AGP Executive Report

New Route for UAE Visitors: Royal Jordanian has launched a direct Abu Dhabi–Aqaba service (2 flights weekly), bringing the UAE–Jordan network to nearly 40 direct flights per week and giving travelers easier access to Aqaba and the Golden Triangle (Petra and Wadi Rum included), with the launch tied to its ExploRJordan tourism push. Domestic Tourism Push: Ajloun welcomed 27 tour buses under the “Our Jordan Is Paradise” program, spotlighting green landscapes, archaeological sites, and rural tourism products to boost local income. Underwater Tourism Curiosity: Jordan’s 2019 sunken TriStar jet off Aqaba is now acting like an artificial reef, with corals and sponges taking hold and drawing recreational divers to the Red Sea. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Jordan MMA Week is set to use Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea as the backdrop for international fighters and media, aiming to turn combat sports into a destination marketing engine. City Life Challenge: A new look at Amman’s traffic gridlock links congestion to car culture and resistance to change, arguing for transit upgrades plus behavior-focused solutions.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Royal Jordanian launched a new direct Abu Dhabi–Aqaba service (2 weekly flights), adding to nearly 40 direct UAE–Jordan flights per week and giving UAE travelers a faster route to Jordan’s Red Sea gateway and the Golden Triangle (Aqaba–Petra–Wadi Rum). The launch in Dubai also rolled out ExploRJordan, a campaign pushing visitors to explore beyond the usual landmarks, including Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Amman. Domestic Tourism Push: Ajloun welcomed 27 tour buses under the “Our Jordan Is Paradise” program, highlighting green nature, archaeological stops, and rural tourism products to support local communities. Heritage & Diving Tourism: Jordan’s underwater “TriStar” jet artificial reef near Aqaba continues to draw attention as divers find new coral and marine life settling on the retired aircraft. Culture & Inclusion: Jordan’s “It Must Shine” initiative will take an experimental performance to Egypt’s Awladona forum, spotlighting arts for people with disabilities. Visitor Numbers: Machaerus saw 8,996 visitors in Jan–Jul 2026 (slight dip vs 2025), with foreign arrivals down but Jordanian visitors up sharply.

Inclusive Arts & Culture: Jordan’s “It Must Shine” initiative will send a theater troupe to Egypt’s Awladona (Our Children) International Forum (Sept. 17–24), staging the experimental performance “The Gift, What If?” to spotlight inclusion for people with disabilities. Domestic Tourism Push: Ajloun welcomed 27 tour buses under the “Our Jordan Is Paradise” program, with visits to archaeological sites, rural tourism cabins, and green landscapes—aimed at boosting local income and travel demand. Tourism & Heritage Numbers: Machaerus recorded 8,996 visitors in Jan–Jul 2026 (down 0.8% overall), while Jordanian visitors surged to 1,692 (+107.6%); a cultural program featuring Handel’s “The Messiah” is set to launch at the site under Prince Hassan’s patronage. Regional Travel Risk Watch: International SOS urged travelers to review plans as Middle East tensions stay volatile, flagging risks to airspace, flights, and maritime activity, including developments affecting routes near Jordan. Economic Links with Tourism Angle: Jordan and Russia agreed to expand cooperation across sectors including tourism, logistics, and transport after their 7th joint commission in Moscow.

Jordan-Russia Economic Boost: Jordan and Russia wrapped up their 7th joint commission in Moscow, agreeing to expand cooperation across trade, industry, investment, energy, agriculture, transport, logistics, tourism and ICT, with Jordan pushing more Jordanian company participation in Russian trade fairs. Machaerus Visitor Update: Jordan’s Machaerus archaeological site welcomed 8,996 visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (down 0.8% year-on-year), while Jordanian visitors surged to 1,692 (+107.6%); a cultural-spiritual program featuring Handel’s “The Messiah” is set to launch there on Saturday under Prince Hassan bin Talal ahead of the 2030 Saint John the Baptist commemoration. Travel Risk Watch (Middle East): International SOS urged travelers to review plans as US-Iran tensions stay elevated, flagging risks to regional airspace, flights and maritime activity, including impacts from Saudi pipeline disruptions and Red Sea security concerns. Tourism & Faith Link: Jordanian religious tourism gets a spotlight as Amman hosts major Christian outreach events, including Michael Youssef’s “Christ Our Hope,” where organizers say more than 500 Jordanians made professions of faith.**

Machaerus Tourism Boost: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities says the Machaerus archaeological site welcomed 8,996 visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (down 0.8% year-on-year), with foreign visitors falling but Jordanian visitors more than doubling; the site is also gearing up for a Prince El Hassan–patronised cultural and spiritual program launching Saturday, featuring Handel’s “Messiah” under “Echoes of Faith… Voices of Heritage.” Jordan-US Military Fallout: A US official told Reuters that Iranian missiles damaged several American aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, contradicting President Trump’s earlier denial—an issue that could affect regional travel confidence. Regional Travel Context: With Hormuz still disrupted and oil prices above $100, the wider Middle East aviation picture remains tense, while Jordan’s own inbound tourism messaging will likely matter more than ever for visitors planning trips. Sports & Tourism Tie-in: Australia’s Socceroos have scheduled friendlies in Jordan (Amman on Nov. 18), adding another potential travel draw for football fans heading to the Kingdom.

