AGP Executive Report

Green Finance Push: ABJ CEO Dr. Maher Al Mahrouq urged Qatari investors to back Jordan’s green economy—renewables, sustainable transport, circular economy and low-emission infrastructure—framed under the Economic Modernization Vision 2023–2033, with the Central Bank of Jordan helping set the regulatory tone for sustainable lending. Smart Tourism in Aqaba: ASEZA says Aqaba is upgrading digital infrastructure and using AI to deliver personalized tourism experiences, promote Red Sea sustainability, and grow youth skills in the digital economy. Agriculture Research Collaboration: CLIMARES missions in Morocco and Jordan are advancing climate-resilient wheat work, focusing on field evaluations and partnerships to strengthen food security against soil-borne threats. Health Research: A Jordan-based study links early kidney stone onset (before 45) with higher risk of hypertension, diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions. Science & Tech Education: KHBP and intaj are partnering to launch a virtual business platform for entrepreneurs, supporting digital growth.

Jordan Tech & Innovation: Jordan’s digital and industrial push stays in focus with reports on a Jordan–Japan strategic partnership and a Jordanian-Japanese push tied to tech and development, alongside moves to strengthen industrial clusters and virtual business platforms for entrepreneurs. AI for Skills & Work: Bahrain’s labour ministry highlighted the ILO’s push on “Harnessing AI for Decent Work,” stressing AI and digital training to prepare future workforces. Health Tech Research: A Jordan-based study links early kidney stone onset (before age 45) with higher risk of hypertension, diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions, adding to local clinical research momentum. Science Discovery: New findings from Jordanian amber describe a rare insect fossil with two posterior spine-like structures, adding to the Early Cretaceous biodiversity record. Community & Environment: Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein patronised a regional workshop in Amman on promoting positive community behaviour to reduce demand for wildlife and birds. Travel & Connectivity: The UK updated its travel advice for Jordan, lifting the “non-essential” travel warning after earlier Middle East conflict-related guidance.

Jordan Tech & Research: A Jordanian team reports that early-onset kidney stones (before age 45) can signal broader cardiometabolic problems, linking the condition with hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and more in a study of 546 patients. Ancient Science: Jordanian amber continues to surprise scientists, with a newly described insect fossil showing two spine-like structures at the rear—adding to what researchers can learn about Early Cretaceous biodiversity. Engineering & Industry: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan met the Jordan Engineers Association to discuss how the engineering sector can support major water, energy, transport, and infrastructure projects. Digital/Markets: Jordan and Abu Dhabi exchanges unveiled an electronic trading link via Tabadul, aiming to connect regional markets more directly. Economy & Infrastructure: Jordan is pushing large-scale projects under its Economic Modernisation Vision, including major water infrastructure, to strengthen growth despite regional volatility. Culture & Diplomacy: Mexico’s ambassador in Amman inaugurated Yolanda Andrade’s “Life Goes On” photography exhibition, highlighting cultural ties through art.

Jordan Tech & Industry: KHBP and intaj signed an agreement to support the Virtual King Hussein Business Park, aiming to launch a smart virtual business platform later this year for startups and entrepreneurs, with Hydra as the technical partner. Industrial Growth: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced new incentives for Jordan’s Rawda Industrial Area, including reduced electricity and land costs and operational support until it connects to the Arab Gas Pipeline, alongside progress on the Aqaba–Maan land port and rail link. Health Research: A Jordan-based study reports that kidney stones starting before age 45 strongly track with higher rates of hypertension, diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions, suggesting early stones may reflect broader metabolic issues. Water & Infrastructure: Jordan’s economic modernization push highlights major projects moving toward financial close, including the National Water Carrier, with heavy excavation planned to begin this summer. Science & Heritage: Jordanian amber continues to yield rare fossil finds, including an Early Cretaceous insect specimen with two posterior spine-like structures, adding to the record of ancient biodiversity. Regional Connectivity: Turkey discussed reviving a transport corridor running through Syria and Jordan to Saudi Arabia to strengthen trade and logistics. Ebola Forecasting: A CDC-led modeling study suggests forest loss and fragmentation can help predict where Ebola outbreaks may begin, relevant to the current Central Africa situation. Jordan–Japan Ties: A Jordanian-Japanese strategic partnership was reaffirmed, with Japan highlighted as a key development partner via JICA support for infrastructure, water and energy.

