AGP Executive Report

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: At Nissan Stadium in Nashville, turf hit about 157°F and players’ cleats reportedly melted, with Eagles coach Nick Sirianni needing an IV—another stark reminder of how hotter conditions can turn sports venues into health risks. Jordan-EU Cooperation: Jordan’s King Abdullah II met Cyprus President Christodoulides at the UN General Assembly, with both sides stressing deeper EU ties and civil protection support, including firefighting aircraft used this summer. Aqaba & Tourism Signals: Cargo handling at Aqaba ports reportedly rose over 80%, while Aqaba hotels hit about 93% occupancy as festival tourism surged. Water & Land Use Pressure: Jordan’s Jerash governorate backed non-traditional crops to cut water use, as the country continues pushing for smarter water governance. Community Volunteering: Jordan launched the fourth cycle of the Al Hussein Bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work, calling for new applications and youth-led action.

Energy & Water Links: Two energy exchange routes between Jordan and Iraq are suspended: Iraqi crude has not reached Jordan since the start of 2026, and Jordanian electricity has stopped reaching Rutba, while talks continue on restarting oil supplies and expanding electricity interconnection capacity. Renewables Policy: Jordanian experts say renewable power won’t work without better consumption efficiency, warning that cheaper electricity can still be wasted through losses, downtime, and outdated equipment. Marine Conservation in Aqaba: A new season of “voices of coral” brings Jordanian and Swiss artists to Aqaba to create comics and art aimed at protecting Red Sea coral reefs, in partnership with the Aqaba Marine Reserve and supported by multiple institutions including UNESCO and UNDP. Tourism & Heritage: Preliminary figures show fewer visitors to Iraq Al-Amir in the first seven months of 2026, with Jordanian visitors up but foreign visitors down sharply. Extreme Heat Warning: A high-profile case from abroad highlights how heat can make synthetic turf dangerous—players’ cleats reportedly melted at 157°F during an NFL game, fueling calls to move away from artificial turf.

Port & trade momentum: Aqaba’s cargo handling jumped more than 80% as regional logistics expand, with new measures to handle more trucks, storage and land for growing volumes. Water-smart farming: Jerash governorate is running a field school to help farmers shift to less water-hungry crops and smarter irrigation, using open fields and greenhouses to boost returns per cubic metre. Sustainable development push: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan says Maan will get incentives to attract investment and move toward sustainable development, including cuts to land prices and electricity costs for qualifying projects. Local environment governance: Jordan’s Municipal Planning Tribunal suspended a Cape Town data-centre approval after an appeal, highlighting how land-use decisions can lock in impacts even before any development starts. Regional climate pressure: India’s fertiliser supply is being squeezed by soaring sulphur prices tied to West Asia and Russia-Ukraine conflict, underlining how energy shocks can ripple into food and farming inputs. Safety & preparedness: The U.S. issued travel security alerts for Jordan and the region amid fears of rapid escalation, including guidance for air-raid warnings and avoiding high-risk areas.

Energy & Climate Finance: IFC is considering up to $200m to help fund a new 700MW gas-fired power plant in Mafraq, with construction expected to start by year-end—raising the usual questions about long-term emissions and water use. Renewables & Access: Jordan’s solar push is expanding electricity access in remote areas, but experts warn that costs and approval red tape still slow rollout. Water-Smart Farming: In Jerash, a field school is training farmers on smarter crops and irrigation to cope with Jordan’s water limits. Food Security Debate: The Cabinet’s move to raise wheat and barley purchase budgets to JD59m is seen as rural support, but experts say it won’t fix food security unless multi-year planning and fair access for small farmers are guaranteed. Education & Transport: The free school bus project in the southern Badia is expanding to 12,500 students, aiming to improve safe, consistent attendance. Green Finance: Jordan Kuwait Bank issued a second Green Bond, with IFC backing up to $100m, targeting renewables, efficiency, green buildings, and sustainable transport. Urban Planning Tech: Municipalities are exploring “digital twins” to test city scenarios before projects are built. Public Health: A local study links higher gaming hours with poorer self-rated health and reports 32.9% of teens facing overweight or obesity. Regional Risk: US embassies, including in Jordan, issued travel and safety alerts over potential rapid escalation tied to Houthi attacks and wider Middle East tensions.

