Jordan and the UAE today (October 5) broke ground on a $2.5 billion railway project linking the southern Jordanian port city of Aqaba with key mining and logistics centres, in a move aimed at boosting mineral exports and cutting transport costs.
The 403-km-long Aqaba Al Shidiyeh Maan Railway network will connect Aqaba with key phosphate and potash production sites in Al Shidiyeh and Maan Logistics Zone, providing a rail link for bulk cargo and containers between ports, production centres and inland logistics facilities.
The project's groundbreaking was attended by Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The largest railway development of its kind in Jordan, being developed by the Jordan-UAE Railway Company, is expected to transport about 16 million tonnes of phosphate and potash annually to the port of Aqaba for export to regional and global markets.
Once operational, it is set to help reduce phosphate and potash transportation costs by about $40 million a year and will create around 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan.
The scope of work includes laying of railway tracks as well as construction of about 55 bridges, six tunnels and related infrastructure.
The project is part of broader efforts by Jordan and the UAE to deepen economic ties and develop strategic infrastructure projects.
Sheikh Khaled said the railway reflected the two countries’ commitment to strengthening their partnership and developing projects that support their shared economic interests.
The railway is also expected to reduce pressure on Jordan’s road network and improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s mining and logistics sectors.
The Jordan-UAE Railway Company is jointly owned by UAE-based L’IMAD Holding Company and Jordan’s Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, Government Investments Management Company, Social Security Investment Fund and Arab Potash Company.
Chairman Mohammad Thneibat said: “Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Jordan-UAE partnership and reflects the vision of the leadership of both countries to translate cooperation and mutual trust into development and investment projects with tangible impact."
“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,” he stated.
Shadi Malak, the Vice Chairman of the Jordan-UAE Railway Company and CEO of Ports and Logistics Platform at L’IMAD Holding, said the project would draw on the railway development and operating expertise of Etihad Rail, part of L’IMAD Holding.
“We are bringing to this project the extensive expertise Etihad Rail, part of L’IMAD Holding Company, has accumulated in the development and operation of railway networks, and we are working closely with our partners in Jordan to deliver a modern and reliable rail system that supports the Kingdom’s economic and development priorities," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
