Jordan & the UAE are set to embark on a transformative $2.3 billion railway project, with construction tenders expected to be issued in early 2026. This initiative aims to enhance Jordan’s mineral export capabilities by connecting the Port of Aqaba to the mining sites of Shidiyah and Ghor Al Safi.
Spanning 360 kilometers, the railway will transport phosphate and potash, significantly boosting Jordan’s export infrastructure. Detailed studies are slated for completion by late 2025, with operations expected to begin by 2030. Upon completion, the railway will have the capacity to transport 16 million tons of mineral products annually.
The project is a collaboration between Etihad Rail and Jordan’s transport ministry, marking a significant milestone in Jordan’s infrastructural development. Jordan’s Prime Minister, Bisher Khasawneh, emphasized the railway’s potential to enhance the country’s logistics and export capabilities.
Additionally, discussions are ongoing with UAE companies about re-establishing the Maan dry port to further strengthen Jordan’s logistics network. In May, Abu Dhabi’s ADQ finalized plans to invest $5 billion in Jordanian infrastructure, while the UAE’s investment ministry signed a deal in November 2023 to explore opportunities worth over $2 billion across various sectors.
This railway project, supported by substantial UAE investments, is poised to drive economic growth and bolster Jordan’s export capabilities. Stay tuned for more updates from Etihad Rail and Jordan’s transport ministry.