Zarqa, May 5 (Petra) -- The Zarqa Industrial Estate (ZIE) stands out as an advanced model for green, environmentally friendly industrial cities in Jordan, embodying the Hashemite vision and aligning with the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision. It reflects a national ambition that underscores how effective political will can turn into tangible economic progress, transforming the city from a conventional industrial project into an integrated production hub that strengthens the kingdom’s position as a regional manufacturing center and offers a practical model for applying green economy and sustainability concepts.
The city’s importance is underscored by its proximity to neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Syria, opening the door to expanded exports and access to new markets, particularly as efforts focus on meeting European market requirements and enhancing opportunities for green financing.
Chairman of the Jordan Industrial Estates Company (JIEC), Obeid Yaseen, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Tuesday that ZIE is a clear testament to the scale of achievements realized during the reign of His Majesty King Abdullah II, noting that Jordan has expanded from two industrial cities in 1999 to ten in 2026 as part of an integrated economic vision aimed at supporting development, generating employment and boosting national production.
He added that ZIE is the first green industrial city in Jordan, relying on modern solutions in renewable energy and Internet of Things technologies alongside water harvesting projects and natural gas supply, helping to reduce production costs and improve resource efficiency while reflecting the company’s evolving experience in managing industrial cities according to best international standards.
Yaseen said the company is studying the launch of new investment packages aimed at attracting high-quality industrial investments to the city, contributing to the creation of real job opportunities for Jordanians and enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy in regional and international markets.
For his part, JIEC General Manager Oday Obaidat said the first phase of the city was developed over 1,386 dunums out of a total of 2,475 dunums, at a cost of 35 million dinars. It includes developed industrial land and ready-built facilities covering 21,000 square meters and is expected to attract 217 industrial investments generating around 8,500 jobs.
He added that the company has created an attractive investment environment through advanced infrastructure and integrated services that meet investors’ needs, noting that total investments could reach 530 industrial companies upon completion of the project, providing more than 21,000 jobs and reflecting the city’s significant economic impact.
Obaidat stressed that the city’s strategic location gives it a strong competitive advantage, lying 30 km from Amman and 15 km from the Zarqa Free Zone, facilitating transport and export operations and linking it to neighboring markets.
He also revealed that six industrial investments in the chemicals and engineering sectors have already been secured and are currently being prepared, while the company continues to process new investment applications in sectors including electronics, smart devices, medical equipment, engineering industries and the automotive sector, all of which offer high added value.
Meanwhile, President of the Zarqa Chamber of Industry, Fares Hammoudeh, said JIEC has become a reality thanks to sustained royal support for the economic sector, adding that its strategic location in the heart of populated areas enhances its role in achieving economic integration and serving surrounding communities.
He noted that Zarqa governorate possesses significant competitive advantages in the industrial sector, contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs and supporting gross domestic product, and said the city is expected to help double industrial exports within a few years in line with the Economic Modernization Vision.
Hammoudeh added that ZIE is poised to become one of the largest industrial cities in the region in terms of size and industrial diversity, further strengthening Jordan’s economic standing at the regional level.
The project, launched in 2022, is one of the most prominent strategic initiatives. The first phase has been fully completed and incorporates sustainable solutions, including solar energy, electric vehicle charging stations, green spaces, recycling systems and infrastructure designed to reduce energy consumption.
The development spans 2,475 dunums and is being implemented in three phases. Once completed, it is set to become the largest industrial city in Jordan and an advanced model for sustainable industrial development.
//Petra// AF
