AGP Executive Report

Telecom Upgrade: Zain Jordan and Ericsson expanded their partnership to modernise Zain’s Business Support Systems, moving to a cloud-native, data-driven setup to speed billing, boost 5G monetization, and improve customer experience. King’s China Pivot: King Abdullah II’s China visit is framed as a bid for a more balanced economic partnership, with analysts pointing to a strategy of diversifying options while keeping the Palestinian cause central. Trade Imbalance Focus: Reporting highlights the gap between Jordan’s imports from China (about JD 4.18bn in 2025) and exports (about JD 268.4m), underscoring the push to shift from raw trade volume to deeper cooperation. AI Startup Funding: MENA voice AI firm HeyBreez raised a $2.5m oversubscribed Seed round to scale enterprise voice agents, including telephony and workflow integrations. Regional Culture & Youth: BilAraby wrapped a three-city tour (Damascus, Amman, Djerba) drawing nearly 1,000 attendees and spotlighting youth-led dialogue in Arabic. Local Implementation Watch: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says some 2025 commitments are moving faster than others, with projects ranging from studies to budget waits.

Jordan–China Business Push: King Abdullah II met CEOs of major Chinese firms in Shanghai, highlighting Jordan’s business climate, skilled workforce, and role as a gateway for regional trade, as the visit runs until Aug. 24. Pharma & Food Partnerships: Fosun Pharma’s Innovative Medicines division said it wants Jordanian partners for a joint venture to license and distribute innovative medicines, with plans for joint clinical R&D and a potential clinical trials network. Green Tech Trade Shift: Coverage frames China-Jordan ties as moving from commodities to higher-value, green and technology-driven cooperation, with bilateral trade cited at about $6.7bn in 2025. Lab Cooperation: The Jordanian Armed Forces and Aqaba International Laboratories (Bin Hayyan) signed an MoU to boost scientific research and technical laboratory training and exchanges. Local Implementation Watch: A Jerash governorate panel under “Maidani” said 70–80% of 2025 government commitments have been completed, while other projects still wait on studies, budgets, or rollout. Law & Land: A legal analysis warns a Real Property Law amendment expanding “road” to include railways could allow up to a quarter of land to be taken without compensation for railway projects.

AI Policy: Jordan placed 49th globally and 2nd regionally in the 2026 Global Index on Responsible AI, but experts warn the next step is faster implementation—moving from strategy to real AI production and measurable safeguards. King-to-China Diplomacy: Ahead of King Abdullah II’s visit to China, Xinhua reports Jordan wants broader cooperation in green energy, scientific innovation, tourism, and civil aviation, with China also framed as a key partner for regional stability and the two-state solution. Tech & Education: Applied Science Private University topped Jordan’s private universities in the 2026 Shanghai Ranking indicators, with strong research performance in areas including Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. Local Governance Watch: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says some 2025 government commitments are largely done, while others lag in studies, implementation, or future budgets—highlighting gaps between announcements and on-the-ground delivery. Startups & Funding: Orange Jordan advanced the Orange Social Venture Prize 2026 local edition, with 13 entrepreneurs pitching from 162 applications; winners will take JD 4,000/2,500/1,500 and move to an international competition. Legal/Property: Parliament approved amendments to the Real Property Law that expand “road” to include railways, raising major questions about uncompensated land expropriation for railway projects.

Jordan-China diplomacy: King Abdullah II is set to visit China from Aug. 18–24, telling Xinhua Jordan wants Beijing’s help on easing Middle East tensions and advancing a two-state solution, while also pushing cooperation in green energy, scientific innovation, tourism, and civil aviation. Local governance & delivery: A Jerash governorate panel under “Maidani” says some 2025 Cabinet commitments are moving faster than others, with health, water, culture, education, transport, tourism, and agriculture all under review. Law & land rights: The House of Representatives approved 12 articles of a draft Local Administration Law, including definitions tied to municipal services and an “urban development observatory.” Property expropriation debate: A legal analysis warns that amending the Real Property Law to include railways in the definition of “road” could expand cases where up to a quarter of land is taken without compensation. Payments & quick commerce: Telr and Jet Application signed a partnership to power Jet’s payment ecosystem, aiming for secure, scalable, fast digital checkout. Telecom modernization: Zain Jordan and Ericsson announced a new phase to modernize Zain’s cloud-native BSS for the 5G era, including billing upgrades and real-time data tools. Education & research ranking: Applied Science Private University placed first among Jordan’s private universities in the 2026 Shanghai Ranking indicators, highlighting research and academic output. Student support: The government added JD10m to the Student Support Fund to back 10,000 more university students, funded via distinctive vehicle licence plate auctions. Regional security tech: A report says Syrian-Jordanian captagon smugglers are increasingly using GPS-equipped balloons, as authorities dismantle labs and tighten routes.

