– 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