UAE and Jordan Launch $2.5 Billion Aqaba-Maan Railway Project

A significant infrastructure project, the Aqaba — Al-Shidiyeh, Maan Railway, has commenced in Jordan, marking a new chapter in cooperation between the UAE and Jordan. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Project Details and Investment

Developed by the Jordan-UAE Railway Company through a joint investment, the project is valued at approximately $2.5 billion. It involves the construction of a 403-kilometre rail network, featuring about 55 bridges and six tunnels.

The Jordan-UAE Railway Company is jointly owned by L’IMAD Holding Company from the UAE side, and the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, the Government Investments Management Company, the Social Security Investment Fund, and the Arab Potash Company from Jordan.

Economic Impact and Goals

This railway is designed to connect Aqaba with major mining and production sites and the Maan Logistics Zone, creating an integrated system for bulk cargo and container transport. It is projected to transport approximately 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash annually, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Jordanian mineral exports to global markets.

The project aims to ease pressure on Jordan's road network and support a more sustainable transport system. Economically, it is expected to generate around 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan and reduce phosphate and potash transportation costs by about $40 million annually, thereby strengthening Jordan’s mining sector.

"The significance of this project lies in its ability to connect production centres with the ports of Aqaba and regional and global markets, enhance the efficiency of the transport and logistics ecosystem, strengthen the competitiveness of national exports and create long-term value for the economy and society, thereby reinforcing Jordan’s position in regional and international trade."

Beyond direct benefits, the railway is anticipated to create broader opportunities for local companies in engineering, construction, maintenance, logistics, and technology, fostering economic activity and development in Jordan's southern governorates.