AGP Executive Report

Aqaba & Water Security: Jordan’s Cabinet moved ahead with the National Water Carrier Project, including a JD120m steel pipe manufacturing and coating plant, positioning the works to back Aqaba’s industrial and logistics role and create jobs. Amman Traffic Crunch: Urban planning experts say Amman’s congestion has become a daily reality—driven by population growth, sprawl, limited public transport catch-up, and static road capacity—pushing calls for better land-use/transport alignment and demand management, not just more lanes. Jordan–China Air Connectivity: The Chinese ambassador says Amman–Beijing direct flights could launch before year-end, following an MoU between Royal Jordanian and Air China aimed at boosting tourism and business ties. Regional Flight Disruption Watch: As Middle East tensions flare, airlines continue adjusting schedules; travellers are urged to check flight status before heading out. Tourism Policy Abroad (Thailand): Thailand confirmed visa-free stays will drop from 60 to 30 days for eligible nationalities from Sept. 15, a change that could shift regional travel planning for Jordanian outbound travellers. Strait of Hormuz Tension: New US-Iran exchanges and tanker incidents are keeping oil prices elevated and raising uncertainty for travel demand and regional logistics.

Middle East Security & Tourism Impact: Iran-US fighting flared again after U.S. strikes on Larak Island near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran retaliating by targeting U.S.-linked bases in Jordan (King Hussein and al-Azraq). Jordan’s air defences intercepted eight missiles, and reports say no casualties were recorded from the latest attacks—yet the repeated missile activity keeps putting pressure on Jordan’s travel confidence. Aviation Connectivity: Chinese Ambassador Guo Wei said Amman–Beijing direct flights could launch before year-end, following an MoU between Royal Jordanian Airlines and Air China—good news for Chinese visitor growth and business travel. Tourism Economy (Aqaba): Aqaba is doubling down on an “events economy” approach, aiming to turn festivals and conferences into year-round revenue beyond peak seasons, with SOFEX 2026 and the Amwaj+ concert series in focus. Digital Services Push: A World Bank-linked assessment says Jordan has a real shot at becoming a regional hub for exporting AI and digital services, but it needs a coordinated national strategy to scale beyond scattered initiatives. Heritage & Access: Jerash reported over 100,000 visitors in seven months, reinforcing demand for Jordan’s heritage sites. Local Travel Infrastructure: Amman’s cable car project continues with downtown preparation works, as tourism ambitions grow around historic-area access.

Aqaba Events Push: Aqaba is betting big on an expanded events calendar—SOFEX 2026, the Amwaj+ concert series, and more specialized forums—to turn short-term visitor spending into longer-term tourism and business gains across hotels, transport, dining, retail, and local production. Wadi Rum Astro-Tourism: Wadi Rum is leaning into global recognition for astro-tourism, with dark-sky experiences now estimated to add at least JD3 million annually for the local community. Amman Cable Car Watch: Work is advancing on the Amman Cable Car project, with downtown preparation underway as the city weighs tourism ambitions against preserving historic identity. Jordan–China Tourism Link: Jordan’s King Abdullah’s China visit is being framed as “historic,” with calls for direct flights to boost Chinese arrivals and investment. Regional Context: Fresh US-Iran strikes around the Strait of Hormuz are rattling oil markets and raising regional uncertainty—something Jordan’s tourism operators will be watching closely for knock-on effects. Policy & Infrastructure: The Cabinet approved a JD120m steel pipe manufacturing plant tied to the National Water Carrier Project, aiming to create about 420 jobs—an indirect boost for long-term development that supports tourism growth.

Jordan–China Tourism Push: Chinese Ambassador Guo Wei called King Abdullah II’s China visit “historic” and urged direct flights to boost Chinese arrivals, business ties, and investment ahead of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Wadi Rum Astro-Tourism: Wadi Rum’s dark skies are driving astro-tourism, with services estimated to add at least JD3 million annually for the local community. Jerash Visitor Snapshot: Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors in Jan–Jul 2026 (38,106 Jordanians, 62,256 foreigners), down 14.7% from the same period in 2025. Amman Cable Car Progress: Work is underway for the Amman Cable Car project, with downtown preparation activities moving forward. Royal Birthday Moment: Queen Rania marked her 56th birthday on Aug. 31 with a new portrait, keeping the spotlight on Jordan’s public-facing cultural life. Regional Travel Context: Flight updates for travellers in/through the UAE highlight cancellations and delays, while some Middle East routes remain suspended.

