AGP Executive Report

Jordan-US Support: The U.S. and Jordan signed a four-year strategic agreement worth about $355m, framed around economic growth, measurable results, and reducing reliance on Washington as Amman absorbs fallout from the Iran conflict. Economic Modernization: Jordan’s government says 343 of 394 projects under the 2026–2029 Economic Modernization Vision are now in implementation, with investment incentives and investor support measures expanding. Identity & Tech Education: Applied Science Private University hosted “BilAraby – Amman,” bringing Arab innovators together and spotlighting Jordanian space-suit and lunar/Mars tech work. Health Regulation: Jordanian health professional syndicates are pushing for tougher laws and coordination to crack down on people impersonating doctors and dentists. Regional Security Shockwaves: Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan signed a Mecca mutual defense pact with a NATO-style “attack on one is attack on all” clause, raising questions about deterrence and regional diplomacy. Energy Risk Watch: Reports say Dead Sea freshwater pools are appearing as water levels drop, while regional shipping threats keep energy routes under pressure.

Jordan–US Support: Jordan and the United States signed a four-year strategic agreement worth about $355m, framed around measurable results and reduced reliance on US help as Iranian attacks hit Jordan’s economy and tourism. Regional Security: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” with a collective-defense clause treating an attack on one as an attack on all, while Iran dismissed it as “paper” that won’t ensure Saudi security. Energy Tech & Infrastructure: With shipping routes under pressure, plans are discussed for an overland pipeline linking Saudi oil exports to Israel and onward to Mediterranean ports to bypass Hormuz and the Red Sea. Jordan Education & Space Tech: Applied Science Private University hosted “BilAraby – Amman,” highlighting Arab innovators, including a Jordanian woman involved in international astronaut spacesuit training. Health Regulation: Jordan’s health professional syndicates urged tougher laws against impersonators of medical professionals, saying loopholes weaken penalties. Local Mobility: Manchester’s Wythenshawe council is consulting on cutting many roads from 30mph to 20mph to improve safety. Environment: Scientists point to falling Dead Sea water levels as freshwater pools emerge, reshaping local ecosystems.

Energy Security: Saudi Arabia and Gulf producers are looking at an overland pipeline plan—reportedly involving Israel—to dodge dangerous shipping through Bab-el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz as Iran and Houthi attacks disrupt exports. Regional Defense: Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” with a mutual-attack clause meant to deter aggression amid Iran-linked missile fire and wider Gulf instability. Jordan-US Tech & Aid: Jordan and the US signed a four-year strategic agreement worth about $355m, framed around measurable results and reduced reliance on US support, as Iranian strikes have hit Jordan’s economy and tourism. Jordan Security Messaging: Iran’s IRGC issued messages to Jordanians after an attack on a US base in Jordan, trying to split public opinion and argue the US—not Iran—violated Jordan’s sovereignty. Dead Sea Science: Scientists link newly appearing freshwater pools near the Dead Sea to falling water levels and underground aquifers, creating small pockets of biodiversity. STEM & Culture in Amman: Applied Science Private University hosted “BilAraby – Amman,” bringing Arab innovators together and highlighting Jordanian tech achievements like spacesuit design for lunar/Mars exploration. Heat Risk: The UK faces heat health alerts with temperatures up to 36C next week, following record-breaking heatwaves earlier this year.

Jordan Tech & Research: Applied Science Private University in Amman hosted “BilAraby – Amman,” bringing Arab dialogue and innovation to Jordan, with a spotlight on Jordanian space-tech talent—Salam Abu Al-Hija, the first Jordanian woman selected for an international astronaut training program focused on spacesuit and lunar/Mars exploration technologies. Water & Environment: Scientists link new freshwater pools and greenery around the Dead Sea to falling water levels and underground aquifers—rainwater seeping through limestone feeding micro-habitats that are now emerging beside the retreating shoreline. Regional Security (Jordan-relevant): Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the “Mecca Joint Defence Agreement,” pledging that an attack on one is treated as an attack on all—while Iran’s lawmakers and analysts warn it’s “paper” security and that the pact could reshape the regional balance. Jordan Economy & Food Security: Jordan’s Agriculture Ministry says the country meets over 60% of food needs locally despite water scarcity, citing strategic stocks and export growth. Industry & Innovation: The Amman Chamber of Industry ran a workshop with Jordan’s Higher Council for Science and Technology to expand support for factories, including certifications, automation, and ERP adoption.

