in meetings. Lifestyle & Community: Jordan’s gold market saw strong demand for both investment and jewelry, according to traders’ syndicate.

Holy Sites & Diplomacy: Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Türkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Indonesia condemned Israel’s escalation at Al-Aqsa, citing mass settler incursions under Israeli protection, the Israeli flag and police-set tents, calling it a violation of international law and warning it fuels extremism. Religious Freedom in Focus: Jordan and Palestinian officials also condemned far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Tisha B’Av visit to Al-Aqsa, saying it breaches the status quo that allows visits but bans non-Muslim prayer. Regional Security: The Houthis said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as the U.S. carried out another night of strikes on Iran; Jordan reported intercepting missiles. Higher Education: Jordan’s Senate approved 2026 amendments to the Universities Law, recommending unified criteria for university boards and annual performance indicators. Culture & Community: Jordan launched the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, with events also led by the prime minister and Jerash youth. Sports: Richard Carapaz won Tour de France Stage 18 on Orcières-Merlette.

Jerash Festival: Jordan kicked off the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts under the theme “A Legacy That Endures… Generations That Unite,” running July 22–Aug. 2 with 220+ events across Jerash and beyond, including performances from nearly 20 countries and a special anniversary show tracing the evolution of Jordanian music. Royal & Youth Focus: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan lit the festival torch, while Crown Prince Hussein met youth from Karak, urging stronger university, vocational and technical education and highlighting tourism and development projects. Aqaba Security Update: Amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, Jordan reported intercepting four Iranian missiles over Aqaba, with two landing in uninhabited areas. Tawjihi Prep: The Ministry of Education says preparations are complete for Tawjihi (Class of 2009), with 133,122 students testing across 1,319 halls, starting Thursday. Aspetar Training: Aspetar’s Surgery Observer Programme in Doha drew 69 international observers over the past year, reinforcing its global role in orthopaedic and sports medicine.

Jerash Festival: Under Royal Patronage, Jordan’s 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts opens Wednesday, with 220+ events running to Aug. 2 and a special anniversary show tracing the evolution of Jordanian music. Royal Engagement: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan deputising for King Abdullah patronised the festival opening, while Crown Prince Hussein met Karak youth and urged stronger university, vocational and technical education, plus tourism-focused development. Education: The Ministry of Education says it’s ready for Tawjihi (Class of 2009) exams starting Thursday, with 133,122 students across 590 centers and 22,000+ trained staff. Regional Security: Missile strikes and airstrikes tied to the US-Iran escalation continue to ripple into Jordan, including reports of interceptions over Aqaba. Business & Culture Tourism: Royal Jordanian is named official carrier for Jerash’s 40th edition, and the Jordan Chamber of Commerce met Georgia’s ambassador to discuss boosting trade, tourism and cooperation.

Jerash Festival Countdown: Under royal patronage, Jordan’s 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts opens Wednesday (July 22) with a theme of “A Legacy That Endures… Generations That Unite,” featuring 220+ events across 15+ venues until Aug. 2, including a special anniversary show tracing the evolution of Jordanian music. Royal Jordanian Partnership: Royal Jordanian has been named official carrier for the festival, backing artist travel and ticketing support as the event spotlights Jordan’s cultural message to the world. Regional Travel Reality Check: With tensions tied to the Iran-U.S. conflict, Jordan’s King Hussein International Airport (Aqaba) and Amman City Airport (Marka) are reported open and operating, but flight changes can happen—check with airlines. Jordan Balancing Act: Coverage highlights how Jordan is absorbing disruption from strikes while carefully managing messaging, given its reliance on U.S. support and the need to avoid escalating with Iran. Book Launch in Amman: Samiha Khrais launched “A Journey with Pessoa” at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum, using an imagined dialogue with Fernando Pessoa to explore memory and self.

Jordanian Arts & Literature: Author Samiha Khrais launched her book “A Journey with Pessoa” at the Abdul Hameed Shoman Cultural Forum in Amman, using an imagined dialogue with Fernando Pessoa to explore self, memory, and the weight of words. Education & Culture: Jordan’s Ministry of Education is set to hold a first land-allocation lottery for teachers, while “Mayar International” opens a second Khalda branch, expanding its footprint in Jordan’s education scene. Local Innovation: A Jordanian founder is using AI-Acoustics to help agriculture and environmental monitoring, after learning that lab results don’t always hold up in the field. Regional Solidarity: Jordan joined GCC and the Muslim World League in condemning Houthi allegations against Saudi Arabia, stressing the importance of safe maritime navigation. Travel Practicalities: Aqaba’s King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) and Amman’s Marka Airport (ADJ) are reported open and operating, though flight changes remain possible amid regional uncertainty. Industry & Jobs: Fluor won front-end engineering and design work for a new aromatics facility in Bahrain, highlighting continued Gulf investment in petrochemicals.

Jordan Education & Housing: Jordan’s Ministry of Education will hold a live Facebook lottery on Tuesday, July 21 at 12:00 p.m. to select beneficiaries for the first phase of its teacher land-ownership initiative, offering 1,039 discounted land plots for housing projects across the Kingdom. Jordan Tech & Environment: A Jordanian engineer behind Palmear is using AI-Acoustics to help agriculture and environmental monitoring—after lab success failed outdoors, the team gathered 700,000 minutes of real-world audio to make the system work in the field. Regional Security & Daily Life: The U.S. says it is carrying out its 10th consecutive night of strikes on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran attacks tankers and retaliates across the Gulf; meanwhile, U.S. identifies two soldiers killed in Jordan and reports another missing. Culture & Heritage: A Silk Road-themed art festival opened in Dunhuang, with performances, Hanfu shows, and bazaars running through October 15, spotlighting the city’s Mogao Grottoes and ancient crossroads legacy.

Regional Security: The U.S. says it is on its 10th straight night of strikes on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran retaliates by targeting U.S. allies including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait; two U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan during missile/drone attacks, with another death reported in Iraq, while oil prices climb and shipping stays disrupted. Local Impact: Jordan’s Ministry of Education will hold a live Facebook lottery on Tuesday, July 21, to select teachers for the first phase of a land ownership initiative, offering 1,039 discounted land plots for teacher housing across the Kingdom. Culture & Learning: Jordan’s National Center for Curriculum Development is updating school curricula to strengthen “green education,” adding sustainability concepts across subjects and textbooks. Humanitarian Work: The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) and Swiss Barakah are running aid and development projects in Jordan and Lebanon, including relief convoys, hearing support, and school library renovations. Arts & Identity: Palestinian artist Omar Sha3, raised in Jordan, is building a multidisciplinary portfolio that blends photography, painting, and activism across the region. Heritage & Infrastructure: Four countries have restarted work on the century-old Hejaz Railway, with Jordan among the key links for future cross-border service.