AGP Executive Report

Jordanian Design Abroad: Jewelry designer Hanan Khshan will showcase work at Milano Jewelry Week from Oct. 21–26, drawing on Arab heritage and ancient civilizations in contemporary designs. Culture in Amman: Amman Design Week is set to return under the theme “accumulation,” highlighting culture and community. Art Across Jordan: Queen Rania opened the “Layered Becoming” exhibition in Aqaba, while a Jerash symposium brought 40 artists together for an open workshop. Reading and Learning: Jordan’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books; meanwhile, Jordan and Iraq discussed expanding academic and technical cooperation. Jordan-Malaysia Ties: King Abdullah’s state visit highlighted shared heritage and long-running educational links, with both sides looking to deepen cooperation.

Jordan Abroad: King Abdullah II arrived in Malaysia for a two-day state visit, with education a key focus: more than 1,600 Malaysian students study in Jordan and over 1,490 Jordanians study in Malaysia. Design & Culture: Amman Design Week has returned after a seven-year break, bringing free exhibitions, workshops and talks to 59 venues, with projects spanning Jordanian crafts, textiles and public art. Education: Registration for the 2026 Tawjihi supplementary exam opens October 12 and runs through October 25, with online registration for Jordanian students. Healthy Schools: Jordan has banned chips in school canteens as part of a wider push to encourage healthier eating habits. Community Life: In Shehabiyah, Karak, the youth-led Bunyan initiative is cleaning streets, repairing sidewalks and restoring public spaces after flooding. Jordanian Heritage: Culture Minister Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh says a national narrative project will document the country’s history and heritage through research, art and human stories.

Music and Debate: Pro-Palestinian groups in Jordan are urging a boycott of Andrea Bocelli’s November concert in Petra, citing his past performances in Israel and support for an Israeli military fundraiser. Education Ties: King Abdullah II begins a state visit to Malaysia, where talks are expected to build on long-standing academic links; more than 1,600 Malaysian students study in Jordan, while over 1,490 Jordanians study in Malaysia. Aqaba Arts: Queen Rania inaugurated “Layered Becoming,” a new exhibition showcasing contemporary art. Community and Culture: More than 70 volunteers in the Northern Jordan Valley are working to make waste reduction a shared habit, while a Jerash art workshop brought together 40 artists. Amman also hosted a charity concert supporting children’s education in Gaza, and the National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books.

Community & Environment: More than 70 volunteers in Sheikh Hussein, in the Northern Jordan Valley, are working to make litter prevention a shared habit, not just a one-day cleanup. Contemporary Art: Queen Rania opened “Layered Becoming” in Aqaba, bringing together more than 140 works by 10 artists from Jordan, the region and beyond. Books & Learning: Jordan’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books, while the kingdom’s 146,000 educators were celebrated for World Teachers’ Day. Arts & Heritage: A Jerash symposium gathered 40 artists for an open workshop, and scholars called for wider dialogue on Jordanian historical memory.

Contemporary Art: Queen Rania opened “Layered Becoming” in Aqaba, featuring more than 140 works by 10 Jordanian, Arab and international artists. Artists in Jerash: An open-air symposium brought 40 artists together for a shared workshop. Design: Amman Design Week opened its main exhibition at Ras Al Ain, putting local creativity in the spotlight. Reading: Jordan’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books. Heritage and Tourism: Madaba’s archaeological riches are drawing calls to turn the city from a stopover into a destination.

Contemporary Art: Queen Rania opened “Layered Becoming” at Aqaba’s Ayla Oasis, showcasing more than 140 works by 10 Jordanian, regional and international artists. Artists in Jerash: An open-air art workshop brought 40 artists together for a creative symposium. Design and Heritage: Amman Design Week opened its main exhibition at Ras Al Ain, while the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language signed a cooperation agreement with the Jordan Academy of Arabic. Books and Music: Jordan’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books. In Amman, the charity concert “Soul” raised support for children’s education in Gaza.

Tourism: Jordanian tourism leader Dr. Taleb Rifai received the WTTC Icon Award in Malta, recognizing his work connecting travel with cultural exchange and peace. Petra Concert: Calls to boycott Andrea Bocelli’s November 27 Petra performance are growing over his public support for Israel; organizers say the concert will showcase Jordan internationally. Arts: A Jerash symposium brought 40 artists together for an open workshop, while Amman Design Week opened its main exhibition at Ras Al Ain. Books and Learning: Jordan’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books. The country also celebrated World Teachers’ Day, with King Abdullah and Queen Rania visiting a school in Aqaba. Film: “Concrete Land,” a debut documentary about a Palestinian Bedouin family displaced in Jordan, brings a Jordan-based story to the screen.

