AGP Executive Report

UK-Jordan Diplomacy: Jordan’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Britain’s planned ban on trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, calling it a step aligned with international law and the two-state solution. Regional Politics: The same settlement-trade push is backed by 12 countries (including Canada, France, and others), with Jordan also warning about violations at Jerusalem’s Muslim and Christian holy sites. Education & Culture Access: A Jordan report highlights learning beyond classrooms, spotlighting free or low-cost libraries, cultural centers, and digital programs—citing the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and Zaha Cultural Center. Arts & Heritage: Under Prince Hassan bin Talal’s patronage, Jordan will stage Handel’s “Messiah” at Machaerus as part of a cultural and spiritual journey toward the 2030 John the Baptist commemoration. Local Development: King Abdullah II Centre for Excellence marks its 20th anniversary and launches its next awards cycle for 2026–2028, aiming to deepen a culture of excellence across sectors. Tech & Lifestyle: Egypt-born fintech Valu officially launches in Jordan, offering consumer financing and buy-now-pay-later plans up to 60 months.

Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Jordan-led Arab action intensified as the Arab Ministerial Committee condemned Israeli violations at Al-Aqsa/Al-Haram Al-Sharif and urged stronger political, diplomatic, and economic pressure to protect Jerusalem’s historical and legal status quo. Education & Youth: The government settled about JD 80 million in accumulated debt to public universities via the Student Support Fund, alongside further direct support and arrears clearance. Higher Learning Access: Unified Admission opened electronic applications for the 2026–2027 bridging program, with deadlines set for Sept. 10 and clear fee/exam rules for eligible students. Local Culture & Arts: King Abdullah II Centre for Excellence marked its 20th anniversary at the Royal Cultural Centre, launching the next 2026–2028 awards cycle focused on excellence standards and impact. Business & Lifestyle Tech: Egypt-born fintech Valu officially launched in Jordan with BNPL and consumer financing up to 60 months, building merchant and digital payment partnerships. Community & Daily Life: In the Southern Jordan Valley, the “Water Spring” initiative brought filtration stations to vulnerable schools, turning safe water into a daily comfort for children. Sportswear Backlash: Adidas Arabia apologized over a campaign featuring a former Israeli soldier, amid pro-Palestine boycott calls. International Politics: Germany’s far-right AfD surged in Saxony-Anhalt, signaling a wider European rightward shift.

Arab League Diplomacy: Tunisia’s FM Mohamed Ali Nafti chaired the 166th Arab League Council session in Cairo, stressing Arab solidarity and backing Palestinian rights, including an independent state with Al-Quds as its capital. Jerusalem & Holy Sites: Jordan chaired an Arab ministerial committee meeting condemning “unprecedented” Israeli escalation at Al-Aqsa/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, calling for stronger political, diplomatic, and economic pressure to preserve the city’s historical and legal status quo under Hashemite Custodianship. Education & Youth Support: The government fully settled accumulated University Student Support Fund debt to public universities (about JD 80m), alongside new support and arrears clearance. Higher Education Access: Jordan’s Unified Admission Coordination Unit opened electronic applications for the 2026–2027 bridging program at public universities, with eligibility rules and exam requirements. Local Culture & Arts: King Abdullah attended the 20th anniversary ceremony of the King Abdullah II Centre for Excellence (KACE), launching the 2026–2028 awards cycle focused on excellence standards and workforce impact. Tech & Lifestyle Finance: Egypt-born fintech Valu officially launched in Jordan with BNPL and consumer financing up to 60 months, expanding merchant partnerships and digital payment infrastructure. Community & Safety: A child was found dead inside a locked bus in Zarqa; investigations focus on transport regulation and accountability between parents, contractors, and schools. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Oman’s karate team arrived in Amman ahead of the Asian Championships (Sept 8–11), bringing 351 athletes from 30 countries.

Water & Schools in Southern Jordan Valley: The “Water Spring” push is bringing safe drinking water to the most vulnerable students via filtration stations, supported by Masar Al-Khair Association and partners, easing daily hardship amid water scarcity. Airport Lifestyle Tech: Queen Alia International Airport is rolling out a Smart Cleaning System using AI and sensors to optimize cleaning routes and keep high-touch areas sanitary. Tourism & Local Development in Ajloun: A new tourism study highlights Ajloun’s strengths and calls for upgrades like infrastructure, bigger tourism budgets, easier licensing, and support for youth-led projects. Education for Jobs Abroad: A national strategy argues Jordanian universities should shift from “local market” training to preparing graduates for the international labor market, including more English-taught social sciences. Digital Education Funding: The World Bank approved $3.5m to plan Jordan’s public-school digital transformation, including connectivity readiness and device pilots. Volunteer Year 2026: Jordan approved a national plan to celebrate the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, with the Ministry of Youth as focal point. Culture & Heritage Play: Salt’s Al-Manqala (the salt game) keeps older residents connected through a centuries-old street café ritual. Sports in Amman: Oman’s karate team arrives for the Asian Championships (Sept 8–11) in Amman, aiming to build experience at continental level. Tech Payments in Jordan: Valu’s Jordan launch marks the first milestone toward an integrated flexible digital payment ecosystem, including BNPL.

