Amman: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Dr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, witnessed the signing of a pivotal agreement between the UAE and Jordan. This agreement aims to develop a railway network in Jordan and establish the UAE-Jordan Railway Company.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement encompasses the construction and operation of a 360-kilometre railway connecting the main mining areas of Al-Shidiya and Ghor Al-Safi to the Port of Aqaba. The project is designed to transport 16 million tonnes annually of phosphate and potash, with an overall investment value of US$2.3 billion.
The UAE was represented by Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, while Jordan was represented by Dr. Nidal Al-Qatamin, Minister of Transport. The UAE-Jordan Railway Company was established as a joint venture involving Abu Dhabi’s L’IMAD Holding Company and several Jordanian stakeholders.
Signatories for the company’s founding agreement included Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi from the UAE and key Jordanian figures such as Dr. Mohammad Thneibat, Eng. Shehada Abu Hdeib, Dr. Ezzeddin Kanakrieh, and Waddah Barqawi. The joint venture is tasked with implementing, operating, and maintaining Jordan’s railway network through its executing arm, Etihad Rail.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour emphasized that the agreement signifies the deep ties between the UAE and Jordan, built on a vision of cooperation and sustainable development. He highlighted that the partnership is a model based on trust and joint efforts to serve the interests of both nations, contributing to regional stability and prosperity.
Al Mazrouei noted that the agreement represents a strategic move towards building a transport partnership, enhancing Jordan’s role in global trade via the Port of Aqaba. He stressed the UAE’s commitment to sustainable strategic relations with Jordan, creating opportunities aligned with shared economic priorities.
Dr. Al-Qatamin expressed that the railway network would significantly enhance Jordan’s mining sector by reducing transport costs and creating numerous jobs. The agreement is seen as an extension of a US$5.5 billion investment agreement signed in 2023, aiming to boost Jordan’s export capabilities and logistics efficiency.
Bu Ataba Al Zaabi stated that investment in transport infrastructure is essential for economic transformation and regional prosperity, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to supporting partners in building a connected future.
The project highlights the UAE’s role in supporting strategic regional development initiatives and strengthening economic partnerships through long-term investment and knowledge transfer.