Digital Skills & Jobs: Jordan’s Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Sami Smeirat inaugurated the “North Platform” tech center in Irbid, expanding access to digital training, co-working, and entrepreneurship support for youth in northern governorates. Industry Support: The Amman Chamber of Industry ran a workshop on Higher Council for Science and Technology support programs, highlighting funding for certifications, export compliance, productivity upgrades, automation, and ERP adoption. Identity Security in Education: BIO-key and Maktabi Tech partnered to roll out identity and access management for schools across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE, aiming to protect students and staff while simplifying secure logins. Food Security: Jordan’s Agriculture Ministry says the country meets over 60% of food needs despite water scarcity, citing strategic stocks and export growth. Regional Tech/Logistics Angle: Analysis on the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf security underscores how maritime disruptions are pushing regional players toward new resilience plans.

Digital Economy & Jobs: Jordan opened the “North Platform” technology hub in Irbid to expand digital skills training, co-working, and entrepreneurship support for youth, aligning with the Economic Modernisation Vision. Industry Support: The Amman Chamber of Industry ran an introductory workshop with the Higher Council for Science and Technology, highlighting joint support for factories—certifications, export compliance, productivity upgrades, automation, and ERP adoption. Food Security: Jordan’s Ministry of Agriculture says the country meets over 60% of food needs despite water scarcity, citing strategic stocks and exports worth JD1.6B last year. Identity Security in Education: BIO-key and Maktabi Tech announced a partnership to roll out identity and access management with biometrics and MFA for schools across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the UAE. Regional Tech/Policy Context: Analysis pieces track how Gulf states are shifting toward containment strategies around Iran, while Jordan watches regional security spillovers.

NHS Digital Gap: A BMJ investigation finds only 21% of English NHS trusts fully use paperless clinical notes, and just a quarter use fully electronic prescribing—despite digitisation ambitions dating back to 1998, with paper still costing the system over £240m a year. Jordan Tech & Mobility: Geely Jordan has launched the EX5 EM-i hybrid, touting up to 105 km electric range, 1,000+ km combined, and a Flyme Auto digital cockpit—another push for new-energy vehicles in the Kingdom. Regional Infrastructure: A new push to build a Gulf railway network is framed as a way to boost resilience as shipping faces Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Public Security: Jordan’s Public Security Directorate says it destroyed large quantities of Captagon and other narcotics after final judicial rulings, with incineration carried out under lab and evidence supervision. Education & STEM Culture: Orange Jordan Digital Schools students reportedly excelled in WikiChallenge 2026, highlighting growing interest in learning-by-doing platforms.

UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO kept Jerusalem’s Old City and its Walls on the World Heritage in Danger list, saying conservation conditions for removal haven’t been met and urging stronger monitoring and international cooperation—Jordan welcomed the unanimous decision. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq moved to revitalize their trilateral cooperation mechanism, focusing on practical projects across infrastructure, trade, industry, energy, and transport amid rising tensions. Water Tech & Infrastructure: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250m for Jordan’s National Water Carrier—linking an Aqaba desalination plant, a 438-km underground pipeline, and a 281 MW solar power component to boost safe drinking water supply for Amman and beyond. Clean Mobility: Geely launched the EX5 EM-i hybrid in Jordan, offering up to 105 km electric range, over 1,000 km combined, and a Flyme Auto digital cockpit. Public Safety: Jordan’s Public Security Directorate destroyed large quantities of Captagon and other narcotics after final judicial rulings, using specialized incinerators under supervision. Science in Jordan: A Jordanian gypsum fossil study reports a possible ancient respiratory siphon position in mosquito-like larvae, hinting at evolutionary changes but needing more specimens.

