The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has backed a $70 million initiative to expand Jordan’s natural gas infrastructure, with contracts signed to supply gas to the Al Rawda and Al Muwaqqar industrial cities.

ADFD witnessed the signing of two contracts between Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and implementing companies for the supply of natural gas to the two industrial cities.

The agreements are part of an ADFD-financed project to establish a pipeline network connecting the industrial zones to Jordan’s natural gas network under the Executive Programme of the government’s Economic Modernisation Vision.

The project is intended to strengthen Jordan’s energy infrastructure and provide industrial facilities with a reliable and sustainable energy source.

By expanding natural gas access, the initiative is expected to reduce production costs, improve operational efficiency and enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian industries and products.

The project is also designed to support a more attractive investment environment for industrial companies, while contributing to economic growth and creating new opportunities for employment and production.

The agreements were signed during a visit to Jordan by an ADFD delegation led by Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD.

The visit included high-level meetings with Jordanian officials to discuss existing ADFD-funded programmes, implementation milestones and opportunities for future cooperation in priority sectors.

Al Suwaidi said: “The UAE and Jordan share a strong strategic partnership built on mutual trust, shared priorities and a clear commitment to sustainable development. ADFD remains committed to advancing this partnership with the Government of Jordan by financing projects and programmes that strengthen economic resilience, support sustainable growth and deliver lasting impact across the Kingdom.”

The natural gas project forms part of wider UAE support for Jordan. Separately, ADFD signed a financing agreement worth approximately AED 1.1 billion ($300 million) with Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation to support the government’s general budget, development programmes and fiscal stability.

Zeina Toukan, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, said: “This financing provided to Jordan’s General Budget today, reflects the depth of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the UAE and the longstanding cooperation that has supported the Kingdom’s development journey. ADFD has been a trusted partner in advancing Jordan’s national priorities, and this support further strengthens our ability to pursue sustainable economic growth and build on the progress achieved. It also reinforces the strong foundations for continued cooperation between the two countries, opening new avenues to advance our shared development objectives and aspirations.”

ADFD also attended the signing of a $40 million contract for the construction and equipping of five government technical schools, a project aimed at strengthening vocational education and developing skills aligned with labour-market needs.

Dr. Abdalhakim Shibli, Minister of Finance of Jordan, said: “The Jordan’s General Budget agreement signed with ADFD represents a significant step forward in strengthening joint cooperation and provide critical support to advancing financial stability and economic development. The financing and development projects covered by these agreements reflect confidence in the Jordanian economy’s ability to advance its development priorities, while supporting the Government’s efforts to implement its economic programmes, unlock growth opportunities and address financial and economic challenges.”

ADFD’s strategic partnership with Jordan dates back to 1974.

The fund has since financed more than AED 9.4 billion in development initiatives across the kingdom, including infrastructure and vital sectors. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service