Diplomacy: Italy’s new ambassador Pier Luigi Zamporlini presented his credentials to King Abdullah II, pledging to deepen the Italy–Jordan strategic partnership across defense, trade, culture and development. Digital Economy: Valu Jordan officially launched the first phase of its flexible digital payment and BNPL journey after receiving its final Central Bank license, aiming to expand local fintech services. Education Tech: The World Bank approved a $3.5m grant to prepare Jordan’s public schools for digital transformation, including connectivity readiness checks and pilots for devices and internet capacity. Culture & Heritage: In Salt, the folk game “Al-Manqala” keeps old-city cafés and alleys buzzing with intergenerational competition. Community & Youth: Jordan approved a national plan to celebrate the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, with the Ministry of Youth as the focal point. Sports: Oman’s karate team arrived in Amman ahead of the Asian Championships (Sept 8–11), bringing 351 athletes from 30 countries. Religion & Society: Bishop Iyad Twal said Jordan remains a “message of coexistence,” stressing that normal life continues despite regional war pressures and tourism slowdown. Youth Safety: A Jordan-focused investigation highlights how juvenile delinquency cases often begin long before a crime, pointing to gaps in early support and online exposure.

Folk Heritage: In Salt’s old alleys and cafés, the timeless board game Al-Manqala keeps elders gathering daily, turning simple pebble moves into a living social ritual. Education & Tech: The World Bank approved a $3.5m grant to prepare Jordan’s public schools for a digital transformation, including readiness checks across about 3,500 schools and pilots for devices and connectivity. Youth & Volunteering: Jordan’s Higher Steering Committee approved a National Plan for the Volunteer Year 2026, with the Ministry of Youth named the national focal point. Culture & Travel: Wingie reports autumn Mena travel is shifting toward culture-led city breaks, shorter “micro-cations,” and nature escapes. Tourism Watch: Umm Qais welcomed 71,289 visitors in Jan–Jul 2026, down 13.3% year-on-year. Diplomacy: Ayman Safadi met France’s foreign minister in Paris, pushing for active French participation in the Jordan-EU Investment Conference (Nov 19) and discussing regional stability. Global Pop Culture: The Creative Arts Emmys kicked off with major wins, including Bad Bunny and Mariska Hargitay.

Volunteerism in Jordan: The Higher Steering Committee for Volunteer Work approved Jordan’s national plan to mark the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development 2026, with the Ministry of Youth named the national focal point and key ministries and UN volunteer partners taking part. Diplomacy & investment: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met France’s Jean-Noël Barrot in Paris to boost cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education and defense, and to push for active French participation in the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19. Tourism spotlight: Umm Qais welcomed 71,289 visitors in Jan–Jul 2026 (62,641 Jordanians and 8,648 foreigners), down 13.3% from the same period in 2025, despite its UNESCO-linked reputation as a cultural destination. Culture & lifestyle tech: Jordan’s creative scene gets a boost as Amman’s architectural heritage reuse is highlighted in research, while global lifestyle chatter includes NBA 2K27’s new sneaker-and-brand focus and a viral music moment built on a 2000s Jamaican dancehall riddim.

Jordan–France Ties: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi says Jordan is looking for active French participation in the Jordan-EU Investment Conference on Nov. 19, after talks in Paris with Jean-Noël Barrot covering trade, investment, tourism, education and defense. Tourism Watch: Umm Qais in Irbid saw 71,289 visitors between January and July 2026, down 13.3% from the same period in 2025, with 8,648 foreign visitors among the total. Parenting & Culture: Oakland rapper JWalt released his spoken-word EP “How Love Grows,” reflecting on fatherhood and the emotional work behind his writing. Health & Care: A guide on adult autism screening stresses that questionnaires can help structure experiences, but a score should not be treated as a diagnosis. Media & Tech: George Clooney warned at the Venice Film Festival that AI and deepfakes are making truth harder to verify, challenging journalists and the public. Arts & Entertainment: HBO’s “Lanterns” episode three sparked debate after an OutKast-inspired storyline, with writers addressing reactions to character choices and themes.

