Where to invest in Jordan

Strategically located at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, Jordan offers a unique combination of socio-political stability, a business-friendly environment, pro-investment policies and a highly skilled workforce.

Jordan has focused on developing its human capital and embracing innovation, which has resulted in the country's economy becoming increasingly diverse and open to foreign investment.

Sectors for Investment

Food Processing

The food processing industry occupies an important place in Jordan's national economy and plays a significant role in the country's socio-economic growth. Various methods of processing food to preserve and extend its shelf life are part of the local tradition in Jordan, covering a wide range of different sub-sectors. Today, Jordan uses the latest food processing techniques and technologies alongside traditional ones.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Processed Fruits and Vegetables: Most of Jordan's fruits and vegetables are grown in the Jordan Valley and Mafraq. The main vegetables processed in Jordan include tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants and squash, while olives, dates, apricots, citrus fruits, stone fruits and bananas are the main varieties of fruits grown in the country.

Dairy: Fresh milk is mainly produced in the northern parts of the Jordan Valley, the most fertile region of the country. The main international export products of the country's dairy industry are sheep and goat milk products, while cow's milk products are mainly exported to the regions. The main dairy products include yogurt and halloumi cheese, and bottled and packaged products are produced mainly for the local market.

Olives and Olive Oil: Olive and olive oil production is an important subsector of the food industry in Jordan, which has attracted large investments. Jordan is known as one of the oldest olive producing countries in the world, with 12 million olive trees planted in the country’s fertile regions.

Opportunities

The global organic food market is projected to grow to US$366.66 billion by 2029. Growing health awareness among global consumers has made organic food production one of the fastest growing segments in the processed food sector. Coupled with Jordan’s numerous trade agreements, particularly with EU member states and the United States, this creates a promising opportunity for investors interested in capitalizing on the growth of the organic food industry.

Jordan’s policies in the food processing sector are generally perceived as some of the most investor-friendly in the region. For example, imports of equipment and raw materials are subject to reduced customs duties, making Jordan a more cost-effective industrial destination. In addition, the Jordanian government has established special agricultural zones that provide extensive logistical support, including opportunities for collaboration with research institutes and organizations.

The country’s rich heritage in livestock farming and processing has given it a significant advantage in exporting these products to global markets. Jordan’s natural pastures help meet the needs of its livestock industry, whether it is sheep and goats (for dairy and meat production) or poultry (for meat or eggs).

Employment in Jordan’s food industry is characterized by a diverse range of jobs, including farm laborers, agricultural engineers, researchers, and extension workers. Both public and private organizations prioritize training and capacity building of the workforce, resulting in a highly skilled and knowledgeable human capital cadre. Jordan's free zones and development zones offer high-quality infrastructure and an optimized business environment, as well as strategic warehousing capacity exceeding 350,000 tons.

Consumer behavior in Jordan is gradually becoming more Western. Jordan has growing demand for the following commodities: corn, rice, food ingredients, fresh and frozen seafood, foreign cheeses, gourmet beef products, nuts and grains. Although the sweets market is growing, exporters should be aware that genetically modified (GM) products require pre-registration and must comply with labeling requirements.

Jordan is traditionally price-sensitive. The lifestyle and aspirational shopping habits of young Jordanians are growing due to greater exposure to global trends and brands. These consumers (in the 15-32 age group) make up the largest concentration of gross income in Jordan. Supermarket chains are the main distribution channel for imported food products, targeting middle- and upper-income consumers. There are indications that demand for high-quality goods and services will remain highest through 2030 among the country’s top income group, those earning more than $150,000 per year. Middle-income households spend an average of $14,000 (with an estimated 40% of discretionary spending going towards food).

Information and Communications Technology

The information and communications technology (ICT) sector in Jordan is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Jordanian economy, with total annual revenue exceeding $3.3 billion. Digital transformation is a top priority with the move towards e-government services. Additionally, technological innovation is also an area of focus as the country takes steps to position itself as a regional digital hub.

Jordan is considered a country with a high level of entrepreneurial initiatives compared to other countries in the region and benefits from the availability of affordable tech talent, geopolitical stability, good infrastructure, a liberalized telecommunications sector, proximity to key regional markets, and government support. There are over 1,000 active companies in the sector, directly employing around 25,000 people. With Jordan’s population accounting for 3% of the MENA region’s population, it accounts for 27% of the region’s tech entrepreneurs. The Kingdom currently ranks 49th in the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) and has over 25 business incubators, accelerators, and creative hubs.

