View source for Abdullah II of Jordan

{{Short description|King of Jordan since 1999}}
{{redirect|Abdullah II}}
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{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox royalty
| name         = Abdullah II
{{nobold | {{Ubl
  | {{native name|ar|عبدالله الثاني|italics=no|paren=omit}}
  }}}}
| image        = File:Abdullah II portrait crop 2 at 10 Downing Street June 2025.jpg
| caption      = Abdullah II in 2025
| succession   = [[King of Jordan]]
| reign        = {{nowrap|7 February 1999 – present}}
| coronation   = 9 June 1999
| cor-type     = Enthronement
| predecessor  = [[Hussein of Jordan|Hussein]]
| suc-type     = {{nowrap|[[Heir apparent]]}}
| successor    = [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Hussein]]
| reg-type     = {{nowrap|[[List of prime ministers of Jordan|Prime ministers]]}}
| regent       = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|''See list''}}|[[Fayez Tarawneh]]|[[Abdelraouf Rawabdeh]]|[[Ali Abu Al-Ragheb]]|[[Faisal Al-Fayez]]|[[Adnan Badran]]|[[Marouf al-Bakhit]]|[[Nader Al-Dahabi]]|[[Samir Rifai]]|[[Marouf al-Bakhit]]|[[Awn Al-Khasawneh]]|[[Fayez Tarawneh]]|[[Abdullah Ensour]]|[[Hani Mulki]]|[[Omar Razzaz]]|[[Bisher Khasawneh]]|[[Jafar Hassan]]}}
| full name    = Abdullah bin Hussein bin Talal bin Abdullah
| spouse       = {{Marriage|[[Queen Rania of Jordan|Rania Al-Yassin]]|10 June 1993}}
| issue-link   = #Personal life
| issue        = {{plainlist|
* [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Crown Prince Hussein]]
* [[Princess Iman bint Abdullah|Princess Iman]]
* [[Princess Salma bint Abdullah|Princess Salma]]
* [[Prince Hashem bin Abdullah|Prince Hashem]]
}}
| house        = [[Hashemite]]
| father       = [[Hussein Bin Talal]]
| mother       = [[Muna Al Hussein]]
| birth_date   = {{birth date and age|1962|01|30|df=yes}}
| birth_place  = [[Amman]], Jordan
| religion     = [[Sunni Islam]]
| signature    = King Abdullah II of Jordan's signature.png
| module       = {{Infobox military person | embed=yes
  | branch        = {{ubl|[[Royal Jordanian Army]]|[[Royal Jordanian Navy]]|[[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]}}
  | serviceyears  = 1982–present
  | rank          = [[Jordanian military ranks|Field Marshal]]
  | commands      = [[Commander-in-chief]]
  }}
}}
'''Abdullah II'''{{efn|{{Langx|ar|عبد الله الثاني|ʿAbd Allāh al-Thanī}}}} (Abdullah bin Hussein;{{efn|{{Langx|ar|عبد الله بن الحسين|ʿAbd Allāh ibn al-Ḥusayn}}}} born 30 January 1962) is the [[King of Jordan]], having ascended the throne on 7 February 1999. He is a member of the [[Hashemites]], who have been the reigning royal family of Jordan since 1921, and is traditionally regarded a 41st-generation [[Hashemites family tree|direct descendant]] of the prophet [[Muhammad]].

Abdullah was born in [[Amman]], as the first child of [[King Hussein]] and his wife, [[Princess Muna]]. As the king's eldest son, Abdullah was [[heir apparent]] until Hussein transferred the title to Abdullah's uncle [[Prince Hassan bin Talal|Prince Hassan]] in 1965.

Abdullah began his schooling in Amman, continuing his education abroad. He began his military career in 1980 as a training officer in the [[Jordanian Armed Forces]], later assuming command of the country's [[Joint Special Operations Command (Jordan)|Special Forces]] in 1994, eventually becoming a major general in 1998.

In 1993, Abdullah married [[Rania Al-Yassin]], with whom he has four children: [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Crown Prince Hussein]], [[Princess Iman bint Abdullah|Princess Iman]], [[Princess Salma bint Abdullah|Princess Salma]] and [[Prince Hashem bin Abdullah|Prince Hashem]]. A few weeks before [[Death and state funeral of Hussein of Jordan|his death]] in 1999, King Hussein named Abdullah his heir, and Abdullah succeeded his father.

Abdullah, a [[constitutional monarch]] with wide executive and legislative powers, liberalized the economy when he assumed the throne. His reforms led to an [[economic boom]] which continued until 2008. During the following years, [[Jordan's economy]] experienced hardship as it dealt with the effects of the [[Great Recession]] and spillover from the [[Arab Spring]]. In 2011, large-scale protests demanding reform erupted in the [[Arab world]], which led to civil wars in some countries. 

Abdullah responded quickly to domestic unrest by replacing the government and introducing reforms. [[Proportional representation]] was reintroduced to the [[Jordanian parliament]] for the [[2016 Jordanian general election|2016 election]], a move which he said would eventually lead to establishing a [[parliamentary government]], but government critics remained skeptical, viewing the reforms as cosmetic changes. The reforms took place amid unprecedented challenges stemming from regional instability, including an influx of 1.4 million [[Refugees of the Syrian civil war|Syrian refugees]].

Abdullah is known for promoting [[interfaith dialogue]] and a moderate understanding of Islam. The longest-serving current Arab leader, he is [[Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem holy sites|custodian]] of the Muslim and Christian religious sites in [[Jerusalem]], a position held by his dynasty since 1924. The 2021 [[Pandora Papers]] revealed Abdullah's hidden wealth through offshore entities, countered by the Royal Court citing privacy and security reasons, attributing the funds to inherited wealth.

==Early life==

[[File:King Hussein and Princess Muna with sons 1964 (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|alt= A young King Hussein and Princess Muna, holding their two young sons| Prince Abdullah (age 2) and [[Prince Faisal bin Hussein|Prince Faisal]] with their parents, King Hussein and Princess Muna, in 1964]]
Abdullah was born on 30 January 1962 at Palestine Hospital in Al Abdali, Amman, to [[King Hussein]] and Hussein's British-born second wife, [[Princess Muna Al-Hussein]] (born Toni Avril Gardiner).<ref name="RHC">{{cite web|url= http://kingabdullah.jo/en/page/profile|title= His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein|access-date= 1 February 2017|work= kingabdullah.jo|url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165709/http://kingabdullah.jo/en/page/profile|archive-date= 13 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Our Founder|url=https://www.palestine-hospital.com/our-founder|access-date=17 December 2021|website=مستشفى فلسطين – Palestine Hospital|language=en-US|archive-date=16 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216134347/https://www.palestine-hospital.com/our-founder|url-status=usurped}}</ref> He is the [[namesake]] of his paternal great-grandfather, [[Abdullah I of Jordan|Abdullah I]], who founded modern Jordan.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/jawad-anani/enacting-laws|title= Enacting laws|author= Jawad Anani|work= The Jordan Times|access-date= 3 January 2018|date= 23 November 2015|url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180104073515/http://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/jawad-anani/enacting-laws|archive-date= 4 January 2018}}</ref><ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14636308|title= Jordan profile – Leaders|publisher= BBC|access-date= 1 November 2016|date= 3 February 2015|url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160722225201/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-14636308|archive-date= 22 July 2016}}</ref> Abdullah's dynasty, the [[Hashemites]], ruled [[Mecca]] for over 700 years—from the 10th century until the [[House of Saud]] [[Saudi conquest of Hejaz|conquered Mecca]] in 1925—and have ruled Jordan since 1921.<ref name="CNNkh">{{cite web|url= http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9902/07/king.hussein.obit/|publisher= CNN|access-date= 1 November 2016|date= 7 February 1999|title= King Hussein is dead|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170101201633/http://edition.cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9902/07/king.hussein.obit/|archive-date= 1 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=D9pJAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA51|page= 51|title= The Politics of Truth Management in Saudi Arabia|author= Afshin Shahi|year=2013|publisher= Routledge|access-date= 3 January 2018|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=D9pJAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA51|archive-date= 6 February 2018|isbn= 9781134653195}}</ref> The Hashemites are the oldest ruling dynasty in the [[Muslim world]].<ref name="tm500">{{cite web|url= http://themuslim500.com/profile/king-abdullah-ii-jordan|title= Profile: King Abdullah II of Jordan|work= themuslim500.com|access-date= 13 February 2017|date= 1 January 2017|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161218105901/http://themuslim500.com/profile/king-abdullah-ii-jordan|archive-date= 18 December 2016}}</ref> According to [[Hashemites#Family tree|family tradition]], Abdullah is the 41st-generation [[agnatic]] descendant of [[Muhammad]]'s daughter [[Fatimah]] and her husband, [[Ali]], the [[Rashidun Caliphate|fourth Rashidun caliph]].<ref name="RHC" />{{sfn|Shlaim|2009|pp= 3–4}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Corboz |first=Elvire |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BOkKngEACAAJ |title=Guardians of Shi'ism: Sacred Authority and Transnational Family Networks |date=2015 |publisher=Edinburgh University Press |isbn=978-0-7486-9144-9 |page=271 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-12 |title=Abdullah II: Biography, Education, Family, History, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abdullah-II |access-date=2025-02-12 |website=Britannica |language=en}}</ref>

As Hussein's eldest son, Abdullah became [[heir apparent]] to the Jordanian throne under the [[Constitution of Jordan|1952 constitution]].<ref name="BBC" /><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-40771520090702|title= Jordan's king names son, 15, as crown prince|work= Reuters|date= 3 July 2009|access-date= 3 January 2018|url-status= live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170817031817/https://www.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-40771520090702|archive-date= 17 August 2017}}</ref> Political instability caused King Hussein to appoint an adult heir in his place, choosing Abdullah's uncle [[Prince Hassan bin Talal|Prince Hassan]] in 1965.<ref name="Jehl">{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/26/world/king-hussein-selects-eldest-son-abdullah-as-successor.html|title= King Hussein Selects Eldest Son, Abdullah, as Successor|work= The New York Times|year= 1999|first= Douglas|last= Jehl}}</ref><ref name=EB>{{cite encyclopedia |editor-first= Dale H. |editor-last= Hoiberg |encyclopedia= Encyclopædia Britannica |title= Abdullah II |edition= 15th |year= 2010 |publisher= Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. |volume= I: A–ak Bayes |location= Chicago |isbn= 978-1-59339-837-8 |page= [https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia2009ency/page/23 23] |url-access= registration |url= https://archive.org/details/newencyclopaedia2009ency/page/23 }}</ref> Abdullah began his schooling in 1966 at the Islamic Educational College in Amman, and continued at [[St Edmund's School, Hindhead|St Edmund's School]] in England. He attended middle school at [[Eaglebrook School]] and  [[High school (North America)|high school]] at [[Deerfield Academy]] in the United States.<ref name="RHC"/> He was the commencement speaker at [[Deerfield Academy]]'s class of 2000 graduation.<ref>{{Cite book |author=King Abdullah II of Jordan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WV4lokqe5O8C&dq=%22commencement+speaker+at+Deerfield%22+Abdullah&pg=PT163 |title=Our Last Best Chance: A Story of War and Peace |date=2011|publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-1-101-19013-5 |language=en}}</ref>

Abdullah has four brothers and six sisters: [[Princess Alia bint Hussein|Princess Alia]], [[Prince Faisal bin Hussein|Prince Faisal]], [[Princess Aisha bint Hussein|Princess Aisha]], [[Princess Zein bint Hussein|Princess Zein]], [[Haya bint Hussein|Princess Haya]], [[Prince Ali bin Hussein|Prince Ali]], [[Prince Hamzah bin Hussein|Prince Hamzah]], [[Prince Hashim bin Hussein|Prince Hashem]], [[Princess Iman bint Hussein|Princess Iman]] and [[Princess Raiyah bint Hussein|Princess Raiyah]]; seven of them are paternal half-siblings.<ref name="khisaf">
{{cite web
 |url= http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/biography.html
 |title= King Hussein bin Talal
 |access-date= 1 November 2016
|work= kinghussein.gov.jo|url-status= live
 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161021005638/http://www.kinghussein.gov.jo/biography.html
 |archive-date= 21 October 2016}}
</ref>

==Military career==
[[File:King Abdullah II of Jordan as a young prince in 1973.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|alt=Abdullah (age 11) in uniform with soldiers|Abdullah, age 11, during a 1973 visit to the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]] headquarters]]
He began his military career at the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst]] in England in 1980, while he was a training officer in the Jordanian Armed Forces.<ref name="RHC" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Teller |first=Matthew |date=26 August 2014 |title=Sandhurst's sheikhs: Why do so many Gulf royals receive military training in the UK? |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28896860 |work=BBC News |access-date=1 November 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326050217/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-28896860 |archive-date=26 March 2016 }}</ref> After Sandhurst, Abdullah was commissioned as a [[Second Lieutenant (Canada)|second lieutenant]] in the [[British Army]] and served a year in Britain and West Germany as a troop commander in the [[13th/18th Royal Hussars]] (now the [[Light Dragoons]]).<ref name="RHC" />

Abdullah was admitted to [[Pembroke College, Oxford]], in 1982, where he completed a one-year special-studies course in Middle Eastern affairs.<ref name="RHC" /> He joined the [[Royal Jordanian Army]] on his return home, serving as [[Jordanian military ranks|first lieutenant]] and then as platoon commander and assistant commander of a company in the 40th Armored Brigade.<ref name="cvoa" /> Abdullah took a free-fall parachuting course in Jordan, and in 1985 he took the Armored Officer's Advanced Course at [[Fort Knox]].<ref name="cvoa" /> He became commander of a tank company in the [[3rd Armored Division (Jordan)#Units|91st Armored Brigade]], with the rank of captain.<ref name="cvoa" /> Abdullah also served with the [[Royal Jordanian Air Force]]'s anti-tank helicopter wing, receiving training to fly [[Bell AH-1 Cobra|Cobra attack-helicopters]].<ref name="cvoa" />

The prince then attended the [[Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service]] at [[Georgetown University]] in Washington, D.C., in 1987, undertaking advanced study and research in international affairs.<ref name="cvoa" /> He returned home to serve as assistant commander of the 17th Royal Tank Battalion in 1989, later being promoted to major.<ref name="cvoa" /> Abdullah attended a staff course at the [[Staff College, Camberley|British Staff College]] in 1990, and served the following year in the Office of the Inspector General of the Jordanian Armed Forces as the Armored Corps representative.<ref name="cvoa" /> He commanded a battalion in the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1992 and was promoted to colonel the following year, commanding the 40th Brigade.<ref name="cvoa" />

Abdullah met [[Rania Al-Yassin]], a marketing employee at [[Apple Inc.]] in Amman, at a dinner organized by his sister Princess Aisha in January 1993.<ref name=raniaint /> They became engaged two months later, and their marriage took place in June.<ref name=raniaint>
{{cite news|url= https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/article/the-interview-queen-rania-of-jordan-jm7tlzb3n|title= The Interview: Queen Rania of Jordan on the refugee crisis, Isis and being a Muslim woman|work= [[The Times]]|access-date= 3 January 2018|date= 30 April 2017|last1= Lamb|first1= Christina}}
</ref>

In 1994, Abdullah assumed command of Jordan's Special Forces and of other elite units as a brigadier general, restructuring them into the [[Joint Special Operations Command (Jordan)|Joint Special Operations Command]] two years later.<ref name="cvoa" /> He became a major general, attended a course in defence-resources management at the American [[Naval Postgraduate School]]<ref name="cvoa" /> and commanded an elite special-forces manhunt in the pursuit of outlaws in 1998.<ref name="bbckap" /> The operation reportedly ended successfully, with his name chanted on the streets of Amman.<ref name="bbckap" />

==Reign==
===Accession and enthronement===
{{Jordanian Royal Family}}
Abdullah joined his father on a number of missions, including meetings abroad with Soviet and American leaders.<ref name="wi" /> He was occasionally King Hussein's [[regent]] during the 1990s but this duty was mainly performed by Hussein's younger brother, Crown Prince Hassan.<ref name="cvoa" /> Abdullah led his father's delegation to Moscow for talks in 1987.<ref name="wi" /> He frequently visited [[the Pentagon]] in Washington, where he lobbied for increased military assistance to Jordan.<ref name="wi" /> The prince joined his father on trips to visit [[Hafez al-Assad]] in Damascus and [[Saddam Hussein]] in Baghdad (before the [[1990 Gulf War]]).<ref name="wi" /> Abdullah commanded military exercises during Israeli military officials' visits to Jordan in 1997, and was sent to hand-deliver a message to [[Muammar Gaddafi]] in 1998.<ref name="wi">{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/bio-sketch-jordans-new-crown-prince-abdullah-bin-hussein|title=Jordan's New Crown Prince, Abdullah bin Hussein|publisher=The Washington Institute for Near East Policy|date=25 January 1999|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165443/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/bio-sketch-jordans-new-crown-prince-abdullah-bin-hussein|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref>

King Hussein frequently traveled to the US for medical treatment after his diagnosis with cancer in 1992.<ref name="cvoa" /> After Hussein returned from a six-month medical absence from Jordan in late 1998, he criticized his brother Hassan's management of Jordanian affairs in a public letter, accusing him of abusing his constitutional powers as regent.<ref name="cvoa" /> On 24 January 1999, two weeks before his death, Hussein surprised everyone—including Abdullah who thought he would spend his life in the military—by replacing Hassan with his son as heir apparent.<ref name="cvoa">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YAd8efHdVzIC&pg=PA25|page=25|title=The Encyclopedia of the Arab–Israeli Conflict: A Political, Social, and Military History|access-date=1 November 2016|year=2008|first1=Spencer|last1=Tucker|first2=Priscilla|last2=Roberts|publisher=ABC-CLIO|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=YAd8efHdVzIC&pg=PA25|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9781851098422}}</ref>

[[Death and state funeral of Hussein of Jordan|The king died]] of complications of [[non-Hodgkin lymphoma]] on 7 February 1999.<ref name="ad" /> His 47-year reign extended through four turbulent decades of the [[Arab–Israeli conflict]] and the [[Cold War]].<ref name="ad"/> Several hours after the announcement of his father's death, Abdullah appeared at an emergency session of the [[Jordanian parliament]].<ref name="ad" /> Hussein's two brothers, Hassan and [[Prince Muhammad bin Talal|Mohammed]], walked ahead of him as he entered the assembly.<ref name="ad" /> In Arabic, he swore the oath taken by his father almost fifty years earlier: "I swear by Almighty God to uphold the constitution and to be faithful to the nation".<ref name="ad" /> Speaker of the Senate [[Zaid Al-Rifai]] opened the session with [[Al-Fatiha]] (the opening chapter of the [[Quran]]), his voice cracking with emotion as he led the recitation. "God, save His Majesty... God, give him advice and take care of him."<ref name="ad">{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-08-mn-6119-story.html|title=Jordan Mourns King as Leaders Gather at Funeral|first1=Tracy|last1=Wilkinson|first2=Rebecca|last2=Trounson|date=8 February 1999|access-date=1 November 2016|work=Los Angeles Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306031705/http://articles.latimes.com/1999/feb/08/news/mn-6119|archive-date=6 March 2016}}</ref> Abdullah's investiture took place on 9 June 1999.<ref name="jcnkbbc" /> A reception at [[Raghadan Palace]] attended by 800 dignitaries followed a motorcade ride through Amman by the 37-year-old king and his 29-year-old wife, Rania—the then youngest queen in the world.<ref name="jcnkbbc">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/364466.stm|title=Jordan crowns new King|access-date=22 February 2017|date=9 June 1999|work=BBC News|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222121930/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/364466.stm|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/14/o.women.changing.world/index.html|title=What Queen Rania wants for the world|date=14 July 2008|access-date=3 January 2018|publisher=CNN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119003652/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/07/14/o.women.changing.world/index.html|archive-date=19 January 2013}}</ref>