Jordan Travel & Tourism: Religious Tourism in Amman: Egyptian-American pastor Michael Youssef drew more than 1,600 to “Christ Our Hope” at Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary in Amman (Sept. 4), with organizers saying over 500 Jordanians made professions of faith (KINGDOM SAT/Al Malakoot Sat TV). Regional Travel Context: UAE Flight Disruptions: Dubai International kept operating despite delays/cancellations tied to wider Mideast tensions; carriers reported technical delays and route changes across the Gulf. Jordan in the Middle East Security Mix: US Aircraft Damage Claim: A US official told Reuters that Iranian missiles damaged US aircraft at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan, contradicting Trump’s earlier denial—an uncertainty that can affect traveler confidence and regional planning. Jordan Sports Tourism Hook: Football Friendlies in Jordan: Australia’s Socceroos will play Jordan in Amman on Nov. 18 as part of their Asian Cup build-up, adding another international draw for the city. Local Development: Ajloun Tourism Push: Ajloun’s tourism assets are expanding, but the area still faces development and diversification challenges as it tries to grow sustainably.

Jordan–China Tourism & Trade: Chinese Ambassador Guo Wei says multiple Chinese provincial and municipal trade, investment, and tourism delegations are set to visit Jordan soon to turn outcomes of King Abdullah II’s China trip into practical cooperation. Religious Tourism Push: Jordan and Palestine agreed to develop joint religious tourism packages, setting up a working group to map priorities and an actionable roadmap—timed with Jordan’s 2030 baptism anniversary plans. Flight Connectivity Watch (UAE): UAE airport updates show delays and cancellations affecting routes to Pakistan, Kuwait, and India, with airlines urging passengers to monitor schedules closely. Air Access to Jordan: Wizz Air plans a winter restart of Middle East links, including routes to Amman, with Budapest–Amman operating from 22 September and additional weekly services to Abu Dhabi and Dubai from late October. Irbid Downtown Upgrade: Greater Irbid Municipality reports the historic centre redevelopment is ~40% along, with a first phase focused on Tell Irbid park, pedestrian links, parking, and heritage restoration, aiming to finish in about six months. Culture & Arts: Jordanian businessman Abbab Al-Ezza named honorary president of the Jordanian Association of Visual Artists for 2026–2028, backed by a push for stronger cultural–private sector partnerships.

Air Connectivity Boost: Iraqi Airways will double Baghdad–Amman flights on peak days (Thurs–Sat) starting Sept. 11, adding capacity for growing passenger demand between Iraq and Jordan. Urban Tourism Development: Irbid’s historic city center redevelopment has reached about 40% progress, with work advancing on Tell Irbid’s 24-dunum park and a new tourist route linking Tell Irbid to the Meridien Hotel and Beit Al-Dahdah. Regional Travel Watch: Wizz Air plans to restart and expand Middle East services in the winter schedule, including routes to Amman, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, with multiple weekly frequencies from late September/October. Jordan in the Regional Security Spotlight: Reports say Iran-linked attacks and missile activity have kept Jordan’s airspace and regional travel planning under pressure, with officials discussing interceptions and aircraft impacts. Jordan–China Business & Tourism Links: Chinese delegations from provinces and cities are expected to visit Jordan soon to follow up on King Abdullah II’s China visit, with trade, investment and tourism cooperation on the agenda. Culture & Community: The Jordanian Association of Visual Artists has appointed Abbab Al-Ezza as honorary president (2026–2028), aiming to strengthen partnerships between the cultural and private sectors.

Irbid City Center Project: Greater Irbid Municipality says work on the historic downtown redevelopment is ~40% complete, with the first phase (about a fifth) focused on a 24-dunum park at Tell Irbid, utility upgrades, and a tourist route linking Tell Irbid to the Meridien Hotel and Beit Al-Dahdah; demolition has started and the first phase is expected in ~6 months, with later phases targeting the goldsmiths’ market and square. Aviation Connectivity: Iraqi Airways will double Baghdad–Amman flights on peak days (Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays) starting Sept. 11 to meet rising demand. Regional Travel Disruptions: Wizz Air plans to resume UAE flights from Oct. 25, adding Dubai and Abu Dhabi routes (including to Amman) with fares from AED 289; meanwhile, United Airlines pushes back Newark–Dubai service to March 2027 and offers refunds for affected bookings. Security & Tourism Climate: Iran’s nuclear file escalates as the IAEA board reports Iran to the UN Security Council for non-cooperation, while the US-Iran standoff keeps oil above $100 and raises concerns for regional travel and maritime routes. Royal Tourism Link: King Abdullah II and Queen Rania returned to Jordan after attending Norway’s King Harald V state funeral in Oslo, attended by Jordan among other monarchies.