Jordan has taken positive steps in the area of cybersecurity, ranking 71st out of 193 participating countries in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI). In 2019, the Cybersecurity Law was passed, which provides a blueprint for the country’s cyber defense capabilities, including the establishment of the National Cyber Security Council and the National Cyber Security Center.

Leading Sub-Sectors

• HealthTech, FinTech, and EdTech
• IT Infrastructure
• Cybersecurity
• Software
• Online and Mobile Solutions and Services
• Gaming
• Business Process Outsourcing

Opportunities

Some of the key areas of opportunity in Jordan’s ICT sector for foreign companies include:

Access to Regional and International Markets: Jordanian ICT companies, including SMEs, face few cultural or language barriers when entering the to neighboring Arab markets. Jordan has a strong strategic geographical location in the center of the Middle East and has good relations with countries in the region. This indicates good opportunities to use Jordan as a platform to access regional markets.

IT Infrastructure Projects: Jordan's ICT infrastructure provides a solid foundation for the sector. High-speed internet access is provided through robust terrestrial and submarine cable networks. The country has a mobile phone and internet coverage rate of 99%. The government is actively strengthening its IT infrastructure, launching initiatives such as Digital Jordan 2025, which aims to upgrade the country’s telecom networks and expand broadband coverage.

5G rollout: As part of the ongoing commercial rollout of 5G in Jordan, telecom companies are currently investing in infrastructure.

Arabization of online content: Many Jordanian companies are “Arabizing” software and solutions. Arabization involves not only translating internationally successful products into Arabic, but also adapting the content to the Arabic context for consumers around the world. Around 75% of Arabic online content is generated by Jordan’s ICT sector, and 40% of the most visited Arabic websites in the Middle East are Jordanian. The market thus offers not only an opportunity for software providers from other countries to develop and use existing sales channels in regional markets, but also a competitive offer for investments in content applications and e-learning.

Digital Payments and Financial Services: Jordan was the first country in the region to launch the JoMoPay interoperable mobile payment system, providing an early platform for fintech and financial inclusion. Service providers have begun to shift from traditional payment services to new digital services such as e-wallets.

E-Government: E-government services will play an important role in Jordan’s medium-term development strategy. Jordan’s e-government initiatives are outlined in several policy documents, including the Public Sector Modernization Roadmap 2022-2025, which highlights the provision of e-government services as a critical pillar of the Kingdom’s ongoing digital transformation. Planned improvements to the Kingdom’s business environment include the launch of new online business licensing and other services that could provide opportunities for foreign firms.

Cybersecurity: Jordan is a new market for cybersecurity; the current trend shows a lot of interest in this area. This provides foreign companies in Jordan with an opportunity to collaborate with Jordanians to expand their market share.

Trade Shows: Jordan hosts a number of high-profile technology events, conferences and workshops that bring together entrepreneurs, investors and industry professionals from around the world. These include the MENA ICT Forum, DoT Cyber Summit, Amman Startup Week and TechWadi, FinConJo, World Cybersecurity Summit and many more.

Skilled Workforce: Jordan is home to a large pool of young, digitally savvy talent, with over 70% of the population under 34 years old and fluent in Arabic and English. Twenty-two percent of the local youth hold degrees in IT, computer science and engineering. Jordan’s geographic location ensures that its workforce will work during standard working hours in Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa. The Jordanian dialect of Arabic is understood by all Arabic speakers, opening up opportunities to serve an Arabic-speaking market of around 400 million consumers.

In addition to the incentives already in place for all industries, Jordan provides a dedicated range of incentives and offers for businesses investing in the local ICT sector. These include software companies, mobile app developers, call center operators, and many others working in the ICT sector. Special tax incentives for the ICT sector include:

• 0% customs duties
• 0% tax on export income
• 5% income tax on profits earned in Jordan

Renewable Energy

Jordan is one of the leading countries in the region in the adoption of renewable energy (RE) and the growth of clean energy. Solar or wind power supplies about 29% of the electricity grid, and Jordan aims to achieve 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, focusing on the development of smart grids and energy storage projects. The country has long-term potential for additional investment in renewable energy, enjoying an average of 316 sunny days per year, wind speeds of 7 to 8.5 m/s, and large desert areas with a small population. Jordan also plans to develop a hydrogen strategy to export green energy.