Payments & Quick-Commerce: Telr and Jordan’s Jet Application teamed up to power Jet’s payment ecosystem, aiming for secure, fast, scalable checkout across digital channels. 5G Telecom Modernization: Zain Jordan selected Ericsson to modernize its cloud-native Business Support Systems for the 5G era, including upgrades for billing and real-time data capabilities. King’s China Visit (Economy): King Abdullah II’s Beijing trip is framed as a push to deepen cooperation beyond trade—toward investment, production, and technology links—amid a large Jordan-China trade imbalance. Local Transport Tech: LTRC will trial the Amman–Ajloun “low-fare” route with smart features like CCTV, tracking, and e-payment, plus fixed JD1.50 fares and Wi‑Fi. Education Support: The government added JD10m to the Student Support Fund to back 10,000 more university students, funded via distinctive vehicle plate auctions. Energy & Climate: A Chinese-operated Shobak wind farm in Ma’an is generating clean power, supporting Jordan’s renewable push toward higher electricity shares by 2035. Local Governance Reality Check: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” highlighted uneven progress on Cabinet-announced projects—some completed, others still in studies or awaiting budgets.

Public Accountability: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says many 2025 Cabinet commitments are only partly delivered, with health, water, culture, education, transport and jobs among the gaps. Education Funding: The Prime Ministry adds JD10m to the Student Support Fund to back 10,000 more university students, funded via vehicle licence plate auctions. Digital Government: The public sector modernization report says 92% of first-half 2026 targets were met, with digital IDs reaching 2.8m and 2,060 digital services. Smart Transport: LTRC begins a trial Amman–Ajloun “low-fare” route with CCTV, tracking and e-payment, at JD1.50. ICT & Telecom: Zain Jordan sponsors Intaj’s 25th anniversary, backing Jordan’s digital economy push. Energy & Industry: A Chinese-run wind farm in Ma’an (Shobak) is highlighted as part of Jordan’s green transition, with renewables at about 27% of power generation. Jordan–China Trade: JSF analysis frames King Abdullah’s China visit as a chance to deepen investment and technology cooperation beyond trade. Business Links: Jordan and Pakistan chambers sign an MoU to create a joint business council for trade, investment and tech collaboration.

Public Sector Digital Push: Jordan’s public sector modernization report says 92% of first-half 2026 targets were met, with digital government services reaching 2,060 and 2.8 million activated digital IDs, plus “Mystery Shopper” checks driving 369 fixes. Local Delivery Watch: A Jerash panel under “Maidani” says 70–80% of 2025 government commitments are done, while other projects still sit in studies, implementation, or future budgets—covering health, water, culture, education, transport and jobs. Land & Infrastructure Law: A House-approved Real Property Law amendment expands “road” to include railways, potentially allowing up to a quarter of land to be taken without compensation—raising constitutional questions. Jordan–China Economic Ties: The investment minister says King Abdullah’s China visit should boost industrial, tech innovation, digital transformation and investment cooperation. Tourism Tech on the Ground: Greater Amman Municipality is building connected heritage tourist trails, using documented trail data and maps to link sites into an “Amman Explorer” experience. Aqaba Astro-Tourism: Aqaba’s SEZA and Wadi Rum’s Rum Sky Observatory hosted Perseid meteor-shower viewing to grow stargazing and astrophotography tourism.

Public Sector Digital Push: Jordan’s public sector modernization report says 92% of first-half 2026 targets are done, with digital government services up to 2,060 and 2.8 million activated digital IDs, plus a shift toward measuring real citizen service impact. Investment & Industry Ties: Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh says King Abdullah’s China visit should deepen cooperation in advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, green development, rail, logistics and energy storage. Tourism Infrastructure in Amman: Greater Amman Municipality is expanding connected tourist trails under its 2026–2030 strategy, using mapped routes and data to link heritage sites into walkable experiences. Religious Tourism Build-Out: Jordan is preparing for the 2030 Baptism site milestone with a ~$120m package: museum, pilgrims’ village, infrastructure and a green corridor. Legal/Property Risk: A House vote on amending the Real Property Law could let railway expropriations follow the “road” rules, including taking up to a quarter of land without compensation. Science & Astronomy Tourism: Aqaba’s special event in Wadi Rum promoted Perseid meteor-shower astro-tourism with stargazing and astrophotography.

