Ma'an, Aug. 3 (Petra) -- The Ma'an Development Company has called on local, regional and international investors to capitalize on the 2026 incentive package introduced for Al Rawda Industrial Zone, describing it as a comprehensive framework designed to lower investment costs and stimulate industrial development in southern Jordan.

Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Fawaz Abu Tayeh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Monday that Al Rawda Industrial Zone has evolved into an integrated industrial hub, supported by its strategic location near the Port of Aqaba and along key international transport corridors, enhancing supply chain efficiency and facilitating exports.

He said the industrial zone's competitiveness will be further strengthened by the extension of the natural gas network, which is expected to reduce operating costs for medium and heavy industries by providing a reliable and cost-effective energy source.

Abu Tayeh said the new incentive package focuses on reducing capital and operating costs for investors. Electricity tariffs will be subsidized over a five-year period, with discounts of 75 percent during the first two years of production, 50 percent in the third and fourth years, and 25 percent in the fifth year.

He added that the package also reduces the price of fully serviced industrial land to JD7.5 per square meter from JD15 for cash purchases of plots exceeding 20 dunums.

To enhance the zone's export competitiveness, companies shipping goods produced in Al Rawda Industrial Zone through the Port of Aqaba will receive a 50 percent discount on container handling charges for three years, provided the exported products originate from the industrial zone.

Abu Tayeh said Al Rawda Industrial Zone has also been incorporated into the government's Production Branches Program, which provides direct support for labor costs over three years. The program covers 50 percent of the minimum wage, in addition to JD25 toward social security contributions and JD25 for transportation costs.

He noted that investors seeking to benefit from the incentives must begin commercial production within two years of signing their investment agreements, achieve a minimum local value added of 30 percent and employ workers from Ma'an Governorate. The minimum employment requirement is 10 workers for small industries, 50 for medium-sized industries and 100 for large industrial projects.

Abu Tayeh said the combination of advanced infrastructure, access to natural gas, a strategic location and the newly approved financial and investment incentives positions Al Rawda Industrial Zone as a major industrial hub in southern Jordan and supports the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision.

//Petra// RZ