Leading Subsectors

• Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind)
• Energy Storage Solutions
• Hydrogen Production. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) has begun preparing a policy and regulatory framework for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

Opportunities

National Pipeline Project (NCP): The $2.9 billion project will supply 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water from the Gulf of Aqaba to Amman per year. The NCP is scheduled to be completed in 2024 and is expected to begin producing desalinated water by 2028. The project will incorporate alternative energy sources to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

Energy Storage Technologies: Jordan is exploring energy storage solutions, particularly pumped-storage hydroelectric power (PSHP), with the aim of implementing the Al Mujib Dam storage project by 2030.

Natural Gas Exploration: Jordan’s energy sector is experiencing a positive trend towards an increasing share of locally produced energy, including natural gas, in the overall energy mix. There are plans to increase Risha’s natural gas production from 18 million cubic feet per day to an ambitious target of 200 million by 2030.

Healthcare

Jordan is a regional leader in healthcare provision. The country has 122 hospitals, 70 of which are private. The total number of hospital beds in both sectors is 16,057, with 51% of beds in public hospitals. Jordanians are increasingly suffering from asthma, cancer, diabetes, obesity, stroke, vascular disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. There are opportunities for technologies that prevent or treat these conditions, as well as supplying equipment for new and existing healthcare facilities. The country faces great demands on its resources due to a growing population, the impact of COVID-19 and the influx of Syrian refugees. Therefore, expanding the coverage of Jordan's healthcare services is a government priority. Jordan receives significant international aid, some of which is directed toward providing healthcare services.

In addition to its world-class medical facilities, technology, and workforce, Jordan’s healthcare sector is a regional leader in medical research, with numerous academic and research institutions across the country and a large number of undergraduate and graduate students in medicine and STEM fields. On average, at any given time, Jordan has approximately 30,000 students enrolled in courses in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

The country is also a regional leader in medical tourism, with citizens of neighboring and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries seeking treatment in Jordan. Patients from abroad are attracted by short wait times and the availability of quality care at affordable prices for treatments ranging from heart disease and cancer to infertility and cosmetic surgery. According to the World Bank, Jordan ranks first in the MENA region as a top healthcare provider and top destination for medical tourism. Doctors are generally Western-educated and well-respected.

In 2019, the Ministry of Health banned the import of used and refurbished medical devices for all healthcare sectors. Jordan requires USFDA, CE marking, or Japanese certification for all imported medical devices.

The country's pharmaceutical sector is one of the most advanced in the region; more than 20 reputable pharmaceutical manufacturers export high-quality, affordable medicines to more than 60 countries worldwide. Similarly, Jordan’s commitment to research and development, coupled with a skilled workforce and a supportive regulatory environment, has contributed to the advancement of the biotechnology industry.

Leading Subsectors

Hospital projects and investments in private clinics will create demand for medical equipment used in the following areas:

• Cardiology and cardiovascular surgery
• Laparoendoscopic surgery
• Kidney transplant
• Ophthalmology
• Neurosurgery
• Plastic surgery equipment and supplies
• Oncology
• Clinical laboratory supplies (e.g. test tubes/cups)
• Medical surgical sterilizers
• Medical X-ray, alpha, beta, gamma equipment
• Orthotics and prosthetics

Aesthetic treatments and related products are currently a growing area in Jordan, creating demand for technologies related to:

• E-health
• Healthcare management systems
• Software modules for specific areas and applications (radiology, imaging, etc.)
• Integrated health insurance solutions
• Customer relationship management
• Medical devices and equipment
• Mobile healthcare apps
• Online medical content providers

Opportunities

A strong medical tourism sector, as well as renovation projects of existing and new healthcare facilities, are key drivers of spending in this sector. In addition, Jordan has a significant refugee population that requires healthcare services, and the country has a 2% annual population growth rate, with 69% of the population under 30 years old and 37% under 15 years old, which also contributes to future demand. Accordingly, there are excellent opportunities for foreign companies to sell products and services to the healthcare sector in Jordan.

The government plans to expand the "e-health initiative system" piloted in 2011 to public hospitals, including storing, retrieving and updating electronic patient health records managed by health facilities. Foreign companies that specialize in e-health may find opportunities to respond to procurement announcements. In addition, a major hospital project in Amman and the expansion of the King Hussein Cancer Center & Aqaba branch will also provide opportunities in this sector.

Chemicals

Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision 2023-2033 classifies the chemical industry as a major high-value sector. The sector is expected to provide tens of thousands of jobs over the next 10 years.