Middle East Security & Travel Risk: The US destroyed five Iranian oil tankers after Iran tried to hit a US warship, while Iran retaliated by striking a US-used base in Jordan and targeting shipping near the Strait of Hormuz—pushing Brent back above $100 and tightening maritime conditions that can ripple into regional travel planning. Jordan Tourism Infrastructure: Jordan’s Prime Minister ordered new public parks in Zarqa and five other governorates, modeled on existing flagship parks, with projects slated for 2027—adding more family-friendly outdoor space and visitor-ready amenities. Air Connectivity Watch: Wizz Air says it will return to Dubai and Abu Dhabi with 12 routes and 49 weekly flights (plus Amman) ahead of winter, restoring direct links for Jordan-bound travelers and regional tourism demand. Royal Spotlight: King Abdullah and Queen Rania traveled to Oslo for King Harald V’s funeral, underscoring Jordan’s continued diplomatic and cultural ties with Europe. Visitor Visa Update: Thailand cut visa-free stays for Indian passport holders from 60 to 30 days starting Sept. 15, a change worth noting for Jordanian travelers with Thailand plans.

Air Connectivity Boost: Wizz Air says it will resume flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with added winter links to Jeddah and Amman, starting Oct 25 (UAE routes) and progressively restoring services across the season—good news for Jordan-bound travellers chasing winter sun. More Middle East Flight Options: Lufthansa Group confirmed a gradual return of flights to Dubai from late October, aiming to expand business and leisure capacity. Visa Rules Update for Regional Travellers: Thailand is rolling back its 60-day visa-free stay for ordinary passport holders, reverting to 30-day visa-free entries from Sept 15, with possible one-time extensions up to 30 days. Jordan Travel Spotlight (Heritage + Tech): Jordan is gearing up for the 2030 Baptism of Jesus commemoration at Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas), with plans to upgrade pilgrim services and build a dedicated museum and digital experience. Regional Security Watch: Iran-US tensions remain in focus after reports of missile activity involving Jordan, with Jordanian air defences intercepting incoming missiles.

Royal Travel & Security: Queen Rania has confirmed a last-minute trip to Oslo to attend King Harald V’s state funeral, joining King Abdullah II and European royals as Norway prepares its biggest security operation in history. Religious Tourism Spotlight: A cultural and spiritual program at Machaerus will stage Handel’s “The Messiah” ahead of the 2030 commemoration of John the Baptist, with Jordan’s Tourism and Antiquities Minister highlighting the kingdom’s role in protecting Christian pilgrimage heritage. Family Travel & Learning: Jordan’s non-formal education push is expanding beyond classrooms via libraries, cultural centers and digital platforms, with major contributions from the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and Zaha Cultural Center. Air Connectivity Watch: Wizz Air is restoring winter links to the Middle East, including services tied to Amman, while EgyptAir launches a new Cairo–Zanzibar route as it grows Africa-focused tourism connections. Visitor Numbers & Regional Demand: Umm Qais has drawn nearly 71,000 visitors in seven months, though one report notes a drop of about 11,000 in the same period. On-the-Ground Support: Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) evacuated 10 injured Jordanians from Egypt for specialized treatment at King Hussein Medical Centre. Travel Tech Perk: oneworld is partnering with Timeshifter to offer personalized jet-lag plans for Round the World travelers booked on oneworld.com. Tourism Events: Jordanian audiences may also like the “ArtSplash” festival-style cultural calendar—free admission, family activities, and extended Saturday hours are highlighted for a major September arts weekend.

