AGP Executive Report

World Cup Spotlight: Jordan makes history with its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance, with Group J fixtures against Austria (June 16), Algeria (June 22) and Argentina (June 27), as the Jordan Tourism Board pitches the country’s culture and hospitality to global viewers. Sports Infrastructure: Work has started on the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II International Stadium in Amra City, aiming for 46,000 seats and a late-2029 opening, with designs drawing on Jordan’s heritage. Development & Economy: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met World Bank operations chief Anna Bjerde to align on cooperation priorities across energy, transport, water, education, healthcare and digitalization under Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision. Heritage & Memory: A Heritage House in Anjara, Ajloun, is preserving traditional architecture and everyday tools to keep local folklore alive for new generations. Holy Sites & Custodianship: A Jordanian columnist warns that threats to Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem could be tied to shifting US-Israeli plans and ongoing changes around Al-Aqsa. Human Rights Watch: Amnesty International says Israel’s West Bank annexation drive is accelerating through state-directed ethnic cleansing, urging states to halt ties that support occupation and forced displacement.

Jordan–EU Human Rights Diplomacy: EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kaja Ollongren visited Amman, praising Jordan as a trusted strategic partner and highlighting long-running cooperation on refugees and stability. Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Columnists warn that US-Israeli moves could erode Hashemite custodianship of Al-Aqsa, pointing to ongoing “Judaization” concerns. Heritage & Tourism in Ajloun: The Heritage House in Anjara preserves folklore through traditional architecture and everyday artifacts, aiming to pass local identity to new generations. India–Jordan Independence Ties: In New Delhi, Jordan’s embassy marked the 80th anniversary with officials stressing reform, reform-minded partnership, and expanding strategic cooperation with India. World Cup Culture & Access: Palestinian football chief Jibril Rajoub says US and Canada denied him visas for World Cup events, while broader coverage spotlights how border rules and travel costs shape who can attend. Regional Connectivity: Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed rail cooperation plans to revive a Gulf-to-Europe corridor via Jordan and Syria, echoing the Hejaz Railway legacy. Sports & Community Life: A Jordanian fan story highlights a World Cup road trip from Turkey to Texas, blending football with diaspora culture.

Jordan–EU Human Rights Diplomacy: EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kaja Ollongren visited Amman and praised Jordan as a trusted strategic partner, citing long-running cooperation and Jordan’s role in supporting Syrian and Palestinian refugees. Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Jordanian columnist Mohammad Abu Rumman warned of growing threats to Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem, arguing that changes around Al-Aqsa and “Judaization” efforts are tied to wider regional plans. India–Jordan Independence Ties: In New Delhi, Jordan marked its 80th Independence Day with receptions highlighting reform, institution-building, and a deepening strategic partnership with India. World Cup, Visas & Identity: Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub said the U.S. and Canada denied him visas for World Cup events, while Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was also refused entry to Canada—showing how sport intersects with immigration barriers. Heritage & Community Memory: Ajloun’s Heritage House in Anjara preserves traditional tools and architecture to pass folklore to new generations and boost cultural tourism. Culture in the Spotlight: England’s World Cup WAG scene is split between “childhood sweethearts” and influencer glam, reflecting how lifestyle and media shape modern fan culture.

Jordan-EU Relations: EU human rights envoy Kaja Ollongren visited Amman and praised Jordan as a trusted strategic partner, pointing to decades of cooperation and support for refugees. Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Jordanian columnists warn that threats to Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem could intensify tensions, citing concerns over changes around Al-Aqsa. Education & Culture: The University of Worcester’s Ann Jordan received an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for long service to teacher education and improving access to quality schooling. Sports & Society: England’s World Cup preparations hit a snag after reported theft of boots, balls and training gear; meanwhile, visa barriers and travel restrictions keep shaping who can attend major events. Human Rights & Research: US science groups are pushing back against proposed federal research-grant rule changes that would give more political control over funding decisions. World Affairs: US and Iran trade claims as talks continue, with reports of drones and heightened regional tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.