The Kingdom has developed a national growth strategy for the sector to stimulate and promote investment. It has developed a strategy to produce new primary products for potash and phosphates that increase added value and provide new solutions to food security issues such as nitrogen fertilizers, as well as the establishment of an integrated complex for the production of chemical products and the modernization of infrastructure.

Jordan is located at the crossroads of three continents, allowing chemical industrial companies to access a wide range of markets with relative ease. This strategic location allows for the efficient transportation of mineral products to consumers in Europe, Asia and Africa, reducing transportation costs and time.

Environment and Water Sector

Water resources (total water supply) amount to 1,109 million cubic meters. In addition, 94% of the population is connected to the water supply network, and the share of renewable water resources per capita is 70 cubic meters, while the water supply deficit for domestic water supply is 20%. The sanitation coverage rate is 68%, with 89% of the population having access to safe sanitation.

Water is a precious commodity in Jordan. It is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world. Only 90 cubic meters of water are available for consumption per person per year, and studies expect this share to continue to decline, reaching 60 cubic meters per year by 2040. Renewable water resources barely cover 50% of the country’s total water consumption, making interruptions common. A number of factors are exacerbating Jordan’s already precarious water situation, including low rainfall, increased demand due to population growth, economic development, unsustainable agricultural production practices and aquifer/groundwater extraction, as well as unrealized water losses, limited water resources, deteriorating water quality, and climate change. The agricultural sector is the largest consumer of water in the country, followed by the municipal/domestic and industrial sectors.

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and the Ministry of Environment (MoE) are responsible for water and environmental issues in Jordan. The MoE manages the Jordan Environment Fund, which includes grant funding from national and foreign organizations. The Fund acts as an implementing arm for the MoE in providing support activities that promote environmental protection and conservation and the development of environmentally friendly practices. Foreign companies are encouraged to monitor tender opportunities provided by both ministries, as well as the three water utilities - Miyahuna, Yarmouk Water Company and Aqaba Water Company - each covering different parts of the country.

The National Water Strategy (NWS) of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation 2023-2040 aims to achieve water security with a focus on integrated water resources management. The NWS aims to protect and conserve groundwater and surface water sources by strictly enforcing water use and protection laws. The strategy is based on the study of non-traditional water sources and the development of projects such as the National Water Pipeline and Wastewater Treatment Project to improve and maintain water supply.

The long-term national plan was presented in June 2022 with the goal of reducing national water losses to less than 25% by 2040, creating several opportunities for foreign companies in this field.

Recent studies in the agricultural sector have shown that Jordanian farmers often use two to five times more water than necessary. Agriculture accounts for about five percent of Jordan's GDP but consumes more than 50 percent of the country's fresh water resources.

Wastewater use in Jordan is increasing due to water shortages, and the government is focusing on improving wastewater for agricultural use. Jordan has 33 wastewater treatment plants to treat and reuse wastewater. The government is looking at new technologies in several areas, including cleaning toxic organic and inorganic chemicals; recycling wastewater sludge; and energy efficiency improvements in wastewater treatment plants. 

Leading Subsectors

• Wastewater Treatment
• Non-profit Water Management
• Desalination
• Smart Efficiency Solutions (Energy Efficiency)

Opportunities

Foreign companies will find both export and project-based business opportunities including infrastructure development, smart water technologies for agriculture and water supply (systems that automate monitoring and metering, treatment, distribution, losses and leaks) and training/consultancy services related to water conservation, wastewater treatment and desalination. Opportunities can range from utility company tenders to government-initiated public-private partnerships and donor-funded projects.

Examples of ongoing or upcoming water projects include:

• National Pumping Project (NCP).
• Reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) Projects: The Ministry of Water and Irrigation regularly issues tenders to upgrade water networks in most regions of the Kingdom. Almost half of the water in Jordan is lost due to leaks, theft and inaccurate metering.
• Smart Metering, Monitoring and Management Systems for the NRW Project: This $70 million project is part of a project with Jordan Water Utilities and will run until July 2025.

Logistics and Transport

Jordan is recognized as a strong regional brand, known for its entrepreneurship and creativity. It has untapped potential and a strong base of talented and capable resources, but suffers from talent drain and certain skills shortages in critical areas. Its privileged geostrategic location can provide regional transport and mobility. It is home to the award-winning Queen Alia Airport and the Port of Aqaba is a major strategic asset.

Important trade routes between the Levant, the GCC, Egypt, North Africa and Europe, Turkey can contribute to the growth of Jordan's economy. Jordan's commitment to increased connectivity promises a successful and profitable future for the sector. The Kingdom is engaged in several initiatives, including strengthening regional transport links, building a north-south railway network, upgrading port facilities and road networks, renewing/modernizing its truck fleet, upgrading the institutional structure of transport, and developing specialized human resources.

