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A&O Shearman advises on USD2.3 billion UAE–Jordan rail joint venture

A&O Shearman advises on USD2.3 billion UAE–Jordan rail joint venture
Published Date
Jun 30 2026
Related people
Image of David Foster
David FosterPartner, Dubai
Image of Ibrahim Mubaydeen
Ibrahim MubaydeenPartner, Abu Dhabi
Image of Elliott Sawford
Elliott SawfordPartner, Dubai
Image of Grace Hunt
Grace HuntSenior Associate, Dubai
Image of Cameron Griffiths
Cameron GriffithsSenior Associate , Dubai
Image of Gartan Tracey
Gartan TraceySenior Associate, Abu Dhabi
A&O Shearman has advised L'imad Rail and Etihad Rail PJSC on the establishment of the Jordanian Emirati Rail Company, a joint venture with strategic Jordanian investors to develop a national freight rail network in Jordan.

The approximately USD2.3bn project encompasses the financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of a 360‑km railway linking Aqaba port to Jordan’s key phosphate and potash production sites.

This landmark joint venture further advances the USD5.5bn investment framework between the UAE and Jordan, reflecting the two countries’ commitment to infrastructure-led economic growth and regional connectivity. 

The A&O Shearman team comprised David Foster (managing partner, META), Ibrahim Mubaydeen (managing partner, Abu Dhabi), Elliott Sawford (partner), Grace Hunt (senior associate), Cameron Griffiths (senior associate) and Gartan Tracey (senior associate). 

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