===First year===
As king, Abdullah retains wider executive and legislative authority than is normally the case for a [[constitutional monarchy|constitutional monarch]]. He is one of the few monarchs in the world who both rules and reigns. He is [[head of state]] and [[commander-in-chief]] of the Jordanian Armed Forces and appoints the [[Prime Minister of Jordan|prime minister]] and the directors of security agencies.<ref name="freedom-2013">{{cite web|url=http://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2013/jordan|title=Jordan|work=[[Freedom in the World]]|publisher=[[Freedom House]]|year=2012|access-date=16 June 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619221348/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2013/jordan|archive-date=19 June 2016}}</ref> The prime minister is free to choose his [[Cabinet of Jordan|cabinet]].<ref name=euroforum /> The [[Parliament of Jordan]] consists of [[Bicameralism|two chambers]]: the appointed [[Senate of Jordan|Senate]] and the elected [[House of Representatives of Jordan|House of Representatives]], which serve as a check on the government. However, according to [[Freedom House]], most seats in the House are held by pro-palace independents, and the crown's authority is such that it is extremely difficult for a party to win power solely via the ballot box.<ref name="freedom-2013" /><ref name=euroforum>{{cite web|url=https://www.europeanforum.net/countries/jordan|title=Jordan|work=European Forum|access-date=10 February 2017|date=1 January 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214002740/https://www.europeanforum.net/countries/jordan|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> The Senate is appointed by the king, and the House of Representatives is [[Direct election|directly elected]].<ref name=euroforum />
[[File:Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|alt=Abdullah shaking hands with former US defense secretary William Cohen outside a limousine|Abdullah welcomed by [[United States Secretary of Defense|US Secretary of Defense]] [[William Cohen]] during his first visit to the United States as king in 1999]]
When Abdullah ascended to the throne as Jordan's fourth king, observers doubted his ability to manage the country's economic crisis—a legacy of the [[Gulf War|1990 Gulf War]].<ref name="theaer" /><ref name="wpkaa" /> The king maintained his father's moderate pro-Western policy, supporting the 1994 [[Israel–Jordan peace treaty]], and the royal transition prompted the United States and [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf]] to increase their aid.<ref name="theaer">{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/international/1999/02/11/jordans-new-king|title=Jordan's new king|date=11 February 1999|access-date=13 February 2017|newspaper=The Economist|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214003036/http://www.economist.com/node/185928|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> In the early years of Abdullah's reign, which then ruled over a population of 4.5 million, it was reported that he frequently went undercover to see Jordan's challenges firsthand.<ref name="wpkaa">{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/aug99/jordan9.htm|title=Jordan's Monarch Goes Undercover|first=Lee|last=Hockstader|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=10 February 2017|date=9 August 1999|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909041829/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/daily/aug99/jordan9.htm|archive-date=9 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1114.html|title=Death of a King; Cautious King Took Risks in Straddling Two Worlds|work=The New York Times|access-date=4 January 2018|date=8 February 1999|first=Judith|last=Miller|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216143237/http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/bday/1114.html|archive-date=16 December 2017}}</ref> In 2000 he said about his incognito visits to government institutions, "The bureaucrats are terrified. It's great."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/06/magazine/learning-how-to-be-king.html|title=Learning How To Be King|work=The New York Times|first=Jeffery|last=Goldberg|access-date=10 February 2017|date=6 February 2000|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164921/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/02/06/magazine/learning-how-to-be-king.html|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah cracked down on the [[Hamas]] presence in Jordan in November 1999 after pleas from the United States, [[Israel]] and the [[Palestinian Authority]].<ref name="jch" /> The crackdown occurred during peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.<ref name="jch" /> The king exiled four Hamas officials to Qatar and barred the group from political activity, closing their offices in Amman.<ref name="jch">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/nov/22/israel|title=Jordan curbs Hamas|work=The Guardian|first=David|last=Hirst|date=27 November 1999|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213165951/https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/nov/22/israel|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref> The peace talks collapsed into a violent Palestinian uprising, the [[Second Intifada]], in September 2000.<ref name="BBCkaa" /> As a result, Jordan faced dwindling tourism; tourism is an economic cornerstone of Jordan, a country with few natural resources.<ref name="BBCkaa">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1506902.stm|title=Jordan's pragmatic king looks to future|access-date=13 February 2017|date=24 August 2001|publisher=BBC|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214004923/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1506902.stm|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah reportedly spearheaded efforts to defuse the political violence.<ref name="bbckap">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1632651.stm|title=King Abdullah Profile|publisher=BBC|access-date=13 February 2017|date=2 November 2001|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730091444/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1632651.stm|archive-date=30 July 2016}}</ref>

===2000s===
On 23 June 2000, while vacationing in the [[Greek Islands]], Abdullah received a phone call from the director of Mukhabarat (the country's [[General Intelligence Directorate (Jordan)|Intelligence Directorate]]) warning of an assassination attempt against him by [[Al-Qaeda]].<ref name="ab" /> The plot was to target Abdullah and his family's rented yacht with explosives.<ref name="ab">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cy9IIm0JzvQC|title=Our Last Best Chance: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of Peril|author=Abdullah II of Jordan|access-date=8 May 2017|year=2011|publisher=Penguin UK|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=Cy9IIm0JzvQC|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9780141960395}}</ref> The [[September 11 attacks]] in 2001 on American targets were fiercely condemned by Abdullah.<ref name="sgovjr" /> Jordan responded quickly to American requests for assistance, enacting counterterrorism legislation and maintaining a high level of vigilance.<ref name="sgovjr">{{cite web|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2001/html/10247.htm|title=Patterns of Global Terrorism|date=21 May 2002|access-date=13 February 2017|publisher=U.S. Department of State}}</ref> The country's Mukhabarat foiled similar plots the following year against Western targets, including the American and British embassies in Lebanon.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/meast/11/19/inv.jordan.intelligence/index.html|title=Jordanian intelligence helped thwart attacks, sources say|access-date=13 February 2017|date=19 November 2001|publisher=CNN|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214005227/http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/meast/11/19/inv.jordan.intelligence/index.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>[[File:President George W. Bush and King Abdullah of Jordan hold a joint press conference in the Oval Office.jpg|thumb|right|Abdullah meets with U.S. President [[George W. Bush]] in the [[Oval Office]], 28 September 2001]]
[[File:Abdullah II of Jordan visit Tehran - Mohammad Khatami - September 2, 2003.png|thumb|Abdullah and Iranian President [[Mohammad Khatami]] in Tehran, 2 September 2003]]

With the [[George W. Bush]] administration planning an attack on Iraq, accusing Saddam Hussein of possessing [[weapons of mass destruction]], Abdullah opposed American intervention.<ref name="bbciw" /> "A strike on Iraq will be disastrous for Iraq and the region as a whole and will threaten the security and stability of the Middle East", he warned during American vice president [[Dick Cheney]]'s 2002 visit to the Middle East.<ref name="bbciw">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1868914.stm|title=Cheney warned over Iraq attack|access-date=13 February 2017|date=12 March 2002|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214005254/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1868914.stm|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> In March 2003, during a meeting with George W. Bush at the White House, Abdullah tried to dissuade the president from invading Iraq.<ref name="NYTIW" /> During the 1990 Gulf War, King Hussein's wariness of war was seen as siding with Saddam Hussein, which alienated Jordan from its Arab allies in the Persian Gulf region and the Western world;<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iraq/1990-12-01/jordan-and-gulf-crisis|title=Jordan and the Gulf Crisis|date=1 December 1990|access-date=6 January 2018|author=Stanely Reed|magazine=Foreign Affairs|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106174939/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/iraq/1990-12-01/jordan-and-gulf-crisis|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> his stance precipitated an economic crisis triggered by the suspension of foreign aid and investment to Jordan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1991/03/13/gulf-war-support-for-losing-side-devastating-for-jordans-economy/|title=Gulf War, Support For Losing Side Devastating For Jordan's Economy|author=Ray Moseley|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=6 January 2018|date=13 March 1991|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106203931/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1991-03-13/business/9101230105_1_saudi-arabia-jordanians-gulf-war|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> Failing to persuade Bush, Abdullah broke with domestic opposition.<ref name="NYTIW" /> He allowed American [[MIM-104 Patriot|Patriot batteries]] to be stationed in the Jordanian desert along its border with Iraq, but did not allow coalition troops to launch an invasion from Jordan.<ref name="NYTIW">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/world/threats-and-responses-allies-jordan-s-king-in-gamble-lends-hand-to-the-us.html|title=Threats and Responses: Allies; Jordan's King, in Gamble, Lends Hand to the U.S.|work=The New York Times|author=John F. Burns|date=9 March 2003|access-date=10 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213164154/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/03/09/world/threats-and-responses-allies-jordan-s-king-in-gamble-lends-hand-to-the-us.html|archive-date=13 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan had received subsidized oil from Saddam Hussein's Iraq at a savings of about $500 million per year, equal to American aid to Jordan at the time.<ref name="NYTIW" />

The [[2003 Jordanian general election]] was the first parliamentary election under Abdullah's rule.<ref name="2003je" /> Although the election was supposed to be held in 2001, it was postponed by the king due to regional political instability in accordance with the Jordanian constitution (which authorizes the monarch to postpone an election for a maximum of two years).<ref name="2003je" /> His postponement was criticized by the largest Islamist opposition party in the country, the [[Islamic Action Front]] (the political arm of the [[Muslim Brotherhood]]), who accused Abdullah of impeding the democratic process.<ref name="2003je" /> He inherited a controversial [[single non-transferable vote]] electoral system, implemented by his father in 1991, which hobbled Islamic political parties after they obtained 22 of 80 seats in the [[1989 Jordanian general election|1989 elections]].<ref name="2003je" /> Abdullah issued a royal decree before the election, introducing an amendment to the election law giving women a six-seat quota in Parliament.<ref name="2003je">{{cite web|url=https://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/f/Ryan_C_2004_Return.pdf|title=Return To Democratization or New Hybrid Regime?: The 2003 Elections in Jordan|first1=Curtis|last1=Ryan|first2=Jillian|last2=Schwedler|publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|access-date=13 February 2017|date=1 June 2004|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808184839/http://libres.uncg.edu/ir/asu/f/Ryan_C_2004_Return.pdf|archive-date=8 August 2017}}</ref>

In 2004, Abdullah coined the term "[[Shia Crescent]]" to describe a [[Shia Islam|Shia]]-dominated region from Damascus to Tehran (bypassing Baghdad) which promoted sectarian politics.<ref name="tgsc" /> His warning received international attention, leading Abdullah to clarify that he meant a shift in political (not sectarian) alignment.<ref name="tgsc" /> The king's observation was validated after the rise of Shia [[Nouri Al-Maliki]] to the Iraqi government in 2006 and subsequent events.<ref name="tgsc">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jan/26/worlddispatch.ianblack|title=Fear of a Shia full moon|work=The Guardian|access-date=13 February 2017|date=26 January 2007|first=Ian |last=Black|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214103816/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2007/jan/26/worlddispatch.ianblack|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>
[[File:King Abdullah, Queen Rania, Klaus Schwab, Hilde Schwab - World Economic Forum on the Middle East Dead Sea Jordan 2007.jpg|thumb|alt=Abdullah, Rania and two other people applauding in an audience|Abdullah and Queen Rania ''(third and fourth from left)'' during the [[World Economic Forum]] in Jordan, 20 May 2007]]

[[Tanzim Qaidat al-Jihad fi Bilad al-Rafidayn|Al-Qaeda in Iraq]] founder [[Abu Musab al-Zarqawi]] claimed responsibility for [[2005 Amman bombings|a terrorist attack]] in Amman on 9 November 2005.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1128209,00.html|title=Behind the Amman Hotel Attack|date=10 November 2005|access-date=6 January 2018|author=Scott MacLeod|magazine=Time|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622114959/http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1128209,00.html|archive-date=22 June 2016}}</ref> It was the deadliest attack in Jordan's history;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/10/AR2005111002074.html |title=Zarqawi's Network Asserts It Launched Attacks in Amman|date=11 November 2005|access-date=6 January 2018|first1=Jonathan|last1=Finer|first2=Craig|last2=Whitlock|newspaper=The Washington Post|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106173922/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/11/10/AR2005111002074.html|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> suicide bombers targeted three hotels, one of which was hosting a wedding.<ref name="ahbbnyt" /> The attack killed 60 people and injured 115.<ref name="ffff" /> Prior to the attack, Al-Zarqawi had threatened: "What is coming is more vicious and bitter".<ref name="ahbbnyt" /> In 2006, [[Abu Musab al-Zarqawi|Al-Zarqawi]] was killed in an airstrike with the aid of Jordanian intelligence agents.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5058304.stm|title=Zarqawi killed in Iraq air raid|access-date=13 February 2017|date=8 June 2006|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060613061532/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/5058304.stm|archive-date=13 June 2006}}</ref> Abdullah and Jordan are viewed with contempt by Islamic extremists for the country's peace treaty with Israel and its relationship with the West.<ref name="ahbbnyt">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/world/middleeast/3-hotels-bombed-in-jordan-at-least-57-die.html|title=3 Hotels Bombed in Jordan; At Least 57 Die|first1=Hassan|last1=Fattah|first2=Michael|last2=Slackmannov|date=10 November 2005|access-date=13 February 2017|work=The New York Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819230258/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/10/world/middleeast/3-hotels-bombed-in-jordan-at-least-57-die.html|archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> Jordan's security was tightened, and no major terrorist attacks have been reported in the country since then.<ref name="ffff">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/jordan/2016-02-17/isis-meets-its-match|access-date=13 February 2017|date=17 February 2016|title=ISIS Meets Its Match? How Jordan Has Prevented Large-Scale Attacks|magazine=Foreign Affairs|first=Aaron|last=Magid|publisher=Council on Foreign Relations|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222044928/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/jordan/2016-02-17/isis-meets-its-match|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] visited Jordan for the first time in February 2007 and was welcomed by Abdullah.<ref name="bbcvpka" /> The leaders discussed prospects for the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, Iran's nuclear program and violence in Iraq.<ref name="bbcvpka">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6355937.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Jordan talks conclude Putin tour|date=13 February 2007|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219110817/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6355937.stm|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah established [[King's Academy]] near [[Madaba]], the Middle East's first boarding school, in 2007 in appreciation of the education he received at [[Deerfield Academy]].<ref name="kamj" /> He hired Deerfield headmaster [[Eric Widmer]] to oversee the school, which has students from throughout the region.<ref name="kamj">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/education/01deerfield.html|title=Jordan Plans to Start Its Own New England-Style Prep School|access-date=17 February 2017|date=1 March 2006|work=The New York Times|first=Katie|last=Zezima|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131193941/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/01/education/01deerfield.html|archive-date=31 January 2017}}</ref>

In 2007, it was reported that Jordan hosted 800,000 Iraqi refugees who fled the insurgency following the American invasion;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6470425.stm|title=World 'ignoring Iraqi refugees'|access-date=22 February 2017|date=20 March 2007|publisher=BBC|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223132324/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6470425.stm|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref> most have returned to Iraq.<ref name="JTC" /> The [[2007 Jordanian general election]] was held in November, with secular opposition groups accusing [[Government of Jordan|the government]] of using rising [[Islamism]] as an excuse for "autocratic rule".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/world/middleeast/11jordan.html|title=Jordan, Fearing Islamists, Tightens Grip on Elections|access-date=22 February 2017|date=11 November 2007|work=The New York Times|first=Thanassis|last=Cambanis|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222113508/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/11/world/middleeast/11jordan.html|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> In 2008, Abdullah became the first Arab head of state to visit Iraq after the 2003 American invasion.<ref name="fivvba" /> The visit was amid Sunni Arab concerns of growing Iranian influence in Iraq.<ref name="fivvba">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7554590.stm|title=Jordan's king in first Iraq visit|publisher=BBC|date=11 August 2008|access-date=29 May 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301065017/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7554590.stm|archive-date=1 March 2017}}</ref>

=== 2010s ===

====Arab Spring 2010–2014====
The [[Tunisian Revolution]] in December 2010 (which unseated that country's president) brought Egyptians into the streets, and by January 2011 they overthrew president [[Hosni Mubarak]].<ref name="fofam">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/04/world/middleeast/ali-abdullah-saleh-strongmen.html|title=Five Strongmen, and the Fate of the Arab Spring|date=4 December 2017|access-date=7 January 2018|author=Rick Gladstone|work=The New York Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180105233935/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/12/04/world/middleeast/ali-abdullah-saleh-strongmen.html|archive-date=5 January 2018}}</ref> Protests in other Arab countries soon followed, resulting in civil wars in Libya, Syria and Yemen.<ref name="fofam" /> In Jordan, opposition groups including the Muslim Brotherhood, leftists, and retired army generals protested throughout the country.<ref name="tas" /> By 1 February 2011, domestic unrest prompted Abdullah to sack [[Samir Rifai]]'s government and pledge to follow a democratic trajectory.<ref name="tas" />

[[File:Jordan protests November 2012.PNG|thumb|upright=1.3|right|alt=Large street demonstration, with speakers addressing the crowd|16 November 2012 [[Arab Spring]] demonstration in Amman against a later-revoked government decision to cut fuel subsidies]]
The [[2011–12 Jordanian protests]] were driven by complaints about a troubled economy: soaring prices, widespread unemployment and a relatively low standard of living.<ref name="tas" /> Although some called for an end to the monarchy, most protesters' anger was directed at politicians viewed as undemocratic, corrupt and unaccountable.<ref name="tas" /> Demonstrators called for the dissolution of the parliament which had been elected three months earlier in [[2010 Jordanian general election|November 2010]], when pro-regime figures won a majority of seats.<ref name="tas" /> The Jordanian monarchy was the first Arab regime to offer political concessions during the Arab Spring.<ref name="tas">{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/8296589/King-Abdullah-II-of-Jordan-sacks-government-amid-street-protests.html|title=King Abdullah II of Jordan sacks government amid street protests|access-date=14 February 2017|date=1 February 2011|work=The Telegraph|first=Adrian|last=Blomfield|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120702040342/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/8296589/King-Abdullah-II-of-Jordan-sacks-government-amid-street-protests.html|archive-date=2 July 2012}}</ref> [[Marouf Bakhit]] was appointed prime minister, but protests continued throughout the summer; Bakhit was seen as a conservative unlikely to push for reform.<ref name="nytak" /> Dissatisfied with the pace of reform, Abdullah sacked Bakhit's government and appointed [[Awn Khasawneh]] to form a cabinet.<ref name="nytak">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-fires-his-government.html|title=Government of Jordan Is Dismissed by the King|work=The New York Times|access-date=14 February 2017|date=17 October 2011|first=Ranya|last=Kadri|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214102742/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-fires-his-government.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Khasawneh abruptly resigned in April 2012, and the King appointed [[Fayez Tarawneh]] as interim prime minister; it was the third government reshuffle in 18 months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/26/jordan-prime-minister-awn-khasawneh-resigns|title=Jordan's prime minister suddenly quit|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 February 2017|date=26 April 2012|first=Ian|last=Black|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214175611/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/apr/26/jordan-prime-minister-awn-khasawneh-resigns|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref>

