- The Aqaba–Shidiya–Maan railway project aims to enhance mining transport efficiency and reduce shipping costs, boosting the competitiveness of Jordanian exports.

- The project seeks to establish the Port of Aqaba as a regional transport and logistics hub.

Aqaba, Oct. 5 (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah II and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Monday witnessed the laying of the foundation stone for the Aqaba–Shidiya–Maan railway project, which is one of Jordan’s key transport mega projects, according to the Royal Hashemite Court.

The national railway initiative aims to improve freight efficiency for mining goods and reduce transport costs, thereby enhancing Jordan’s export competitiveness and reinforcing the Aqaba Industrial Port’s role as a regional transport and logistics hub.

In its first phase, the project is expected to transport approximately 13 million tonnes of phosphate annually from Shidiya to Aqaba, and will be linked to the Maan Land Port project, enabling more efficient transport of goods between Aqaba and Maan.

The initiative is a key part of a wider strategic plan to build the Jordan National Railway Network, one of the Economic Modernisation Vision’s flagship projects.

The United Arab Emirates–Jordan Railway Company, established by a consortium of Jordanian and Emirati companies and institutions, is responsible for the construction and implementation of the project.

During the foundation stone laying ceremony, UAE–Jordan Railway Company Chairman Mohammad Thneibat delivered a speech, highlighting the significance of the project, which demonstrates long-term confidence in Jordan’s economic, investment, and logistics outlook, and a collaboration that embodies Jordan and the UAE’s deep historical ties.

Thneibat also emphasised the project’s strategic development role, particularly in strengthening transport sector performance, reducing operating costs, and opening new investment pathways to drive Jordan’s economic growth and job creation.

For his part, UAE–Jordan Railway Company Deputy Chairman and Etihad Rail Chief Executive Officer Shadi Malak said the project is far more than a standard railway line it is a new economic artery linking Jordan’s resources and production hubs to international markets through the Aqaba Industrial Port.

Malak added that the railway initiative boosts export power, creates fresh opportunities for investment and employment, and solidifies Aqaba as a key gateway for regional trade and growth.

In April, Jordan and the UAE signed strategic agreements that included the construction of the 360km railway network, which will connect phosphate and potash mines through two main tracks serving production sites in Shidiya and Ghor Al Safi to Aqaba Industrial Port.

Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and a number of ministers and officials attended the ceremony.

//Petra// HA