In a significant advancement of regional collaboration, His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway project in Aqaba, Jordan. This ambitious initiative, developed by the Jordanian-Emirati Railway Company, is set to represent a joint investment between the two nations amounting to approximately $2.5 billion, featuring an extensive rail network spanning 403 kilometres.
Strengthening Strategic Partnerships
This endeavour signifies the shared vision and directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and King Abdullah II, aimed at establishing a sustainable strategic partnership rooted in collaborative efforts and enhanced coordination to serve the interests of both nations.
A Comprehensive Transport Solution
The railway project, the largest of its kind in Jordan’s rail sector, aims to connect Aqaba with key mining and production sites, as well as the logistics area in Ma’an. It is designed to create an integrated system for transporting bulk goods and containers between ports, production facilities, and internal logistics centres. This development will alleviate pressure on existing road networks and support a transition towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system.
Economic and Employment Impacts
Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized the deep-rooted and robust relations shared between the UAE and Jordan, highlighting continued cooperation and coordination across various sectors under the wise leadership of both nations’ heads. He noted that the launch of the Aqaba–Shidiya–Ma’an railway project exemplifies the commitment of both countries to advance their bilateral partnership through transformative projects that align with mutual interests and generate new cooperation avenues across vital sectors.
The project encompasses the construction of railway tracks, approximately 55 bridges, and six tunnels, along with the necessary engineering facilities. The network aims to transport around 16 million tonnes annually of phosphates and potash, thereby enhancing the movement of minerals from production sites to Aqaba’s ports and increasing the competitiveness and accessibility of Jordanian exports in regional and global markets.
The project’s economic effects are expected to extend across various sectors and regions it serves. It is anticipated to create around 5,000 job opportunities in southern Jordan while reducing transport costs for phosphates and potash by approximately $40 million annually. This reduction will enhance the competitiveness of Jordan’s mining sector and open new opportunities for local businesses and the private sector in areas such as engineering, construction, maintenance, logistics, technology, and supporting industries. Additionally, the project is poised to invigorate economic activity and foster development in the southern governorates of the kingdom.
Project Development and Leadership
The Jordanian-Emirati Railway Company, a partnership between Emirates-based Limad Holding and several Jordanian firms, including Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, the Government Investment Management Company, the Social Security Investment Fund, and Arab Potash Company, has been entrusted with the project’s development.
Dr. Mohammad Thneibat, Chairman of the Jordanian-Emirati Railway Company, remarked that the inauguration of this railway project marks a new phase in Jordan-Emirati partnership and embodies the vision of both leaderships to translate mutual cooperation and trust into impactful developmental and investment initiatives. He underscored the project’s significance in linking production hubs with Aqaba’s ports and regional markets, thereby enhancing transport efficiency and the competitiveness of national exports while creating long-term value for the economy and society, solidifying Jordan’s position in regional and international trade.
Chadi Malek, Vice Chairman of the Jordanian-Emirati Railway Company and CEO of the logistics and ports platform under Limad Holding, added that the project initiation showcases the depth of the investment partnership between the UAE and Jordan. He acknowledged the dedicated support and attention from Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in launching strategic projects that strengthen qualitative partnerships between the two brotherly nations across vital sectors.
He noted, “We are applying the expertise developed by Etihad Rail, a subsidiary of Limad Holding, in designing and operating railway networks, and we are collaborating with our partners in Jordan to establish a modern and reliable system that supports the economic and developmental priorities of the kingdom.”
Presence of Dignitaries
Attending the groundbreaking ceremony were several dignitaries, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court; Jassim Bouataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi; Hamid Obaid Al Shabass, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority; and Sif Saeed Ghabash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, among others, reflecting the collective commitment from both nations towards this transformative venture.