In November 2012, the government cut fuel subsidies, driving up prices.<ref name=oxbiz /> The decision, later revoked, triggered large-scale protests across the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20357743|title=Political and economic problems fuel Jordan protests|work=Dale Gavlak|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 January 2018|date=16 November 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514095408/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20357743|archive-date=14 May 2015}}</ref> The regime calmed the unrest by introducing reforms, amending about one-third of the constitution and establishing a Constitutional Court and the [[Independent Election Commission (Jordan)|Independent Election Commission]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/king-abdullah-jordan-reform-protests.html|title=King Abdullah Seeks to Champion Jordanian Reforms|work=Osama Al Sharif|publisher=Al Monitor|access-date=7 January 2018|date=18 March 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109121815/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/03/king-abdullah-jordan-reform-protests.html|archive-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> Abdullah called for an early parliamentary election and appointed [[Abdullah Ensour]] to form a cabinet of intermittent government.<ref name="ajki" /> In the [[2013 Jordanian general election|January 2013 election]], pro-regime figures were victorious as opposition groups continued a boycott,<ref name="ajki">{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201312317511517880.html|title=New parliament elected in Jordan polls|access-date=14 February 2017|date=24 January 2013|publisher=Al Jazeera|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214175540/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/201312317511517880.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> with [[Islamic Action Front]] claiming earlier that election was performed in absence of actual opposition.<ref name="ajki" /> Since December 2012, the king has published seven [[White paper|discussion papers]] outlining his vision of democracy and reform in Jordan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kingabdullah.jo/en/vision/discussion-papers|title=Discussion Papers|access-date=22 February 2017|date=29 December 2012|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221215533/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/vision/discussion-papers|archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Barack Obama and Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|Abdullah and U.S. President [[Barack Obama]] in the [[Oval Office]] in Washington, D.C., 26 April 2013]]

==== West Bank ====
In December 2012, Abdullah was the first head of state to visit the [[West Bank]] after a [[United Nations General Assembly]] vote upgraded the [[Palestinian Authority]] to a [[United Nations General Assembly observers|nonmember observer state]].<ref name="nytpajk">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-visits-west-bank-to-show-support-for-un-vote.html|title=Visit to West Bank by King Gives Palestinians a Lift|access-date=17 February 2017|date=6 December 2012|work=The New York Times|first=Isabel |last=Kereshner|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318054214/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/07/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-visits-west-bank-to-show-support-for-un-vote.html|archive-date=18 March 2017}}</ref> Jordan sees an independent Palestinian state, with the [[Green Line (Israel)|1967 borders]], as part of the [[two-state solution]] and of supreme national interest.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/palestinian-state-highest-national-interest-jordan-%E2%80%94-gov%E2%80%99t|title=Palestinian state of highest national interest for Jordan – gov't|first=Khetam|last=Malkawi|access-date=17 February 2017|date=16 February 2017|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216230108/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/palestinian-state-highest-national-interest-jordan-%E2%80%94-gov%E2%80%99t |archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan, the only country bordering the West Bank other than Israel, [[Jordanian annexation of the West Bank|ruled]] it after the [[1948 Arab–Israeli War]] and lost in the 1967 [[Six-Day War]]. Its annexation of the West Bank was not recognized, and in 1988 the kingdom [[Jordanian disengagement from the West Bank|ceded its claim]] to the territory.<ref name="nytpajk" />

An interview with Abdullah by [[Jeffrey Goldberg]], published in ''[[The Atlantic]]'' in March 2013, sparked controversy when the king criticized local and international figures and parties. He called the Muslim Brotherhood a "Masonic cult" and "wolves in sheep's clothing", described ousted Egyptian president [[Mohammad Morsi]] as a man with "no depth" and said that Turkish prime minister [[Recep Tayyip Erdogan]] saw democracy as "a bus ride".<ref name="kajcfa" /> Abdullah also criticized American diplomats, some of his country's tribal leaders and members of his family.<ref name="kajcfa">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-of-jordan-has-criticism-for-all-concerned.html|title=Jordan's King Finds Fault With Everyone Concerned|access-date=22 February 2017|date=18 March 2013|work=The New York Times|first=David|last=Kirkpatrick|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222113554/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/19/world/middleeast/king-abdullah-of-jordan-has-criticism-for-all-concerned.html|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

Another 2013 article in ''The Atlantic'' advised him to address governmental corruption, saying that there "is a growing perception that the degeneracy reaches the palace". According to the article, Abdullah was accused of "illegally appropriating 'tribal' lands" shortly after his accession and members of 36 Jordanian tribes issued a statement denouncing Queen Rania's "publicized and extravagant" 43rd birthday party in 2013.<ref name="takacnc">{{cite web |url= https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/01/will-jordan-be-the-first-arab-monarchy-to-fall/266897/ |title= Will Jordan Be the First Arab Monarchy to Fall? |work= The Atlantic |first=David |last=Schenker |access-date=10 March 2017 |date=8 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170312062137/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/01/will-jordan-be-the-first-arab-monarchy-to-fall/266897/ |archive-date=12 March 2017}}</ref>

====Regional turmoil 2014–2019====
{{quote box
| quote  = I was asked many questions by Jordanians that were getting just as frustrated seeing that 20 per cent of their country are now Syrian refugees, the impact it has on jobs, on property, on unemployment. And they ask me, "stop the Syrians coming into the country", and I say "How?" When you have a mother, a pregnant mother with a child in the hand trying to cross the border, how are we going to stop her? Do we sort of point bayonets at these people that are running away from horrible and threatening lives? There is a level of humanity that we have to reach out to each other.
| source = Abdullah's 23 November 2016 interview with the [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-23/king-of-jordan-discusses-is-threat/8050908|title=Jordan's King Abdullah says Donald Trump could be a catalyst for change in Middle East|access-date=17 February 2017|date=23 November 2016|work=ABC News (Australia)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217045101/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-23/king-of-jordan-discusses-is-threat/8050908|archive-date=17 February 2017}}</ref>
| align  = right
| width  = 35%
}}
The March 2011 outbreak of the [[Syrian Civil War]] forced masses of refugees across Jordan's border with Syria, about 3,000 refugees per day in the war's early stages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/flow-of-syrian-refugees-into-jordan-intensifies/|title=Flow of Syrian refugees into Jordan intensifies|first=Dale|last=Gavlak|access-date=17 February 2017|date=22 January 2013|work=The Times of Israel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219032711/http://www.timesofisrael.com/flow-of-syrian-refugees-into-jordan-intensifies/|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> When asked about the Syrian conflict in an interview with the BBC in November 2011, Abdullah said that he would resign if he was in [[Bashar al-Assad]]'s shoes. "Whenever you exert violence on your own people, it's never going to end well and so as far as I'm concerned, yes, there will be an expiration date, but again it is almost impossible for anybody to predict whether that is six weeks, six months or six years."<ref name="abcsci">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/king-abdullah-says-syrian-leader-should-go/|title=King Abdullah Says Syrian Leader Should Go|date=11 November 2011|access-date=7 June 2017 |work=ABC News|first=Jean-Nicholas |last=Fievet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012003620/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2011/11/king-abdullah-says-syrian-leader-should-go/|archive-date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

About the unrest in [[Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014)|Iraq]], Abdullah told a delegation of US congressmen in June 2014 about his fear that the turmoil would spill across the entire region. He said that any solution to the problems in the war-torn countries must involve all the people of Iraq and Syria.<ref name="toijka">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordans-king-we-fear-spread-of-iraq-chaos/|title=Jordan's king: We fear spread of Iraq chaos|date=30 June 2014|newspaper=The Times of Israel|first=Stuart|last=Winer|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003011437/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordans-king-we-fear-spread-of-iraq-chaos/|archive-date=3 October 2015}}</ref> Jordan began erecting barriers along its arid {{convert|175|km|0|adj=on}} border with Iraq and {{convert|379|km|0|adj=on}} border with Syria.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordan-to-erect-barrier-on-iraq-syria-border-to-stop-is/|title=Jordan to erect barrier on Iraq-Syria border to stop IS|access-date=17 February 2017|date=11 August 2015|first=Avi|last=Lewis|work=The Times of Israel|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219015628/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordan-to-erect-barrier-on-iraq-syria-border-to-stop-is/|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Since then, [[Jordanian–Syrian border incidents during the Syrian Civil War|hundreds of infiltration attempts]] have been foiled by Jordanian border guards who were also occupied with the flow of refugees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/border-guards-face-mounting-challenges-northeastern-front|title=Border Guards face mounting challenges on northeastern front|access-date=17 February 2017|date=5 May 2016|work=The Jordan Times|first=Raed|last=Omari|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219000932/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/border-guards-face-mounting-challenges-northeastern-front|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan was involved in the CIA-led [[Timber Sycamore]] covert operation to train and arm [[List of armed groups in the Syrian Civil War|Syrian rebels]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Mazzetti|first1=Mark|last2=Apuzzo|first2=Matt|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/24/world/middleeast/us-relies-heavily-on-saudi-money-to-support-syrian-rebels.html|title=U.S. Relies Heavily on Saudi Money to Support Syrian Rebels|work=The New York Times|date=23 January 2016|access-date=7 April 2020}}</ref>

In April 2014, the [[Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant]] (ISIL), an al-Qaeda affiliate which emerged in early 2014 when it drove Iraqi government forces out of key cities, posted an online video which threatened to invade the kingdom and slaughter Abdullah (whom they saw as an enemy of Islam). "I have a message to the tyrant of Jordan: we are coming to you with death and explosive belts", an ISIL fighter said as he destroyed a Jordanian passport.<ref name="jtka">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/us-world/article/isis-spreads-terror-with-plundered-us-weapons-jmsn72nbbxd|title=Isis spreads terror with plundered US weapons|date=24 June 2014|access-date=18 March 2017|work=[[The Times]]|author1=Tom Coghlan |author2=Catherine Philp|author3=Sara Elizabeth Williams}}</ref> In August 2014, thousands of [[Iraqi Christians]] fled ISIL and sought shelter in [[Christianity in Jordan|Jordanian churches]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-christians-refugees-jordan-hopeless-islamic-state.html|title=Iraqi Christians find safe haven in Jordan's churches|work=Al Monitor|first=Brenda|last=Stator|access-date=17 February 2017|date=19 March 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219003916/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/03/iraq-christians-refugees-jordan-hopeless-islamic-state.html |archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> 
[[File:Abdullah II of Jordan and Vladimir Putin (2015-11-24) 02.jpg|thumb|Abdullah meets with Russian President [[Vladimir Putin]] and Russian Foreign Minister [[Sergey Lavrov]] in Sochi, 24 November 2015]]

Shortly after Jordan joined the [[Military intervention against ISIL|international coalition against ISIL]] in mid-September 2014, the country's security apparatus foiled a terror plot targeting civilians in Jordan.<ref name="kaoii">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordanian-king-says-borders-secure-from-islamic-state/|title=Jordanian king says borders 'secure' from Islamic State|work=The Times of Israel|first=Adiv|last=Sterman|access-date=17 February 2017|date=22 September 2014|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218151609/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordanian-king-says-borders-secure-from-islamic-state/|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, Abdullah said in an interview that the country's borders with Iraq and Syria were "extremely safe".<ref name="kaoii" /> In late December 2014, a Jordanian [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|F-16]] fighter jet crashed near [[Raqqa]], Syria, during a mission.<ref name="nytkaia" /> A video was posted online on 3 February 2015, showing captured Jordanian pilot [[Muath Al-Kasasbeh]] being burned to death in a cage;<ref name="nytkaia" /> throughout January, Jordan had negotiated for Al-Kasasbeh's release.<ref name="nytkaia" /> The terrorist group reportedly demanded the release of [[Sajida al-Rishawi]] in return, a suicide bomber whose belt failed to detonate in the [[2005 Amman bombings]].<ref name="nytkaia" /> Al-Kasasbeh's killing spurred outrage in the country, while the King was away in a state visit to the United States.<ref name="nytkaia" /> Before returning to Jordan, Abdullah swiftly ratified death sentences previously handed down to two imprisoned Iraqi jihadists, Sajida al-Rishawi and [[Ziad Al-Karbouly]], who were executed before dawn of the next day.<ref name="aakrcc">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/world/middleeast/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-returns-home-to-cheers-after-swift-executions.html |title=Jordan's King Abdullah II Returns Home to Cheers After Swift Executions|author=Rod Nordland|access-date=7 January 2018|date=February 2015|work=The New York Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180109064136/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/05/world/middleeast/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-returns-home-to-cheers-after-swift-executions.html|archive-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> The same evening, Abdullah was welcomed in Amman by cheering crowds who lined along the airport road to express their support.<ref name="aakrcc" /> His decision also garnered international support.<ref name="nytkaia">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/04/world/middleeast/isis-said-to-burn-captive-jordanian-pilot-to-death-in-new-video.html|title=Jordanian Pilot's Death, Shown in ISIS Video, Spurs Jordan to Execute Prisoners|work=The New York Times|first1=Ranya|last1=Kadri|first2=Rod|last2=Nordland|access-date=17 February 2017|date=3 February 2015|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305014539/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/04/world/middleeast/isis-said-to-burn-captive-jordanian-pilot-to-death-in-new-video.html|archive-date=5 March 2017}}</ref> As commander-in-chief, Abdullah launched [[Operation Martyr Muath]], a series of airstrikes against ISIL targets during the following week targeting weapons caches, training camps and [[Extraction of petroleum|oil-extraction]] facilities.<ref name="tgkar">{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/09/jordan-says-it-has-carried-out-56-air-strikes-against-isis|title=Jordan says it has carried out 56 air strikes against Isis|work=The Guardian|access-date=17 February 2017|date=9 February 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218150143/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/09/jordan-says-it-has-carried-out-56-air-strikes-against-isis|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> His retaliation was praised on the Internet, where he was dubbed "The Warrior King".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/videos/1.641617|access-date=17 February 2017|date=9 February 2015|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=Haaretz|title=WATCH: Meet the Hashemites, Jordan's 'Warrior-king' at the Center of the Fight Against ISIS|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218152124/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/videos/1.641617|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> Rumors had circulated that he personally led the sorties,<ref name="kaofhi">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/11394038/King-Abdullah-of-Jordan-a-warrior-and-a-biker-but-is-he-a-statesman.html|title=King Abdullah of Jordan: a warrior and a biker but is he a statesman?|access-date=17 February 2017|date=5 February 2015|work=The Telegraph|first=Richard|last=Spencer|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170218144803/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/jordan/11394038/King-Abdullah-of-Jordan-a-warrior-and-a-biker-but-is-he-a-statesman.html|archive-date=18 February 2017}}</ref> although the government officially denied this.<ref>{{cite web|work=Snopes|title=The King of Jordan Is Personally Leading Combat Missions Against ISIS?|first=David|last=Mikkelson|date=5 February 2015|url=https://www.snopes.com/news/2015/02/06/strike-y-air-jordan/}}</ref>

During a January 2016 BBC interview, Abdullah said that Jordan is at the "boiling point" because of the Syrian refugee influx, Jordan claims more than a million Syrians have sought refuge in Jordan.<ref name="jkbbcr" /> The king noted pressure on the country's economy, infrastructure and services.<ref name="jkbbcr" /> "Sooner or later, I think, the dam is going to burst", he warned.<ref name="jkbbcr"/> Jordan has historically welcomed refugees—[[Palestinians in Jordan|Palestinians]] in [[1948 Arab–Israeli War|1948]] and [[Six-Day War|1967]], Iraqis during the American invasion and now Syrians, who make up about 20 percent of Jordan's then 9.5 million population—and, according to Abdullah, "For the first time, we can't do it any more."<ref name="jkbbcr">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35462698|title=Syria conflict: Jordanians 'at boiling point' over refugees|publisher=BBC|date=2 February 2016|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217224135/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35462698|archive-date=17 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="JTC">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/population-stands-around-95-million-including-29-million-guests|title=Population stands at around 9.5 million, including 2.9 million guests|first=Mohammad|last=Ghazal|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=4 January 2018|date=30 January 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019071224/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/population-stands-around-95-million-including-29-million-guests|archive-date=19 October 2017}}</ref>

[[File:P20210719AS-0988 (51420126253).jpg|thumb|right|Abdullah meets with U.S. President [[Joe Biden]] in the [[Diplomatic Reception Room]], 19 July 2021]]
The [[2016 Jordanian general election|November 2016 Jordanian general election]] was the first election since [[1989 Jordanian general election|1989]] primarily using a form of [[proportional representation]]; intervening elections had used the [[single non-transferable vote]] system. Reforms encouraged opposition parties, including the [[Islamic Action Front]] (who had boycotted previous elections, including 2010 and 2013), to participate.<ref name="ysnv">{{cite news|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/jordan-election-seen-small-step-toward-democratic-reform-060607360--politics.html|title=Jordan election seen as small step toward democratic reform|access-date=23 September 2016|date=20 September 2016|agency=Agence France-Presse|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923180413/https://www.yahoo.com/news/jordan-election-seen-small-step-toward-democratic-reform-060607360--politics.html|archive-date=23 September 2016}}</ref> The election was considered fair and transparent by independent international observers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/european-observers-commend-integrity-transparency%E2%80%99-elections|date=20 September 2016|access-date=23 September 2016|work=The Jordan Times|title=European observers commend 'integrity, transparency' of elections|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922135048/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/european-observers-commend-integrity-transparency%E2%80%99-elections|archive-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> Proportional representation is seen as the first step toward establishing parliamentary governments in which parliamentary blocs, instead of the king, choose the prime minister. However, the underdevelopment of political parties in Jordan have slowed down such moves.<ref name="jtjka">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/stage-not-mature-parliamentary-gov%E2%80%99t-analysts-say-gov%E2%80%99t-says-road-paved|title=Stage not mature for parliamentary gov't, analysts say; gov't says road paved|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=7 January 2018|date=5 June 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010124114/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/stage-not-mature-parliamentary-gov%E2%80%99t-analysts-say-gov%E2%80%99t-says-road-paved|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah established a close cooperation between Jordan and the [[International Labour Organization]] (ILO).<ref>{{Cite web|date=12 June 2003|title=His Majesty King Abdullah II bin al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan addresses the 91st International Labour Conference|url=http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_005283/lang--en/index.htm|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2021|website=www.ilo.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421122305/http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_005283/lang--en/index.htm |archive-date=21 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=14 June 2017|title=Kingdom wins three-year deputy seat on ILO governing body|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1114791/saudi-arabia|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2021|website=Arab News|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614080205/http://www.arabnews.com/node/1114791/saudi-arabia |archive-date=14 June 2017 }}</ref> Between 2013 and 2015, the ILO started programs in Jordan to support working opportunities for refugees in Jordan. In 2016, Jordan signed the Jordan Compact, which improved legal employments opportunities for refugees.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ILO Response to Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan (Arab States)|url=https://www.ilo.org/beirut/areasofwork/employment-policy/syrian-refugee-crisis/jordan/lang--en/index.htm|url-status=live|access-date=21 April 2021|website=www.ilo.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930082555/http://www.ilo.org:80/beirut/areasofwork/employment-policy/syrian-refugee-crisis/jordan/lang--en/index.htm |archive-date=30 September 2019 }}</ref>

