In a significant development reflecting the strengthening ties between the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, and Jordanian Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan witnessed the signing of an agreement aimed at establishing a joint company and creating a railway network at Aqaba Port. This landmark agreement is set to bolster the transportation infrastructure in Jordan and enhance its capacity in exporting key resources.
Details of the Agreement
Today, at the Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Dr. Jaafar Hassan attended the signing of an agreement between the UAE and Jordan for the development of a railway network in Jordan. This contract marks the establishment of the Emirati-Jordanian Railways Company, which will construct and operate a railway stretching 360 kilometers, linking key mining areas in Shidiya and Al-Ghor Al-Safi to Aqaba Port. The project is projected to transport 16 million tons annually of phosphate and potash, with a total cost of $2.3 billion.
The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, while the Jordanian side was represented by Dr. Nidal Qattamin, Minister of Transport.
Formation of the Emirati-Jordanian Railways Company
The agreement also included the establishment of the Emirati-Jordanian Railways Company, a joint venture between the Emirati “Liamad” Holding Company and various stakeholders in Jordan. The signing was completed by prominent figures, including Jassim Buaataba Al Zaabi, CEO of “Liamad” Holding, alongside Jordanian leaders such as Dr. Mohammad Thneibat from the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and engineer Shihadeh Abu Hdaib from the Arab Potash Company.
Under this agreement, the joint company will manage the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the railway network in Jordan through its executive arm, the Union Railway Company, which is the developer and operator of the national railway network in the UAE.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed emphasized that this agreement demonstrates the strong fraternal relations between the UAE and Jordan. He noted that it is based on a shared vision for both nations aimed at solidifying cooperation and enhancing sustainable development paths. He stated, “The solid relations between our two nations serve as a model for partnerships founded on trust and unified visions, working together to achieve mutual interests and accelerate economic development.”
Suhail Al Mazrouei added that the agreement represents a strategic direction towards building an effective transportation partnership between the UAE and Jordan, positioning Jordan strategically to effectively contribute to global trade through Aqaba Port. This partnership reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing sustainable strategic relations with Jordan, paving the way for broader avenues of development.
The Promising Future of Jordan’s Mining Sector
Jordan’s Minister of Transport highlighted that the project would create thousands of job opportunities in the kingdom and significantly reduce the costs of transporting phosphate and potash. He remarked, “This railway will revolutionize the Jordanian mining sector, enhancing our competitiveness in global markets.”
This agreement naturally extends from a prior investment agreement valued at $5.5 billion, signed in late 2023 with the attendance of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and King Abdullah II of Jordan. The project will substantially heighten Jordan’s export capabilities and logistical efficiencies by directly connecting production sites of phosphate and potash to Aqaba Port, thereby reducing transportation times and costs.
With this venture, the Emirati-Jordanian Railways Company seeks to not only bolster the nations’ economies but also play a pivotal role in fostering regional economic growth by establishing a comprehensive transport and logistics system.
In light of these developments, Jassim Al Zaabi expressed, “This agreement reflects our firm belief that investing in transport infrastructure is foundational for any real economic revival. We believe that the prosperity of the region is a shared responsibility, and this project exemplifies our commitment to supporting our partners in building a more interconnected and competitive future on both regional and global levels.”
As discussions continued, Sheikh Mansour and Dr. Jaafar reviewed the fraternal relationships that unite the UAE and Jordan. They explored ways to enhance cooperation across various sectors to meet the aspirations of their leaderships and return benefits to both nations and their peoples.
This initiative reaffirms the UAE’s ongoing role in supporting strategic developmental projects in the region, fostering enduring economic partnerships based on long-term investment and expertise transfer.