Jordanian Arts & Culture: Marlon James’s new novel The Disappearers is being widely debated for its frank look at sexuality, identity, and the “Jamaica underneath this Jamaica,” with critics calling it provocative and hard to shake. Film & Pop Culture: A look back at how ’80s franchises reshaped Hollywood—sequels, merchandising, and the business model that still dominates screens today. Media & Entertainment: HBO’s Lanterns faces fresh backlash over claims that the Green Lantern ring is “sexist,” adding to earlier criticism of the show’s portrayal of Hal Jordan. Regional Spotlight (Jordan-relevant): The U.S. says it has sanctioned a Turkish bank tied to Iran, while renewed Iran-U.S. tensions keep Jordan in the crosshairs as strikes and warnings ripple across the region. Politics & Society (Europe): Nigel Farage and France’s Jordan Bardella signed a pact to stop English Channel “small boat” crossings if they take power, as Reform’s conference also grappled with donation scandal fallout.

Jordan–US security ties under strain: AP reports Iran-linked attacks are testing Jordan’s alliance with the United States, with Jordan hosting American forces and repeatedly facing Iranian drone and missile threats. Regional conflict and oil pressure: AP also quotes JD Vance saying the U.S. conflict with Iran isn’t a “war,” while Strait of Hormuz shipping remains below prewar levels and oil prices stay high. Jordanian culture & heritage in focus: A Jordanian novel, Darat Balqis, spotlights Amman’s changing neighborhoods and heritage homes amid real-estate pressure, using astrology and intimate memory as its lens. Arts leadership in Amman: Ghazi Anaim wins the presidency of the Jordanian Fine Artists Association after a “Growth and Change” bloc sweep, promising a more unified artistic space. Education opportunity: Jordan opens online applications for foreign scholarships (2026–2027) starting Sept. 5, with eligibility tied to recent secondary exam results. Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi meets Austria’s foreign minister in Vienna to expand cooperation in trade, tourism, education and defense. Tech disruption: Reports say major AI platforms (including ChatGPT and Gemini) faced service disruptions, with users in Jordan among those affected.

Jordanian Culture & Lifestyle: Jordan’s Directorate of Scholarships and Cultural Offices opens online applications for foreign scholarships (2026–2027) on Sept. 5, running until Sept. 9, for eligible students with 90%+ averages. Arts & Heritage: A new novel, Darat Balqis by Abd al-Hadi al-Madadha, uses Amman’s historic neighborhoods and real-estate pressures to explore memory, identity, and the cost of “modern concrete.” Film & TV: Jordan’s The Fugitive (Al-Harbeh) is spotlighted as a landmark Arab drama collaboration filmed in black-and-white in 1972. Culture Leadership: Ghazi Anaim wins the presidency of the Jordanian Fine Artists Association, with the “Growth and Change” bloc taking all seats. Education & Identity: The RCJA warns that forcing an Israeli curriculum on ~45,000 East Jerusalem students threatens Arab-Palestinian identity. Diplomacy: Deputy PM and FM Ayman Safadi meets Austria’s foreign minister in Vienna, discussing trade, tourism, education, defense, and resuming direct flights to boost ties. Security: King Abdullah appoints a new head of the Jordanian armed forces as the kingdom faces ongoing Iranian aerial attacks.

Palestinian Diaries Preserved: Raja Shehadeh’s six-decade Palestinian archive has been saved at the Universities of Edinburgh and Exeter, with thousands of diary pages and digital records protecting personal history from destruction. Jerusalem Education Under Pressure: Jordan’s Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs warns that Israeli curriculum requirements for about 45,000 East Jerusalem students are escalating efforts to erase Arab-Palestinian identity. Climate Costs in Jordan: A new UN-linked warning highlights how rising temperatures will hit water, health, energy and food security—especially as Jordan’s ability to adapt is already stretched. Population Census Debate: Commentary ahead of Jordan’s next census stresses public cooperation and recalls how earlier counts shaped planning and services. Women’s Work Signals: Petra reports Jordan’s female economic participation rising in Q2 2024, but notes the need for quality jobs, transport, care services and better access to entrepreneurship finance. Culture & Learning in Focus: Applied Science University and the University of Leeds document a digital approach to reusing Jordan’s architectural heritage, while Amman hosts a seminar tied to Sharjah’s public finance award. Lifestyle Spotlight: A Nordic-style specialty coffee hub opens near Amman’s 7th Circle, adding a new education-and-community stop for coffee lovers.

