UAE, Jordan launch $2.5 billion railway project linking Aqaba to mining sites

King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of Jordan, and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, have witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project in Aqaba, Jordan.

Developed by the Jordan-UAE Railway Company, the project represents a major step in strengthening economic and infrastructure cooperation between the UAE and Jordan.

$2.5 Billion Investment in Jordan’s Railway Network

The project involves a joint UAE-Jordanian investment of approximately US$2.5 billion and will include the development of a 403-kilometre railway network.

The initiative reflects the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah II to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries through joint projects and enhanced cooperation.

The railway will connect Aqaba with key mining and production sites, as well as the Maan Logistics Zone, creating an integrated transportation system for bulk cargo and containers.

Supporting More Efficient and Sustainable Transport

The railway is expected to ease pressure on Jordan’s road network while supporting a more efficient and sustainable transportation system.

The project will include:

Construction of railway tracks
Around 55 bridges
Six tunnels
Associated engineering and infrastructure works
The network will connect production centres with the ports of Aqaba and inland logistics facilities, improving the movement of goods and strengthening Jordan’s trade connections.

16 Million Tonnes of Minerals to Be Transported Annually

Once operational, the railway is expected to transport approximately 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash every year.

The project will facilitate the movement of these mineral resources from production sites to the ports of Aqaba, helping Jordanian exports reach regional and international markets more efficiently.

It is also expected to reduce transportation costs for phosphate and potash by around US$40 million annually, strengthening the competitiveness of Jordan’s mining sector.

Thousands of Jobs Expected

The economic impact of the railway is expected to extend beyond transportation and logistics.

The project is projected to create approximately 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan and generate new opportunities for local companies and private-sector businesses.

Businesses operating in areas such as the following could benefit:

Engineering and construction
Railway maintenance
Logistics
Technology
Supporting industries

The project is also expected to encourage economic activity and support development across Jordan’s southern governorates.

Strengthening UAE-Jordan Economic Partnership

Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the strong relations between the UAE and Jordan, noting that the railway project reflects both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation through strategic investments.

The project is intended to support shared economic interests while opening new opportunities across infrastructure, transportation, logistics and trade.

The Jordan-UAE Railway Company is responsible for developing the project. The company 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, described the groundbreaking as the beginning of a new chapter in the UAE-Jordan partnership.

He said the railway would connect production centres with Aqaba’s ports and international markets while improving transport and logistics efficiency and supporting Jordan’s exports.

Etihad Rail to Bring Railway Expertise

Shadi Malak, Vice Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company and CEO of L’IMAD Holding’s Ports and Logistics Platform, said the project demonstrates the strength of the UAE-Jordan investment partnership.

Etihad Rail, part of L’IMAD Holding, will contribute its expertise in railway development and operations to help deliver a modern and reliable rail network that supports Jordan’s economic and development priorities.