Jordanian Tourism & Travel Disruption: With regional tensions still reshaping travel, several airlines have extended suspensions to Dubai and other Middle East destinations, pushing some disruptions out to late October 2026 and even beyond. Tourism & Hospitality Tech: Queen Alia International Airport is highlighting a “Smart Cleaning System” using AI and sensors to optimize terminal cleaning based on passenger traffic patterns. Jordan Tourism Demand Hit: A Vatican Media interview with Bishop Iyad Twal says Jordan has lost “normal tourism” as the US-Iran conflict and wider instability pause religious travel and pilgrimages. Jordanian Visitor Safety: JAF evacuated 10 injured Jordanians from Egypt for specialized treatment at King Hussein Medical Centre, with cases ranging from moderate to critical. Regional Travel Opportunities: EgyptAir launched a new Cairo–Zanzibar route (twice weekly), positioning Cairo as a gateway for Africa-Europe-Middle East connections. Jordanian Tourism Development: A study on Ajloun tourism calls for infrastructure upgrades, higher tourism/antiquities budgets, easier licensing, and support for youth-led projects. Cultural/Heritage Tourism Angle: Jordan’s Hashemite Custodianship and the Arab League’s push to protect Jerusalem’s holy sites were reiterated in meetings focused on preserving the city’s historical and legal status quo. Travel-Adjacent Business: Webook.com rolled out Saudi “Package Visa” for eligible nationalities including Jordanians, bundling flights, 4-star+ hotels, and optional experiences with visa processing typically within 24 hours.

Tourism & Safety: Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) medical aircraft evacuated 10 injured Jordanians from Egypt to Amman for specialised treatment at King Hussein Medical Centre, with one patient initially deemed unsafe for air transfer and kept under observation in Egypt. Regional Tourism & Pilgrimage: Jordan’s Hajj prep moves ahead as preliminary registration opens Sunday (for Jordanians and residents from Gaza) via the electronic Hajj platform, running until Sept. 27, with JD200 for the primary registrant and medical fitness requirements. Destination Development: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan visited the “Blessed Tree” area in Al-Safawi and the Azraq Oasis Reserve revitalisation project, directing a new initiative to develop eastern Jordan’s tourism, environmental and historical sites—linking reserves, desert castles and heritage through new routes and experiences. Airport Experience: Queen Alia International Airport highlights its “Smart Cleaning System,” using AI, sensors and robotics to optimise terminal cleaning based on passenger traffic patterns. Local Tourism Assets: Ajloun’s tourism growth is in focus, with calls to upgrade infrastructure, boost tourism and antiquities budgets, ease licensing, and support youth-led projects. International Travel Links: EgyptAir launched a new Cairo–Zanzibar route (twice weekly), betting on Cairo as a gateway for East Africa–Europe/Middle East travel. Travel Tech & Visas: Webook.com rolled out Saudi “Package Visa” for eligible nationalities including Jordan, combining flights, hotel and optional experiences into an online e-visa application.

Tourism Development Push: Jordan’s PM visited the “Blessed Tree” area and the Azraq Wetland Reserve revitalisation project, directing a new plan to develop eastern Jordan’s tourism, environmental and historical sites—linking reserves, desert castles and heritage routes to strengthen the national tourism map. Regional Travel Disruption: Airlines still haven’t fully resumed Dubai and other Middle East routes after airspace disruptions; multiple carriers have extended suspensions into late October, affecting planning for travellers heading to the Gulf. Saudi Entry Made Easier for Jordanians: weBook launched a Saudi Package Visa service for eligible nationalities including Jordan, letting travellers book flights and 4-star+ hotels and apply for a tourist e-visa online (typically within 24 hours). Local Tourism Assets Spotlight: Ajloun is weighing tourism growth against infrastructure and diversification challenges, with calls for higher antiquities budgets, easier licensing and support for youth-led projects. Visitor Numbers Watch: Umm Qais saw nearly 71,000 visitors in seven months, though reporting also notes a drop in arrivals over the same period. Culture & Heritage: Salt’s traditional “Al-Manqala” game remains a daily social ritual, keeping heritage alive in old alleys and cafés. Hajj Update: Preliminary Hajj registration for Jordanians and Gaza Strip residents opens Sunday and runs until Sept. 27 via the electronic platform.

Tourism Boost in Eastern Jordan: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan ordered a new project to develop eastern Jordan’s tourism, environmental and historical sites, linking reserves and desert castles into integrated routes—covering Shaumari, Dahak, Qasr Amra, Qasr Al-Kharana, Azraq Castle, and the Azraq Wetland/Oasis revitalisation. Hajj Access for Jordanians: Preliminary Hajj registration for Jordanians and residents from Gaza opens via the e-platform Sunday and runs until Sept. 27, with JD200 for the primary registrant and medical fitness requirements. Religious Tourism Hit by Regional Tensions: Bishop Iyad Twal said Jordan has kept daily life running, but tourism—especially religious pilgrimages—has effectively stalled amid the US-Iran crisis. Flight Disruptions Still Lingering: Many airlines are still not back to Dubai and parts of the Middle East, with suspensions extending into late October (and in some cases beyond), affecting travel planning. Supernova Spotted from Jordan: The Jordanian Astronomical Society observed newly discovered SN 2026aaiv from Amman, adding fresh science content that can support public interest in Jordan’s skywatching tourism. Saudi Package Visa Online: Webook launched a Saudi package-visa service for eligible travellers from seven countries, bundling flights and 4-star+ hotels with faster e-visa processing.