Jordan-EU Investment Push: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio of investment opportunities for the Jordanian-European Investment Conference on Nov. 19 at the Dead Sea, with energy and mining (gas, hydropower, wind, green hydrogen, storage, solar, rare earths) and transport/logistics (light rail, national railway, border and logistics centres) among the biggest areas. Digital Transformation: Crown Prince directives are boosting Jordan’s digital shift, including further development of the “Sanad” app and plans for an integrated, secure national database, plus AI use in healthcare, education and transport. Urban Green & Safety: Amman Municipality is upgrading sidewalks for pedestrian safety while protecting green cover by pruning trees that block movement and relocating only those that can’t be kept, with replanting in suitable areas. Tourism & Environment Spotlight: The Dead Sea Panorama drew 18,972 visitors in the first seven months of 2026, and the museum highlights the Dead Sea’s geological and environmental importance. Local Mobility: Aqaba Airport welcomed its first regular direct flights from Abu Dhabi, expanding Gulf connectivity and supporting year-round sustainable tourism.

Urban Green & Safety: Greater Amman Municipality is upgrading sidewalks in several areas to improve pedestrian safety, including relocating or pruning trees that block narrow paths, while continuing large-scale seedling planting to expand green cover. Tourism & Environment: Jordan’s Dead Sea Panorama drew 18,972 visitors in the first seven months of 2026, up 0.5% year-on-year, with Jordanian visitors rising 11.9% as foreign arrivals fell 15.4%; the museum highlights the Dead Sea’s geology, ecosystem and environmental risks. Investment & Water/Climate Priorities: Jordan is preparing a nearly $15bn portfolio for the Jordan-EU Investment Conference (Nov 19), featuring energy and mining plus major projects in transport, logistics, water, tourism and clean technology. Disaster Readiness: Jordan and NATO are preparing for a 2027 disaster-response exercise, signaling a focus on regional emergency preparedness.

Food Sovereignty & Water Governance in Jordan: A new focus piece looks at how Jordan can manage water and food security together, tying governance choices to real outcomes for communities. Local Environment & Waste Management: Residents are pushing to relocate a Taqbal waste station after renewed fire concerns, highlighting how local decisions can quickly become public health and environmental issues. Biodiversity & Heritage: Petra opens a biodiversity exhibition at the Nabataean Village, using Jordan’s natural wealth to draw attention to conservation through public engagement. Climate & Risk Planning: A report argues Jordan needs a climate risk index to identify the most affected groups and guide smarter adaptation. Industrial Safety in Aqaba: An ammonia leak triggered rapid response and left multiple people with breathing difficulties, underlining the need for strong safety systems around hazardous facilities. Water & Agriculture Pressure: Jordan Valley farmers brace for a tough season, with water stress and climate pressures shaping livelihoods.

Earthshot Prize: Britain’s Prince William named 15 finalists for the 2026 Earthshot Prize, including the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, which helps wildlife keep migrating across busy roads using overpasses, underpasses and fencing. Regional Climate & Wildlife: The finalists spotlight solutions to climate change, pollution and habitat loss, with winners set to be announced in Mumbai in November. Jordan-EU Funding: The EU approved a €110 million grant for Jordan, a major boost that could support environment and resilience priorities. Jordan Environment & Water: Jordan’s climate risks and drought/flash-flood pressures remain in focus, with reporting warning that water efficiency must drive farm policy. Biodiversity in Jordan: Petra opened a biodiversity exhibition at the Nabataean Village, adding public momentum for nature and conservation awareness. Industrial Safety (Aqaba): An ammonia leak at Jordan’s Aqaba industrial complex sent 11 people to hospital, raising questions about emergency readiness and workplace safety. Sustainable Cooling: Jordan marked World Ozone Day, highlighting sustainable cooling as part of protecting the atmosphere.