Jerash Festival: Under Royal patronage, Jordan’s Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts launches its 40th edition on July 22, running to Aug. 2, with a theme of “A legacy that endures… generations that unite” and a packed programme of 207+ events across Jerash and governorates. Women & empowerment: Social Development Minister and UN Women’s chief discussed expanding partnerships focused on women’s empowerment and social development. Education & youth: Jordan’s Ministry of Higher Education opened scholarship applications for study in Brazilian universities, while Intaj highlighted Jordan’s advanced digital infrastructure at the regional level. Health & services: Jordan Medical Association approved a comprehensive digital transformation project, and a senior advisor said Jordan is shifting nursing toward strategic human-capital investment. Culture & heritage: ASEZA and UNESCO signed an agreement to advance sustainable development and preserve Wadi Rum heritage, and Jordan’s Hejaz railway revival plans gained fresh momentum. Regional politics: Jordanian opinion pieces warned that threats to Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem could intensify as status-quo pressures around Al-Aqsa continue.

Jerash Festival: Under Royal patronage, the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts will run July 22–Aug 2, with a theme of “A legacy that endures… generations that unite” and a packed programme of 207+ events across Jerash and Jordan’s governorates. Heritage & regional ties: A new push to revive the Hejaz Railway links Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria with Türkiye, aiming to complete the corridor in about three years and boost trade and connectivity. World Cup culture: Jordanian fans and diaspora voices are feeling the tournament’s pull—especially as visa and ticket costs complicate travel plans across North America. Arts & identity: Sam Gilliam’s legacy gets a new chapter as the Sam Gilliam Foundation names its first executive director, while Pride debates continue over whether events are “family-friendly.” Human rights & politics: Jordan faces fresh regional scrutiny after criticism over the U.S. terror designation of the Muslim Brotherhood, with Jordanian officials urging the issue be handled in line with national interests and law.

Jerash Festival: Under Royal patronage, the 40th Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts kicks off July 22–Aug 2 in Jerash, with a theme of “A legacy that endures… generations that unite” and a packed programme of 207+ events spanning concerts, theatre, poetry, literature, exhibitions, folklore and heritage showcases. Queer Cinema: Tribeca Festival spotlights LGBTQ storytelling with 16 queer films, including a range of premieres and queer episodic TV screenings. Child Protection: Jordan’s labour and social partners are stepping up action on child labour: ILO and Save the Children signed a partnership to tackle agricultural child labour, while the Ministry of Labour launched a “Red Card to Child Labour” awareness and inspection campaign ahead of World Day Against Child Labour. Heritage & Tourism: ASEZA and UNESCO signed an agreement to protect Wadi Rum’s cultural and natural heritage while creating sustainable development opportunities for local communities. Women’s Empowerment: Social Development Minister Wafa Bani Mustafa met UN Women’s Sima Bahous to expand cooperation on women’s empowerment and social protection, including scaling the “Women’s and Girls’ Oasis” initiative. Regional Context: Jordanian opinion pieces focus on Jerusalem’s holy sites and the Hashemite custodianship, amid renewed regional political pressure. Higher Education: Jordan’s Ministry of Higher Education opened applications for scholarships and academic mobility in Brazil (GCUB-Mob) for 2026/2027, with a July 6 deadline.