Medical Tourism Spotlight: Jordanian child Katia Abu Al Saud and her mother traveled from Amman to Dubai to start treatment at Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, after Sheikh Mohammed pledged to cover the full $2.4m cost for spinal muscular atrophy care. Heritage & Visitor Numbers: Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors in the first seven months of 2026 (38,106 Jordanians, 62,256 foreigners), down 14.7% from 2025, with February the busiest month. Tourism Infrastructure Watch: Amman’s Jabal Al-Qalaa Cable Car project and downtown preparation works continue, with stakeholders weighing tourism ambitions against preserving historic identity. Regional Travel Context: Airlines and Gulf flight schedules remain disrupted, with travellers urged to check cancellations and delays before heading to airports. Freedom of Press: Jordanian-American journalist Ali Younes was detained in Amman and faces charges tied to “undermining national security,” raising concerns for media freedom.

Jerash Visitor Surge (But Down YoY): Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors from January to July 2026—38,106 Jordanians and 62,256 foreign tourists—according to preliminary Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities figures, but that’s a 14.7% drop versus 117,701 in the same period of 2025. Diplomatic Boost for Tourism Links: Lower House Speaker Mazen Qadi met Greece’s parliament speaker in Athens, stressing stronger Jordanian-Greek cooperation and highlighting Greece’s support for the Hashemite Custodianship of holy sites and the two-state solution—an angle that can support regional travel confidence. Credit Rating Signal for Travel Economy: Economists welcomed Standard & Poor’s decision to affirm Jordan’s sovereign credit rating at BB- with a stable outlook, saying it supports investor confidence and the business climate—key for tourism investment and jobs. Regional Stability Watch: UN mediator Nikolay Mladenov warned that failure to follow the Gaza peace roadmap could collapse the ceasefire, including plans for an International Stabilization Force with Morocco set to participate—something travelers will watch closely. Media & Travel Freedom: Women Journalists Without Chains raised concerns over the prosecution of Jordanian-American journalist Ali Younes and his travel ban, a reminder that press freedom and mobility can affect Jordan’s international image.

Jerash Visitor Surge: Jerash welcomed 100,362 visitors in Jan–July 2026 (38,106 Jordanians, 62,256 foreigners), but that’s down 14.7% from 2025’s 117,701—still a strong base for the ancient city’s tourism calendar, including the long-running Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts. Cable Car Watch (Amman): Preparatory works have started for the Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car in downtown Amman, with officials stressing the project aims to boost tourism and connect key sites while protecting the area’s historic and archaeological identity. Inclusive Tourism Push: Jordan is moving beyond basic ramps, with new focus on making tourist experiences accessible for people with disabilities—from signage and pathways to beach access and services—under the country’s disability rights framework. Aqaba Off-Road Ambitions: Young Jordanians are turning desert four-wheel-drive culture into a bigger sports tourism plan, building toward “Dunes Capital 2027” to put Jordan’s off-roading on the regional map. Tourism & Transit (Regional): Airlines in the Gulf are reporting flight disruptions and cancellations, with travellers urged to check live updates before heading out. Syrian Returns: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan to Syria since Dec 2024, with around 45,000 returning since the start of 2026—an important backdrop for Jordan’s travel and hospitality demand.

Cable Car Watch: Preparatory works have started for Amman’s Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car, with officials stressing the project is meant to boost tourism and connect key downtown sites while protecting the city’s historic and archaeological identity. Inclusive Tourism Push: Jordan is moving beyond basic ramps, with calls for kingdom-wide accessibility standards across tourist sites—covering routes, signage, services, and beach access—under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework. Desert Adventure Plans: Young off-roaders are organizing a bigger regional push from Aqaba Off Road toward “Dunes Capital 2027,” aiming to turn Jordan’s desert into a recurring destination for off-roading fans. Tourism & Heritage Fundraising: Housing Bank joined a “Hike for Health and Heritage” in Petra, backing reconstruction and expansion of Al-Qatrana Health Center to improve emergency care for communities along the Desert Highway. China-Jordan Tourism Link: Xi Jinping and King Abdullah II reaffirmed deeper cooperation that includes tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and new growth in areas like digital, AI, and green energy. Syrian Returns: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan since Dec. 2024, with departures rising after the school year and better travel conditions.