Education & Identity: Jordan’s Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs warns that Israeli authorities are forcing the Israeli curriculum on about 45,000 Palestinian students in East Jerusalem, calling it a bid to erase Arab-Palestinian identity. Digital Heritage & Design: Applied Science Private University and the University of Leeds document how Jordan’s historic architecture can inspire contemporary products, using fieldwork and 3D digital methods. Women & Work: A Petra report says Jordan’s female economic participation rose to 18.6% in Q2 2024, but experts stress the need for quality jobs and better transport, care services, and entrepreneurship access. Jobs & the Economy: Jordan’s unemployment rate fell to 16.1% in Q2 2026, with Jordanians at 21%, while analysts point to a continuing education-to-work mismatch. Edtech Growth: Jordan-based Abwaab acquires Egypt’s Eduact to expand teacher and learning-centre tools across MENA. Refugee Funding Pressure: ANERA warns declining international funding is straining education, health, and protection services for Palestinian refugees in Jordan. Culture & Community: Fuheis Festival closes in Fuheis with Jordanian and Syrian stars delivering a final night of heritage music. Lifestyle: A Nordic-style specialty coffee hub opens near Amman’s 7th Circle, pitching a calmer café ritual for coffee lovers.

Jobs & Economy: Jordan’s Department of Statistics says net job creation for Jordanians hit a record 87,617 in 2025, with Jordanians filling about 91% of the new posts; unemployment also eased to 16.1% in Q2 2026, while women’s joblessness fell notably. Culture & Music: Fuheis Festival closed in Fuheis with a packed night of tarab, featuring Jordanian Firas Toaimah and Syrian star Sobhi Toufiq. Lifestyle & Community: A new look at the argileh “at home” shows how Jordanian café rituals are moving into living rooms with better setups and a more social pace. Books & Reading: September’s reading list spotlights major new releases, including Marlon James, Malcolm Gladwell and others. Travel Mood: A regional travel roundup points to Amman as a go-to “micro-cation” for short autumn breaks, alongside nature and culture-led escapes. Regional Context: Muslim Council of Elders condemned renewed Iranian attacks affecting Jordan and the UAE, as tensions continue to ripple across the region.

Jobs & Women’s Work: Jordan hit a record 87,617 net jobs for citizens in 2025, with Jordanians filling about 91% of new roles; ages 20–29 led growth and women secured half of net opportunities among university degree holders. Urban Life: Amman’s congestion is getting worse as the city’s vehicle fleet tops 1.5 million and transport hasn’t kept pace with expansion—experts say lasting fixes must link land use and transit, not just add roads. Culture at Home: A new look at the argileh “café session” moving into living rooms shows how better equipment and hosting culture are reshaping Jordanian social rituals. Arts & Music: Fuheis Festival’s Al-Qanater hosted Palestinian star Iyad Tannous with Jordanian Basel Jreisat, reviving classic tarab favorites and crowd singalongs. Queer Culture Spotlight: “Sultana” profiles an Arab queer drag queen and the shifting landscape of visibility, memory, and identity in the region. Media & History Debate: A BBC-related controversy claims Jewish history is being rewritten through editorialized storytelling—sparking fresh debate over representation. Tech & Preservation: An Internet Archive report warns that music and video game history is vanishing from public access as streaming and licensing replace ownership.

Urban Mobility: Amman’s traffic misery is worsening fast, with experts pointing to 1.5M+ vehicles, population growth, sprawling development, and a public transport system that hasn’t kept up—so solutions should start with smarter land-use planning and better feeder links, not just more lanes. Arts & Community: Fuheis Festival’s 33rd edition delivered a tarab night at Al-Qanater, bringing Palestinian star Iyad Tannous and Jordanian Basel Jreisat together for classic melodies and crowd singalongs. Culture & Books: Marlon James’ new novel The Disappearers is drawing major buzz for its layered look at queer life, community, and violence in 1980s Jamaica. Jerusalem Education: Israel is requiring about 45,000 Palestinian students in East Jerusalem to study the Israeli curriculum in first and seventh grades, a move critics call a push to reshape identity. Regional Security: Jordan’s foreign ministry condemned far-right Israeli incursions into Al-Aqsa, warning they violate the holy site’s legal status quo. Royal Lifestyle: Queen Rania marked her 56th birthday with a relaxed, elegant new portrait and family photos.