Regional Security Talks: King Abdullah II met France President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, with Jordan and France issuing a joint statement calling for stronger coordination to de-escalate regional tensions and support security cooperation. Public Health & Industry Safety: Reports from Jordan’s Aqaba industrial area say an ammonia leak sent 11 people to hospital with breathing difficulties, underlining ongoing risks around hazardous materials. Climate & Water Resilience: A Jordan-focused piece highlights drought and flash floods as growing threats, pointing to a shifting climate reality that demands better water planning and preparedness. Sustainable Cooling & Ozone: Jordan marked World Ozone Day, spotlighting sustainable cooling as part of protecting the environment. Energy & Investment: EU approval of a €110m grant for Jordan signals continued support for energy and development priorities. Youth & Inclusion: Orange Jordan opened registration for a new “Qadroon” training program with Ablers, aiming to build digital and professional skills for young people with disabilities.

EU-Jordan Funding: The European Union approved a €110 million grant for Jordan to support economic and social modernization, with focus areas including green economy, energy and water, and clean transport. Renewables Grid Update: The Cabinet also backed draft 2026 rules to make it easier to connect renewable energy systems to the national grid, encouraging self-generation, storage, and energy efficiency while keeping the network stable. Local Waste Pressure: In Irbid’s Taqbal, residents renewed calls to relocate a long-running waste transfer station after repeated fires and ongoing health and environmental complaints. Public Trust in Crises: At the Arab Media Summit, Jordan’s government communication officials stressed faster, more accurate messaging to curb rumours and misinformation during emergencies. Regional Cooperation: King Abdullah met France and Lebanon leaders in Paris, discussing steps tied to the Aqaba Process and regional de-escalation efforts.

Jordan Water & Climate: Jordan marks World Ozone Day, highlighting sustainable cooling, while a separate report warns drought and flash floods are both looming as the country’s climate shifts. Water Security & Infrastructure: Jordan and Germany sign €96.5m euro deals for education and water, and Jordan plans $10B private-sector projects over four years. Biodiversity & Nature: Petra opens a biodiversity exhibition at Nabataean Village, and Jordan’s third session focuses on laws, elections, and hard choices that could shape environmental governance. Regional Environment Lessons: Kuwait showcases mangrove cultivation to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and boost biodiversity, while the U.S. West sees drying lakes exposing toxic barrels and old hazards—an uncomfortable reminder of what water stress can uncover. Ozone & Policy Progress: Jordan is on track to phase out ozone-harming gases by 2030, reinforcing its climate commitments.

Climate & Water Risk: New projections warn Jordan faces hotter, longer heatwaves, more erratic rain, and deeper drought risk—raising evaporation and stressing already scarce water supplies, with the Jordan Valley and southern desert hit hardest. Energy & Water Infrastructure Finance: The EBRD opened a new Amman office and says it plans to expand in Jordan, with major backing linked to projects like the National Water Carrier and other water, energy, transport, and infrastructure work. Climate Finance Push: A commentary highlights King Abdullah’s climate finance directive and argues Jordan must move from single-project funding to an integrated, investment-ready portfolio that can attract private and international money. Disaster Preparedness: Jordan and NATO begin preparations for a 2027 disaster response exercise, signaling more focus on regional emergency readiness. Biodiversity & Nature: Petra hosted a biodiversity exhibition at the Nabataean Village, spotlighting conservation and local natural heritage. Wildlife Conservation: A new bison birth in a wildlife area is being used for conservation education and grassland management awareness. Industrial Safety: Reports say an ammonia leak in Aqaba injured around 11 people, with rapid response preventing escalation. Local Development & Jobs: A Jordan PPP plan points to major projects over 3–4 years (water, energy, transport, infrastructure, public services) with about $10bn in expected investments.

Disaster Preparedness: Jordan and NATO have started planning “Dareb Al-Aman 7,” a major multinational disaster response exercise in October 2027, aiming to test emergency coordination and civil-military cooperation in simulated natural disaster scenarios. Water & Climate Adaptation: Jordan and Germany (KfW) signed €96.5m in financing for education and water, including €60m for Azraq Wellfield and the main transmission line to strengthen drinking-water security and cut salinity impacts. Biodiversity & Tourism: Petra is set to host a biodiversity exhibition at the Nabataean Village, spotlighting nature and local ecosystems. Local Conservation: A land trust preserved Bonner Ridge (242 acres) as community open space, protecting wildlife habitat and reducing wildfire risk by preventing hillside subdivision. Aqaba Industrial Safety: Reports say an ammonia leak at Jordan’s Aqaba industrial complex sent 11 people to hospital with breathing difficulties, highlighting the need for strong safety systems. Community Volunteering: The Hussein bin Abdullah II Award for Voluntary Work is preparing its 4th edition, with the Ministry of Youth pushing universities to expand participation in volunteering.