Cable Car Watch: Preparatory works have started for Amman’s Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car, aiming to link key downtown sites and boost tourism—while officials stress the project won’t target protected heritage areas and that Amman’s historic identity remains a priority. Inclusive Tourism Push: Jordan is spotlighting accessibility as a full tourism right, not just ramps—covering routes, signage, restrooms, beach access, and services—under the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Desert Adventure Plans: Aqaba Off Road is building momentum for “Dunes Capital 2027,” an annual off-roading sports tourism event in Wadi Araba designed to put Jordan’s desert on the regional adventure map. Tourism-Health Link: Housing Bank joined a “Hike for Health and Heritage” in Petra to support reconstruction and expansion of Al-Qatrana Health Center, including emergency and trauma services along a major highway. China-Jordan Tourism Angle: King Abdullah’s Beijing talks with Xi Jinping included cooperation in tourism alongside broader development alignment, with both sides calling for deeper people-to-people exchange. Regional Context: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have returned from Jordan to Syria since Dec. 2024, with returns rising after the school year ended.

Amman Tourism Infrastructure: Preparatory works have started for the Jabal Al-Qalaa cable car in downtown Amman, with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Greater Amman Municipality saying affected buildings are outside the main historic market areas and not classified as heritage—while stressing protection of the city’s archaeological and architectural identity. Inclusive Tourism Push: Jordan is moving beyond basic access ramps, with calls for kingdom-wide accessibility standards across tourist sites—covering routes, restrooms, beach access, signage, and services—under the framework of the 2017 disability rights law. Aqaba Off-Road Adventure Tourism: Local off-road enthusiasts are organizing a bigger, annual sports-tourism push from Aqaba, aiming to grow the “Dunes Capital 2027” event in Wadi Araba and link with Gulf and regional off-road communities. Regional Tourism & Community: Housing Bank joined a “Hike for Health and Heritage” in Petra (21–22 Aug), backing reconstruction and expansion of Al-Qatrana Health Center to improve emergency care along the Desert Highway. Jordan–China Tourism Cooperation: During King Abdullah II’s Beijing talks, China’s Xi Jinping highlighted deeper cooperation including tourism, people-to-people exchanges, and sectors like digital, AI, green energy, and education. Syrian Returns Update: UNHCR says about 220,000 registered Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned from Jordan since Dec. 8, 2024, with roughly 45,000 returning since the start of 2026.

China-Jordan Tourism Push: King Abdullah’s China visit is being framed as a bid to attract a new wave of Chinese travelers, with talks including smart destination marketing, cultural tourism and better air connectivity via Trip.com executives. Urban Tourism Upgrade: Amman Cable Car preparations are moving ahead, with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and Greater Amman Municipality starting downtown clearance and works while stressing heritage buildings won’t be affected. Bilateral Deals With Tourism Spillover: Jordan’s King also wrapped up a broader China package of agreements and MoUs aimed at shifting ties toward investment, technology transfer and sector partnerships that include tourism and civil aviation. Regional Humanitarian Context: UNHCR says about 220,000 Syrian refugees have voluntarily returned from Jordan to Syria since Dec 2024, with returns picking up after the school year and improved weather. Development Finance: ADFD signed major financing and development contracts with Jordan, including budget support and an industrial gas pipeline project tied to the Economic Modernization Vision. Tourism Safety/Heritage Note: Ajloun is highlighting its springs and water sources as potential stops on tourist and heritage trails, calling for rehabilitation and storytelling for visitors.

Amman Cable Car Progress: Jordan’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Greater Amman Municipality have started downtown preparation and development works for the Amman Cable Car, saying the cleared buildings aren’t heritage-listed and that the project won’t affect structures on the urban heritage register. Tourism Heritage Ideas: Ajloun’s springs and historic water sources are being pitched as attractions along tourist and heritage trails, with calls to rehabilitate sites and highlight their local stories. Jordan–China Push: King Abdullah II’s China visit produced agreements spanning tourism, civil aviation, energy, agriculture and training, with a clear goal to boost Chinese arrivals and improve air connectivity. Press Freedom Watch: Jordan arrested investigative journalist Ali Younes after he reposted a piece questioning US aid to Jordan, raising fresh concerns for media freedom. Regional Travel Disruption: Jordan’s foreign ministry offered condolences to Nepal after deadly floods, noting hundreds of tourists—many foreign—were still unaccounted for. Local Governance Update: Jordan’s parliament passed six bills in a special session covering local administration, universities, real estate ownership, vocational work, consumer affairs and education quality assurance.

