AGP Executive Report

Jordan–China Ties: Chinese Ambassador Guo Wei called King Abdullah II’s China visit “historic,” highlighting deeper cooperation and urging direct flights to boost tourism and business links. Water & Jobs: The Cabinet approved a JD120m steel pipe plant for the National Water Carrier Project, aiming to create about 420 Jordanian jobs and supply future water, gas and pumping projects. Public Finance Watch: Economists say lower debt-servicing costs in 2025 (interest payments down sharply) are freeing room for development spending in sectors like education and health. Education Governance: The Education and Human Resources Development Council recommended trustee appointments for public and private universities for Cabinet approval. Culture & Heritage: Syria was named guest of honor at the 25th Amman International Book Fair, spotlighting shared cultural ties. Tourism Spotlight: Wadi Rum is pushing global recognition through astro-tourism, with nighttime stargazing estimated to add JD3m annually. Royal Lifestyle: Queen Rania marks her 56th birthday with a relaxed new portrait, reflecting her ongoing focus on children, youth and women. Youth & Media: “Our Jordan Through Our Eyes” trains young photographers across governorates to document Jordan’s story. Social Media & Violence: A Jordanian youth study is cited as linking social media use with attitudes toward violence, as online mockery of tragedy raises concerns. Local Visitors: Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors in the first seven months of 2026, down 14.7% from last year.

Jerash Tourism Boost (with a dip): Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (38,106 Jordanians, 62,256 foreign tourists), down 14.7% from 2025’s 117,701, though February was the busiest month with 27,279. The city’s cultural engine includes the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts, running since 1981. Education & Wellbeing: Reddam House North Shore in Sydney is spotlighting student anxiety support on test day, telling pupils their results don’t define their worth—while enrolment is set to grow rapidly toward capacity by 2028. MENA Street Art Travel: A guide urges visitors to look past landmarks, highlighting how murals and graffiti in places like Beirut’s Gemmayze & Mar Mikhael and Rabat’s Jidar festival capture politics, identity, and everyday life. Regional Security Watch: Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea maritime coalition is framed as part of wider shifts after Houthi blockade moves, with Jordan listed among littoral partners. Travel Disruptions: UAE flight updates report cancellations and delays across Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia and flydubai—readers are urged to check airline status before heading to airports. Cybersecurity Role Model: A former Bahrain resident, Meera Tamboli, is named among the Top 20 Cybersecurity Women of the World 2026, with her mentoring and online community cited as key to her rise.

Jerash Tourism: Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors between January and July 2026 (38,106 Jordanians, 62,256 foreign tourists), down 14.7% from 117,701 in the same period of 2025, with February 2026 the busiest month (27,279). Cultural Spotlight: Egyptian writer/DJ Nihal El Aasar is challenging narrow labels of Arab music through her London-based NTS Radio program “Nile to Bank,” spotlighting underground sounds from electronic and experimental music to hip-hop and regional club culture. Arts & Heritage: Jerash’s long-running Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (since 1981) continues to bring local, regional, and international performances to the city’s historic theatres. Regional Lifestyle: A UAE community event, “Emirates Loves Palestine,” brought Palestinian families together at Expo City Dubai to celebrate shared ties, music, and food. Security & Daily Life: K-P police in Pakistan requested FC platoons to guard “vital installations” amid protests by the Police Amman Committee.

Jerash Tourism Pulse: Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors in Jan–Jul 2026 (38,106 Jordanians, 62,256 foreigners), down 14.7% from the same period in 2025, with February the busiest month (27,279). Cultural Radio Spotlight: Egyptian writer/DJ Nihal El Aasar is pushing back against narrow labels of Arab music through her London-based NTS Radio show “Nile to Bank,” blending underground electronic, experimental, hip-hop, drill and club sounds. Education & Global Rankings: Applied Science Private University’s board chair Dr. Haitham Abdullah Abu Khdeija says the school’s rise in global rankings comes from years of investment in labs, updated curricula, patents, and high-achieving student recruitment. Community & Heritage: A Jordanian Culture World-friendly reminder: Jerash’s long-running Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (since 1981) continues to draw local and international performances to the ancient city. Travel Practicalities: Smart traffic signals were installed at four Amman sites, aiming to improve daily movement for residents and visitors.

Jordanian Culture & Lifestyle: Applied Science Private University’s chairman Haitham Abdullah Abu Khdeija says the school’s global ranking gains come from years of investment in labs, updated curricula, patents, and high-achieving admissions—aiming to keep Jordanian students competitive on QS, Times and Shanghai. Education & Community: Jamaica’s JLS crowned five national reading champions for 2026, with prizes spanning cash, books and laptops, and a record 7,700 readers—an example of how reading culture can rebound even after major disruptions. Culture & Faith: A weekly Torah study guide marks Deuteronomy’s “Ki Tavo” portion (Aug 29 / 16 Elul), framing it as a whole-life blueprint that points toward the Messiah. Regional Spotlight: King Abdullah II’s China visit highlights deeper Jordan–China alignment on development, plus Xi’s four principles for resolving the Palestinian issue. Sports & Entertainment: A roundup of live-action animation hybrid movies and the return of BBC’s Top Gear after Freddie Flintoff’s crash keep the week’s pop-culture buzz going. Human Rights: A case involving Jordanian children rescued in Malaysia raises questions about whether alleged begging exploitation crosses into human trafficking under local law.

