Historic Railway Project Unites UAE and Jordan in Transformative Infrastructure Partnership
King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled witness the groundbreaking of a US$2.5 billion rail network designed to reshape regional trade and create thousands of jobs across southern Jordan.
A momentous occasion has marked the beginning of one of the region’s most significant infrastructure initiatives, as His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, jointly witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project in Aqaba.
This landmark undertaking, developed through the Jordan-UAE Railway Company with joint investment of approximately US$2.5 billion, represents a transformative step in strengthening the bilateral partnership between the two nations. The 403-kilometre rail network embodies the shared vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah II to forge an enduring strategic alliance built upon mutual cooperation and coordinated endeavour.
The project encompasses the construction of sophisticated railway infrastructure, including approximately 55 bridges, six tunnels and associated engineering structures. Upon completion, the network is anticipated to transport approximately 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash annually, establishing an efficient corridor connecting production centres with the ports of Aqaba and enabling Jordanian mineral resources to reach international markets with enhanced competitiveness.
Reflecting on the partnership, Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled emphasised the strength of fraternal relations between the Emirates and Jordan, noting that this initiative exemplifies both nations’ commitment to launching strategic projects that serve shared interests and create prosperity for their peoples across multiple sectors.
The economic impact extends far beyond logistics. The project is projected to generate approximately 5,000 employment opportunities across southern Jordan whilst reducing phosphate and potash transportation costs by around US$40 million annually. These efficiencies will enhance the competitiveness of Jordan’s mining sector and catalyse broader opportunities for local enterprises across engineering, construction, maintenance, logistics and supporting industries.
Dr Mohammad Thneibat, Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company, underscored the project’s significance as a vehicle for translating bilateral cooperation into tangible development outcomes. He highlighted its potential to strengthen Jordan’s position within regional and international trade networks whilst creating enduring economic value.
Shadi Malak, Vice Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Ports and Logistics Platform at L’IMAD Holding, emphasised the partnership’s depth and the contribution of Etihad Rail’s accumulated expertise in developing and operating advanced railway systems. This collaborative approach ensures the delivery of a modern, reliable infrastructure that supports Jordan’s economic priorities.
The ceremony brought together prominent officials from both nations, including Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, and Jassem Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Managing Director and Group CEO of L’IMAD, reflecting the institutional commitment to this transformative partnership.
Source: WAM