UAE and Jordan Launch $2.5 Billion Railway Project to Enhance Mining Logistics

What happened
On October 5, 2026, the UAE and Jordan launched the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project, a $2.5 billion initiative to improve mining logistics.
The Context
- Strategic investment: This project is part of a broader $5.5 billion investment framework between the UAE and Jordan, aimed at boosting economic cooperation.
- Job creation: The initiative is expected to generate approximately 5,000 jobs in southern Jordan, enhancing local employment opportunities.
- Logistics efficiency: The railway will significantly reduce transport costs by an estimated $40 million annually for mining exports, improving Jordan's competitiveness in global markets.
The Number
— This is the annual transport capacity of phosphate and potash via the new rail network, underscoring its potential impact on the mining sector.
Takeaway
As construction progresses over the next five years, expect enhanced regional connectivity and increased export capabilities for Jordan's mining industry.
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President Sheikh Mohamed and Jordan's King Abdullah discuss $2.5 billion UAE-Jordan railway project in call
President Sheikh Mohamed of the UAE and King Abdullah of Jordan engaged in a discussion regarding the $2.5 billion railway project aimed at enhancing connectivity between the two nations. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen econo...
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ملك الأردن وخالد بن محمد يشهدان وضع حجر الأساس لمشروع سكة حديد العقبة ملك الأردن وخالد بن محمد يشهدان وضع حجر الأساس لمشروع سكة حديد العقبة
His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan and Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba Railway Project, which aims to develop a railway network spanning 403 kilometers. This initiative marks a significant ...
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UAE, Jordan launch $2.5 billion railway project linking Aqaba to mining sites
The King of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project, a significant infrastructure initiative valued at $2.5 billion aimed at connecting Aqaba to various mining sites...
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King of Jordan and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi witness groundbreaking ceremony for Aqaba-Al-Shidiyeh-Maan Railway Project
His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of Jordan and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba-Al-Shidiyeh-Maan Railway Project in Aqaba, Jordan. Thi...
International news coverage curated for readers in the UAE and Gulf region.
"Emirates 24|7 world coverage presents global developments through a UAE-facing and Gulf-relevant editorial lens."
— A47 Editor
Khaled bin Mohamed arrives in Jordan for Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan railway project launch
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, arrived in Aqaba, Jordan, to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Aqaba–Al-Shidiyeh–Maan Railway Project, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at enh...