After [[Donald Trump]]'s [[First inauguration of Donald Trump|inauguration]] as [[United States president]] on 20 January 2017, Abdullah traveled to the US on an official visit.<ref name="amai" /> He was worried about the new administration's positions on the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], specifically, issues relating to [[Israeli settlements]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-06/jordan-says-moving-us-embassy-to-jerusalem-is-red-line/8165102|title=Jordan warns of 'catastrophic' repercussions to Trump plan to move US embassy to Jerusalem|date=6 January 2017|access-date=14 February 2017|agency=Associated Press|work=ABC|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216131913/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-06/jordan-says-moving-us-embassy-to-jerusalem-is-red-line/8165102|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah met Trump briefly at the [[National Prayer Breakfast]] on 2 February, and reportedly convinced him to change his policy towards Israeli settlements.<ref name="nytai" /> This was substantiated by White House press secretary [[Sean Spicer]], who said two days later that the expansion of Israeli settlements may not be helpful in achieving peace.<ref name="amai">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/02/israel-palestinians-jordan-king-abdullah-donald-trump-abbas.html|title=What Jordan's king told Trump|access-date=15 February 2017|date=7 February 2017|work=Al Monitor|first=Shlomi|last=Eldar|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216211651/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2017/02/israel-palestinians-jordan-king-abdullah-donald-trump-abbas.html|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', the "encounter put the king, one of the most respected leaders of the Arab world, ahead of Mr. [[Benjamin Netanyahu|Netanyahu]] in seeing the new president."<ref name="nytai">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/world/middleeast/iran-missile-test-trump.html|title=Trump Embraces Pillars of Obama's Foreign Policy|access-date=14 February 2017|date=2 February 2017|work=The New York Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214000707/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/02/world/middleeast/iran-missile-test-trump.html|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Senator [[Bob Corker]] confirmed Abdullah's influence in an interview: "We call him the Henry Kissinger of that part of the world and we do always love to listen to his view of the region."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.771402|title=Trump Planned on Moving Embassy to Jerusalem 'At 12:01 on Inauguration Day'|work=Haaretz|access-date=15 February 2017|date=14 February 2017|first=Amir|last=Tibon|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214233121/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.771402|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah criticized United States' decision to [[United States recognition of Jerusalem as capital of Israel|recognize Jerusalem]] as the capital of Israel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Who's Speaking Out Against Trump's Jerusalem Move |url=https://jstreet.org/experts-speak-trumps-jerusalem-move/ |work=J Street |date=12 December 2017}}</ref>

On 4 June 2018, Prime Minister [[Hani Mulki|Hani Al-Mulki]] resigned from office.<ref name=":1" /> Large protests against corruption, the economic policies and austerity plans as well as the tax increases, occurred before Hani Al-Mulki resigned.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 June 2018|title=Jordan PM Mulki resigns amid anti-government protests|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180604-jordan-king-abdullah-resign-summons-pm-mulki-over-anti-government-protests|access-date=29 December 2020|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref> Abdullah moved former education minister [[Omar Razzaz]] to the position of the new Prime Minister<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=6 June 2018|title=Jordan's King Abdullah appoints new reformist PM in bid to quell unrest|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20180606-jordans-king-abdullah-appoints-new-pm-razzazz-unrest|access-date=29 December 2020|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref> and ordered him to conduct a review of the controversial tax system.<ref>{{Cite news|date=5 June 2018|title=Jordan's King Abdullah calls for tax review after largest protests in years|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-44375827 |access-date=14 March 2021}}</ref>

On 25 June 2018, Abdullah made another official visit to Washington, DC. He was hosted by President Trump at the [[White House]] and they discussed "terrorism, the threat from Iran and the crisis in Syria, and working towards a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians".<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 June 2018|title=Trump cites Middle East progress, hosts Jordan's King Abdullah|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2018/06/26/Trump-cites-Middle-East-progress-hosts-Jordan-s-King-Abdullah|access-date=14 March 2021|website=Al Arabiya English|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Trump Meets Jordan's Abdullah as US Prepares to Unveil Middle East Peace Plan |url=https://www.voanews.com/usa/trump-meets-jordans-abdullah-us-prepares-unveil-middle-east-peace-plan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191019031740/https://www.voanews.com/usa/trump-meets-jordans-abdullah-us-prepares-unveil-middle-east-peace-plan|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 October 2019|access-date=14 March 2021|website=Voice of America|language=en}}</ref> In August 2018, after the [[First presidency of Donald Trump|Trump administration]] had announced to end all US funding for [[UNRWA]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=31 August 2018|title=US confirms end to funding for UN Palestinian refugees|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/aug/31/trump-to-cut-all-us-funding-for-uns-main-palestinian-refugee-programme|access-date=23 January 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Abdullah sought to replace the US funds. Jordan convened meetings of the [[Arab League]] and Western countries.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Schwartz|first=Felicia|date=19 September 2018|title=Jordan Scrambles to Recoup Funds for Palestinians Lost to U.S. Cuts|language=en-US|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/jordan-scrambles-to-recoup-funds-for-palestinians-lost-to-u-s-cuts-1537358400|access-date=23 January 2021|issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharif|first=Osama Al|date=30 August 2018|title=Jordan can't afford to lose UNRWA battle|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2018/08/jordan-support-unrwa-budget-palestinian-refugees.html|access-date=23 January 2021|website=Al-Monitor|language=en}}</ref>

=== 2020s ===
[[File:President Joe Biden walks alongside King Abdullah II.jpg|thumb|Abdullah and [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Crown Prince Hussein]] with US President [[Joe Biden]] in February 2024]]
In an interview with ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' in May 2020, Abdullah criticized Donald Trump's plans for peace in the Middle East including Israel annexing parts of the [[West Bank]]. He stated, "The two-state solution is the only way for us to be able to move forward", and noted a possible Israeli annexation of the West Bank causes conflicts.<ref>{{Cite web|date=15 May 2020|title=Jordan's King Abdullah II: "The Danger of People Starving to Death Is Greater than the Danger from the Virus Itself" |url=https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/jordan-s-king-abdullah-ii-the-danger-of-people-starving-to-death-is-greater-than-the-danger-from-the-virus-a-4b220928-7ff9-4219-a176-ec380ec16cf3|access-date=9 January 2021|website=Der Spiegel |language=Ar}}</ref> In October 2020, Omar Razzaz resigned from his position due to the criticism of his handling of the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan|COVID-19 pandemic]]. In addition, Abdullah dissolved the parliament and instructed his chief policy adviser, [[Bisher Al-Khasawneh|Bishr Al-Khasawneh]], to form a new government as the new Prime Minister.<ref>{{Cite news|agency=AP|date=8 October 2020|title=King of Jordan Abdullah II names his policy adviser country's new PM|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/king-of-jordan-abdullah-ii-names-his-policy-adviser-country-s-new-pm-120100800082_1.html|access-date=8 January 2021}}</ref> After [[Joe Biden]] won the [[2020 United States presidential election]], Abdullah was the first Arab leader to congratulate Biden for his victory.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sharif|first=Osama Al|date=22 January 2021|title=King Abdullah engaged regional leaders in preparation for Biden's presidency|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2021/01/jordan-biden-egypt-abbas-uae-meetings.html|access-date=23 January 2021|website=Al-Monitor|language=en}}</ref>

In April 2021, Abdullah ordered the arrest of his half-brother, Prince [[Hamzah bin Hussein]], and twenty other courtiers for what was called "sedition".<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Warrick|first1=Joby|last2=Dadouch|first2=Sarah|last3=Hendrix|first3=Steve|title=Nearly 20 arrested in alleged plot against Jordan's King Abdullah II|language=en-US|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/jordan-coup-abdullah-plot/2021/04/03/2a517ed2-9498-11eb-a74e-1f4cf89fd948_story.html|access-date=21 April 2021|issn=0190-8286}}</ref> Hamzah's removal as crown prince by Abdullah has been cited as a possible factor. 18 other Jordanian figures were also arrested,<ref name="details">{{cite news|date=7 April 2021|title=Jordan's King Abdullah says 'sedition' quashed|publisher=Al Jazeera|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/7/jordan-king-says-palace-crisis-is-over|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> including Abdullah's controversial former Chief of Staff, former Saudi Arabian envoy and Royal Court Chief [[Bassem Awadallah]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 April 2021|title=Former head of Jordanian royal court, other senior officials arrested: Jordan News Agency|publisher=Arab News|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1836961/middle-east|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="main2">{{cite news|last1=Khoury|first1=Jack|date=3 April 2021|title=Alleged Jordan Coup: Former Crown Prince Says He Is Under House Arrest|newspaper=Haaretz|agency=Reuters|url=https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/jordan/jordan-s-former-crown-prince-reportedly-arrested-on-suspicion-of-plotting-coup-1.9678978|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> Royal family member Sharif Hassan Bin Zaid, who is hardly known in Jordan and whose father now resides in Saudi Arabia, was also among those arrested.<ref>{{cite news|date=4 April 2021|title=What Do We Know About the Two Men Arrested in Jordan Last Night?|publisher=Al Bawaba|url=https://www.albawaba.com/node/what-do-we-know-about-two-men-arrested-jordan-last-night|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> On 7 April, King Abdullah II spoke publicly for the first time since the alleged coup and hinted that the Jordanian royal feud was over, stating that the "sedition" that caused him "pain and anger" was now buried and that Hamzah was now "in his palace under my protection."<ref name="details" /><ref>{{cite news|date=7 April 2021|title=After alleged coup attempt, Jordan's King Abdullah signals end to royal feud|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/jordan-hamzah-coup-plot-royal/2021/04/07/3021a2a0-97a5-11eb-8f0a-3384cf4fb399_story.html|access-date=21 April 2021}}</ref> Abdullah also stated that the crisis began when Jordan's military chief of staff paid a visit to Hamzah and warned him to stop attending meetings with critics of the government.<ref name="details" />

On 19 July 2021, during a two-week visit to the US, Abdullah was received at the [[White House]] by [[Presidency of Joe Biden|President Joe Biden]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=US Resets Ties with Key Arab Ally Jordan After Bumpy Ride |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/middle-east_us-resets-ties-key-arab-ally-jordan-after-bumpy-ride/6208525.html|access-date=29 July 2021|website=Voice of America|date=21 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref> They discussed the Middle East conflict, the battle against COVID-19, and the [[Jordan–United States relations|relationship between Jordan and the US]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Remarks by President Biden and His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Before Bilateral Meeting|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/07/19/remarks-by-president-biden-and-his-majesty-king-abdullah-ii-ibn-al-hussein-king-of-the-hashemite-kingdom-of-jordan-before-bilateral-meeting/|access-date=7 August 2021|website=The White House|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Biden meets Jordan's King Abdullah to discuss Middle East issues|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-host-jordans-king-abdullah-broad-array-middle-east-talks-2021-07-19/|access-date=7 August 2021|website=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=19 July 2021|title=Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan|url=https://bidenwhitehouse.archives.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/19/readout-of-president-joseph-r-biden-jr-meeting-with-king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan/|access-date=7 August 2021|website=The White House|language=en-US}}</ref> Abdullah was the first leader from the Middle East to visit the White House since [[Inauguration of Joe Biden|Biden's inauguration]] on 20 January 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=25 July 2021|title=King Abdullah II: Jordan previously attacked by Iranian-made drones|url=https://arab.news/czypp|access-date=29 July 2021|website=Arab News|language=en}}</ref>
[[File:President Donald Trump hosts an expanded bilateral meeting and working lunch with King Abdullah II of Jordan (54321920293).jpg|thumb|Abdullah meets with U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] in Washington, D.C., 11 February 2025]]
On 3 October 2021, Abdullah held a telephone conversation with Syrian president [[Bashar al-Assad]], the first contact since the start of the [[Syrian civil war]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Al-Khalidi|first=Suleiman|date=3 October 2021|title=Jordan's Abdullah receives first call from Syria's Assad since start of conflict|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordans-abdullah-receives-first-call-syrias-assad-since-start-conflict-2021-10-03/|access-date=17 December 2021}}</ref> They discussed bilateral relations after Amman fully opened borders with Syria.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jordan's king receives first call from Syria's al-Assad in decade|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/3/jordans-king-receives-first-call-from-syrias-assad-in-decade|access-date=17 December 2021|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

In October 2023, Abdullah condemned Israel's [[October 2023 Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip|blockade of the Gaza Strip]] and the "collective punishment" of Palestinians in Gaza during the [[Gaza war]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Egypt's Sisi, Jordan king condemn 'collective punishment' in Gaza |url=https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2023/10/969122/egypts-sisi-jordan-king-condemn-collective-punishment-gaza |work=The Straits Times |date=19 October 2023}}</ref> In February 2024, Abdullah called for an immediate [[ceasefire]] in the war, and called upon the US to restore funding to UNRWA. He also warned against the proposed [[Rafah offensive]], arguing it would "produce another humanitarian catastrophe".<ref>{{cite news|last=Kelley|first=Laura|title=At White House, Jordan's king calls for 'lasting cease-fire now' in Gaza|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/4463861-at-white-house-jordans-king-calls-for-lasting-cease-fire-now-in-gaza/|work=The Hill|date=12 February 2024}}</ref> In conjunction with several other nations, Abdullah and the Jordanian government arranged for aid packages to delivered to Gaza via [[airdrop]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/27/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news#jordan-air-drop-gaza-france|title=A Second Day of Aid Airdrops Underscores the Urgency of Gazans' Need|newspaper=The New York Times|date=27 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/02/gaza-aid-airdrops-palestinian-territories-israel-uk-us|title=Analysis: Gaza airdrops might not be necessary if Israel faced more pressure on aid|first=Patrick|last=Wintour|newspaper=The Guardian|date=2 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2024/03/01/1235277071/gaza-jordan-airdrop-aid|title=Aboard Jordan's aid airdrop over Gaza, a last resort for relief to Palestinians there|work=NPR|date=1 March 2024|first=Jane|last=Arraf}}</ref> A video filmed by Jordanian TV station [[Al-Mamlaka]] depicted Abdullah personally taking part in one of these airdrops, which delivered food aid and medical supplies to affected areas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-participates-gaza-aid-airdrop|title=King participates in Gaza aid airdrop|newspaper=Jordan Times|date=28 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordans-king-abdullah-participates-gaza-aid-airdrop-2024-02-11/|title=Jordan's King Abdullah joins aid airdrop to Gaza as humanitarian crisis grows|work=Reuters|date=11 February 2024|first=Suleiman|last=Al-Khalidi}}</ref>

King Abdullah rejected President [[Donald Trump]]'s proposal for Jordan [[Potential American ownership of the Gaza Strip|to absorb]] Palestinians living in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |title=King Abdullah rebuffs Trump's push for Jordan to take in displaced Palestinians |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/11/trump-jordan-egypt-palestinians |work=The Guardian |date=12 February 2025}}</ref> On 26 February 2025, he met with Syria's interim President [[Ahmed al-Sharaa]] in Amman.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jordan, Syria leaders agree to bolster border security |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordan-king-tells-syrian-interim-president-he-condemns-israeli-attacks-2025-02-26/ |work=Reuters |date=26 February 2025}}</ref> Abdullah condemned [[Israeli invasion of Syria (2024–present)|Israeli attacks on Syria]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Israel bombs 'military targets' in southern Syria, outside Damascus |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/26/israel-bombs-military-targets-in-southern-syria-outside-damascus |work=Al Jazeera |date=26 February 2025}}</ref>

==Administrative reforms==
===Economic===
King Abdullah proposed significant economic reforms to the country during the first decade of his reign.<ref name="ciafb" /> Jordan, a relatively-small, semi-arid, almost-landlocked country, has one of the [[Economy of Jordan|smallest economies]] in the region; its GDP was about $39&nbsp;billion in 2016.<ref name=imf2>{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=32&pr.y=11&sy=2016&ey=2019&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=439&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=|title=Jordan|publisher=International Monetary Fund|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010122523/http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2016/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?pr.x=32&pr.y=11&sy=2016&ey=2019&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=439&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref><ref name="ciafb" /> Insufficient natural resources, especially in water and oil (unlike its neighbors) have given the kingdom chronic government debt, unemployment and poverty<ref name="ciafb" /> which led to a dependence on foreign aid from its Western and [[Arab states of the Persian Gulf|Arab allies in the Persian Gulf region]].<ref name="ciafb">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/jordan/|title=Jordan|work=The World Factbook|date=1 January 2017|access-date=10 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan embarked on an aggressive [[economic liberalization]] program when Abdullah was crowned in an effort to stimulate the economy and raise the standard of living, and its economy has improved under his reign.<ref name="ciafb" /> He has been credited with attracting foreign investment, improving public-private partnerships and providing the foundation for the [[Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority]] and Jordan's flourishing [[information and communications technology]] (ICT) sector.<ref name="oxbg">{{cite book|chapter=The way forward|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HXu3jtlE-rAC&pg=PA17|title=The Report: Jordan 2009|access-date=14 January 2016|year=2009|page=17|publisher=Oxford Business |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=HXu3jtlE-rAC&pg=PA17|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9781907065064}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eqR2iOMtUVgC&pg=PA94|page=94|title=Transforming Education: The Power of ICT Policies|year=2011|access-date=14 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=eqR2iOMtUVgC&pg=PA94|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9789231042126|author1=Unesco|publisher=UNESCO }}</ref> Abdullah set up five other [[special economic zone]]s: [[Irbid]], [[Ajloun]], [[Mafraq]], [[Ma'an]] and the [[Dead Sea]].<ref name="oxbg" /> As a result of these reforms, Jordan's economic growth doubled (to 8% annually) between 2004 and 2008 compared with the latter half of the 1990s.<ref name="ciafb" /> It also led to a steady increase in foreign investment by the West and the [[Persian Gulf]] countries.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8iKNxQ2GvCcC&pg=PA13|page=13|publisher=Oxford Business Group|title=The Report: Jordan 2012|year=2012|isbn=9781907065613|access-date=8 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=8iKNxQ2GvCcC&pg=PA13|archive-date=6 February 2018}}</ref>