Jordan–China ties: King Abdullah II’s Beijing visit (Aug 18–24) focused on deeper development alignment, with Xi urging cooperation in trade, infrastructure, mining, digital growth, AI, green energy, education, culture, science, and tourism. Energy & jobs: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development backed a $70m project to expand Jordan’s natural gas pipeline network to Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities, aiming to cut costs and boost competitiveness. Education push: ADFD also signed $300m financing for Jordan’s general budget and a $40m contract to build and equip five vocational/technical schools across several governorates. Local governance & culture: Amman’s smart traffic signals are being installed at four sites, while Jordanian sectors are also looking to deepen cooperation with China. Human rights & law: Legal experts discuss the case of Jordanian children rescued in Malaysia, raising questions about possible human trafficking linked to cross-border exploitation. Economy: Economist Mohammad Al-Bashir warns Jordan’s purchasing power is squeezed by sales tax, debt-service costs, and rising energy/fuel and interest rates. Culture & lifestyle: A Dark Sky Festival is set to return in September across Sequoia and Kings Canyon, adding Three Rivers for 2026.

China-Jordan Diplomacy: King Abdullah II’s ninth visit to China since taking constitutional powers focused on deeper development alignment, with Xi Jinping urging cooperation across economy, trade, infrastructure, digital growth, AI, green energy, education, culture, science, technology and tourism. UAE-Jordan Development Boost: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed about $300m in concessional financing for Jordan’s general budget plus $110m for new projects, including five vocational/technical schools (~$40m) and a $70m natural-gas pipeline network for Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities. Tourism Push: Jordan is also pitching China as a bigger tourism source market, including smarter destination marketing, cultural tourism and improved air links. Parliament & Public Life: Jordan’s Parliament passed six bills in a special session. Culture & Heritage: Samia Halaby remembers artist Sliman Mansour, praising his role as an educator and visual voice of Palestinian perseverance. Legal & Social Spotlight: A case involving Jordanian children rescued in Malaysia raises questions about whether begging exploitation crossed into human trafficking. Public Finance Debate: Economist Mohammad Al-Bashir warns Jordan’s purchasing power is squeezed by sales tax, debt costs and bank interest, calling for a rethink of public-finance tools. Community & Faith: Jordanians marked the anniversary of the Prophet’s birth. Humanitarian Note: Jordan condoled Nepal after devastating Himalayan floods killed dozens and left hundreds missing.

Jordan–China Royal Push: King Abdullah II’s Aug. 18–24 visit to China focused on moving ties beyond trade into investment and technology partnerships, with meetings across top leadership and major firms as the relationship heads toward its 50th anniversary. UAE Funding for Jordan’s Future: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed new deals worth $410m—$300m for Jordan’s general budget and $110m for development—plus a $70m natural gas push for Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities and $40m to build and equip five vocational/technical schools. Education & Skills Boost: Jordan’s Parliament wrapped up its first extraordinary session by passing six bills spanning local administration, Jordanian universities, property ownership, vocational work, consumer affairs, and education quality assurance. Culture & Heritage Tourism: Jordan is also leaning into tourism and heritage cooperation with China, while Ajloun’s springs and water sources are being pitched as heritage-trail attractions if rehabilitated and better interpreted. Regional Humanitarian Tension: Israel’s raid on UNRWA’s Kalandia Training Centre in East Jerusalem drew UN chief condemnation over “unlawful entry” and fears for long-running refugee education services.

Jordan-UAE Development Boost: The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development signed a $300m financing deal for Jordan’s general budget and a $40m contract to build and equip five vocational and technical schools across Amman, Mafraq, Jerash and Irbid, with talks also highlighting energy support for industrial cities. Local Governance & Education: Jordan’s Parliament wrapped up its first extraordinary session by passing six bills spanning local administration, Jordanian universities, property ownership, vocational work, consumer affairs and education quality assurance. Amman Daily Life: Smart traffic signals are being installed at four congested Amman sites, starting with the Al-Nahda Bridge area, aiming to cut accidents and ease peak-hour conflicts. Culture & Heritage: Ajloun’s springs and historic water sources are being pitched as attractions for heritage trails, linking today’s visitors to older community rituals of cooperation and shared water. Arts & Memory: Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour is remembered for shaping the visual language of perseverance and for mentoring generations through art and activism. Regional Humanitarian Pressure: UNRWA facilities in East Jerusalem faced renewed Israeli raids, with the UN chief condemning “unlawful entry” and warning that vocational education for Palestinian youth is being undermined. Jordan-China Green Cooperation: Jordan and China signed an environment and climate MoU covering biodiversity, pollution control, waste management and a shift toward a green, low-carbon economy.

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.