Jordan Law & Property Rights: A House of Representatives amendment to the Real Property Law expands the definition of “road” to include railways, meaning land taken for railway projects could fall under the rule allowing up to one quarter of property to be expropriated without compensation—sparking constitutional questions around “just compensation.” Tourism & Heritage: Greater Amman Municipality is pushing its 2026–2030 strategy by linking historical sites into themed tourist trails, including the Amman Walk and the Jordan–Hejaz Railway Trail, with maps and digital access via the Amman Explorer. Space & Astronomy Tourism: Aqaba’s Special Economic Zone Authority and the Rum Sky Observatory hosted Perseid meteor-shower viewing in Wadi Rum to promote astro-tourism and longer visitor stays. Digital Economy & Industry: Jordan is seeking closer economic ties with China, with the investment minister highlighting cooperation areas like advanced manufacturing, electronics, renewables, rail, logistics, and pharmaceuticals. Regional Tech & Security: The U.S.-China drone decoupling escalated as the Trump administration moves toward up to 100% tariffs on imported drones, potentially reshaping drone supply chains.

Jordan–China Economic Push: Jordan’s Investment Minister Tareq Abu Ghazaleh says Beijing is central to the Kingdom’s industrial and investment plans, pointing to cooperation in advanced manufacturing, electronics, renewables, rail, logistics, agri-tech and pharma after a June visit. Energy & Industry Planning: A local energy summit discussed coal, nuclear and new industry as Jordan looks to grow, with attention on power demand and economic development. Tourism Meets Space Science: Aqaba’s special economic zone and the Rum Sky Observatory hosted a Perseid meteor shower event in Wadi Rum, pitching astro-tourism, stargazing and astrophotography as a way to extend stays and boost value. Digital Payments in Retail: valu Jordan partnered with Hypermax to let shoppers use valu’s BNPL at branches and online, including point-of-sale availability across product categories. Water Pressure in the Region: Reuters reports Israeli settlers diverted water from a spring near Fasayil in the Jordan Valley, cutting Palestinian farmers off and turning the area into a recreational attraction. Education Access: Jordan’s Unified Admissions Coordination Unit updated its website for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing unified application majors for public universities and intermediate diploma programs. Property Law & Rail Projects: A Jordanian parliamentary amendment to the Real Property Law expands “road” to include railways, potentially applying rules that allow taking up to a quarter of property without compensation for railway projects.

Jordan Law & Land Rights: The House of Representatives passed an amendment to Jordan’s Real Property Law that expands the definition of “road” to include railways, meaning land taken for railway projects could fall under the rule allowing up to one quarter of property to be expropriated without compensation. Digital Payments: valu Jordan partnered with Hypermax to let shoppers use valu’s Buy Now, Pay Later at Hypermax branches and online across Jordan via point-of-sale terminals. Telecom Modernisation: Zain Jordan selected Ericsson for a new phase of business support systems upgrades to prepare for the 5G era and improve digital service delivery. Climate & Water Pressure: A new report highlights Jordan’s warming trend—about +1.6°C over a century—alongside longer heat waves and more erratic rainfall, raising risks for water and agriculture. Education Access: Jordan’s Unified Admissions Coordination Unit updated its website data for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing available majors across public universities and intermediate diploma options. Space Systems: Satellogic appointed Jamil Kawar as Senior Vice President for Space Systems to scale sovereign satellite and Earth observation capabilities. Jordan–China Cooperation: Jordan’s investment minister said the country wants to expand economic cooperation with China across investment, industry, tech and sectors like railways and renewable energy. Regional Water Conflict: Reuters reports Israeli settlers diverted water from a West Bank spring near Fasayil, cutting Palestinian farmers off and promoting the site as a tourist attraction.

Real Estate Law Update: A Jordanian parliamentary amendment expands the definition of “road” to include railways, meaning land expropriated for rail projects could fall under rules that allow taking up to a quarter of property without compensation. Economic Rankings Push: The Executive Programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision says Jordan has completed short-term actions to improve its Future of Growth and Human Development rankings, including updates to survey methodology and health indicator data. China Partnership: Jordan’s investment minister says the country wants to deepen economic cooperation with China across investment, advanced industries, electronics, renewables, energy storage, electric mobility, rail systems, logistics, agri-tech and pharma. Digital Payments in Retail: valu Jordan partnered with Hypermax to let shoppers use BNPL at Hypermax branches and online, including point-of-sale availability. Telecom Modernisation: Zain Jordan selected Ericsson to modernise its business support systems, aiming for a more flexible, scalable platform for next-gen digital services. Space Sector Move: Satellogic appointed Jamil Kawar as Senior Vice President for Space Systems to scale sovereign Earth observation offerings. Climate Pressure: Experts warn Jordan’s heatwaves and rising temperatures are worsening water and food security, with long-term warming already around 1.6°C over the past century. Education Admissions: The Unified Admissions Coordination Unit updated its website for the 2026–2027 summer intake, listing unified majors across public universities and intermediate diploma options. Agriculture Market Focus: A new push argues Jordan’s agricultural marketing should shape production decisions, not just sales, calling for stronger regulation and an electronic agricultural exchange.

