Jordan

While most economic activity in Jordan is concentrated in Amman, the southern city of Aqaba is playing an increasingly significant role. The population of the city is expected to increase by 130% to 250,000 by 2020, making expansion of Aqaba’s infrastructure to improve air and maritime links within and beyond the region a key objective. A mix of development projects is under way to widen the city...

Industry accounts for about one-fifth of GDP and around 90% of exports. Mining, chemicals, and textiles and garments manufacturing are the top segments, but the kingdom is also the largest exporter of pharmaceuticals in the Arab world. Several new free trade agreements –including one with Turkey – are expected to boost export volumes and revenues. More malls are expected to be added to the three...

Average rental and sales prices for residential real estate have remained steady, although there has been a slight drop in the capital’s commercial segment. The construction sector is characterised by a host of large-scale, mixed-use developments. Plans have also been announced for the kingdom’s first solar cooling plant, while multiple water projects are progressing well, offering a range of...

Access to the Red Sea via the expanding port of Aqaba and proximity to emerging markets in the region, like Saudi Arabia and Iraq, has encouraged Jordan to strengthen its transport offerings and enabled it to support several key infrastructure and real estate projects. While fuel costs remain high, a $1.8bn investment programme to boost the road network, in addition to aviation, rail and maritime...

The kingdom is expected to reduce its reliance on energy imports by tapping into domestic oil shale reserves and promoting renewable energy development. The construction of a nuclear power plant and increased use of solar power promise to further help diversify electricity generation in coming years. In addition, discussions are under way to liberalise fuel distribution by removing the set price...

The insurance sector contributed 1.2% of total trade in the first nine months of 2012, down 54% on the same period of 2011, when it stood at 2.6%. While things are looking more positive for the sector in 2013, it nonetheless faces some major challenges, particularly in the dominant motor segment. Regulatory issues have been on insurers’ minds in recent times too, with the industry’s overall...