UAE & Jordan Sign USD 2.3 Billion Railway Agreement

The United Arab Emirates and Jordan have signed a USD 2.3 billion agreement to develop a 360 km railway linking the port city of Aqaba to major mining areas across the country. The network will be developed and operated by Etihad Rail, connecting phosphate and potash hubs at Al Shidiya and Ghor Al Safi to Aqaba, with loading and unloading terminals planned at all three locations.

The system is designed to transport around 16 million tonnes of minerals annually, supporting Jordan’s mining sector and export capacity.

The programme also includes upgrading existing railway infrastructure and the manufacture and supply of new trains built to international standards.

The project is expected to take approximately five years to complete, with operations targeted to begin by 2030. Detailed studies covering track alignments and logistics requirements are scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, with construction tenders anticipated in early 2026.