Petra Concert Debate: Pro-Palestinian groups in Jordan are urging a boycott of Andrea Bocelli’s planned Nov. 27 concert, citing his past support for Israel. Organizers say the performance will showcase Jordan to an international audience. Design & Visual Arts: Amman Design Week opened its main exhibition at Ras Al Ain under the theme “Accumulations,” exploring layers of place, material and memory. In Jerash, an open workshop brought together 40 artists. Music for a Cause: A charity concert in Amman brought together the group Soul to support children’s education in Gaza. Reading & Heritage: Jordan’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books, while scholars called for wider dialogue on the country’s historical memory.

Arabic Language: Jordan’s Academy of Arabic signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy to support research, publications, training and digital language resources. Visual Arts: Forty Jordanian and Arab artists gathered in Jerash for an open-air workshop, creating works that were displayed at a closing exhibition. Design: Amman Design Week returned with “Accumulations,” an exhibition exploring place, materials and memory. Reading: The National Library celebrated Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books. Music: Andrea Bocelli is set to perform in Petra, bringing Jordan’s heritage stage to an international audience.

Visual Arts: Forty Jordanian and Arab artists turned a Jerash park into an open-air studio, sharing techniques and exhibiting work created during a one-day symposium. Arabic Language: Jordan’s Arabic Academy signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Global Academy to support joint research, publications, training and digital language resources. Literature: A new study examines how poet Hameed Saeed’s language draws on heritage, memory and the experiences of war and exile. Film: Jordanian-Palestinian filmmaker Asmahan Bkerat’s debut documentary, Concrete Land, follows a Bedouin family in Jordan facing displacement and family tensions; it is screening at the BFI London Film Festival after its Locarno premiere. Community & Culture: Amman’s National Library marked Reading Day by distributing more than 10,000 books, while a charity concert in the capital raised support for children’s education in Gaza.

AI & Mental Health: Psychotherapists in the US say “AI depression” and career anxiety are showing up in clinics, with parents and advocates urging early action as safeguards lag behind what’s coming. Kids, Social Media Lessons for AI: US states’ social-media reforms are being treated as a guide for protecting children from AI harms, including the need for age checks and faster, earlier protections. Animal Welfare: Jordan faces renewed public anger after videos of cat abuse and killings, with authorities previously stepping in and launching investigations. Automotive Investment Push: Jordan’s Cabinet approved incentives for vehicle manufacturing and assembly in the Zarqa Development Zone, tying benefits to investment size, local production stages, and job creation for Jordanians. Tourism & China Link: Jordan is upgrading tourism infrastructure to attract Chinese visitors—Chinese-speaking guide training, Chinese signage, and plans for direct Amman–Beijing flights—plus a Chinese New Year festival in 2027. Economy Watch: The World Bank kept Jordan’s growth forecasts at 2.7% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, citing resilience despite regional shocks. Culture & Books: A new study examines the language and heritage shaping poet Hameed Saeed’s work, while Nobel Literature buzz spotlights Arab writers on unofficial betting lists.

Tourism & Culture: Jordan is stepping up efforts to attract Chinese visitors, with Chinese-speaking guide training, Chinese road signs and info boards, and a Jordan Tourism Board office plus a Chinese website; plans also include direct Amman–Beijing flights and a Chinese New Year festival tied to the 2027 50th anniversary of Jordan–China relations. Industry & Jobs: The Cabinet approved incentives for vehicle assembly and manufacturing in the Zarqa Development Zone, offering electricity, land, port-handling, and tax benefits for CKD and SKD projects—linked to investment size and hiring Jordanians. Economy Watch: The World Bank kept Jordan’s growth forecasts steady at 2.7% for 2026 and 2.9% for 2027, citing resilience despite regional shocks. Education & Society: A government source denied reports of an increase to education allowances for children of Jordanian diplomats abroad, clarifying the existing 2019 rules and ceilings. Arts & Community: A charity concert in Amman, “From Gaza’s Sea to Amman,” brought Palestinian music to support children’s education via the Sumud campaign. Heritage & Learning: Jordan is also pushing a stronger national data base alongside the 2026 Population and Housing Census and wider use of the Sanad app to improve planning and services.

