The Jordanian-Emirati relations are characterized by their depth and long history, with the recent agreement to develop a railway network in Aqaba representing a significant investment valued at $2.3 billion. This agreement is a notable step in enhancing cooperation between the UAE and Jordan, aiming to create an integrated infrastructure that connects key mining sites to the port of Aqaba, thereby facilitating trade and contributing to sustainable economic development.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Jordan’s Prime Minister, Dr. Jaafar Hassan, witnessed the signing of the agreement between the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for the development of the railway network in Jordan at the Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi. The Emirati-Jordanian Railway Company was also established to create and operate the railway project, which will extend over 360 kilometers. This project aims to transport 16 million tons annually of phosphate and potash at a total cost of $2.3 billion.
The agreement was signed on the Emirati side by the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei, and on the Jordanian side by the Minister of Transport, Dr. Nidal Qattamin. The joint company was established between “Limaad” Holding and several Jordanian stakeholders, with Jassim Bouataba Al Zaabi signing on the Emirati side and Dr. Mohamed Al Dhunibat, Engineer Shahada Abuhdeib, Dr. Ezzeddin Kanakriah, and Wadah Barqawi signing on the Jordanian side.
Under this agreement, the joint company will undertake all tasks related to the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the railway network in Jordan, through the executive arm of the Union Railways Company, which specializes in developing and operating the national railway network in the UAE. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that the agreement reflects the deep-rooted relations between the UAE and Jordan, aimed at enhancing sustainable development pathways.
He added that the strong ties between the two countries serve as a model for effective partnership, with this agreement seeking to develop transport infrastructure and facilitate trade movement through the port of Aqaba. Minister Suhail Mohamed Faris Al Mazrouei explained that this step supports Jordan’s strategic position and its ability to contribute to global trade, opening new horizons for development.
Jordan’s Minister of Transport, Dr. Nidal Qattamin, noted that this railway network will reduce the costs of transporting phosphate and potash, enhancing their competitiveness in global markets and creating thousands of job opportunities. This agreement aligns with previous investments, reflecting both countries’ commitment to developing strategic partnerships that support growth and integration.
In his remarks, Jassim Bouataba Al Zaabi emphasized the importance of investing in transport infrastructure as a fundamental pillar for economic revival. He added that this project reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting partners in building a shared future that achieves regional prosperity. Before signing the agreements, a meeting was held between His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Dr. Jaafar Hassan to review the brotherly relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields for the benefit of both peoples.
This agreement embodies the UAE’s role in supporting developmental projects in the region, strengthening economic partnerships based on investment and knowledge transfer, contributing to economic integration with brotherly countries.
As this major project awaits realization, the UAE and Jordan are strengthening their economic partnership through this agreement, marking an important step toward a more prosperous future.