Etihad Rail is set to expand its presence beyond the GCC, spearheading a $2.3 billion investment by the UAE into Jordan’s mining and railway sectors. UAE recently signed an agreement with the Jordanian Ministry of Transport to develop a 360-km railway network that links key phosphate and potash mines across Jordan.
As part of the collaboration between the Ministry of Investment of the UAE and the Ministry of Investment of the Hashemite Kingdom in the railway sector, Etihad Rail has signed an agreement with the Jordanian Ministry of Transport to facilitate the implementation of railway… pic.twitter.com/eOOlS6cOB0
— Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) September 4, 2024
This bilateral infrastructure project between the UAE and Jordan was underscored by the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and the Arab Potash Company that detailed the transportation of approximately 16 million tons per annum of phosphate and potash to Aqaba, Jordan. Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak said: “We are keen to leverage our proven expertise in developing and operating the UAE national railway network to support the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s ambitious plans for advancing its rail infrastructure and driving economic growth.”
The UAE’s Etihad Rail is commissioned to oversee the construction of the rail network and supporting infrastructure, including loading and unloading terminals, and provide maintenance, repair, and operation services for the network. The Jordanian government confirmed earlier this week that full-fledged railway construction will not commence before 2030. Before which Jordan intends to author detailed studies on the development ahead of construction bids that are expected to begin in 2026.