EU-Jordan Partnership: EU human rights chief Kaja Ollongren visited Amman, praising Jordan as a trusted strategic partner and highlighting long-running cooperation tied to refugees and stability. Jerusalem Custodianship: Jordanian columnists warn that threats to Hashemite custodianship at Al-Aqsa could deepen tensions, arguing “status quo” changes are already unfolding on the ground. Regional Security: As U.S.-Iran strikes escalate, Iran’s leadership vows to “stand firm,” while reports say Iran targeted Gulf states including Jordan-related sites, raising fresh concerns for the region. Jordanian Youth & Culture: American University of Madaba and El Hassan Youth Award signed an MoU to boost youth leadership and civic engagement through the Ra7aleh initiative, linking students with Jordan’s environmental and cultural diversity. World Cup & Jordan: A Jordanian superfan is driving a global road trip to share Jordanian culture ahead of the 2026 World Cup, while visa hurdles for fans—reportedly including Jordan—add friction to travel plans. Palestinian Voices: Solidarity coverage condemns the arrest of Palestinian writer Bilal Shobaki amid wider crackdowns on journalists and cultural work in the West Bank.

EU-Jordan Relations: EU human rights chief Kaja Ollongren visits Amman, praising Jordan as a trusted strategic partner and highlighting long-running cooperation on refugees and stability. Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Jordanian columnists warn that moves to weaken Hashemite custodianship could inflame tensions, pointing to ongoing changes around Al-Aqsa. World Cup Culture: A Jordanian super-fan launches an epic road trip from Turkey to Texas to share Jordanian heritage while cheering at the 2026 World Cup. Amman Lifestyle & Food: Chinese cuisine is becoming more than a trend in Jordan, with diners seeking “authentic” culture and traditions beyond noodles and fried rice. Local Community & Travel Safety: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry urges citizens in Belfast to avoid demonstrations and follow local guidance amid anti-immigration unrest. Regional Tensions: Iran’s president vows to “stand firm” as US-Iran strikes escalate, with Jordan mentioned in reports tied to regional military activity. Economy Watch: Council of Ministers’ economic decisions focus on wages and national production, with calls for price control to protect household purchasing power.

Jordan-EU Human Rights Spotlight: EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kaja Ollongren visited Amman, praising Jordan as a trusted EU partner and highlighting long-running cooperation tied to refugees and civil society. Jerusalem & Al-Aqsa Custodianship: Jordanian columnists warn that any move to weaken Hashemite custodianship could destabilize the status quo at Al-Aqsa and spark wider regional violence. Gaza Humanitarian Update: UN OCHA reports Gaza remains volatile after the ceasefire, with near-total displacement, rising disease risks, and a pest-control push across priority sites. Crown Prince & Football: HRH Crown Prince Hussein met Jordan’s national team in San Diego ahead of the 2026 World Cup, stressing discipline and national pride. Amman Investment & Lifestyle Projects: Amman Vision (AVID) launched its ninth investment package, adding land plots for commercial, tourism, sports and industrial developments. Culture Through Food: A new wave of Jordanian curiosity is turning Chinese restaurants into cultural discovery hubs, not just dining spots. Rights Case in Jordan: Human Rights Watch urged Jordan to allow a pending appeal for Ayman Sandouka and to review cybercrime provisions used to restrict online speech.

EU-Jordan Relations: EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kaja Ollongren visited Amman, praising Jordan as a trusted EU partner and highlighting long-running cooperation on refugees and rights. Jerusalem & Al-Aqsa Custodianship: Jordanian columnists and a Jerusalem expert warn that any move to strip Jordan’s custodianship of Al-Aqsa could spark an “outbreak of violence,” stressing the role of the Hashemite framework in protecting holy sites. Gaza Humanitarian Update: UN OCHA reports Gaza remains volatile after a ceasefire, with mass displacement, worsening public health risks, and pest-control efforts needing regular supplies. Royal Sports Moment: Crown Prince Hussein visited Jordan’s national football team in San Diego ahead of the 2026 World Cup, backing the squad and urging focus and discipline. King’s Accession Day: Jordanians marked the 27th anniversary of King Abdullah II’s accession, with the Crown Prince offering congratulations and highlighting royal initiatives in services like healthcare and education. Amman Investment Push: Amman Vision for Investment and Development launched its ninth investment package, adding new land plots for commercial, tourism, sports and industrial projects. Culture & Food Exchange: A feature notes growing Jordanian curiosity about Chinese culture, driven by restaurants becoming places to learn beyond just eating. Human Rights Case: Human Rights Watch urged Jordan to allow an appeal to review and annul the conviction of Ayman Sandouka and to review cybercrime provisions used to restrict online speech.