Abdullah negotiated a [[Jordan–United States Free Trade Agreement|free-trade agreement with the United States]], the third free-trade agreement for the US and its first with an Arab country.<ref name="ftajus">{{cite web |url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010928-12.html |title=Overview: U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement |publisher=White House Office of the Press Secretary |date=28 September 2001 |access-date=13 February 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712041528/https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010928-12.html |archive-date=12 July 2017 }}</ref> Under the agreement, Jordanian exports to the United States increased from $63 million in 2000 to over $1.4 billion in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/jordan-us-free-trade-agreement-joint-committee-convenes|title=Jordan-US Free Trade Agreement Joint Committee convenes|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=14 January 2018|date=19 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114183737/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/business/jordan-us-free-trade-agreement-joint-committee-convenes|archive-date=14 January 2018}}</ref> Jordan's foreign [[debt-to-GDP ratio]] fell from more than 210 percent in 1990 to 83 percent by the end of 2005, a decrease called an "extraordinary achievement" by the [[International Monetary Fund]].<ref name="IMF1">{{cite web |url=http://www.imf.org/external/np/ms/2006/112806.htm |title=Jordan—Concluding Statement for the 2006 Article IV Consultation and Fourth Post-Program Monitoring Discussions |publisher=International Monetary Fund |date=28 November 2006 |access-date=17 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130408031341/http://www.imf.org/external/np/ms/2006/112806.htm |archive-date=8 April 2013 }}</ref> Abdullah's efforts have made Jordan the freest Arab economy and the ninth-freest economy in the world, according to a 2014 study by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-uae-share-top-place-among-arab-countries-economic-freedom-index|title=Jordan, UAE share top place among Arab countries on economic freedom index|date=18 November 2014|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=13 July 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701194643/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-uae-share-top-place-among-arab-countries-economic-freedom-index|archive-date=1 July 2016}}</ref>

[[File:The King of Jordan, 2013.jpg|thumb|left|alt=A seated Abdullah gestures with his hands before a microphone|Abdullah speaking during a session of the [[World Economic Forum]] in Davos, 25 January 2013]]
The king launched a number of initiatives to provide housing for Jordanian citizens, including teachers and those serving in the armed forces.<ref name="nvtc" /> He established awards to encourage good citizenship, including the King Abdullah II Award for Physical Fitness, the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence in Government Performance and Transparency, the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence for the Private Sector and the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence for Business Associations.<ref name="nvtc" /> To combat unemployment, Abdullah established the National Vocational Training Council and formed a committee to develop a national strategy for developing human resources to produce a skilled workforce.<ref name="nvtc">{{cite web|work=kingabdullah.jo|date=1 January 2017|access-date=22 February 2017|title=Progress |url=http://kingabdullah.jo/en/page/vision/progress|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223042949/http://kingabdullah.jo/en/page/vision/progress|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>

Jordan was dependent on subsidized Iraqi oil for its energy.<ref name="NYTIW" /> The 2003 [[2003 invasion of Iraq|American invasion of Iraq]] halted the petroleum supply and drove Jordan to begin importing gas from Egypt in 2009.<ref name="instability1" /> [[Sinai insurgency|Insurgency in Sinai]] began when the [[Arab Spring]] spread to Egypt, where the [[Arab Gas Pipeline]] runs.<ref name="instability1" /> Since 2011, the pipeline has been attacked over 30 times by [[Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant – Sinai Province|ISIL's Sinai affiliates]], and the pipeline was effectively closed in 2014.<ref name="eglfi">{{cite web|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/10/jordan-israel-gas-deal-popular-protest.html|title=Jordanians fuming over gas deal with Israel|work=Osama Al Sharif|publisher=Al Monitor|access-date=14 January 2018|date=16 October 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101194403/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/10/jordan-israel-gas-deal-popular-protest.html|archive-date=1 January 2018}}</ref> Jordan incurred $6 billion in losses.<ref name="eglfi" /> The [[Great Recession]] and regional turmoil triggered by the Arab Spring during the 2010s hobbled the Jordanian economy, making it increasingly reliant on foreign aid.<ref name="instability1">{{cite web|url=https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/?fa=55313&lang=en|title=Jordan is Sliding Toward Insolvency|access-date=20 March 2016|date=18 March 2016|work=KIRK H. SOWELL|publisher=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403055658/http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/?fa=63061&mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRovsqvMZKXonjHpfsX67uUoXaSg38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YoGRcR0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEIQ7XYTLB2t60MWA%3D%3D#comments|archive-date=3 April 2016}}</ref> The shocks hit Jordan's [[Tourism in Jordan|tourism sector]] (a cornerstone of the country's economy) hardest, and tourist arrivals have fallen by over 66 percent since 2011.<ref name=ftharsh>{{cite web|access-date=20 March 2016|title=Harsh blow to Jordanian economy|url=https://www.ft.com/content/7c904b80-a1a8-11e0-b9f9-00144feabdc0|work=Financial Times|date=28 June 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021024940/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/7c904b80-a1a8-11e0-b9f9-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2Ii3L4rS7|archive-date=21 October 2013}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/nov/26/jordan-petra-amman-holiday-jerash-dead-sea|title=Jordan is spectacular, safe and friendly – so where are the tourists?|author=Amelia Gentleman|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 January 2018|date=26 November 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516124300/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2016/nov/26/jordan-petra-amman-holiday-jerash-dead-sea|archive-date=16 May 2017}}</ref> However, in 2017, tourism started to pick up again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/tourism-sector-expected-continue-recovering-2018%E2%80%99|title=Tourism sector expected to continue recovering in 2018|author=Ahmed Bani Mustafa|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=14 January 2018|date=3 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106000923/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/tourism-sector-expected-continue-recovering-2018%E2%80%99|archive-date=6 January 2018}}</ref> Growth of the Jordanian economy slowed to an annual average rate of 2.8 percent between 2010 and 2016—down from an average of 8% in previous years—insufficient to accommodate the exponential growth of the population.<ref name="ciafb" />

Jordan's total foreign debt in 2012 was $22 billion, 72 percent of its GDP.<ref name=oxbiz>{{cite web |title=Jordan: Year in Review 2012 |access-date=20 March 2016 |url=http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/economic_updates/jordan-year-review-2012 |publisher=Oxford Business Group |date=20 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905223641/http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/economic_updates/jordan-year-review-2012 |archive-date=5 September 2014 }}</ref> In 2016, the debt reached $35.1&nbsp;billion, 95 percent of the country's GDP.<ref name="instability1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/opinion/fahed-fanek/economic-challenges-get-priority|title=Economic challenges get priority|first=Fahed|last=Fanek|access-date=14 January 2018|date=5 November 2017|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171106050857/http://jordantimes.com/opinion/fahed-fanek/economic-challenges-get-priority|archive-date=6 November 2017}}</ref> The increase was attributed to regional challenges, which decreased tourist activity and foreign investment and increased military spending; attacks on the Egyptian pipeline; the collapse of trade with Iraq and Syria; the expense of hosting Syrian refugees, and accumulated loan interest.<ref name="instability1" /> According to the World Bank, Syrian refugees cost Jordan more than $2.5 billion a year (six percent of its GDP and 25 percent of the government's annual revenue).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/syrian-refugees-cost-kingdom-25-billion-year-%E2%80%94-report|title=Syrian refugees cost Kingdom $2.5 billion a year – report|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=30 July 2016|date=6 February 2016|first=Khetam|last=Malkawi|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160612040635/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/syrian-refugees-cost-kingdom-25-billion-year-%E2%80%94-report|archive-date=12 June 2016}}</ref> Foreign aid covers only a portion of these costs, 63 percent of which are borne by Jordan.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov%E2%80%99t-readying-refugee-donor-conference|access-date=12 October 2015|date=5 October 2015|work=The Jordan Times|title=Gov't readying for refugee donor conference|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106061021/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov%E2%80%99t-readying-refugee-donor-conference|archive-date=6 January 2016}}</ref> An austerity program was adopted by the government which aims to reduce Jordan's [[debt-to-GDP ratio]] to 77 percent by 2021.<ref>{{cite web|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=9 March 2017|first=Omar|last=Obeidat|title=IMF programme to yield budget surplus in 2019|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/imf-programme-yield-budget-surplus-2019%E2%80%99|date=21 June 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111022238/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/imf-programme-yield-budget-surplus-2019%E2%80%99|archive-date=11 January 2017}}</ref>

===Political===

Abdullah was criticized during his early years for focusing on economic, rather than political reform. A committee was formed in February 2005 to formulate a blueprint for political reform in the country for the next decade. This National Agenda, finalized about nine months later, was never implemented. It included incorporating [[proportional representation]] into [[Elections in Jordan|general elections]], improving the judicial branch and respect for human rights, and tackling issues related to employment, welfare, education and infrastructure.<ref name="cefipps">{{cite web|url=https://carnegieendowment.org/sada/?fa=55313&lang=en|title=Knives Out for Jordan's National Agenda|first=Marc|last=Lynch|work=Carnegie Endowment for International Peace|access-date=18 February 2017|date=20 August 2008|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221010631/http://carnegieendowment.org/sada/?fa=21082|archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref> The Agenda was reportedly never implemented due to conservative opposition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/10/world/middleeast/democracy-in-the-arab-world-a-us-goal-falters.html|title=Democracy in the Arab World, a U.S. Goal, Falters|access-date=18 February 2017|date=10 April 2006|work=The New York Times|first=Hassan|last=Fattah|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221105432/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/10/world/middleeast/democracy-in-the-arab-world-a-us-goal-falters.html|archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref> After the Arab Spring, a new election law in 2012 was enacted and used in the 2013 elections. It incorporated elements of proportional representation, and 27 of the 150 House of Representatives members could be elected accordingly.<ref name="fhifka">{{cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2016/jordan|title=Freedom in the world – Jordan|publisher=Freedom House|access-date=18 February 2017|date=1 January 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221010223/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2016/jordan|archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref> A number of political reforms were undertaken to curtail some of the king's powers, including amending about one-third of the constitution, establishing a [[constitutional court]] and the [[Independent Election Commission (Jordan)|Independent Election Commission]] and improvements to laws governing human rights and freedom of speech and assembly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/political-reform-process-continues|title=The political reform process continues|publisher=Oxford Business Group|access-date=18 February 2017|date=1 January 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221011436/https://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/political-reform-process-continues|archive-date=21 February 2017}}</ref>

In 2014 and 2016, several constitutional amendments sparked controversy despite their overwhelming approval by senators and representatives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/amendments-recommend-powers-king-jordan-160421115110995.html|title=Jordan King Abdullah set to consolidate executive power|publisher=Al Jazeera|first=Ali|last=Younis|access-date=17 February 2017|date=13 June 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216162641/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/amendments-recommend-powers-king-jordan-160421115110995.html|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> The amendments gave the king sole authority to appoint his crown prince, deputy, the chief and members of the constitutional court, the heads of the military and paramilitary forces and the country's [[General Intelligence Directorate (Jordan)|General Intelligence Director]]. Proponents said that the amendments solidified the [[separation of powers]], while critics claimed they were unconstitutional.<ref name="ampkad">{{cite news|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/jordan-king-constitution-amendments.html|title=Jordan's king pushes to expand military, intelligence authority|publisher=[[Al-Monitor]] |first=Osama|last=Al-Sharif|date=25 August 2014|access-date=17 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829033014/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2014/08/jordan-king-constitution-amendments.html|archive-date=29 August 2016}}</ref>

Reforms introduced in the 2016 general election led [[Freedom House]], a US-funded [[non-governmental organization]], to upgrade Jordan to "partly free" from "not free" in its [[Freedom in the World]] 2017 report. According to the report, Jordan became the third most free Arab country, and that the change was "due to electoral law changes that led to somewhat fairer parliamentary elections."<ref name="fhjo">{{cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2017/jordan|title=Jordan|publisher=Freedom House|date=1 February 2017|access-date=4 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203080234/https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2017/jordan|archive-date=3 February 2017}}</ref>

In September 2016, Abdullah formed a royal committee to make recommendations which would improve the country's judiciary. The committee finalized its report, which revolved around strengthening judicial independence and improving criminal justice, in February 2017. The Parliament approved the recommendations which included increased protection for women against violence and better trial procedures. A new law for people with disabilities was also enacted.<ref name="hrwjo" /> [[Human Rights Watch]] praised the reforms.<ref name="hrwjo">{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/04/jordan-parliament-passes-human-rights-reforms|title=Jordan: Parliament Passes Human Rights Reforms|access-date=5 October 2017|date=4 October 2017|publisher=Human Rights Watch|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012033640/https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/10/04/jordan-parliament-passes-human-rights-reforms|archive-date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

On 15 August 2017, [[2017 Jordanian local elections|local elections]] were held for [[Municipal council (Jordan)|municipal councils]], [[Local council (Jordan)|local councils]], and [[Governorate council (Jordan)|governorate councils]], which were added by a new [[decentralization]] law. The law intends to cede some central-government power to elected councils, increasing citizen participation in municipal decision-making.<ref name="mlgce">{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-directs-government-hold-local-elections|title=King directs government to hold local elections|access-date=23 February 2017|date=12 February 2017|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224051948/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-directs-government-hold-local-elections|archive-date=24 February 2017}}</ref> In a 15 August 2016 interview, Abdullah described the new decentralization law as "a very important link in the chain of reforms".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/real-reform-starts-citizen-engagement-%E2%80%94-king|title=Real reform starts with citizen engagement – King|work=The Jordan Times|date=15 August 2016|access-date=12 July 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802001034/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/real-reform-starts-citizen-engagement-%E2%80%94-king|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref>

On 10 June 2021, Abdullah announced the introduction of a new committee of 92 members chaired by former prime minister [[Samir Rifai]]. The tasks of the committee are to modernise the political system and to propose new laws for local governments.<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 June 2021|title=Jordan's King Abdullah II forms committee to modernise political system|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/jordan-s-king-abdullah-ii-forms-committee-to-modernise-political-system-1.1238931|access-date=29 June 2021|website=The National|language=en}}</ref> On 4 October 2021, the committee handed over its recommendations to Abdullah. The committee proposed draft laws for political parties and elections, as well as 22 amendments to the [[Constitution of Jordan|Jordan constitution]] regarding parliamentary work and empowering women and youth.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jordanians lukewarm on government reform proposal - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/10/jordanians-lukewarm-government-reform-proposal|access-date=2 January 2022|website=www.al-monitor.com|date=13 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref> In November 2021, Abdullah ordered the government to push for political modernization. The [[Cabinet of Jordan]] submitted draft laws to the parliament following the committee's recommendations.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 November 2021|title=Jordan's king calls for 'modernisation' of political system|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2021/11/18/jordans-king-calls-for-modernisation-of-political-system/|access-date=2 January 2022|website=The National}}</ref> In December 2021, a parliamentary discussion on the constitutional amendment that would give more rights to women resulted into a fistfight between members of parliament.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Celine Alkhaldi|title=Jordanian lawmakers trade punches in Parliament amid heated discussion on women's rights|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/29/middleeast/jordan-parliament-fight-intl/index.html|access-date=2 January 2022|website=CNN|date=29 December 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=29 December 2021|title=Order! Order! Jordanian MPs fight in parliamentary session live-streamed on TV|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/jordan-mps-fight-parliament-video-b1983713.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229112514/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/jordan-mps-fight-parliament-video-b1983713.html |archive-date=29 December 2021 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|access-date=2 January 2022|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> On 3 January 2022, the Jordan parliament passed an amendment to Article 40 of the constitution, which allows Abdullah to appoint or dismiss the [[chief justice]], the head of the [[Sharia]] judicial council, the [[Grand Mufti|Grand Mufti of Jordan]], the chief of the [[Royal court|Royal Court]], the minister of the court, and the advisors to the king.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 January 2022|title=Jordan's King Gains New Power To Appoint, Dismiss Top Officials|url=https://themedialine.org/headlines/jordans-king-gains-new-power-to-appoint-dismiss-top-officials/|access-date=6 January 2022|website=The Media Line|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2022|title=Lower House continues deliberations over draft constitutional amendments|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/lower-house-continues-deliberations-over-draft-constitutional-amendments|access-date=6 January 2022|website=Jordan Times|language=en}}</ref> On 6 January 2022, Jordan parliament approved constitutional reforms by a majority of 104-8 including improvement of women's rights, lowering the minimum age for elected deputies to 25 and the prime minister being elected by the assembly's largest single party.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Al-Khalidi|first=Suleiman|date=10 January 2022|title=Jordan MPs back constitutional reforms to revitalise politics|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/jordan-mps-back-constitutional-reforms-revitalise-politics-2022-01-06/|access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref>

===Military===
Due to his military background, Abdullah believes in a powerful military and has followed a "quality over quantity" policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan%E2%80%99s-stability-hinges-unity-people-national-coherence%E2%80%99|title='Jordan's stability hinges on unity of people, national coherence'|work=The Jordan Times|date=6 June 2017|access-date=14 January 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170615190957/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan%E2%80%99s-stability-hinges-unity-people-national-coherence%E2%80%99|archive-date=15 June 2017}}</ref> During the first year of his reign he established the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (now [[Jordan Design and Development Bureau]]), whose goal is to "provide an indigenous capability for the supply of scientific and technical services to the Jordanian Armed Forces".<ref name="kaddb">{{cite news|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/kaddb-become-main-provider-army%E2%80%99s-weapons-defence-equipment%E2%80%99|access-date=16 June 2016|date=28 April 2015|title=KADDB to become main provider of army's weapons, defence equipment|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103221216/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/kaddb-become-main-provider-army%E2%80%99s-weapons-defence-equipment%E2%80%99|archive-date=3 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-inaugurates-kaddb-joint-venture-turkish-company|title=King inaugurates KADDB joint venture with Turkish company|date=16 December 2014|access-date=14 January 2018|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115001509/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-inaugurates-kaddb-joint-venture-turkish-company|archive-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> The company manufactures a wide variety of military products, which are presented at the biennial international [[Special Operations Forces Exhibition]] (SOFEX)—Abdullah is SOFEX's patron.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-inaugurates-sofex-2016-tours-expo|title=King inaugurates SOFEX 2016, tours expo|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=14 January 2018|date=10 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115001337/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-inaugurates-sofex-2016-tours-expo|archive-date=15 January 2018}}</ref> Abdullah modernized the army, leading Jordan to acquire advanced weaponry and increase and enhance its [[F-16]] fighter-jet fleet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/64396/jordan-s-king-orders-military-shake-up|title=Jordan's king orders military shake-up|first=Mohammad|last=Najib|work=Janes|access-date=22 February 2017|date=6 October 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222111111/http://www.janes.com/article/64396/jordan-s-king-orders-military-shake-up|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref><ref name="ardid">{{cite web|work=Defense Industry Daily|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/jordan-buys-20-f16-mlu-from-holland-belgium-updated-02176/|title=Jordan Buys 20 F-16 MLU from Holland, Belgium (updated)|date=14 February 2007|publisher=Watershed Publishing|access-date=14 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617044329/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/jordan-buys-20-f16-mlu-from-holland-belgium-updated-02176/|archive-date=17 June 2017}}</ref> The King occasionally trains with the Jordanian army in live ammunition military drills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alghad.com/articles/1561222-His-Majesty-Partakes-in-Live-Ammo-Military-Drill|title=His Majesty Partakes in Live Ammo Military Drill|work=Al Ghad|date=17 April 2017|access-date=3 January 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/http://www.alghad.com/articles/1561222-His-Majesty-Partakes-in-Live-Ammo-Military-Drill|archive-date=6 February 2018}}</ref>

===Energy sector===
[[File:Tafila Wind Farm 1.jpg|alt=Five windmills in the desert|thumb|The 117 MW [[Tafila Wind Farm]], inaugurated by Abdullah in 2014, is the largest onshore wind farm in the Middle East.<ref name="pnak">{{cite web|url=http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=285654|title=Masdar appoints IFC to oversee funding of Jordan's largest solar power project|agency=Petra News Agency|access-date=18 January 2017|date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131185448/http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=285654|archive-date=31 January 2017}}</ref>]]
{{See also|Nuclear energy in Jordan}}

