King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of Jordan, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, have witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project in Aqaba, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
The project is being developed by the Jordan-UAE Railway Company through a joint UAE-Jordanian investment of approximately US$2.5 billion and includes the development of a 403-kilometre rail network.
This step reflects the vision and directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein aimed at consolidating a sustainable strategic partnership between the two countries, founded on joint action and enhanced frameworks for cooperation and coordination, serving the interests of the two nations’ peoples.
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This strategic project, the largest of its kind in the railway sector in Jordan, aims to connect the city of Aqaba with key mining and production sites and the Maan Logistics Zone, providing an integrated system for transporting bulk cargo and containers between ports, production centres and inland logistics facilities, contributing to easing pressure on the road network and supporting the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed the strength and depth of the fraternal relations between the UAE and Jordan, as well as the close cooperation and continued coordination between the two nations across various fields.
He noted that the launch of the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project reflects the two countries’ commitment to further strengthening their bilateral partnership through the launch of strategic projects that support shared interests and open new horizons for cooperation across key sectors, fulfilling the aspirations of the two nations’ peoples and contributing to their prosperity, growth and development across various fields.
The project works include the construction of railway tracks, about 55 bridges, six tunnels and associated engineering structures.
The network is expected to transport approximately 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash annually, enhancing the movement of mineral resources from production sites to the ports of Aqaba and enabling Jordanian exports to reach regional and global markets with greater efficiency and competitiveness.
The project’s economic impact will extend across the various sectors and regions it serves. It is expected to create approximately 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan while reducing phosphate and potash transportation costs by around US$40 million annually, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Jordan’s mining sector.
The project will also create broader opportunities for local companies and the private sector across engineering, construction, maintenance, logistics, technology and supporting industries, while contributing to increased economic activity and supporting development across the southern governorates of the Kingdom.
The Jordan-UAE Railway Company is responsible for developing the project. The company is jointly owned by L’IMAD Holding Company on the UAE side and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, the Government Investments Management Company, the Social Security Investment Fund and the Arab Potash Company on the Jordanian side.
Dr Mohammad Thneibat, Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company, said, “Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Jordan-UAE partnership and reflects the vision of the leadership of both countries to translate cooperation and mutual trust into development and investment projects with tangible impact.
“The significance of this project lies in its ability to connect production centres with the ports of Aqaba and regional and global markets, enhance the efficiency of the transport and logistics ecosystem, strengthen the competitiveness of national exports and create long-term value for the economy and society, thereby reinforcing Jordan’s position in regional and international trade.”
Shadi Malak, Vice Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company and CEO of L’IMAD Holding’s Ports and Logistics Platform, said the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project reflects the strength of the UAE-Jordan investment partnership.
He said Etihad Rail, part of L’IMAD Holding, would bring its railway development and operations expertise to deliver a modern, reliable rail system supporting Jordan’s economic and development priorities.
Source: Khaleej Times