Jordan Tech & Industry: The King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) and intaj are teaming up to build the Virtual KHBP, a smart virtual business platform aimed at boosting digital entrepreneurship and letting companies run operations online via virtual offices. Industrial Growth: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced new incentives for the Rawda Industrial Area in Maan, including reduced electricity and land costs and operational support until the area connects to the Arab Gas Pipeline, alongside progress on the Aqaba–Maan land port and rail links. Engineering Sector: Hassan also met the Jordan Engineers Association to discuss how government can better use engineering expertise in major water, energy, transport, and infrastructure projects. Humanitarian Impact: The World Food Programme suspended food assistance for 135,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan’s host communities due to a funding shortfall, while continuing reduced support for refugees in camps and reporting school feeding activity across camps and communities. Research in Jordan: A Jordanian cohort study is reported on XRCC4 and VEGF gene variants and breast cancer risk, adding to local genetics research. Regional Tech/Trade: Jordan and Abu Dhabi exchanges unveiled an electronic trading link through Tabadul, strengthening cross-market connectivity.

Digital Entrepreneurship: King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) and intaj are teaming up to prepare the Virtual King Hussein Business Park (VKHBP), a smart virtual platform aimed at helping startups and entrepreneurs run operations online via virtual offices and digital services. Industrial Growth & Logistics: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced new incentives for the Rawda Industrial Area in Maan, including lower electricity and land costs and operational support until the area connects to the Arab Gas Pipeline, alongside progress on the Aqaba–Maan land port and rail link. Regional Market Tech: Jordan and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange activated an electronic trading linkage through Tabadul, designed to expand the investor base and improve liquidity and access across Arab markets. Food Security Shock: The World Food Programme suspended food assistance for 135,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan’s host communities due to a funding shortfall, while camp support continues at a reduced level. Border Security Modernization: Jordan announced the operationalization of new advanced military facilities for 24/7 border monitoring and anti-smuggling operations using next-generation detection and command-and-control systems.

Jordan–UAE Finance Link: Jordan’s capital market institutions activated an electronic trading link between the Amman Stock Exchange and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange via Tabadul, aiming to boost liquidity, efficiency, and cross-border access for investors through licensed brokers. Industrial Clusters: Jordan moved from isolated projects toward integrated industrial clusters as Prime Minister Jafar Hassan inaugurated six Jinsheng International Group factories in Al-Qatrana (Karak), targeting exports and creating about 700 jobs. Digital Entrepreneurship: King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) and Int@j signed an agreement to support the KHBP Virtual Complex, a smart virtual business platform planned for later this year to help startups and firms run operations online. Border Security Modernization: Jordan announced operationalization of advanced military facilities for 24/7 border monitoring and faster response against smuggling and infiltration, using next-generation detection and sensor systems. Water Stress Watch: A global groundwater study flags that nearly one-third of monitored wells show declining levels, with Middle East depletion affecting springs and wetlands, including some Jordanian aquifers.

Regional Markets Tech: Jordan and Abu Dhabi’s exchanges officially went live with an electronic trading link via Tabadul, aiming to boost liquidity and let investors trade across borders through licensed brokers. Jordan Sports & Tech in Practice: Jordan’s national team faces Switzerland in a World Cup prep friendly with VAR in use, and the coaching setup adds Jordanian staff to build local expertise. Water Security: A global groundwater study warns nearly one-third of monitored wells show declining levels, with Middle East aquifers (including parts of Jordan) drying fast—raising risks for springs and wetlands. Public Health: Snohomish County reports a first bat rabies case since 2023, with exposed residents receiving rabies immune globulin and vaccines. Clinical Research: A small trial tests a vitamin D analog (paricalcitol) to weaken pancreatic tumor defenses, pairing it with standard chemotherapy. Industrial Growth: PM directs expanded incentives for Jordan’s al-Rawdah Industrial Zone and pushes ahead on the Aqaba–Ma’an dry port and rail-linked logistics hub. Defense & Imaging: Satellite analysis claims Iranian strikes damaged multiple U.S. military sites across the region, including THAAD batteries in Jordan and the UAE.

