Jordan is moving toward transforming the city of Aqaba into a global commercial gateway and a regional transport hub linking Asia and Europe. This follows the signing of a massive $2.3 billion investment agreement with the United Arab Emirates to establish the Aqaba Port Railway project.
اضافة اعلان
As the largest project in the history of the Jordanian railway sector, it involves constructing a 360-kilometer rail line connecting major mining areas in Shidiya and Ghor Al-Safi to the Port of Aqaba. The network will facilitate the annual transport of approximately 16 million tons of phosphate and potash for export to global markets, ushering in a new economic era driven by supply chain efficiency.
Strategic Global Advantage
The project grants Aqaba an exceptional competitive edge, reinforcing its position as Jordan’s sole maritime outlet and a primary transit gateway for neighboring countries. Key global advantages include:
Logistics Integration: Linking high-capacity seaports with a modern rail network places Aqaba among the ranks of integrated global logistical cities.
Reliability: The ability to handle and transport millions of tons of minerals swiftly grants Jordanian exports a reputation for reliability in international markets.
Economic Resilience: Radical reductions in traditional land transport costs will raise profit margins for national products and increase price competitiveness.
Official and Expert Insights
Shadi Majali (Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority - ASEZA):
Majali described the project as a "quantum leap" in the Kingdom's logistical system. He noted that it serves as the first phase of a broader vision for a national and regional railway network, with total investment projects reaching $5.5 billion to be implemented over five years. The project will transport 13 million tons of phosphate and 2.6 million tons of potash annually.
Dr. Mohammad Thneibat (CEO of Jordan Phosphate Mines Company):
Dr. Thneibat emphasized that the project will stimulate the manufacturing and transport sectors, opening new economic horizons for the southern governorates and enhancing the attractiveness of Aqaba for industrial investments.
Eng. Shehahdeh Abu Hdaib (Chairman of Arab Potash Company):
Abu Hdaib viewed the project as a strategic step to modernize the export system, praising the Jordanian-Emirati partnership as an advanced model for economic cooperation between the two nations.
Dr. Firas Al-Rawashdeh (Economic Expert):
Dr. Al-Rawashdeh highlighted the project as a "strategic lever" for the mining sector. He noted that future regional connectivity plans will solidify Jordan’s position as a strategic corridor, leading to sustainable development in the national economy and creating thousands of jobs to reduce unemployment in the south.
— (PETRA)