Vandalism of the Egyptian pipeline supplying Jordan strained the country's electrical company, whose debt increased substantially; this prompted Abdullah to urge the government to formulate a 10-year plan (2015–2025) to diversify the kingdom's energy sources.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/jordans-economy-surprises|title=Jordan's Economy Surprises|work=David Schenker|access-date=14 January 2018|date=29 June 2015|publisher=The Washington Institute|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010122524/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/jordans-economy-surprises|archive-date=10 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov%E2%80%99t-launches-jordan-2025%E2%80%99-development-blueprint|title=Gov't launches 'Jordan 2025' development blueprint|access-date=22 February 2017|date=11 May 2015|work=The Jordan Times|first=Omar|last=Obeidat|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222111922/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/gov%E2%80%99t-launches-jordan-2025%E2%80%99-development-blueprint|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>

In 2007, Abdullah said that Jordan intends to benefit from its large uranium reserves by building nuclear reactors to generate electricity; the country is one of the few non-petroleum-producing nations in the region.<ref>{{cite web|last=Eldar|first=Akiva|url=https://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/815304.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325015617/http://www.haaretz.com/news/king-abdullah-to-haaretz-jordan-aims-to-develop-nuclear-power-1.210546|archive-date=25 March 2016|title=King Abdullah to Haaretz: Jordan aims to develop nuclear power|work=Haaretz|date=20 January 2007|access-date=13 February 2017}}</ref> Early on, in a 2010 interview, Abdullah accused Israel of trying to disrupt [[Nuclear energy in Jordan|Jordan's nuclear program]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/abdullah-israel-keeping-jordan-from-developing-peaceful-nuclear-program-1.296283|title=Abdullah: Israel Keeping Jordan From Developing Peaceful Nuclear Program|first=Yossi|last=Meiman|date=15 June 2010|access-date=18 February 2017|work=Haaretz|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219112631/http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/abdullah-israel-keeping-jordan-from-developing-peaceful-nuclear-program-1.296283|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah inaugurated Jordan's first nuclear facility in 2016.<ref name="jfnr">{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/pm-inaugurates-jordan-research-and-training-reactor|title=PM inaugurates Jordan Research and Training Reactor|access-date=22 February 2017|date=7 December 2016|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222120347/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/pm-inaugurates-jordan-research-and-training-reactor|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> The [[Jordan Research and Training Reactor]], in the [[Jordan University of Science and Technology]] near [[Ar Ramtha]], aims to train Jordanian students in the school's nuclear-engineering program.<ref name="jfnr" /> In 2018, the country's Atomic Energy Commission announced that Jordan was in talks with multiple companies to build the first commercial nuclear plant, a Helium-cooled reactor that is scheduled for completion in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-china-serious-talks%E2%80%99-build-gas-cooled-1b-reactor|title=Jordan, China in 'serious talks' to build gas-cooled $1b reactor|author=Mohammad Ghazal|work=The Jordan Times|date=28 April 2018|access-date=8 May 2018}}</ref>

The country has 330 days of sunshine per year, and wind speeds exceed 7&nbsp;m/s in mountainous areas.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=20 March 2016|url=http://www.greenprophet.com/2011/12/jordan-atomic-energy/|title=Jordan Jumps Forward on Energy Development|last=Balbo|first=Laurie|date=12 December 2011|publisher=Green Prophet|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328205453/http://www.greenprophet.com/2011/12/jordan-atomic-energy/|archive-date=28 March 2016}}</ref> During the 2010s, Abdullah inaugurated the 117 MW [[Tafila Wind Farm]] and the 53 MW [[Shams Ma'an Power Plant]].<ref name="ppjthak" /> In May 2017, it was announced that more than 200 MW of solar energy projects had been completed.<ref name="ppjthak">{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-inaugurates-jd400m-solar-energy-projects|title=King inaugurates JD400m solar energy projects|work=The Jordan Times|date=16 May 2017|access-date=16 May 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516044814/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-inaugurates-jd400m-solar-energy-projects|archive-date=16 May 2017}}</ref> After having initially set the percentage of renewable energy Jordan aimed to generate by 2020 at 10%, the government announced in 2018 that it sought to beat that figure and aim for 20%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-23/jordan-eyes-power-storage-as-next-step-in-green-energy-drive|title=Jordan Eyes Power Storage as Next Step in Green Energy Drive|author=Brian Parkin|access-date=23 April 2018|date=23 April 2018|work=Bloomberg}}</ref> A report by pv magazine described Jordan as the "Middle East's solar powerhouse".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pv-magazine.com/2018/01/06/solars-new-fertile-crescent/|title=Solar's new fertile crescent|access-date=16 January 2018|date=6 January 2018|work=pv magazine|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117011921/https://www.pv-magazine.com/2018/01/06/solars-new-fertile-crescent/|archive-date=17 January 2018}}</ref>

In 2014, a declaration of intent was signed by Jordan's national electrical company and [[Noble Energy]] to import gas from Israel's offshore [[Leviathan gas field]], a 15-year deal estimated at $10 billion.<ref name="amjigd" /> The move provoked outrage by opponents, including the [[Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions]] movement, which said that the agreement favored Israel and its [[Israeli occupation of the West Bank|occupation of the West Bank]] and accused the government of ignoring renewable-energy options.<ref name="amjigd" /> The agreement, effective in 2019, was signed in September 2016.<ref name="amjigd">{{cite web|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/originals/2016/10/jordan-israel-gas-deal-popular-protest.html|title=Jordanians fuming over gas deal with Israel|author=Osama Al-Sharif|publisher=Al Monitor|access-date=22 February 2017|date=5 October 2016|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222195425/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/originals/2016/10/jordan-israel-gas-deal-popular-protest.html|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> Separately, Abdullah opened a [[liquefied natural gas]] port in [[Aqaba]] in 2015, allowing Jordan to import LNG.<ref name="alngp" /> LNG-generated electricity saves Jordan about $1 million a day, and is reportedly better for the environment.<ref name="alngp">{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/using-natural-gas-generate-power-saves-jordan-jd1m-day|title=Using natural gas to generate power saves Jordan JD1m per day|first=Khetam|last=Malkawi|work=The Jordan Times|access-date=22 February 2017|date=1 December 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223043532/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/using-natural-gas-generate-power-saves-jordan-jd1m-day|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>

==Religious affairs==
{{See also|Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem holy sites}}
{{quote box
| quote  = Our faith, like yours, commands mercy, peace and tolerance. It upholds, as yours does, the equal human dignity of every person – men and women, neighbours and strangers. Those outlaws of Islam who deny these truths are vastly outnumbered by the ocean of believers – 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide. In fact, these terrorists have made the world's Muslims their greatest target. We will not allow them to hijack our faith.
| source = Abdullah's 15 March 2015 speech before the [[European Parliament]] in [[Strasbourg]], France<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kingabdullah.jo/en/speeches/european-parliament-1|title=Before the European Parliament|access-date=17 February 2017|date=15 March 2015|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217225231/http://kingabdullah.jo/en/speeches/european-parliament-1|archive-date=17 February 2017}}</ref>
| align  = right
| width  = 35%
}}
In response to [[Islamophobic]] rhetoric after the 11 September attacks, Abdullah issued the [[Amman Message]] in November 2004.<ref name="tm500" /> The Message is a detailed statement which encouraged Muslim scholars of all sects from around the world to denounce terrorism, practice religious tolerance and represent the true nature of the Muslim faith.<ref name="tam" /> The statement was adopted unanimously in a conference hosted by Abdullah in Amman in 2005 by 200 leading Islamic scholars.<ref name="tam" /> The Message stressed three points: the validity of all eight schools of Islam, the forbidding of [[takfir]] (declaration of [[apostasy]]) and standards for the issuance of [[fatwa]]s.<ref name="tam">{{cite web|url=http://ammanmessage.com/|title=Amman Message|work=ammanmessage.com|access-date=13 February 2017|date=1 January 2005|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210153309/http://ammanmessage.com/|archive-date=10 February 2017}}</ref> The Islamic religious consensus was unprecedented in contemporary times.<ref name="tm500" /> Abdullah presented the Message in 2010 to the [[United Nations General Assembly]], where he proposed a [[World Interfaith Harmony Week]].<ref name="rafbhka" /> The initiative was adopted, and is an annual celebration during the first week of February to promote peace and harmony among people of different faiths.<ref name="rafbhka">{{cite web|url=http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/|title=World Faith Harmony Week|access-date=13 February 2017|date=1 January 2017|work=worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170214060113/http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/|archive-date=14 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah also established an award, based on this initiative, for interfaith dialogue.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-honours-winners-world-interfaith-harmony-week-award-0|title=King honours winners of World Interfaith Harmony Week award|access-date=22 February 2017|date=17 April 2016|work=abdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223132000/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-honours-winners-world-interfaith-harmony-week-award-0|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>

[[File:Israel-2013(2)-Jerusalem-Temple Mount-Dome of the Rock (SE exposure).jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|alt=Islamic shrine with a gold dome|left|The [[Dome of the Rock]] and other Muslim and Christian religious sites in [[Jerusalem]] are in the custody of Abdullah, a position held by his dynasty since 1924.]]
The [[Al-Aqsa|Al-Aqsa compound]] in [[Jerusalem]] was under Jordanian rule from 1948 to 1967; it was under Hashemite custodianship since 1924,<ref name="dskaojc" /> during the reign of Abdullah's great-great-grandfather [[Hussein bin Ali, Sharif of Mecca|Sharif Hussein bin Ali]].<ref name="ttoi" /> The legacy began when the [[Supreme Muslim Council]], the highest body in charge of Muslim community affairs in [[Mandatory Palestine]], accepted the [[Sharif of Mecca|sharif]] as custodian of the site.<ref name="ttoi" /> He restored the Jami’ Al-Aqsa and other mosques in [[Palestine (region)|Palestine]].<ref name="hgoam">{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/page/the-hashemites/custodianship-over-holy-sites|title=Custodianship over Holy Sites|access-date=17 February 2017|date=1 January 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219140338/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/page/the-hashemites/custodianship-over-holy-sites|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref> The sharif's son, [[Abdullah I of Jordan|King Abdullah I]], is said to have personally taken charge of efforts to extinguish a fire which engulfed the [[Church of the Holy Sepulchre]] in 1949.<ref name="ox08">{{cite book|last1=Cohen|first1=Raymond|title=Saving the Holy Sepulchre: How Rival Christians Came Together to Rescue Their Holiest Shrine|date=2008|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=84|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T7KmnQ65XooC&pg=PA84|access-date=16 January 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206071126/https://books.google.com/books?id=T7KmnQ65XooC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA84|archive-date=6 February 2018|isbn=9780199719907}}</ref> Jami’ Al-Aqsa and the [[Dome of the Rock]] were restored four times by the Hashemites during the 20th century, and the custodianship became a Hashemite legacy given by Jordanian kings.<ref name="hgoam" /> In 2013, an agreement was signed between the Palestinian Authority and Abdullah, replacing the decades-old verbal agreement which was reinforced by the 1994 Israel–Jordan peace treaty.<ref name="dskaojc">{{cite journal|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Article.aspx?id=212248|title=Jerusalem deal boosts Jordan in Holy City: analysts|journal=The Daily Star|access-date=22 February 2017|date=2 April 2013|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222194432/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Article.aspx?id=212248|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> Jordan recalled its ambassador to Israel in 2014 following tensions at Al-Aqsa Mosque between Israelis and Palestinians concerned about Jordan's role in safeguarding Muslim and Christian sacred sites in Jerusalem.<ref name="toifbj" /> Abdullah met Israeli prime minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] in Amman in late 2014, and the Jordanian ambassador returned when Israeli authorities eased restrictions and revoked a decision that prevented men of all ages from praying at Al-Aqsa—for the first time in months.<ref name="toifbj">{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/fearing-backlash-jordan-asserts-al-aqsa-custodianship/|title=Fearing backlash, Jordan asserts Al-Aqsa custodianship|access-date=18 February 2017|date=16 November 2014|first=Mussa|last=Hattar|work=The Times of Israel|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219141206/http://www.timesofisrael.com/fearing-backlash-jordan-asserts-al-aqsa-custodianship/|archive-date=19 February 2017}}</ref>

In 2016, it was announced that Abdullah would fund the restoration of the Tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. [[The Royal Hashemite Court]] informed Orthodox [[Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem]] of the ''makruma'' (royal benefaction) in a 10 April 2016 letter. The tomb had been untouched since 1947, when the British installed steel support beams as part of a restoration project which never took place.<ref name="ngkaa">{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/jesus-tomb-opened-church-holy-sepulchre/|work=National Geographic|title=Exclusive: Christ's Burial Place Exposed for First Time in Centuries|first=Kristin|last=Romey|access-date=30 October 2016|date=26 October 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030001608/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/10/jesus-tomb-opened-church-holy-sepulchre/ |archive-date=30 October 2016}}</ref> It was reopened to the public on 22 March 2017 after the renovation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/world/middleeast/tomb-of-jesus-reopens-jerusalem.html|title=Tomb of Jesus Reopens to Public After $3 Million Restoration|work=The New York Times|access-date=22 March 2017|date=22 March 2017|first=Russell|last=Goldman|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323024031/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/22/world/middleeast/tomb-of-jesus-reopens-jerusalem.html|archive-date=23 March 2017}}</ref> On 2 August 2017, Abdullah donated $1.4 million to the [[Jerusalem Islamic Waqf]], the body that belongs to Jordan and is responsible for administering the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordanian-king-donates-1-4-million-to-waqf-after-temple-mount-fight/|title=Jordanian king donates $1.4 million to Waqf after Temple Mount fight|access-date=2 August 2017|date=2 August 2017|work=The Times of Israel|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802193813/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordanian-king-donates-1-4-million-to-waqf-after-temple-mount-fight/|archive-date=2 August 2017}}</ref> An independent report estimates the total amount that the Hashemites have spent since 1924 on administering and renovating Jami’ Al Aqsa as over $1 billion.<ref name="ttoi">{{cite web|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-temple-mount-tumult-the-who-what-and-why-of-its-waqf-rulers/|title=Amid Temple Mount tumult, the who, what and why of its Waqf rulers|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=14 January 2018|date=20 July 2017|author=Dov Lieber|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917172211/http://www.timesofisrael.com/amid-temple-mount-tumult-the-who-what-and-why-of-its-waqf-rulers/|archive-date=17 September 2017}}</ref>

In 2014, Abdullah received [[Pope Francis]] in Jordan, the third papal visit of his reign.<ref name="tm500" /> The king, Queen Rania and [[Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad|Prince Ghazi]] accompanied the pope to [[Al-Maghtas]], the site of Jesus' baptism, on the east bank of the [[Jordan River]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=152559&CatID=13|title=King, Queen accompany Pope Francis to Baptism Site|access-date=22 February 2017|date=24 May 2014|agency=Petra News Agency|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223043157/http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=152559&CatID=13|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah led ''[[The 500 Most Influential Muslims]]''{{'}} 2016 list, published by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center, and was third on its 2018 list.<ref name="wmafmjik" /> Queen Rania was 35th on the 2016 list.<ref name="wmafmjik">{{cite web|title=Latest news about the 500 Most Influential Muslims|publisher=The Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center|date=6 October 2016|access-date=13 February 2017|url=http://themuslim500.com/downloads/TheMuslim500-2017-lowres.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927233013/http://themuslim500.com/downloads/TheMuslim500-2017-lowres.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Leaders of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre sent out a letter of support to Abdullah on 1 March 2018 after Israel shelved a proposed bill that aimed to propose new tax measures to churches in the West Bank. "Your defence of religious freedom and Your leadership, in ensuring that the Status Quo is respected and maintained, has been crucial in our ongoing attempts to guard and protect the Christian presence especially in the Holy City of Jerusalem", the letter read.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenational.ae/world/mena/jerusalem-church-leaders-thank-jordan-s-king-abdullah-for-support-during-israel-tax-protest-1.709421|title=Jerusalem Church leaders thank Jordan's King Abdullah for support during Israel tax protest|access-date=5 March 2018|date=1 March 2018|work=The National}}</ref>

==Successor==
{{See also|Line of succession to the Jordanian throne}}
On 28 November 2004, Abdullah removed the title of crown prince from his half-brother, [[Prince Hamzah bin Hussein|Prince Hamzah]], whom he had appointed on 7 February 1999 in accordance with their father's advice.<ref name="bbclos" /> In a letter to Hamzah read on Jordanian state television, Abdullah said: "Your holding this symbolic position has restrained your freedom and hindered our entrusting you with certain responsibilities that you are fully qualified to undertake."<ref name="bbclos" /> Although no successor to the title was named at that time, the king was expected to appoint his son and heir apparent, [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Prince Hussein]], crown prince.<ref name="bbclos">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4050231.stm|title=Jordan crown prince loses title|publisher=BBC|date=29 November 2004|access-date=13 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217233911/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4050231.stm|archive-date=17 February 2017}}</ref> Hussein received the title on 2 July 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=307401|title=Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II turns 23 Tomorrow|agency=Petra News Agency|date=27 June 2016|access-date=17 January 2018|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117192229/http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?lang=2&site_id=1&NewsID=307401|archive-date=17 January 2018}}</ref>

==Personal life==
King Abdullah met Rania Al-Yassin at a dinner party in January 1993. On 10 June 1993, they were married at [[Zahran Palace]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Prideaux |first=Sophie |date=18 August 2022 |title=Jordanian royal weddings through the years, from King Hussein to Queen Rania |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/family/2022/07/07/jordanian-royal-weddings-through-the-years/ |access-date=18 September 2022 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> King Abdullah and [[Queen Rania of Jordan|Queen Rania]] have four children: 
* [[Hussein, Crown Prince of Jordan|Crown Prince Hussein]] (born 28 June 1994 at [[King Hussein Medical Center]] in Amman), married [[Princess Rajwa Al Hussein|Rajwa Al Saif]] on 1 June 2023 at [[Zahran Palace]] in Amman, they have one daughter:
** [[Princess Iman bint Hussein bin Abdullah|Princess Iman bint Al Hussein]] (born 3 August 2024 at [[King Hussein Medical Center]] in Amman)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2509981/lifestyle|title=Princess Rajwa, Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan welcome their first child|work=Arab News|language=EN|date=3 August 2024|access-date=3 August 2024}}</ref>
* [[Princess Iman bint Abdullah|Princess Iman]] (born 27 September 1996 at [[King Hussein Medical Center]] in Amman), married Jameel Alexander Thermiótis on 12 March 2023 at [[Beit Al Urdun Palace]] in Amman, they have one daughter:
** Amina Thermiótis (born 16 February 2025 at Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II Hospital in Aqaba)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2590432/lifestyle|title=Jordan's Princess Iman welcomes first child|work=Arab News|date=16 February 2025|access-date=16 February 2025}}</ref>
* [[Princess Salma bint Abdullah|Princess Salma]] (born 26 September 2000 at [[King Hussein Medical Center]] in Amman)
* [[Prince Hashem bin Abdullah|Prince Hashem]] (born 30 January 2005 at [[King Hussein Medical Center]] in Amman)<ref name="RHC" />