US-Jordan Cooperation: The U.S. and Jordan signed a four-year strategic objective agreement worth $354.6 million in foreign assistance, with new focus on trade, U.S. tech and innovation, and tighter oversight. Water & Energy Infrastructure: The AIIB approved $250 million for Jordan’s National Water Carrier, backing a desalination plant in Aqaba, a 438-km underground pipeline, and a 281 MW solar power component to help deliver 300 million m³ of drinking water annually. Cyber Safety: Jordanian IT experts warn that electronic fraud thrives on fear and impersonation via fake government texts, urging continuous public awareness campaigns in schools, universities, and workplaces. Regional Security Watch: Jordan warned that an Israeli takeover of a key Jerusalem Muslim site could be imminent and spark religious conflict, prompting emergency foreign-minister talks. Local Tech & Learning: Orange Jordan’s digital schools students reportedly excelled in WikiChallenge 2026, highlighting STEM-style learning through open knowledge competitions.

US-Jordan Cooperation: The U.S. and Jordan signed a four-year strategic objective agreement worth $354.6 million in U.S. foreign assistance, with a stronger focus on trade, U.S. technology and innovation, and measurable results. Water & Energy Infrastructure: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250 million for Jordan’s National Water Carrier—desalination in Aqaba, a 438-km underground pipeline to Amman, and a 281 MW solar power plant to deliver about 300 million m³ of drinking water annually. Cyber Safety: Jordanian experts stress that fighting electronic fraud depends on continuous public awareness, warning people about fake government/bank SMS scams and urging schools and workplaces to run regular training. Regional Security Pressure: Reports say Jordan warned that an Israeli takeover of al-Aqsa/Dome of the Rock is “imminent,” prompting an emergency foreign-ministers meeting across the Arab and Islamic world. Jordan in the Middle East crossfire: Coverage highlights how Jordan has faced repeated missile and drone threats amid the wider U.S.-Iran conflict, raising questions about the cost of its security alignment.

Water Security: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved $250 million for Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, backing a plan to desalinate water at Aqaba and pump it to Amman via a 438 km underground pipeline, powered by a 281 MW solar plant; the project targets about 300 million cubic meters of drinking water annually and is part of a roughly $5.8 billion national effort. Public Health Research: A new UNICEF- and Jordan NCFA-backed study is examining how to build stronger substance-use prevention for Jordanian youth, finding 7 in 10 participants reported trying at least one product and that awareness alone isn’t enough. Industrial Policy: Jordan’s Cabinet approved new investment incentives for Rawdah Industrial Estate in Maan, including stepped electricity tariff reductions for five years to attract investors and create jobs. Digital Education: Orange Jordan Foundation recognized three schools in WikiChallenge 2026 under its Digital Schools program, highlighting student work on Wadi Rum, Petra, and Umm Qais. Earthquake Monitoring: Jordanians reported feeling a 5.6 quake linked to eastern Egypt’s Suez region; Jordan’s seismology observatory recorded it at 5.3 with a 10 km depth. Regional Tech-Adjacent Risk: US-Iran Strait of Hormuz diplomacy remains tense, with shipping disruption and airline cancellations in the Gulf region adding uncertainty for travel and logistics.

Investment & Industry: Jordan’s Cabinet approved new incentives to boost investment in Maan’s Rawdah Industrial Estate, including reduced electricity tariffs for five years (75% off in years 1–2, then 50% and 25%), plus support via JEDCO and labour programmes to expand local jobs. Digital Education: Orange Jordan Foundation recognized three schools in the WikiChallenge 2026 under its “Digital Schools” programme, which equips public schools with tablets and digital devices for thousands of students. Health & Research: A UNICEF- and NCFA-backed study launched in Jordan aims to build a stronger substance-use prevention programme for children and youth, finding that most participants had tried at least one substance and that awareness alone isn’t enough. Renewables Project: An EPC contract was signed for a UAE-funded 25 MW wind power project in Ma’an (Batn Al-Ghoul), with Samra Electric Power overseeing operations after handover. Earthquake Impact: Jordanians reported feeling a mild tremor after a 5.6 quake struck Egypt’s Suez region; Jordan’s seismology observatory recorded it and reported no casualties or damage. Regional Tech/Business: Imdaad entered Jordan via a joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman.