Jordan Tech & Industry: Aqamas Automotive opened a second EXEED/EXLANTIX showroom on Amman’s Mecca Street, adding a flagship space plus a fully equipped service center as the company pushes “smart and sustainable mobility” in Jordan. Energy & Climate: Jordan has a “genuine opportunity” to scale green hydrogen, driven by expanding solar and wind capacity, proximity to European markets, and Aqaba’s logistics hub role for export projects. Health Policy: Jordan’s Ministry of Health approved a Unified National Cancer Treatment Protocol to standardize oncology care across public sectors and improve equity for patients. Education & Skills: Jordan’s “Techween” initiative is highlighted as a push to build the next generation of tech talent. Sports Tech & Local Spotlight: Jordan’s national team plays Switzerland with VAR in World Cup preparations, with Jordanian coaches added to the technical staff ahead of matches in the US. Public Health Watch: A first bat rabies case in Snohomish County since 2023 triggered exposure follow-ups and preventive treatment plans.

Industrial Incentives: Jordan’s PM ordered expanded incentives for the al-Rawdah Industrial Zone in Ma’an, matching benefits from the King Hussein Bin Abdullah II Industrial City until the zone connects to the Arab Gas Pipeline, with plans for the Aqaba–Ma’an Dry Port and links to the Aqaba Railway. Cancer Care Standardization: The Ministry of Health approved a Unified National Cancer Treatment Protocol to standardize oncology care across Jordan’s healthcare sectors, aiming for equal treatment and coordinated guidelines. Green Hydrogen Push: Experts say Jordan can capitalize on green hydrogen thanks to growing solar and wind capacity plus Aqaba’s logistics hub for export projects. Local Mobility & Retail Tech: Aqamas Automotive opened a second EXEED/EXLANTIX showroom on Amman’s Mecca Street, adding a flagship space with test drives and a service center. Sports Tech & Training: Jordan’s national team plays Switzerland with VAR as part of World Cup preparations, and adds Jordanian coaches to the technical staff.

Jordan Armed Forces in UN missions: Jordan has deployed more than 142,000 personnel since 1989 across peacekeeping operations, providing medical care, protecting civilians, and supporting stabilisation, with the JAF citing decades of international engagement. Cancer care standardisation: Health Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Bdour approved a Unified National Cancer Treatment Protocol to standardize oncology treatment across Jordan’s healthcare sectors, with input from major hospitals and the Jordan Food and Drug Administration. Green hydrogen push: Experts say Jordan can capitalize on green hydrogen thanks to growing solar and wind capacity, proximity to European markets, and Aqaba’s role as an export and industrial hub. Regional energy cooperation: A Syria–Jordan–Lebanon energy deal aims to use Jordanian LNG import infrastructure and restart the Arab Gas Pipeline, targeting power shortages and reconstruction needs. Tech talent spotlight: Coverage highlights “Techween” as a platform for building Jordan’s next generation of tech talent. Health research focus: A review examines factors shaping pulmonary rehabilitation referral and engagement—useful for improving chronic care pathways.

Jordan-Education Collaboration: Florida State University’s Learning Systems Institute will work with IREX and Jordanian universities on an early grade education push aimed at improving literacy and numeracy, including curriculum work, faculty training, and research support. Jordan Tech Talent: Techween is spotlighted as a platform for building Jordan’s next generation of tech talent. Jordan Water Innovation: Researchers in Jordan highlight AC condensate as an overlooked alternative water source, reporting low dissolved solids and heavy metals from tests on air-conditioning units—potentially useful for gardening, cleaning, and other non-drinking needs. Jordan Security & Diplomacy: Saudi Arabia’s interior minister met Jordan’s counterpart in Makkah to coordinate security and Hajj-related medical services, with both sides reviewing shared priorities. Jordan in Regional Media: A report says Hamas sympathizers are using music streaming platforms to spread extremist content, including a song urging Jordanians to join the fight.

