General Intelligence Department (Jordan)

General Intelligence Department (GID)

دائرة المخابرات العامة
Official Seal of the GID
The old GID building in Abdali, Amman in 1970s
Agency overview
Formed	1964; 61 years ago (1964)
Preceding agency	General Investigation Department
Type	Component of the Intelligence Community
Headquarters	Amman, Jordan
Annual budget	Classified
Agency executive	General Ahmad Husni Hatoqay, Director
Website	gid.gov.jo

Jordanian General Intelligence Department, (GID) or Mukhabarat (Arabic: دائرة المخابرات العامة) is the primary civilian foreign and domestic intelligence agency of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. It functions as both a foreign and domestic intelligence agency as well as a law enforcement force within the country. The GID is reportedly one of the most important and professional intelligence agencies in the Middle East and the world;^[1] the agency has been instrumental in foiling several terrorist attacks around the world.^[2]

Before its formation, intelligence and security matters were handled by the General Investigation Department, which operated from 1952 to 1964. The transition to the GID was formalized through Act 24 of 1964. Since its inception, the GID has played a central role in safeguarding Jordan’s national security and maintaining stability within the kingdom.

The leadership structure of the GID is closely linked to Jordan’s executive authority. The Director of the GID is appointed by royal decree based on a decision from the Council of Ministers. This hierarchical structure reflects the agency’s direct accountability to the highest levels of government. Officers serving in the GID must meet rigorous recruitment standards, including holding university degrees in various fields and undergoing thorough security vetting before entering service. The agency’s personnel structure ensures that intelligence operations are carried out by well-qualified professionals with extensive training.

The GID’s legal framework defines its duties as protecting both the internal and external security of Jordan. This mandate includes intelligence gathering, counterintelligence activities, and executing security measures as directed by the Prime Minister. While the agency's official mission emphasizes national security, public safety, and democratic governance, its operational reach extends beyond Jordan’s borders. The GID is known for its extensive intelligence activities across the Middle East and the world, and its cooperation with international agencies, particularly the CIA and MI6. These alliances have positioned the GID as a key player in regional security.