In a step that enhances economic cooperation between the two countries, the United Arab Emirates and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed agreements to launch the Aqaba Port Railway project, with joint investments estimated at $2.3 billion. The agreement also included the establishment of a Jordanian-Emirati company to implement and operate the new project.
According to the official Jordanian News Agency, the agreement was signed at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi in the presence of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, and Dr. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan. The project includes developing a 360-kilometer railway network connecting the mining areas in Eshidiya and Ghor Al Safi to the Port of Aqaba.
Aqaba Railway Project Supports Strategic Connectivity Between UAE and Jordan
The project aims to revitalize the mining sector by transporting approximately 16 million tons of phosphate and potash annually. This will contribute to improving business efficiency in this vital field, enhancing Jordan's export capabilities, reducing transportation costs, and strengthening supply chains.
Experts believe the new project represents a new phase of infrastructure investment and a starting point for establishing a regional transport and logistics hub in the Aqaba region, as well as serving as a gateway connecting Jordan to countries in the region and Europe.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan confirmed via his account on the X platform (formerly Twitter) that the UAE continues to strengthen its strategic partnerships with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan by establishing qualitative projects aimed at supporting development and driving the economy in the region.
Integrated Infrastructure According to Global Railway Transport Standards
The official Jordanian News Agency stated that the Aqaba Railway project is the largest of its kind in the Kingdom for railway transport. It includes a group of major infrastructure sub-projects comprising the construction of railway tracks, tunnels, and bridges to facilitate transport movement, in accordance with recognized global standards in the railway sector.
The Aqaba Port Railway project is based on an equal partnership between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, represented by the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, the Arab Potash Company, the Government Investments Management Company, and the Social Security Investment Fund, and the United Arab Emirates, represented by ADQ as the sovereign investment platform affiliated with the Abu Dhabi government.