Disaster Preparedness: Jordan and NATO have started planning “Dareb Al-Aman 7,” a multinational disaster response exercise in October 2027, aiming to test emergency coordination and civil-military cooperation during simulated natural disasters. Pollution & Safety: Aqaba’s industrial sector faced an ammonia leak during maintenance; the port was evacuated as a precaution and 11 people were treated for breathing difficulties, with officials saying rapid detection and shutdown prevented escalation. Climate Action: Jordan is on track to phase out ozone-harming gases by 2030, with the Ministry of Environment citing completed HCFC phase-out work that avoided large CO2-equivalent emissions. Climate Risk Planning: A new push urges Jordan to build a climate risk index that focuses on who is most vulnerable to drought, heat waves, and floods—not just where hazards occur. Water & Agriculture: Jordan Valley farmers are preparing for the season but face worsening water scarcity, higher input costs, and price volatility that threaten small and mid-scale livelihoods. Biodiversity & Tourism: Petra opened a biodiversity exhibition at the Nabataean Cultural Village, using interactive displays and local wildlife and plant collections to boost conservation awareness. Local Pressure Points: Irbid’s camp residents say extreme density is straining roads, stormwater drainage, sanitation, lighting, and jobs, with calls for faster infrastructure upgrades.

Industrial Safety in Aqaba: Eleven people were treated after an ammonia gas leak at an industrial complex in Jordan’s southern port city of Aqaba, with cases ranging from mild to moderate breathing difficulties; authorities said the leak happened during maintenance on an old pump/pressure unit, the area was secured, readings were checked, and workers were temporarily evacuated before resuming work after inspections. Public Health & Schools: A Jordan-wide school health survey found 32.9% of students aged 13–17 are overweight or obese, with only 12% meeting daily physical activity targets; the Ministry of Health says it is tightening school canteen rules (banning items like energy drinks and carbonated drinks) and pushing more physical activity. Biodiversity & Land Protection: Blue Ridge Conservancy added 60 acres to the Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, transferring land that includes headwaters of Little Naked Creek and is designated “critical,” expanding habitat and conservation efforts in the Amphibolite Mountains. Natural History & Fossils: Jordan is calling for a specialized natural history museum to preserve and showcase fossil discoveries—especially from Zarqa Valley—linking research, education, and tourism routes. Public Sector Modernization: Jordan’s Interior Ministry reviewed institutional culture as part of public sector modernization, aiming to strengthen unified procedures and improve work continuity and sustainability.

Industrial Safety: Eleven people suffered mild to moderate asphyxiation after an ammonia leak during maintenance at an industrial complex in Aqaba; authorities evacuated the port area, said the leak was contained, and allowed workers back only after inspections confirmed no remaining risk. Wildfire & Water: Hundreds were evacuated as a forest fire broke out in Israel’s Tel Dan nature reserve, threatening stream vegetation; the reserve’s visitor centre and access road had reopened after earlier war damage, and the cause of the latest blaze is still unknown. Public Health & Nutrition: Jordan’s Global School-based Health Survey (ages 13–17) found 32.9% of students are overweight or obese, with only 12% meeting daily physical activity targets; the Health Ministry is tightening school canteen rules and promoting activity. Water for Food: Experts warn Jordan must shift from boosting farm output “at any water cost” to more water-efficient production, rethinking crop choices using water productivity, nutrition, economics, and rural jobs. Investment Quality: FDI inflows to Jordan rose 25.1% to about $2.02bn, but analysts say the next step is “investment engineering” focused on higher-value sectors like tech, pharma, food, and renewables. Urban Environment: A new look at Amman’s traffic gridlock links car dependence and status consumption to pollution and health impacts, arguing for transit upgrades plus behavior change.