Jordan–China Tourism Push: King Abdullah II’s China visit wrapped with a wide package of agreements, including tourism and air connectivity talks, as Jordan looks to attract more Chinese visitors and shift from “importer” to “partner” in areas like digital, aviation, agriculture, and tourism. Regional Travel Disruption: Airlines are still adjusting Middle East schedules after the Iran conflict, with multiple carriers extending suspensions on routes including Dubai and Amman into late October and even mid-January 2027 for some Tel Aviv/Dubai services—check before you book. Jordan Media Rights Watch: Jordan arrested investigative journalist Ali Younes in Amman after he reposted content questioning US aid to the kingdom, raising fresh concerns for press freedom and political expression. Tourism Demand Signals: Sharjah Airport reported a summer peak surge of 390,000+ passengers (10–16 Aug), with Amman among the busiest destinations—useful context for regional connectivity. Aqaba Process Link: Kazakhstan’s leaders confirmed October summits in Turkmenistan’s Avaza zone, with Jordan’s Aqaba Process AI-security initiative referenced for early November talks in Astana.

Jordan–China diplomacy: King Abdullah II returned to Jordan after a state visit to China, where talks with Xi Jinping focused on de-escalation and expanding cooperation in sectors including tourism, education, culture, agriculture, pharma, engineering and aviation. Air connectivity: Royal Jordanian and Air China signed an MOU to explore codeshares and support a planned nonstop Amman–Beijing route, framed as a boost for tourism and business links. Regional travel risk: Airlines continue adjusting Middle East flight schedules amid airspace and operational uncertainty, with some services suspended or rerouted. Tourism demand signals: Sharjah Airport reported a summer peak surge of 390,000+ passengers (10–16 Aug), with Amman among the busiest destinations—an indirect read-through for regional travel flows. Local tourism culture: Ajloun Cable Car festival drew more than 25,000 visitors, highlighting ongoing interest in Jordan’s attraction-led weekend tourism. Media & policy: Jordan arrested investigative journalist Ali Younes over alleged reposting tied to criticism of US aid—an item that may affect perceptions among international audiences.

Royal Diplomacy & Tourism: King Abdullah II returned from China after talks with Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides stressing Middle East de-escalation and signing cooperation MoUs spanning tourism, education, culture, agriculture, pharma, media and e-commerce—plus an invitation for Xi to visit Jordan. Air Connectivity: Royal Jordanian and Air China signed an MOU to deepen airline cooperation and explore codeshares and a planned nonstop Amman–Beijing route, framed as a boost for tourism and business travel. Regional Shipping Risk: China and Jordan urged normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and called for dialogue to preserve an Iran-US ceasefire, a move with direct implications for regional travel and trade routes. Humanitarian Funding: UK Secretary of State (International Development) Randeep Sarai wrapped up a Lebanon-Jordan visit announcing nearly $80m in international assistance for refugees and resilient communities. Local Tourism Events: Ajloun Cable Car’s 10-day summer festival drew 25,000+ visitors, combining rides with culture, family activities and a rural products bazaar. Airline Modernization: Royal Jordanian selected Ramco Systems to power its next growth phase with upgraded aviation software for maintenance, supply chain and compliance.

Jordan–China Summit: King Abdullah II met President Xi Jinping in Beijing, with both sides calling for deeper alignment on development strategies and expanding cooperation across trade, infrastructure, transport, mining, digital economy, AI, green energy, education, culture, science, and tourism. Air Connectivity Boost: Royal Jordanian and Air China signed an MoU to explore codeshares and pave the way for a planned nonstop Amman–Beijing service, positioning the route as a tourism and business bridge. Tourism Partnerships on the Table: Jordan’s delegation also highlighted cooperation opportunities in tourism, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, engineering, and culture during meetings with China’s Premier Li Qiang. On-the-Ground Tourism Event: Ajloun’s Cable Car Summer Festival drew over 25,000 visitors over 10 days, combining rides with family entertainment, local crafts, and performances—aimed at turning the attraction into a year-round destination. Local Visitor Safety/Access: Amman Municipality upgraded a downtown tourist walkway to improve safety and accessibility for visitors. Regional Context: China urged a diplomatic, two-state approach to the Palestine-Israel conflict and called for restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a reminder of how regional stability directly affects travel planning.