Maan, Sept 21 (Petra) -- A newly initiated natural gas pipeline project connecting the Al-Rawda Industrial City in the Maan Development Area to the national gas grid will slash energy costs and drive production efficiency for local manufacturers, according to the head of the zone’s developer.
Mohammad Fawaz Abu Tayeh, chief executive officer of Maan Development Company, said Prime Minister Jafar Hassan laid the foundation stone for the pipeline network, paving the way for construction to begin.
Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, on Monday, Abu Tayeh said the natural gas project would enhance the industrial area's competitive advantages and strengthen its capacity to attract quality foreign and domestic investments.
The pipeline initiative builds on contracts signed to supply natural gas to both Al-Rawda Industrial City and Al-Muwaqqar Industrial City. Funded by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the broader infrastructure program aims to modernize Jordan's energy sector and provide sustainable, cost-effective power solutions to industrial tenants.
"Reaching the execution phase of this vital project is a major milestone that reflects seamless cooperation among national entities and international partners," Abu Tayeh said. "It demonstrates our commitment to building modern industrial infrastructure capable of meeting investors' operational demands." Connecting the city to natural gas expands an existing suite of government incentives offered to businesses in the zone. Current benefits include subsidized electricity tariffs for five years, employment support covering wages, social security contributions, and transportation for three years, a 50 percent discount on container handling fees at the Port of Aqaba, and reduced land prices for qualifying industrial projects.
Abu Tayeh noted that cheap, reliable energy is a primary factor in corporate investment decisions. Transitioning to natural gas will lower operational expenses, improve factory margins, and enable existing manufacturing projects to scale up operations.
"This initiative aligns directly with Maan Development Company's vision to construct an integrated, competitive, and sustainable industrial environment," Abu Tayeh said. "It will stimulate broader economic activity, support current investors, attract new capital, and create job opportunities for residents in the Maan Governorate." He praised the United Arab Emirates and ADFD for funding the strategic project, highlighting the deep economic and development partnership between the two nations. He also recognized the coordination among Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and key regulatory authorities in advancing the project to the construction phase.
Abu Tayeh emphasized that Ma'an Development Company views the gas pipeline as part of a comprehensive development ecosystem rather than a standalone utility project.
"We will continue working alongside our partners to position the Maan Development Area as a strategic regional hub for industrial growth in southern Jordan," he said.
//Petra// AF
