UAE, Jordan sign agreement for $2.3 billion Aqaba rail network

The UAE and Jordan have signed an agreement to launch a 360km railway project linking Aqaba Port to main mining areas in Al Shidiya and Ghor Al Safi at a value of $2.3 billion.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister and Jordanian Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan witnessed the signing of the agreement at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi.

The project aims to strengthen exports, logistics, and regional connectivity.

It will see establishment of the UAE-Jordan Railway Company that will construct and operate the railway project that aims to transport 16 million tonnes annually of phosphate and potash.

As part of the agreement, the UAE–Jordan Railway Company was formally established as a joint venture between Abu Dhabi's L’IMAD Holding Company (L’IMAD) and several Jordanian stakeholders.

Sheikh Mansour affirmed that this agreement reflects the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the UAE and Jordan and reflect their commitment to adopt quality projects that contribute to building more diversified and sustainable economies, and enhance opportunities for growth and integration.

It follows the $5.5 billion investment agreement signed at the end of 2023 in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Jordanian King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein.

The project contributes to enhancing the export capabilities of Jordan and raising its logistical efficiency by significantly reducing transportation time and costs, and creating job opportunities. It will also leverage the extensive expertise of Etihad Rail.

Earlier, Sheikh Mansour and Dr. Hassan held talks to explore ways to enhance and develop bilateral cooperation in various fields.