The ruler of Dubai, [[Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum|Sheikh Mohammed Al-Maktoum]], was married to Abdullah's half-sister Princess Haya.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.albawaba.com/news/princess-haya-jordan-speaks-out-about-health-issues-facebook-1007674|title=Princess Haya of Jordan Speaks Out About Health Issues on Facebook|date=9 August 2017|access-date=3 January 2018|work=Al Bawaba|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104074954/https://www.albawaba.com/news/princess-haya-jordan-speaks-out-about-health-issues-facebook-1007674|archive-date=4 January 2018}}</ref>

Abdullah published an autobiography, ''[[Our Last Best Chance]]: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of Peril'', in 2010.<ref name="bkoja" /> He documents the first decade of his rule in a manner similar to his father's 1962 book, ''Uneasy Lies the Head''.<ref name="bkoja">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/capsule-review/2011-09-01/our-last-best-chance-pursuit-peace-time-peril|title=Our Last Best Chance: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of Peril|first=Carl|last=Brown|magazine=Foreign Affairs|access-date=22 February 2017|date=1 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222120941/https://www.foreignaffairs.com/reviews/capsule-review/2011-09-01/our-last-best-chance-pursuit-peace-time-peril|archive-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> Abdullah's book contains insights into his childhood and behind-the-scenes accounts of encounters with political figures.<ref name="bkoja" />

===Interests===
Abdullah has listed [[skydiving]], [[motorcycling]], water sports and collecting ancient weapons as his interests and hobbies, and is a [[Trekkie|fan]] of the science-fiction series ''[[Star Trek]]''.<ref name="bbckap" /><ref name="kaofhi" /> In 1996, he appeared briefly in the ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' episode "[[Investigations (Voyager episode)|Investigations]]", in a non-speaking role.<ref name="sts">{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/277584.stm|publisher=BBC|title=The King of Star Trek|access-date=22 February 2017|date=11 February 1999|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311003922/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/277584.stm|archive-date=11 March 2017}}</ref>

The king promotes tourism in Jordan, and was a tour guide for [[Discovery Channel]] travel host [[Peter Greenberg]] on ''Jordan: The Royal Tour''.<ref name="trtjo">{{cite web|url=http://ttnonline.com/Article/1032|title=King leads tourists on discovery of Jordan|date=1 March 2002|access-date=17 January 2018|work=TTN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117212255/http://ttnonline.com/Article/1032|archive-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> In the program, Abdullah said that he is no longer permitted to skydive since he became king.<ref name="trtjo" /> He reportedly motorcycled through northern California on a Harley-Davidson.<ref name="kaofhi" /> [[Prince Ali bin Al Hussein]], one of Abdullah's brothers and president of the [[Jordan Football Association]], has said that the king is the [[Jordan national football team]]'s biggest fan.<ref name="kaofhi" /> His interest in the film industry influenced his decision to create the [[Red Sea Institute of Cinematic Arts]] in the [[Red Sea]] coastal town of [[Aqaba]] on 20 September 2006, in partnership with the [[University of Southern California]] [[USC School of Cinematic Arts|School of Cinematic Arts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cinema.usc.edu/summer/resources/newsDetail.cfm?cid=6365|title=Jordan Signs Agreement With USC To Create Middle East Cinema Institute|archive-date=18 January 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118233745/http://cinema.usc.edu/summer/resources/newsDetail.cfm?cid=6365|date=18 January 2008|access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref> When the producers of ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' decided to film in Jordan, Abdullah called on military helicopters to help transport equipment into [[Petra]].<ref name="kaofhi" /> In 2016, the king honored the cast of ''[[Theeb]]'', the first Jordanian film nominated for an [[Academy Awards|Oscar]].<ref>{{cite web|title=King Abdullah praises cast, crew of 'Theeb'|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-praises-cast-crew-%E2%80%98theeb%E2%80%99|date=22 March 2016|access-date=22 February 2017|work=abdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012005402/https://kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-praises-cast-crew-%e2%80%98theeb%e2%80%99|archive-date=12 October 2017}}</ref>

Abdullah also enjoys [[stand-up comedy]]. When [[Gabriel Iglesias]], [[Russell Peters]] and a number of other stand-up comedians visited Jordan for a 2009 comedy festival, the king invited them over for dinner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/russell-peters-meets-with-hm-king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-539086901.html|title=Russell Peters Meets with HM King Abdullah II of Jordan|work=News Wire|access-date=18 January 2018|date=13 December 2009|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118010243/https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/russell-peters-meets-with-hm-king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-539086901.html|archive-date=18 January 2018}}</ref> In 2013, a video of Abdullah helping push a car stuck in snow in Amman during the [[2013 Middle East cold snap]] went viral.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The King of Jordan Helped People Push Their Cars Out of the Snow [Video]|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/the-king-of-jordan-helped-people-push-their-cars-out-of-the-snow-video/articleshow/27607108.cms|access-date=28 September 2020|website=Business Insider}}</ref> In 2017, another amateur video that went viral showed Abdullah wearing pyjamas helping in extinguishing a fire in a wood near the royal palace.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/variety/2017/06/18/WATCH-Jordan-s-King-Abdullah-helps-put-out-fire-near-his-palace.html|title=WATCH: Jordan's King Abdullah helps put out fire near his palace|access-date=19 June 2017|date=18 June 2017|publisher=Al Arabiya|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806180937/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/variety/2017/06/18/WATCH-Jordan-s-King-Abdullah-helps-put-out-fire-near-his-palace.html|archive-date=6 August 2017}}</ref>

===Wealth===
Abdullah owns an international network of real estate properties, valued in excess of $100 million. His ownership of the properties was disguised through a series of offshore companies incorporated in the [[British Virgin Islands]]. Abdullah's property empire was disclosed in the [[Pandora Papers]] leak,<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last1=Drucker |first1=Jesse |last2=Hubbard |first2=Ben |date=20 February 2022 |title=Vast Leak Exposes How Credit Suisse Served Strongmen and Spies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/20/business/credit-suisse-leak-swiss-bank.html |access-date=20 February 2022 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> which revealed ownership of three contiguous oceanfront estates in the [[Point Dume]] area of [[Malibu, California|Malibu]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2021/10/04/inside-the-king-of-jordans-malibu-luxury-real-estate-spree/|title = Inside the King of Jordan's luxury real estate spree – the Real Deal|date = 4 October 2021}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite news |title=The Washington Post . Jordan's King Abdullah uses shell companies to buy lavish overseas homes, records show |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/jordan-abdullah-shell-companies-luxury-homes/ |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |access-date=4 October 2021}}{{subscription required}}</ref> and properties in [[Washington, D.C.]], [[London]] and [[Ascot, Berkshire|Ascot]].<ref>{{Cite news|date=3 October 2021|title=Pandora Papers: King of Jordan amassed £70m secret property empire|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-58781350|access-date=3 October 2021}}</ref> His lawyers denied any misuse of public funds or tax evasion and stated that they were bought from the monarch's private wealth and through offshore companies for security and privacy reasons.<ref>{{cite web |title=King of Jordan hidden property empire worth more than $100m, Pandora papers reveal |url=https://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/oct/03/king-of-jordan-hidden-property-empire-worth-more-than-100m-pandora-papers-reveal |website=[[The Guardian]] |date=3 October 2021}}</ref> A 2022 [[Suisse secrets|Credit Suisse leak]] revealed that Abdullah owned six secret accounts, including one whose balance exceeded $224 million. A Royal Court statement said that the funds were a result of selling an [[Airbus A340]] plane that belonged to his father the late King Hussein for $212 million, and that it was replaced with a smaller, less costly Gulfstream aircraft.<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=41023&lang=en&name=en_news|publisher=Petra|access-date=7 April 2022|title=Royal Court Statement}}</ref>

==Honours and awards==
===Honours===
====National honours====
*{{flag|Jordan}}:
**[[File:JOR Al-Hussein ibn Ali Order BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Master of the [[Order of Al-Hussein bin Ali]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
**[[File:JOR Order of the Renaissance GC.SVG|50px]] Grand Master of the [[Supreme Order of the Renaissance]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
**[[File:JOR Order of the Hashemite Star ribbon.svg|50px]] Grand Master of the Order of the Hashemite Star<ref>{{Cite news|agency=AP|date=5 April 2021|title=Jordanian King Abdullah II sends tough message on dissent in royal family|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/international/jordanian-king-abdullah-ii-sends-tough-message-on-dissent-in-royal-family-121040500045_1.html|access-date=4 May 2021}}</ref>
**[[File:Order of Military Gallantry (Jordan).png|50px]] Grand Master of the Order of Military Gallantry<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.cpc.gov.ae/en-us/thecrownprince/HHsBiography/Pages/AwardsandHonours.aspx|access-date=4 May 2021|website=www.cpc.gov.ae|archive-date=4 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210504130119/https://www.cpc.gov.ae/en-us/thecrownprince/HHsBiography/Pages/AwardsandHonours.aspx|url-status=dead|title=Crown Prince Court}}</ref>
**[[File:Order of the Star of Jordan - Grand Cordon.png|50px]] Grand Master of the [[Order of the Star of Jordan]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
**[[File:Order of Independence - Grand Cordon (Jordan).png|50px]] Grand Master of the [[Order of Independence (Jordan)|Order of Independence]]{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}
**[[File:Order of Military Merit (Jordan) - Grand Cordon.png|50px]] Grand Master of the [[Order of Military Merit (Jordan)|Order of Military Merit]]
**[[File:JOR_Order_of_the_Al-Hussein_GC.svg|50px]] Grand Master of the Order of Al Hussein 
**[[File:Order of King Abdullah II.jpg|50px]] Founding Grand Master of the Order of King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein for Excellence
**[[File:Order_of_the_State_Centennial.jpg|50px]] Founding Grand Master of the Order of the State Centennial
**[[File:Al-Hussein Medal for Excellence.gif|50px]] Sovereign of the  Al-Hussein Medal of Excellence<ref name=":2" />
**[[File:Long Service Medal.gif|50px]] Sovereign of the  Long Service Medal
**[[File:Medal of Leadership Competence (Jordan).png|50px]] Sovereign of the Administrative & Leadership Competence Medal
**[[File:Medal for Administrative and Technical Competence.gif|50px]] Sovereign of the Administrative & Technical Competence Medal
**[[File:Medal of Training Competence (Jordan).png|50px]] Sovereign of the Administrative & Training Competence Medal

====Foreign honours====
{{flag|Algeria}}: 
*[[File:National Order of Merit - Athir v.1 (Algeria) - ribbon bar.gif|50px]] Grand Collar of the [[National Order of Merit (Algeria)|National Order of Merit]] (4 December 2022)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rhc.jo/en/media/news/king-president-tebboune-hold-talks-algeria|title=King, President Tebboune hold talks in Algeria|date=4 December 2022|website=rhc.jo}}</ref>
{{flag|Austria}}:
* [[File:AUT Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria - 1st Class BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Star of the [[Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria]] (January 2001).\<ref name=":2" />
{{flag|Bahrain}}:
*  [[File:Order of Sheikh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa.gif|50px]] Grand Cordon with Collar of the Order of Al-Khalifa (4 November 1999)<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Home|url=https://www.mofa.gov.bh/Default.aspx?tabid=8900&language=en-US|access-date=4 May 2021|website=www.mofa.gov.bh|language=en-US}}</ref>
{{flag|Belgium}}:
* [[File:BEL - Order of Leopold - Grand Cordon bar.svg|50px]] Grand Cordon of the [[Order of Leopold (Belgium)|Order of Leopold]] (18 May 2016)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2016-05-18/duelo-reinas-rania-jordania-matilde-belgica_1202279/|title=Nuevo duelo de reinas: una Rania muy demodé no puede con una Matilde sublime. Noticias de Casas Reales|date=18 May 2016|access-date=13 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724180536/http://www.vanitatis.elconfidencial.com/casas-reales/2016-05-18/duelo-reinas-rania-jordania-matilde-belgica_1202279/|archive-date=24 July 2016}}</ref>
{{flag|Brunei}}: 
*[[File:Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei (DKMB).svg|50x50px]] Recipient of the [[Royal Family Order of the Crown of Brunei]] (13 May 2008)<ref>{{Cite web|title=ODM of Brunei: Order of the Crown of Brunei|url=https://www.medals.org.uk/brunei/brunei002.htm|access-date=4 May 2021|website=www.medals.org.uk}}</ref>
{{flag|Cyprus}}:
* [[File:CYP Order of Makarios III ribbon.svg|50px]] Grand Collar of the [[Order of Makarios III]] (17 December 2021)
{{flag|Czech Republic}}:
* [[File:CZE Rad Bileho Lva 1 tridy BAR.svg|50px]] Member 1st Class of the [[Order of the White Lion]] (11 February 2015)<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 February 2015|title=Jordan, Czech Republic set to boost ties at all levels|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-czech-republic-set-boost-ties-all-levels|access-date=4 October 2020|website=The Jordan Times|language=en}}</ref>
{{flag|Finland}}:
* [[File:FIN Order of the White Rose Grand Cross BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of the White Rose]] (2010)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ritarikunnat.fi/index.php/fi/ritarikunnat/rekisterit/216-suomen-valkoisen-ruusun-ritarikunnan-suurristin-ketjuineen-saajat-ulkomaalaiset/ |title=Suomen Valkoisen Ruusun ritarikunnan suurristin ketjuineen ulkomaalaiset saajat |publisher=Ritarikunnat.fi |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904154004/http://www.ritarikunnat.fi/index.php/fi/ritarikunnat/rekisterit/216-suomen-valkoisen-ruusun-ritarikunnan-suurristin-ketjuineen-saajat-ulkomaalaiset |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{flag|Georgia}}:
* [[File:GEO Golden Fleece Order BAR.svg|50px]] Recipient of the [[Order of the Golden Fleece (Georgia)|Order of the Golden Fleece]] (29 May 2022)
{{flag|Germany}}:
* [[File:GER Bundesverdienstkreuz 9 Sond des Grosskreuzes.svg|50px]] Grand Cross Special Class of the [[Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany|Order of Merit of the Federal Republic]] (10 October 2002)<ref name=":3" />
{{flag|Guinea Bissau}}:
* [[File:Medalha_Am%C3%ADlcar_Cabral.svg|50px]] Recipient of the Medal of Amílcar Cabral (20 February 2023)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://jordantimes.com/news/local/king-meets-guinea-bissau-president-al-husseiniya-palace|title=King meets Guinea-Bissau president at Al Husseiniya Palace|date=20 February 2023|website=Jordan Times}}</ref>
{{flag|Italy}}:
* [[Image:ITA OMRI 2001 GC-GCord BAR.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]] (9 February 2001)
* [[Image:ITA OMRI 2001 GC-GCord BAR.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of Merit of the Italian Republic]] (15 January 1987)<ref>Italian Presidency Website, S.A.R. Abdullah Bin Al Hussein Principe di Giordania : [http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=14668 Cavaliere di Gran Croce] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928084144/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=14668 |date=28 September 2013}}; S.M. Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein Re di Giordania [http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=48715 Decorato di Gran Cordone] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928084034/http://www.quirinale.it/elementi/DettaglioOnorificenze.aspx?decorato=48715 |date=28 September 2013}}</ref>
{{flag|Japan}}:
* [[File:JPN Daikun'i kikkasho BAR.svg|50px]] Collar of the [[Order of the Chrysanthemum|Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum]] (30 November 1999)<ref>{{Cite web|title=Decorations and Medals - Presidency of the Republic of Lebanon|url=http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/President/Pages/Medals.aspx|access-date=4 May 2021|website=www.presidency.gov.lb|archive-date=13 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120413164821/http://www.presidency.gov.lb/English/President/Pages/Medals.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[File:JPN Daikun'i kikkasho BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Cordon of the [[Order of the Chrysanthemum|Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum]] (November 1993)<ref>{{Cite web|title=MOFA: Joint Press Statement on the Occasion of King Abdullah II's State Visit to Japan|url=https://www.mofa.go.jp/region/middle_e/jordan/kv9911/jps.html|access-date=5 October 2020|website=mofa.go.jp}}</ref>
{{flag|Kazakhstan}}:
* [[File:Medal10Astana.png|50px]] Recipient of the [[Medal "10 years of Astana"|10 Years of Astana Medal]] (18 May 2008)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.uniformius.ru/index/kazahstan/nagradikaz/nagradigoskaz/kazmed013.htm|title=Абдалла II – король Иордании|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002131157/http://www.uniformius.ru/index/kazahstan/nagradikaz/nagradigoskaz/kazmed013.htm|archive-date=2 October 2009|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>
{{flag|Lebanon}}:
* [[File:Lebanese Order of Merit Extraordinary Grade.gif|50px]] Member Extraordinary Grade of the [[Order of Merit (Lebanon)|Order of Merit of Lebanon]] (14 September 1999){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
{{flag|Libyan Arab Jamahiriya|name=Libya}}:
* [[File:Order of the Grand Conqueror (Libya).gif|50px]] Member 1st Class of the Order of the Grand Conqueror (1 September 1999){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
{{flag|Montenegro}}:
* Member 1st Class of the [[Order of the Republic of Montenegro]] (2017)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.vijesti.me/vijesti/politika/171409/arapskim-partnerima-najvisi-ordeni | title=Arapskim partnerima najviši ordeni }}</ref>
{{flag|Morocco}}:
* [[File:Ribbon_Wissam_al_Mohamadi_Morocco.png|50px]] Collar of the [[Order of Muhammad]]
* [[File:MAR Order of the Throne - Special Class BAR.png|50px]] Grand Cordon of the [[Order of the Throne]]
{{flag|Netherlands}}:
* [[File:Order of the Netherlands Lion ribbon - Knight Grand Cross.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Netherlands Lion]] (30 October 2006)<ref>PPE Agency, State visit of Jordan in Netherlands 2006, [http://www.ppe-agency.com/preview.php?start=0&id=10347&zoektype=2&search=30-10-2006%20Gala Photo] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208055926/http://www.ppe-agency.com/preview.php?start=0&id=10347&zoektype=2&search=30-10-2006%20Gala |date=8 December 2013}}</ref>
* [[File:NLD Order of the House of Orange - Grand Cross BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of the House of Orange]] (7 December 1994){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
{{flag|Norway}}:
* [[File:St Olavs Orden storkors stripe.svg|50px]] Grand Cross with Collar of the [[Order of St. Olav|Royal Norwegian Order of Saint Olav]] (4 April 2000){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
{{flag|Oman}}: 
* [[File:Civil Order of Oman - First Class.png|50px]] Member Special Class of the [[Order of Oman|Civil Order of Oman]] (4 October 2022)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fm.gov.om/his-majesty-and-king-abdullah-ii-exchange-orders-and-mementos/ | title=His Majesty and King Abdullah II exchange Orders and mementos| date=4 October 2022|publisher=Foreign Ministry of Oman }}</ref>
* [[File:Order of Al Said (Oman).png|50px]] Collar of the [[Order of Al Said]] (22 May 2024)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2024/05/22/oman-jordan-gaza/ | title=Oman's Sultan Haitham and King Abdullah call for Gaza ceasefire from Amman| date=22 May 2024|publisher=The National News }}</ref>
{{Flag|Pakistan}}:
* [[File:Nishan-e-Pakistan ribbon_bar.svg|50px]] [[Nishan-e-Pakistan]] (16 November 2025)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-11-16 |title=Pakistan confers highest civilian award on Jordan’s King Abdullah II |url=https://arab.news/w8p88 |access-date=2025-11-17 |website=Arab News |language=en}}</ref>
{{flag|Palestine}}:
* [[File:Grand Coron of the Order of the State of Palestine ribbon.svg|50px]] Grand Cordon of the [[Orders, decorations, and medals of the State of Palestine#The Order of Jerusalem|Order of Jerusalem]] (21 November 2015)<ref name="auto6">{{Cite web|url=http://www.wafa.ps/ar_page.aspx?id=qDqzDia588044398062aqDqzDi|title=الرئيس يقلد العاهل الأردني وسام القدس|website=www.wafa.ps|access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref>
{{flag|Peru}}:
* [[File:PER Order of the Sun of Peru - Grand Cross BAR.png|50px]] Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Sun of Peru]] (31 May 2005)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-holds-talks-peruvian-president|title=King holds talks with Peruvian president|website=King Abdullah II Official Website}}</ref>
{{flag|Poland}}:
* [[File:POL Order Orła Białego BAR.svg|50px]] Knight of the [[Order of the White Eagle (Poland)|Order of the White Eagle]] (26 September 1999){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
{{flag|Portugal}}:
* [[File:POR - Ordre de Sant'Iago de l'Épée Grand collier.png|50px]] Grand Collar of the [[Order of Saint James of the Sword|Military Order of Saint James of the Sword]] (16 March 2009)<ref name=PrPort />
* [[File:PRT Order of Prince Henry - Grand Collar BAR.svg|50px]] Grand Collar of the [[Order of Prince Henry]] (5 March 2008)<ref name=PrPort>{{cite web|url=http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154|title=Cidadãos Estrangeiros Agraciados com Ordens Portuguesas|publisher=Portuguese Presidency (presidencia.pt)|language=pt|access-date=22 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208164102/http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=154|archive-date=8 February 2012}}</ref>
{{flag|Romania}}:
* [[Image:Order of the Star of Romania - Ribbon bar.svg|50px]] Collar of the [[Order of the Star of Romania]] (20 December 2005)<ref>{{Cite web|title=King Abdullah, Romanian President hold talks |url=https://kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-romanian-president-hold-talks|access-date=5 October 2020|website=King Abdullah II Official Website}}</ref>
{{flag|Slovenia}}:
* [[File:Gold medal of freedom of slovenia rib.png|50px]] Gold Medal of the [[Order of Freedom of the Republic of Slovenia]] (2002)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.up-rs.si/up-rs/uprs.nsf/dokumentiweb/53ACF6D8ACD7179FC12573CC004AF359?OpenDocument |title=Up-rs.si - Seznam vseh odlikovancev od leta 1992 do decembra 2007 |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=21 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110821235633/http://www.up-rs.si/up-rs/uprs.nsf/dokumentiweb/53ACF6D8ACD7179FC12573CC004AF359?OpenDocument |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{flag|South Korea}}:
* [[File:Grand Order of Mugunghwa (South Korea) - ribbon bar.svg|50px]] Recipient of [[Grand Order of Mugunghwa]] (4 December 1999){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
{{flag|Spain}}:
* [[File:Order of Charles III - Sash of Collar.svg|50px]] Knight of the Collar of the [[Order of Charles III|Royal and Distinguished Spanish Order of Charles III]] (21 April 2006){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
* [[File:Order of Isabella the Catholic - Sash of Collar.svg|50px]] Knight of the Collar of the [[Order of Isabella the Catholic|Royal Order of the Isabella the Catholic]] (18 October 1999){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
* [[File:ESP Gran Cruz Merito Naval (Distintivo Blanco) pasador.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Cross of the [[Crosses of Naval Merit|Order of Naval Merit]], with white distinctive (15 September 1995){{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
* [[File:ESP Gran Cruz Merito Aeronautico (Distintivo Blanco) pasador.svg|50px]] Knight Grand Cross of the [[Crosses of Aeronautical Merit|Order of Aeronautical Merit]], with white distinctive (23 December 1999)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1999/12/30/pdfs/A46381-46381.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003084726/https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/1999/12/30/pdfs/A46381-46381.pdf|url-status=dead|title=Boletín Oficial del Estado|archivedate=3 October 2013}}</ref>
{{flag|Sweden}}: 
*[[Image:Order of the Seraphim - Ribbon bar.svg|50px]] Knight of the [[Royal Order of the Seraphim]] (7 October 2003)<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.kungahuset.se/english/archive/news/2022-11-15-state-visit-to-jordan |title=State visit to Jordan |date=2022-11-15 |work=kungahuset.se |access-date=2023-02-01 |language=en}}</ref>
{{flag|Tunisia}}:
* [[File:Order of the Republic (Tunisia) - ribbon bar.gif|50px]] Grand Cordon of the [[Order of the Republic (Tunisia)|Order of the Republic]]
{{flag|Ukraine}}:
* [[Image:Ukraine-zaslug1.png|50px]] Member 1st Class of the [[Order of Merit (Ukraine)|Order of Merit]] (22 June 2011)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.president.gov.ua/documents/13746.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709155612/http://www.president.gov.ua/documents/13746.html|url-status=dead|title=Order of President of Ukraine № 698/2011 "About awarding Abdullah II Order of Merit"|archivedate=9 July 2014}}</ref>
* [[Image:Ukraine-republic007.png|50px]] Member 1st Class of the [[Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise]] (23 April 2002)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/366/2002|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911223256/http://zakon1.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/366/2002|url-status=dead|title=Про нагородження орденом князя Ярослава Мудрого|archivedate=11 September 2015|website=Офіційний вебпортал парламенту України}}</ref>
{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}:
* [[File:Ribbon bar of the Order of Zayed.svg|50px]] Collar of the [[Order of Zayed]] (1 November 2023)<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 2023 |title=UAE President confers Order of Zayed upon King of Jordan |url=https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303216732 |access-date=2025-05-17 |work=Emirates News Agency}}</ref>
{{flag|United Kingdom}}:
* [[File:Order of the Bath (ribbon).svg|50px|
image_size1= 50px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of the Bath|Most Honourable Order of the Bath]], Military Class (GCB, 6 November 2001)<ref name=1997-2006awards>{{cite web|url=http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2009-2154/DEP2009-2154.doc|title=Honorary Knighthoods Awarded 1997-2006|year=2009|website=data.parliament.uk|access-date=14 January 2022}}</ref>
* [[File:UK Order St-Michael St-George ribbon.svg|50px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Order of St Michael and St George|Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George]] (GCMG, 12 May 1999)<ref name=1997-2006awards/>
* [[File:UK Royal Victorian Order ribbon.svg|50px]] Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the [[Royal Victorian Order]] (GCVO, 13 November 2024)<ref>{{Cite tweet |author=Cameron Walker |user=CameronDLWalker |number=1856721970361930143 |title= King Charles has personally appointed The King of Jordan and The King of Bahrain to be Honorary Knights Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order in the year of their Silver Jubilees.}}</ref>
* [[File:UK Royal Victorian Order ribbon.svg|50px]] Honorary Knight Commander of the [[Royal Victorian Order]] (KCVO, 26 March 1984)<ref>{{Cite web|date=30 January 2014|title=King Abdullah II: as the Jordanian king celebrates his birthday HELLO! Online brings you 10 facts about him|url=https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2014013016765/king-abdullah-jordan-birthday-facts/|access-date=14 October 2020|website=HELLO!|language=en}}</ref>
*[[File:Sandhurst Medal ribbon bar.svg|50px]] Recipient of the [[Royal Military Academy Sandhurst#Sandhurst Medal|Sandhurst Medal]]