Real Estate Law Update: Jordan’s House passed a draft amending the Real Property Law definition of “road” to include railways, meaning land taken for railway projects could fall under the same rule allowing up to a quarter of property to be expropriated without compensation—raising constitutional questions around “just compensation.” Climate & Water Pressure: New reporting highlights how Jordan’s warming trend (about +1.6°C over a century) is driving longer, hotter heat waves and more erratic rainfall, with direct knock-on effects for evaporation, crops, and food and water security. Agriculture Market Reform: Experts argue Jordan’s agricultural problems aren’t just about production, but about marketing—pushing for an independent regulator, stronger governorate-level central markets, and a national electronic agricultural exchange to link farmers and buyers. Digital Inclusion: UpScrolled added Irish language support, expanding the platform’s languages to better serve marginalized communities. Tourism & Heritage: UNESCO named Greece’s Mount Olympus a World Heritage Site, while Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve continues to draw divers with its coral and fish biodiversity. Regional Diplomacy: CNN reports US embassies across the Middle East are planning to operate with smaller on-the-ground staff as the Iran war reshapes personnel deployments.

Jordan Tech & Policy: Jordan’s House passed a Real Property Law amendment that expands the definition of “road” to include railways, meaning land taken for rail projects could fall under the same “up to one quarter without compensation” rule—raising fresh constitutional questions about just compensation. STEM & Skills: HRH Crown Prince Hussein attended the graduation of Al Hussein Technical University’s sixth cohort (450 graduates), with programs spanning engineering, computer science, data science and AI, cyber security, and video game design. Energy Transition: A new study reviews how Jordan has pursued energy security over five decades, focusing on supply diversification and more domestic reliance while weighing justice and who benefits. Tourism & Science: Aqaba’s Red Sea marine reserve is spotlighted for its coral and fish diversity, plus dive sites and underwater wrecks—turning biodiversity into a local attraction. Aviation Tech: Royal Jordanian selected Ramco Systems for MRO optimization across engineering and compliance, continuing its push for digital transformation. Cyber Snapshot: A global ranking on cybersecurity preparedness highlights top performers in 2026, useful for benchmarking Jordan’s digital resilience goals.

Education & Skills: Crown Prince Hussein attended the graduation of Al Hussein Technical University’s sixth cohort (450 graduates), highlighting tracks from engineering and computer science to data science, AI, cyber security and game design, as the university marks its 10th anniversary. Higher Education & Research: Jordan is pushing deeper China ties in education, with Yarmouk University planning a “China Village” to expand Chinese language learning and interdisciplinary research linked to technology and governance. Aviation & Industry Tech: Royal Jordanian Airlines selected Ramco Systems to digitize MRO operations, aiming to unify maintenance on one platform, cut paper use, and improve compliance and real-time visibility. Policy & Governance: A Royal Decree approved a cabinet reshuffle, appointing new deputy prime ministers and a new education minister. Economy & Talent Pipeline: The Central Bank of Jordan opened applications for 12 university scholarships for top Tawjihi students, covering economics, statistics, accounting and finance. STEM Outcomes: Tawjihi 2026 pass rate hit 65.3%, with science-oriented fields reaching 70% and IT in vocational/technical leading at 79.2%. Legal/Property Watch: Parliament passed an amendment to the Real Property Law that could expand uncompensated land-taking rules to railway projects, raising constitutional concerns.

Education & Skills: Jordan’s Central Bank opened applications for 12 university scholarships for top Tawjihi students, covering economics, statistics, accounting and finance, with strict GPA and governorate requirements. Education Reform: Parliament continues work on a 2026 Draft Law for an Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority to align training outcomes with labor-market needs. Tawjihi Results: The 2026 pass rate hit a record 65.3%, with science-oriented tracks at 70% and IT in the vocational stream reaching 79.2%. Digital Inclusion: Zain Jordan relaunched its Basma+ line for Deaf customers with 30GB internet, video-call minutes and SMS tailored for easier communication. Climate & Data: Jordan’s average annual temperature rose about 1.6°C over a century, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. Aviation & Industry: Royal Decree approved a cabinet reshuffle, while DAE/ Joramco updates point to ongoing maintenance pressures from regional disruption. STEM & Space: Jordanian Astronomical Society highlights a six-planet dawn alignment and the Perseids, plus an ISS transit—plus warnings to use proper eclipse glasses.