UAE, Jordan Break Ground on US$2.5 Billion Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project

Aqaba, The Gulf Observer: His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project in Aqaba, 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 will comprise a 403-kilometre railway network.

The landmark project reflects the vision and directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah II, aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between the UAE and Jordan through joint initiatives, enhanced cooperation and coordination, and projects that serve the interests of both countries and their peoples.

The railway project, described as the largest of its kind in Jordan’s railway sector, will connect Aqaba with key mining and production sites and the Maan Logistics Zone. It will establish an integrated system for transporting bulk cargo and containers between ports, production centres and inland logistics facilities.

The project is expected to ease pressure on Jordan’s road network while supporting the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable transport system.

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed affirmed the strength and depth of the fraternal relations between the UAE and Jordan, highlighting the close cooperation and continued coordination between the two countries across various fields under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and King Abdullah II.

He said the launch of the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project demonstrates the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their bilateral partnership through strategic projects that advance shared interests and open new avenues for cooperation in key sectors.

The project is expected to contribute to the prosperity, growth and development of both countries while supporting the aspirations of their peoples.

The works will include the construction of railway tracks, approximately 55 bridges, six tunnels and associated engineering structures. The network is expected to transport around 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash annually, facilitating the movement of mineral resources from production areas to the ports of Aqaba and enabling Jordanian exports to reach regional and international markets more efficiently and competitively.

The project is also expected to generate significant economic benefits across the sectors and regions it serves. It is projected to create approximately 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan and reduce annual phosphate and potash transportation costs by around US$40 million, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of Jordan’s mining industry.

In addition, the project will create opportunities for local companies and the private sector in engineering, construction, maintenance, logistics, technology and related industries, while stimulating economic activity and supporting development in Jordan’s southern governorates.

The Jordan-UAE Railway Company is responsible for developing the project. It is jointly owned by L’IMAD Holding Company on the UAE side, and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, Government Investments Management Company, Social Security Investment Fund and Arab Potash Company on the Jordanian side.

Dr Mohammad Thneibat, Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company, said the groundbreaking marked “the beginning of a new chapter in the Jordan-UAE partnership,” reflecting the leadership of both countries’ vision of translating cooperation and mutual trust into development and investment projects with tangible impact.

He said the project would connect production centres with the ports of Aqaba and regional and global markets, improve the efficiency of the transport and logistics ecosystem, enhance the competitiveness of national exports and generate long-term economic and social value for Jordan.

Shadi Malak, Vice Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Ports and Logistics Platform at L’IMAD Holding, said the commencement of construction reflected the depth of the investment partnership between the UAE and Jordan.

He noted that the project was supported by the guidance and follow-up of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed and highlighted the extensive expertise of Etihad Rail, part of L’IMAD Holding Company, in developing and operating railway networks.

He said the company would work closely with its Jordanian partners to deliver a modern and reliable rail system aligned with the Kingdom’s economic and development priorities.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court; Jassem Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi and Managing Director and Group CEO of L’IMAD; Humaid Obaid Abushibs, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince; Maryam Eid AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office and Advisor of Strategic Relations at the Crown Prince Court; Sultan Mohammed Saeed Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Jordan; Shadi Malak; and a number of officials and representatives of companies involved in implementing the project from both countries.