===Honorary degrees===
* 1 January 2001: Doctorate in political sciences, [[University of Jordan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ju.edu.jo/Pages/Honorary-Doctorate-Granted-by-UJ.aspx|title=Honorary Doctorate granted by UJ|publisher=University of Jordan|access-date=22 February 2017|date=1 January 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116040520/http://ju.edu.jo/Pages/Honorary-Doctorate-Granted-by-UJ.aspx|archive-date=16 November 2016}}</ref>
* 3 September 2004: Doctorate, International Relations Institute in [[Moscow]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-ii-reiterates-condemnation-terrorism|title=King Abdullah II reiterates condemnation to terrorism|work=kingabdullah.jo|access-date=22 February 2017|date=3 September 2004|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223045014/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-ii-reiterates-condemnation-terrorism|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 21 March 2005: [[Doctor of Humane Letters]] for socioeconomic development in Jordan and promoting interfaith dialogue, [[Georgetown University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://governance.georgetown.edu/honorary-degrees-list|title=Honorary Degree Recipients – Governance|publisher=Georgetown University|access-date=17 January 2017|date=21 March 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118130805/http://governance.georgetown.edu/honorary-degrees-list|archive-date=18 January 2017}}</ref>
* 15 December 2005: Doctorate in political sciences, [[Chulalongkorn University]] in [[Thailand]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/islam-reviles-aggression-against-innocents-king|title=Islam reviles aggression against innocents – King|date=15 December 2005|access-date=22 February 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223131957/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/islam-reviles-aggression-against-innocents-king|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 4 June 2008: Doctorate in civil law, [[University of Oxford]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-calls-peace-eve-1967-war-anniversary|title=King calls for peace on eve of 1967 war anniversary|date=4 June 2008|access-date=22 February 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223062059/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-calls-peace-eve-1967-war-anniversary|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 8 November 2011: Doctorate in humanitarian sciences for efforts in defending Jerusalem's holy sites, [[Al-Quds University]] (represented by [[Palestinian President|Palestinian president]] [[Mahmoud Abbas]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=13258|title=King receives honorary doctorate from Al Quds University|date=8 November 2011|access-date=22 February 2017|work=Ammon News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223043600/http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleNO=13258|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>

=== Honorary military appointments ===
;{{flagicon|UK}} United Kingdom
* {{Flagicon|UK|army}} Since 19 August 2003: Colonel-in-Chief of The [[Light Dragoons]], British Army<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=57032 |date=19 August 2003 |page=10318 |supp=y |nolink=yes }}</ref>

===Awards===
* 16 March 2002: Young Presidents Organisation's Global Leadership Award (California).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/speeches/upon-accepting-young-presidents-organisations-global-leadership-award|title=Speech of His Majesty King Abdullah II upon Accepting The Young Presidents Organisation's Global Leadership Award|work=kingabdullah.jo |access-date=22 February 2017|date=16 March 2002|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223053535/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/speeches/upon-accepting-young-presidents-organisations-global-leadership-award|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 30 September 2003: Sorbonne Association for Foreign Policy award for political courage in France.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-and-queen-leave-madrid|title=King and Queen Leave to Madrid|access-date=22 February 2017|date=30 September 2003|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223052024/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-and-queen-leave-madrid|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 20 October 2003: Pioneer in E-Business award, ''Arab Business'' magazine ([[United Arab Emirates]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-ii-calls-enhancing-cooperation-among-leaderships|title=King Abdullah II Calls for Enhancing Cooperation Among Leaderships|date=20 October 2003|access-date=22 February 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223060551/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-abdullah-ii-calls-enhancing-cooperation-among-leaderships|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 16 April 2004: INFORUM 21st-Century Award from the [[Commonwealth Club of California]], awarded to young leaders who strive for positive change.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gettyimages.ae/event/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-speaks-about-the-middle-east-3372443|title=King Abdullah II of Jordan Speaks About The Middle East|publisher=Getty Images|date=16 April 2004|access-date=22 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223044822/http://www.gettyimages.ae/event/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-speaks-about-the-middle-east-3372443|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 9 June 2004: Golden Shield Award ([[Chicago]]) for efforts to stabilize the Middle East.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-starts-visit-united-states|title=King Starts a Visit to the United States|date=9 June 2004|access-date=22 February 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223055041/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-starts-visit-united-states|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* June 2004: [[Academy of Achievement]] Golden Plate Award for Achievement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-receives-us-achievement-academys-award|title=King Receives the US Achievement Academy's Award|access-date=22 February 2017|date=13 June 2004|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223043507/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-receives-us-achievement-academys-award|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement |website=achievement.org|publisher=[[American Academy of Achievement]]|url=https://achievement.org/our-history/golden-plate-awards/#public-service}}</ref>
* On 21 March 2005: Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Disability Award, [[United Nations]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-returns-home-22|title=King returns home|work=kingabdullah.jo|date=24 March 2005|access-date=22 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065111/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-returns-home-22|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 21 June 2005: [[Simon Wiesenthal Center]] Tolerance Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-receives-simon-wiesenthal-center-delegation|title=King receives Simon Wiesenthal Center delegation|date=21 June 2005|access-date=22 February 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223070617/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-receives-simon-wiesenthal-center-delegation|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 21 December 2005: Golden Medal of Athens Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/speeches/upon-receiving-golden-medal-athens-award|title=Remarks by His Majesty King Abdullah II upon Receiving the Golden Medal of Athens Award|work=kingabdullah.jo|date=21 December 2005|access-date=22 February 2017|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223132002/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/speeches/upon-receiving-golden-medal-athens-award|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 8 May 2007: Peacemaker Award, [[Seeds of Peace]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-queen-receive-peacemaker-award|title=King, Queen receive Peacemaker Award|date=8 May 2007|access-date=22 February 2017|work=kingabdullah.jo|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223063605/http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en/news/king-queen-receive-peacemaker-award|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 8 October 2016: [[Peace of Westphalia]] Prize, Germany;<ref name="wpp" /> German president [[Joachim Gauck]] said that Abdullah and the Jordanians set "standards for humanity" with their response to the refugee crisis.<ref name="wpp">{{cite news|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-awarded-peace-prize-in-germany/|agency=Associated Press|work=The Times of Israel|access-date=22 February 2017|date=8 October 2016|title=Jordan's King Abdullah II awarded peace prize in Germany|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223053703/http://www.timesofisrael.com/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-awarded-peace-prize-in-germany/|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 16 November 2016: Peace prize (Kazakhstan) for contributions to security and nuclear disarmament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-worthy-first-recipient%E2%80%99-kazakh-prize-nuclear-disarmament-efforts-paper-says|title=King 'a worthy first recipient' of Kazakh prize on nuclear disarmament efforts, paper says|work=The Jordan Times|date=5 October 2016|access-date=22 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170223042523/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-worthy-first-recipient%E2%80%99-kazakh-prize-nuclear-disarmament-efforts-paper-says|archive-date=23 February 2017}}</ref>
* 19 January 2017: Abu Bakr Al Siddeiq Medal (First Class) from the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organisation]] for Jordan's support of the Palestinian people and efforts on behalf of Syrian refugees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-accepts-medal-red-crescent-red-cross-organisation|title=King accepts medal from Red Crescent, Red Cross organisation|date=24 January 2017|access-date=22 February 2017|work=The Jordan Times|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216051818/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/king-accepts-medal-red-crescent-red-cross-organisation|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref>
* 27 June 2018: [[Templeton Prize]] for promoting inter-faith dialogue, the awarding statement said that Abdullah "has done more to seek religious harmony within Islam and between Islam and other religions than any other living political leader."<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/king-abdullah-ii-of-jordan-awarded-2018-templeton-prize-300671672.html|title=King Abdullah II Of Jordan Awarded 2018 Templeton Prize|access-date=7 July 2018|date=27 June 2018|agency=PR Newswire}}</ref>
*21 November 2019: Scholar-Statesman Award from [[The Washington Institute for Near East Policy]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 November 2019|title=Jordan's King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein Receives Washington Institute Scholar-Statesman Award|url=https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/about/press-room/press-release/jordans-king-abdullah-ii-ibn-al-hussein-receives-washington|access-date=3 February 2021|website=The Washington Institute|language=en}}</ref>
* 9 May 2022: Path to Peace award from the Path to Peace Foundation of the [[Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=9 May 2022|title=Path to Peace Foundation celebrated its 29th annual Gala at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan and awarded its Path to Peace Award to His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan|url=https://thepathtopeacefoundation.org/press-release-gala-2022.php|access-date=27 February 2024|website=The Path to Peace Foundation|language=en}}</ref>

==Ancestors==
{{ahnentafel
|collapsed=yes |align=center
|title=Ancestors of Abdullah II of Jordan 
|boxstyle_1=background-color: #fcc;
|boxstyle_2=background-color: #fb9;
|boxstyle_3=background-color: #ffc;
|boxstyle_4=background-color: #bfc;
|boxstyle_5=background-color: #9fe;
|1= 1. '''Abdullah II of Jordan'''
|2= 2. [[Hussein of Jordan|Hussein I of Jordan]]
|3= 3. [[Antoinette Gardiner]]
|4= 4. [[Talal of Jordan]]
|5= 5. [[Zein al-Sharaf]]
|6= 6. Walter Percy Gardiner
|7= 7. Doris Elisabeth Sutton
|8= 8. [[Abdullah I of Jordan]]
|9= 9. [[Musbah bint Nasser]]
|10= 10. Jamil Ali bin Nasser
|11= 11. Wijdan Shakir Pasha 
|12= 12. Arthur Gardiner
|13= 13. Mabel Jane Tovell
|14= 14. Arthur Sutton
|15= 15. Dora Elizabeth Alderton
}}

==Writings==
* {{cite book|author=Abdullah II of Jordan|title=Our Last Best Chance: The Pursuit of Peace in a Time of Peril|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yY1y90TyoYMC|year=2012|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|isbn=978-0-14-104879-6}}
* {{Citation|author=Abdullah II of Jordan|title=Document Papers|url=https://kingabdullah.jo/en/vision/discussion-papers|encyclopedia=Encyclopedia|publisher=Official website of King (Jordan)|language=en}}

==See also==
* [[List of things named after King Abdullah II]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite book|first=Philip|last=Robins|title=A History of Jordan|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dw_D0_WP-hQC|year=2004|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-0521598958}}
* {{cite book|first=Alan|last=George|title=Jordan: Living in the Crossfire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GhSge_Tq09sC|date= 2005|publisher=Zed Books|isbn=978-1842774717}}
* {{cite book|last=Shlaim |first=Avi |author-link=Avi Shlaim |title=Lion of Jordan: The Life of King Hussein in War and Peace |date=2009 |publisher=Vintage Books |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JtrCoUf7wCsC|isbn=978-1400078288 }}

==External links==
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{{Commons}}
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Wikinews category|Abdullah II of Jordan}}
{{wikisource|works=or}}
* {{Official website|http://www.kingabdullah.jo/en}}
* {{C-SPAN|60179}}
* {{NYTtopic|people/a/_abdullah_ii}}
* [http://kingabdullah.jo/en/op-eds Op-Eds]

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{{s-hou|[[Hashemite|House of Hashim]]|30 January|1962}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Hussein of Jordan|Hussein]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of kings of Jordan|King of Jordan]]|years=1999–present}}
{{s-inc|heir={{nowrap|[[Hussein bin Abdullah, Crown Prince of Jordan|Hussein bin Abdullah]]}}|heir-type=Heir apparent}}
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{{Kings of Jordan}}
{{Crown Princes of Jordan}}
{{Current sovereigns}}
{{Jordanian princes}}
{{Arab country leaders}}
{{Templeton Prize Laureates}}
{{Portal bar|Biography|Politics|Jordan|Royalty|Islam}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1962 births]]
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