Tourism

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the Jordanian economy, as the country boasts a rich archaeological and cultural heritage, as well as unique natural landscapes.

As a vital component of the national economy, Jordan's tourism sector is a key contributor to local job creation and economic growth, and offers many opportunities for further investment and development.

Leading Sub-Sectors

Historical and Cultural Tourism: Located in the Fertile Crescent region - the cradle of agriculture and one of the earliest sites of civilization - Jordan is a major tourist destination. Jordan has historical and cultural riches that are among the most extraordinary on earth. With seven active UNESCO sites and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan regularly stands out around the world as a world-class tourism destination.

Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism: Jordan’s incredible natural splendor and landscapes provide the backdrop for a wide range of ecotourism and adventure tourism activities and offerings, and the country’s tourism sector continues to develop its ecotourism and adventure tourism portfolio, attracting ever-increasing numbers of tourists to this fast-growing segment.

Religious Tourism: Jordan is home to numerous sites of special significance to both Muslim and Christian religious tourists. There are 34 identified biblical sites, including 5 that are recognized by the Vatican as Christian pilgrimage sites: Bethany beyond the Jordan River (the site of Jesus Christ’s baptism), Machaerus, Anjar, Elijah’s Hill, and Mount Nebo. There are over 20 shrines to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, and many other sites significant to the Islamic tradition.

Culinary and Agrotourism: This type of tourism is becoming increasingly popular in Jordan, attracting visitors seeking an immersion in local food and agricultural traditions. From the fertile Jordan Valley to the ancient city of Petra, the country offers a unique blend of history, culture and cuisine that is sure to captivate any traveler.

Business and MICE Tourism: The meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) sector offers great potential for growth, especially as Jordan continues to attract new business interests and investment in other key industries and sectors. Jordan’s business and MICE tourism segment is particularly attractive to European and North American companies looking to offer authentic experiences to support their business objectives and programs. MICE can play a strategic role in minimizing seasonal fluctuations in Jordan’s tourism flow and ensuring a stable year-round flow of visitors.

Jordan’s excellent infrastructure ensures that all corners of Jordan are accessible to visitors. Roads and highways are well paved and easily traversable, and transport options are plentiful, including daily flights connecting the capital Amman with the coastal city of Aqaba. Both Queen Alia International Airport in Amman and King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba provide inbound and outbound connections to countless international destinations; well-developed land borders provide access from neighbouring countries; and the Port of Aqaba welcomes visitors arriving by sea, with robust facilities to handle everything from short ferries to large cruise ships.

Connectivity: 12 access points (airports, seaports and land borders) Jordan’s ICT infrastructure is world-class, providing visitors with high-speed connectivity throughout the country, including the Wadi Rum Desert. The country's tourism infrastructure is well developed and fully capable of supporting significant growth.

Jordan's investment legislation is one of the most progressive and favorable in the MENA region, with a very investment-friendly, market-based business environment. There are no restrictions on foreign exchange and capital mobility is fully liberalized.

The Jordanian Ministry of Investment and other relevant government bodies have joined forces to provide a comprehensive set of highly attractive incentives for investors in all sectors, with special incentives and benefits for investment in the tourism sector. The Jordanian government has also introduced several tax incentives for investment in the tourism sector, aimed at encouraging foreign and local investors to develop tourism projects such as hotels, resorts and other tourism facilities.

Mining

Jordan has been gradually expanding its mining sector in recent years, turning the industry into a key player in the country's economic development. With a rich mining history dating back to ancient times, Jordan’s diverse mineral deposits and strategic location are fueling the revival of this vital sector.

Jordan’s mining sector has seen numerous positive changes and advancements in recent years. These have contributed to the country’s economic growth and diversification, strengthening the national economy, creating jobs and attracting new foreign investment.

Proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa: Jordan is located at the crossroads of three continents, allowing mining companies to reach a wide range of markets with relative ease. This strategic location allows for efficient transportation of mineral products to consumers in Europe, Asia and Africa, reducing transportation costs and time. Currently, the top three export destinations for the local mining sector are India, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Opportunities

Access to Major Trade Routes: Provides access to important trade routes and transportation hubs that are essential for the export and import of mining products and materials. 

Suez Canal: This vital shipping route connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, facilitating trade between Europe, Asia and Africa.

