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 Jordan, witnessed the signing of an agreement to develop a railway network in Jordan and establish the UAE–Jordan Railway Company. Moreover, the initiative marks a major infrastructure investment aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and trade.
The agreement includes construction and operation of a 360-kilometre railway linking the mining areas of Al-Shidiya and Ghor Al-Safi to the Port of Aqaba. Additionally, the project aims to transport 16 million tonnes annually of phosphate and potash, with total investment valued at $2.3bn.
The agreement was signed by Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, on behalf of the UAE, and Dr Nidal Al-Qatamin, Jordan’s Minister of Transport, on behalf of Jordan.
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 and several Jordanian entities. Furthermore, the founding agreement was signed by Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi for the UAE side.
From Jordan, the signatories included Dr Mohammad Thneibat, Chairman of Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, Eng Shehada Abu Hdeib, Chairman of Arab Potash Company, Dr Ezzeddin Kanakrieh, Chief Executive Officer of the Jordan Social Security Investment Fund, and Waddah Barqawi, Chairman of Government Investments Management Company.
The joint venture will oversee implementation, operations and maintenance of Jordan’s railway network through its executing arm, Etihad Rail. Moreover, Etihad Rail will bring experience as the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed said the agreement reflects deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Jordan. Additionally, he said the partnership supports sustainable development through stronger cooperation and economic integration.
He said bilateral relations represent an advanced model of partnership based on trust and aligned visions. Furthermore, he noted that such projects support diversified economies and reinforce regional stability and prosperity.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed added that the UAE will continue strengthening strategic relations with Jordan to support joint development efforts and shared growth objectives.
Al Mazrouei said the agreement reflects a strategic direction to build a stronger transport partnership between the UAE and Jordan. Moreover, he said the project will enhance Jordan’s strategic role in global trade flows through the Port of Aqaba.
He added that the partnership supports wider development opportunities aligned with the two countries’ shared economic priorities. Additionally, he said the project reflects the UAE’s commitment to long-term cooperation.
Dr Al-Qatamin said, “Our longstanding fraternal ties with the UAE are today translating into a tangible reality that serves Jordan’s future. This railway network will mark a qualitative leap in Jordan’s mining sector by significantly reducing transport costs for phosphate and potash, enhancing our global competitiveness, and creating thousands of jobs for Jordanians.”
The agreement extends the $5.5bn investment agreement signed at the end of 2023 in the presence of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Logistics link targets export efficiency
The railway will directly connect phosphate and potash production sites to the Port of Aqaba. As a result, the project aims to reduce transport time and costs while strengthening export capabilities.
Additionally, the project is expected to support broader economic development and create jobs across multiple sectors. Moreover, the partnership will leverage Etihad Rail’s operational expertise.
Bu Ataba Al Zaabi said, “This agreement reflects our firm belief that investment in transport infrastructure is the cornerstone of any genuine economic transformation. In the UAE, we believe that regional prosperity is a shared responsibility, and this project is a clear expression of our commitment to supporting our partners in building a more connected and competitive future regionally and globally.”
Before the signing, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Dr Jaafar Hassan held a bilateral meeting to review UAE-Jordan relations. Furthermore, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation across several areas aligned with the interests of both countries.
The project highlights the UAE’s continued role in supporting regional development initiatives. Moreover, it reflects efforts to strengthen long-term economic partnerships through investment, infrastructure development, and knowledge transfer.
