His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi: New road network to encourage urbanization

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 12 January, 2017:  His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), attended the official opening of the Amman Development Road. The road network connects the capital with the surrounding cities, easing the movement of passengers and goods between Jordan and the countries of the GCC region. 

In line with the framework of the 2013 UAE government grant to the Gulf Development Fund valued at AED4.6 billion (US$1.25 billion), ADFD contributed AED320 million (US$87 million) – 50 percent of AED620 million (US$169 million) that is the total value of the project. 

His Excellency Imad N Fakhoury, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, His Excellency Sami Halaseh, Jordan’s Minister of Public Works and Housing, His Excellency Bilal Al Bdour, UAE Ambassador to Jordan, and several Jordanian senior officials were present at the opening ceremony.

Praising the new development, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi said: “the 48 km, Amman Development Road encourages sustainable urbanization of cities close to the capital, and links travellers and truckers with international routes.”  

He added: “One of many collaborations between the UAE and Jordan, this project is a clear demonstration of the strong historic ties our two governments enjoy. ADFD remains committed to funding key economic sectors in Jordan – specifically to develop, modernize and expand infrastructure.”

For his part, His Excellency Sami Halaseh highlighted the impact of the Road in reducing transportation costs, and improving access to agricultural and industrial areas. Furthermore, he commended the UAE government on its continued support of Jordan’s development agenda through ADFD’s strategy of long-term sustainable growth. 

Since 1974, ADFD has successfully funded 31 development projects in Jordan valued at approximately AED5.7 billion.