The Jordan mineral railway project advances after Jordan and the UAE signed agreements to launch a $2.3 billion Aqaba rail construction scheme. The deal also creates a joint company to build and operate the railway, marking a critical step toward execution. Moreover, the agreement reflects stronger economic ties between both countries. It builds on prior investment frameworks while supporting Jordan’s long-term infrastructure modernization agenda. Additionally, the railway will connect key mineral production zones to Aqaba port. This link will improve export efficiency and strengthen the country’s logistics capabilities.
Jordan mineral railway project structure and partners
The Jordan mineral railway project will be delivered through an equally owned Jordanian-Emirati joint venture. This structure ensures shared control and balanced financial participation. Furthermore, the joint venture brings together leading institutions from Jordan’s mining and investment sectors. These include Jordan Phosphate Mines Company and Arab Potash Company. In addition, the Government Investments Management Company and the Social Security Investment Fund are key stakeholders. Their involvement strengthens the project’s financial base.
Meanwhile, the UAE’s L’Imad Holding Company joins as a strategic partner. It will provide technical expertise in railway development and operations. Notably, the project extends a broader $5.5 billion investment agreement signed in 2023. That agreement was endorsed by Jordan’s King Abdullah and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Consequently, the railway forms part of a wider bilateral strategy to drive infrastructure-led growth. Both countries aim to unlock long-term economic value.
Jordan mineral railway project design and capacity
The Jordan mineral railway project will span approximately 360 kilometers across southern Jordan. The network will include two main freight linking mining areas to Aqaba port. Specifically, the railway will serve production sites in Sheidiya and Ghor Al Safi. These areas are central to Jordan’s phosphate and potash output.
Moreover, the system is designed for high-capacity mineral transport. It is expected to handle about 16 million tones annually. This includes around 13 million tones of phosphate and 2.6 million tones of potash. Therefore, the railway will significantly boost export volumes. In addition, shifting freight from road to rail will reduce congestion and logistics costs. Environmental benefits will also emerge through lower emissions. Meanwhile, earlier discussions involved UAE’s Etihad Rail in potential development and operational roles. These talks highlight regional expertise in large-scale rail systems.
Financial close timeline for Jordan mineral railway project
The Jordan mineral railway project is expected to reach financial close in early 2027. This milestone will unlock full construction activities. Furthermore, reports indicate that construction will take about five years. This reflects the project’s scale and engineering complexity. In parallel, stakeholders continue to finalize financing structures and technical frameworks. These steps are essential to ensure long-term viability.
Additionally, preparatory work has progressed steadily, including feasibility and route planning. Authorities remain focused on aligning the project with national priorities. As a result, the railway is positioned to become a cornerstone of Jordan’s logistics transformation. It will enhance export competitiveness and support industrial growth. Ultimately, the project highlights the importance of strategic infrastructure investment. Its success will depend on effective coordination and timely execution.
The momentum in regional rail development is not limited to Jordan, as similar large-scale urban and freight transport investments are reshaping infrastructure across the Middle East. In Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority appointed Parsons as project management consultant for the $5.6 billion Metro Blue Line project, a 30-kilometre urban rail expansion designed to improve connectivity across key districts and support the emirate’s long-term mobility strategy. Likewise, Jordan is advancing its own $2.3 billion mineral railway project to strengthen export logistics by linking phosphate and potash production zones directly to Aqaba port. Both projects reflect a broader regional shift toward rail-based infrastructure aimed at improving efficiency, reducing road congestion, and enhancing economic competitiveness through integrated transport networks.
Project Fact Sheet
Project Name: Jordan Mineral Railway Project (Aqaba Rail Construction)
Location: Sheidiya and Ghor Al Safi to Aqaba Port, Jordan
Estimated Cost: $2.3 billion
Project Type: Heavy-haul freight railway
Length: 360 kilometers
Tracks: Two main freight lines
Capacity: 16 million tones annually
Cargo: Phosphate (13 million tones), Potash (2.6 million tones)
Status (2026): Agreements signed; structuring phase ongoing
Financial Close: Expected early 2027
Construction Duration: Approximately five years
Completion Estimate: Early 2030s
Strategic Context: Part of $5.5 billion Jordan-UAE investment program
Key Objective: Improve mineral export logistics to Aqaba Port
Project Team
Project Owner: Government of Jordan
Joint Venture: Jordanian-Emirati 50:50 partnership
Jordanian Stakeholders:
UAE Partner: L’Imad Holding Company
Technical Role: L’Imad Holding Company (railway development and operations expertise)
Potential Operator (Under Discussion): Etihad Rail
Financiers: Regional and international lenders (under negotiation)
Engineering Consultants: To be appointed
Main Contractors: To be tendered after financial close
Subcontractors and Suppliers: To be determined
Advisors: Financial, legal, and technical advisors engaged during structuring phase