Red Sea Ports: Jordan has access to Red Sea ports, which serve as important gateways for the transport of goods into and out of the region.

Land Routes: Jordan’s road network connects it to neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, enabling efficient land transportation of mining products and materials.

Regional Markets: Jordan’s location in the Middle East puts it close to several growing regional markets, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. These countries have experienced rapid economic growth and increased demand for mineral resources, offering exceptional potential for Jordanian mining exports.

Phosphates: Phosphates are a vital component in fertilizer production, and Jordan has one of the largest phosphate reserves in the world. As the world’s population grows and food demand increases, the need for fertilizers is expected to increase, making phosphate mining a highly profitable opportunity.

Potash: The country has significant reserves of potash, a key ingredient in fertilizers and various other industrial applications. With the global potash market expected to grow, investing in Jordan’s potash resources offers exceptional potential.

Silica Sand: Silica sand is found in large quantities in southern Jordan. It is characterized by its high purity and close proximity to the surface, making it easy to mine. These reserves are also close to all necessary infrastructure and services, including major roads, electricity supply and the port of Aqaba. Silica sand is an important raw material in the production of glass, foundry sand, optical and crystal glass, and various renewable energy systems.

Exemption from customs duties: import of equipment and raw materials subject to customs duty exemption, as well as sales tax at a rate of 0%, making it more profitable for mining companies to operate in Jordan.

As more countries urbanize and industrialize, the need for minerals used in construction, manufacturing and agriculture is expected to increase, leading to increased demand for Jordan's natural resources. Growing demand for these minerals in new technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems presents further investment opportunities in Jordan’s mining sector.

Defense and Security

Jordan is located in a region that is often characterized by volatility and instability, making security a national priority. The country borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the West Bank.

Jordan’s defense market is relatively small. The main end users are the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF), Civil Defense, Public Security Directorate (PSD), Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF), and General Intelligence Directorate (GID). Responsibility for Jordan’s national security lies with the JAF, GID, and the Ministry of Interior, which oversees the PSD, including the Gendarmerie and Civil Defense. These organizations seek to acquire the latest equipment and technology to ensure the highest levels of security, whether it is to protect the country from terrorism, secure Jordan’s borders, or maintain internal and external stability. While most of the equipment is imported, there is a growing amount of security equipment and devices that are either assembled or manufactured domestically through the Jordan Design and Development Bureau (JODDB).

The demand for security and safety equipment comes from four main sectors: banking, residential and commercial construction, firefighting, and tourism (hotels and resorts). There is a strong demand for importing security equipment to meet government security requirements. A new and rapidly growing subsector within the security and safety sector is cybersecurity. As advanced technologies are used in a wide range of applications, ensuring the security of their use is becoming increasingly necessary for both the public and private sectors. In response to such needs, Jordan hosted the second biennial AI and Cybersecurity Defense Technologies Exhibition and Conference (AIDTSEC) in September 2023.

Jordan also hosts the Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (SOFEX) every two years; a defense industry exhibition held under the patronage of the King and with the full support of the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF). The exhibition attracts exhibitors and national pavilions from around the world to showcase new and innovative solutions.

Jordan also hosts the Annual Warrior Competition, a combat-focused competition held at the King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC), which specializes in counter-terrorism, special operations, and irregular warfare training. American companies are welcome to participate to showcase their special forces and law enforcement products.

Opportunities

Local market demand is driven by the commercial sector and the following segments:

1. Security and property protection systems (infrastructure security):

• Video surveillance and access control
• Fire protection and alarm systems
• Automatic fire sprinklers
• Fire detection and extinguishing systems
• Bomb and metal detectors
• X-ray and handheld scanners

2. Theft/Intrusion:

• Anti-intrusion, robbery and burglary protection systems
• Burglar and traffic alarms
• Anti-theft system and vehicle tracking
• Electronic and video surveillance (CCTV, GPS, IP network)
• Alarm equipment
• Safes and vaults

3. Public Safety:

• Detection devices
• Electrical signaling for traffic safety and control (e.g. roads, parking lots, ports and airports)

4. Defense:

• Border Surveillance Equipment
• Cyber Security Command and Control Centers
• Telecommunication Equipment
• Military Equipment
• Tactical Equipment
• Air Defense Systems
• Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems (C-UAS)
• Human Capital Development
• Logistics Support
• Combat Weapons
• Air and Ground Mobility
• CYBER Defense
• CBRNE
• Combat Aircraft and Helicopters