Amman: The year 2026 is set to be pivotal for Jordan's economic development, as it has been designated as the year of strategic projects across the water, energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors, according to economic experts.
According to Jordan News Agency, these ventures are anticipated to elevate growth rates by stimulating aggregate demand, broadening the productive base, and generating direct and indirect job opportunities, particularly in sectors related to supply chains and support services. Experts highlight that enhancing infrastructure quality and public services will positively impact the investment environment, aligning with the economic modernization vision aimed at increasing growth rates through investments estimated at approximately JD41 billion, with the private sector leading nearly 72 percent of this total.
Economic experts describe 2026 as the year of "strategic projects and developmental construction," representing a continuation of the economic modernization system across various aspects and strategic pillars. Abdul Rahim Al-Buqai, Chairman of the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company Board, emphasized the crucial focus on strategic energy projects and energy security, which will significantly contribute to Jordan's stability. He noted that the energy sector will undergo transformations, including a gas sales agreement with Syria via the Arab Gas Pipeline from the port of Aqaba, which will soon see further upgrades.
Economist and former CEO of the Jordan Industrial Estates Corporation Board, Ali Madadha, pointed out that fiscal and monetary policies drive economic activity through their instruments and the economic cycle. He stated that the economic modernization vision for 2026 to 2029 rests on three main pillars: economic growth, human empowerment, and sustainability and governance. These pillars aim to achieve sustainable growth of about 5 to 6 percent annually, contingent upon actual investment.
Dr. Raed Masa'deh Bani Yassin, a former Dean and Professor of Management Information Systems, stressed the importance of leveraging digital transformation and innovation as key drivers of sustainable growth. He highlighted that adopting digital solutions can improve service quality, expedite procedures, and enhance transparency and governance.
Dr. Mohammed Khataybeh, Professor of International Finance, views 2026 as a turning point for major strategic projects, aligning with the economic modernization vision to create approximately one million additional jobs by 2033. He emphasized the significance of infrastructure projects like the National Water Carrier Project and the National Railway Project in addressing structural deficits and enhancing competitiveness.
Ruba Abu Shahab, Associate Professor in the Economics Department at Al-Balqa Applied University, noted that 2026 is pivotal for addressing chronic structural imbalances in crucial sectors such as water, energy, transport, and infrastructure, which are essential inputs for production and investment.