Royal Anniversary & Governance: Jordan marks the 27th anniversary of King Abdullah II’s Accession on Tuesday, with coverage highlighting decades of state modernization, royal initiatives across governorates, and continued focus on education, healthcare, and social protection. Budget Push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan urged ministries to start drafting 2027 budgets early, ordered a JD30 monthly salary increase for lower-paid civil and military employees and retirees, and set a 15% target for cutting operational expenses. Jerusalem & Al-Aqsa Custodianship: Jordanian opinion pieces zero in on escalating risks to Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem and the status quo at Al-Aqsa, warning that denials from abroad won’t stop on-the-ground changes. Education & Youth Support: Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans and NSS announced a partnership to cover education and living support for orphaned youth in Jordan. Culture & Arts: A spotlight on Shalabiya Ibrahim’s “Fields of Memory” exhibition in Abu Dhabi explores Levantine modernity through color, folk symbolism, and the centrality of the female figure. Lifestyle & Community: Amman’s The Deek and Batta opened “Draft Kings,” the city’s first dedicated draft beer bar, pairing local brews with international taps.

Royal Anniversary: Jordan marks the 27th anniversary of King Abdullah II’s Accession to the Throne on Tuesday, highlighting decades of state modernization, rule-of-law efforts, and royal initiatives across education, health, and social protection. Hijri New Year Holiday: The Prime Minister’s office confirms Tuesday, June 16, 2026 as a public holiday for Hijri New Year 1448 AH, with government bodies and public institutions observing the occasion. Local Culture & Food/Drink: Amman’s The Deek and Batta has launched “Draft Kings,” the city’s first dedicated draft beer bar, pairing local Jordanian brews (including Petra Gluten Free) with major international brands—right in the diplomatic quarter. Community Support: Al Aman Fund for the Future of Orphans and NSS sign a strategic partnership to back education and living support for orphaned youth in Jordan. Education & Identity: Qatar Foundation rolls out its Rasekh accreditation framework to help international schools strengthen Arabic language and cultural values while keeping global standards. Sports & Society: A World Cup visa story spotlights how travel restrictions can block fans from attending matches—Jordan is mentioned as a key route for visa attempts. Regional Politics/Opinion: Jordanian columnists warn that threats to Hashemite custodianship in Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa status quo are tied to wider regional moves.

EU–Jordan Relations: EU Special Representative for Human Rights Kajsa Ollongren praised Jordan as a trusted strategic partner and a pillar of stability, highlighting close cooperation on Syrian refugee files and human-rights priorities. Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Jordanian columnists and regional coverage spotlight renewed fears over threats to Hashemite custodianship of Al-Aqsa, with debate around US claims and what’s changing on the ground. Education & Identity: Qatar Foundation launched the Rasekh accreditation framework for international schools, aiming to strengthen Arabic learning and embed local cultural values alongside global standards. Youth Skills & Jobs: Crown Prince Foundation and the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation announced a partnership via the Nomu initiative to upskill and support employment for 18–35-year-olds, targeting 5,600 beneficiaries. Healthcare Workforce: Jordanian Nursing Faculties Forum reframed nursing as “economic power of care,” while the Jordan Medical Association approved a digital transformation to modernize physician services. Scholarships: JHCO and Nobles Properties launched a scholarship program for low-income Jordanian and Palestinian students, with focus on medicine and IT. Culture Calendar: Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh inspected preparations for the 40th Jerash Festival, set to launch next month. Arts & Community: A new JHCO–Nobles scholarship push and a Palestinian-Jordanian underground hip-hop playlist (“3ala Mazag” with Big Murk) add to the week’s culture buzz.

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.