UAE and Jordan Sign $2.3bn Deal for Dead Sea-Red Sea Freight Rail

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jordan to build a multibillion-dollar freight rail line stretching from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea in an apparent bid to boost production and trade in minerals.

According to media reports, Etihad Rail – the UAE’s national rail operator – has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jordanian authorities and companies to connect the country’s phosphate and potash mines at Al-Shidiya and Khor Al-Safi near the Dead Sea to the port in Aqaba. through the Red Sea.

The 360-kilometer freight train, said to be worth $2.3 billion, will include terminals for loading and unloading cargo in Aqaba, Khor Al Safi and Shidia, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2030.

As part of the multi-billion dollar project, Etihad Rail has signed tentative contracts with Jordan’s Phosphate Mines Company and the Arab Potash Company to transport 16 million tonnes of both commodities a year.

“Within the framework of our vision to achieve comprehensive and sustainable economic growth by enhancing skills and sharing technical expertise, we aim to create new economic and investment linkages to support infrastructure development and foster promising opportunities,” said Emirati Investment Minister Mohammed Hassan. Alsuwaidi was quoted as saying.