UNESCO & Heritage: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites after a committee session in South Korea, including Jordan’s Aqaba Marine Reserve—a win for marine conservation and Jordan’s global visibility. Urban Sustainability: Imdaad entered Jordan via a strategic joint venture with Clean City to expand municipal cleaning and waste management services across Amman, blending local infrastructure with regional environmental know-how. Education Tech: Orange Jordan Foundation celebrated three schools winning WikiChallenge 2026 under its Digital Schools program, which equips public schools with tablets and digital learning packages for thousands of students. Renewables in Ma’an: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources signed an EPC contract for a 25 MW wind project in Batn Al-Ghoul, Ma’an, funded by the UAE through Masdar and operated by Samra Electric Power. Mobility & Hybrids: Geely Jordan launched the EX5 EM-i hybrid, positioning it as an efficient, tech-forward option for Jordanian drivers. Digital Government: Jordan hit a new high in the e-Government services maturity index over one year, reinforcing momentum in public-sector digital transformation. STEM & Health Tech: Jordan’s Digital Health Centre push continues, with calls to expand connectivity across hospitals and health centers. Regional Tech Context: Amid US-Iran talks and Hormuz reopening hopes, energy markets reacted sharply—showing how geopolitics can quickly spill into technology and infrastructure planning.

Renewables in Ma’an: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources signed an EPC deal for a UAE-funded 25 MW wind project in Batn Al-Ghoul, with Samra Electric Power Company overseeing operations after handover. Digital education wins: Orange Jordan Foundation’s “Madrasati” Digital Schools program saw three Jordanian schools recognized at WikiChallenge 2026, with thousands of students benefiting from tablet-based learning. E-government progress: Jordan again posted strong gains in digital government services maturity, reinforcing momentum in online public service delivery. Automotive tech: Geely Jordan launched the EX5 EM-i hybrid, touting an EM-i Super Hybrid system with a claimed 1,000+ km range and low fuel use. Tourism & heritage: Jordan’s “Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity” exhibition is set to open in Washington in 2027, spotlighting Christian sites and rare artifacts. Health & society: Higher Population Council marked World Twins Day with data showing twin births rising to 6,531 registered cases in 2025. Local safety: Jordan reported a fatal stabbing case in Amman, with a suspect arrested and the case headed to the judiciary.

Jordan Digital Education: Orange Jordan Foundation and Queen Rania’s “Madrasati” initiative backed three Jordanian schools that excelled in WikiChallenge 2026, using the “Digital Schools” program’s tablets and digital learning packages to boost early-grade learning. Heritage & Tourism: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities will bring the “Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity” exhibition to the Museum of the Bible in Washington, opening in early 2027, spotlighting nearly 2,000 years of Christian history and key Jordanian pilgrimage sites. Population & Health: The Higher Population Council marked Twins Day 2026, reporting twin births rose to 6,531 registered cases in 2025 (43 twins per 1,000 live births), with higher rates linked to assisted reproductive technologies. Regional Tech & Security Context: A Saudi-led multinational maritime defense alliance was announced to protect Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab shipping lanes, with Jordan listed among participating states. Policy & Data: Jordan’s e-government services continue to climb in maturity indexes, reinforcing the push for more connected public services.

Jordan Digital Education: Orange Jordan Foundation and “Madrasati” celebrated three schools winning WikiChallenge 2026 under the Digital Schools program, which equips public schools with tablets and digital devices for thousands of students. Jordan Health Data: Higher Population Council marks Twins Day as Jordan’s twin birth rate rose from about 24 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 43 in 2025, with 6,531 registered twin births last year. Heritage & Tourism: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities signed an agreement with the Museum of the Bible to bring “Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity” to Washington, opening in early 2027. Global Heritage Watch: UNESCO added 25 new World Heritage Sites worldwide, expanding the list of cultural and natural landmarks. Regional Security Tech Angle: Reports say Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles after US strikes, underscoring how fast-moving conflicts keep pulling regional tech and defense systems into the spotlight.