Education & Climate Action: MassDEP honored Green Team Awards for environmental stewardship in Massachusetts classrooms, including Ambrose and Lynch Elementary, highlighting recycling, composting, and sustainability efforts by thousands of students. AI & Skills for Jordan: Techween, run by the Jordan Open Source Association, tackles why many Jordanian graduates struggle to land tech jobs—citing policy gaps, mismatched skills, and brain drain toward the Gulf and abroad. Early-Grade Learning in Jordan: Florida State University’s Learning Systems Institute will collaborate with IREX and Jordanian universities on an early grade education project focused on improving literacy and numeracy and supporting whole-child development, including work on AI in education. Water Tech at Home: Jordan researchers say air-conditioner condensate can be a usable alternative water source, with tests finding low dissolved solids and low heavy metals—potentially for gardening, cleaning, and other non-drinking uses. Health Tech: Philips and Disney launched a Disney-themed MRI “Ambient Experience” to help children stay calm during scans, with early rollout at Rady Children’s Health. Regional Cooperation: Saudi Arabia’s interior minister met Jordan’s Mazen Al-Faraya and Malaysia’s home affairs minister to discuss security coordination and Hajj medical services.

Jordan Tech Talent Gap: Techween is spotlighting why Jordan’s tech sector isn’t absorbing enough university graduates, pointing to policy mismatches and brain drain toward the Gulf and abroad. AI Infrastructure in MENA: A new roundup highlights startups building AI foundations across the region, focusing on enterprise-ready models and data-center scale rather than just consumer apps. Water Reuse Innovation: Jordan researchers say AC condensate can be a high-quality alternative water source for gardening, cleaning, and other uses—turning everyday HVAC runoff into a resource. Education & Content Scrutiny: IMPACT-se reports Jordanian school textbooks for 2025-2026 include antisemitic and anti-Israel themes, raising concerns about intolerance in classroom materials. Health Tech (Global, Jordan-relevant): Philips and Disney are rolling out an MRI “Ambient Experience” to reduce children’s scan anxiety, with early results from a pilot hospital. STEM/Research Note: A study suggests healthy plants can “read” neighbors’ growth via airborne chemical signals and adjust their own growth or defense responses.

Jordan Tech Talent Gap: Techween, run by the Jordan Open Source Association, is spotlighting why nearly 40% of Jordanian youth are unemployed after university and how policy, skills mismatch, and brain drain are keeping graduates from Jordan’s tech jobs. AI Infrastructure in MENA: A new report highlights six players building AI “under the hood” across the region, from sovereign language models to GPU data centres—aiming to make AI scalable and secure for local enterprises. Education & Inclusion: Jordan’s 2025-2026 school textbooks have been criticized by IMPACT-se for antisemitic and anti-Zionist themes, including portrayals of Jews as “treacherous” and references that label Israel as “Palestine.” Health Tech: Philips and Disney are rolling out a Disney-themed MRI experience to reduce children’s scan anxiety, with early results from a pilot at Rady Children’s Health. Research Watch: Swedish researchers report that healthy plants can “read” neighbors’ growth via aromatic signals and adjust their own growth and defense responses.

Education & Social Cohesion: IMPACT-se says Jordan’s 2025-2026 school textbooks include antisemitic and anti-Zionist themes, portraying Jews as “treacherous” and framing Israel as illegitimate, with some maps labeling Israel as “Palestine.” Religious Heritage & Learning: Jordan’s King Abdullah II inaugurated the Baptism Site International Orthodox University (BIO Uni) at al-Maghtas, aiming to build a study and pilgrimage hub by 2030. Local Governance & Schools: A plan to close and consolidate schools was approved after a prior rejection, with implementation starting immediately for the 2027-28 school year. Tech & Infrastructure (Jordan): Globitel says it has deployed a nationwide early warning system designed to deliver critical alerts within seconds. Cybersecurity & Modernization: Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision highlights implementation of three national cybersecurity initiatives at the start of 2026. Smart Cities: Amman earned a global smart city milestone with British certification.