Tourism & Culture: Jordan is upgrading tourism infrastructure to attract Chinese visitors, including Chinese-language road signs and better guide training, plus plans for a direct Amman–Beijing flight and Chinese New Year events tied to King Abdullah II’s China visit. Education Policy: Jordan denies social media claims that the Prime Minister’s Office approved an increase to education allowances for diplomats’ children, saying the existing rules cap support at 75% of tuition (up to JOD 8,500) and require invoices. Women & School Life: A new report highlights how bullying over appearance is pushing some girls to change grooming habits early, with parents describing anxiety and loss of confidence. Arts & Community: Palestinian band “Soul” held a charity concert in Amman, “From Gaza’s Sea to Amman,” with proceeds supporting Gaza’s “Sumud” campaign and children’s education. Regional Security: Jordan and the GCC condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian facilities, with Jordan reiterating rejection of attacks on holy sites and civilian infrastructure. Health Cooperation: A Libyan health delegation visited Jordan to learn about oversight, accreditation, epidemic surveillance, and digital health transformation. Reading & Libraries: National Reading Day 2026 will feature free book distribution of 10,000+ copies, storytelling for children, and author discussions at the National Library. Teachers’ Day: Jordan marked World Teachers’ Day with 146,000 educators nationwide, spotlighting the Queen Rania Teacher Academy’s theme “We are an extension of our teachers.” Music in Petra: Andrea Bocelli is set to perform in Petra on Nov. 27, 2026, bringing global music attention to Jordan’s UNESCO heritage.

Education & Teachers’ Day: Jordan marked World Teachers’ Day with a focus on the lasting impact of educators, including a Queen Rania Award campaign theme, “We are an extension of our teachers,” and reports that about 146,000 teachers work across the Kingdom, with women forming the majority. Royal Spotlight on Learning: King Abdullah and Queen Rania visited a school in Aqaba, highlighting professional development programmes delivered with the Queen Rania Teacher Academy. National Reading Day: Jordan’s National Library is set to celebrate National Reading Day 2026 with free distribution of 10,000+ books, plus storytelling and author events. Vocational Training Push: The Vocational Training Corporation launched the 2026–2027 training year, enrolling 5,134 trainees across 34 institutes, reflecting strong demand for practical skills. Culture & Global Music: Andrea Bocelli will perform in Petra on Nov. 27, 2026, positioning Jordan as a destination for heritage-linked contemporary culture. Literature & Science: A new Arabic book, Diseases of Our Time in Immunology, was published as a public-facing scientific reference supported by the Ministry of Culture. Digital Life Trend: A new AI-driven social media trend, “Save Yourself,” is spreading fast—turning users’ photos into short fear-and-rescue mini-stories.

Digital Culture: A new AI-driven social media trend, “Save Yourself,” turns a single user photo into a short “danger then rescue” mini-film—only for the rescuer to be another version of the same person—sparking fresh debate about trust, abandonment, and how fast template-based content spreads. Education & Skills: Jordan’s Vocational Training Corporation (VTC) kicked off the 2026–2027 training year with 5,134 new trainees across 34 institutes; women make up 41% of enrolment, with the Southern Region reaching 73%. Banking & Lifestyle: Jordan Ahli Bank launched “Service Now, Pay Later,” letting eligible customers finance essentials like education, healthcare, weddings, home/auto maintenance, insurance, travel and government services via its mobile app. Culture & Memory: A Jordanian Kurdish Cultural Association seminar, “The Jordanian Narrative: Land and People,” urged broader dialogue and better documentation of Jordan’s history and identity. Research & Publishing: Jordan ranked fifth in the Arab world for accredited scientific journals and cited authors in the Arcif 2026 report. Local Economy (Dates): Jordan’s date sector was highlighted as a major jobs engine, with 65% of production exported and women forming over 40% of the workforce. Cybersecurity (Jordan): Jordan confirmed the arrest of a suspected ShinyHunters member, Saif al-Din Khader (“Rey”), who is cooperating with the FBI after the Qantas data breach.

World Teachers’ Day in Aqaba: King Abdullah II and Queen Rania visited Aisha bint Abu Bakr Mixed Primary School, highlighting teacher training with the Queen Rania Teacher Academy and stressing that professional development should lift education quality. Youth & creativity: Jordan’s Minister of Youth opened the 21st Arab Capitals Youth Meeting in Amman, focusing on e-sports and creative thinking, with Arab youth leaders and officials in attendance. Vocational training momentum: Jordan’s VTC kicked off the 2026-2027 training year, enrolling 5,134 trainees (41% women) across 34 institutes, as demand grows for job-linked skills. Banking for everyday life: Jordan Ahli Bank launched “Service Now, Pay Later,” offering flexible financing via its mobile app for education, healthcare, weddings, home and auto maintenance, insurance, travel and government services. Dates as an export engine: Jordan’s date sector was spotlighted, with nearly one million palm trees, 65% of production exported, and women making up over 40% of the workforce. Culture & memory: A seminar on “The Jordanian Narrative: Land and People” urged broader dialogue on documenting Jordan’s history and strengthening national memory. Digital security: Jordan confirmed the arrest of a suspected ShinyHunters hacker linked to alleged FBI data theft, with reports saying the suspect is cooperating with the FBI.