ADFD Investments In Jordan Reach AED 9.4 Billion Since 1974 Across Healthcare, Energy And Infrastructure
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has channelled more than AED9.4 billion into Jordan since 1974, backing projects that support infrastructure, public services, and economic resilience. The funding covers healthcare, energy, water, transport, food security, and trade, and reflects a wider UAE-Jordan strategy focused on long-term stability and sustainable growth across the Kingdom.
By 2026, total ADFD financing in Jordan is expected to exceed AED9.4 billion, underlining the scale of this relationship. These projects align with Jordan’s national priorities and seek to improve living standards, expand productive sectors, and support fiscal stability, while strengthening one of the region’s most active development partnerships between two Arab states.
A large portion of this cooperation is delivered through the Gulf Development Programme, where the UAE contribution is managed by ADFD. Under this framework, ADFD oversaw development support to Jordan amounting to AED4.6 billion, with approximately AED4.459 billion already disbursed by the end of 2016 across strategic national projects.
The Gulf Development Programme resources have backed healthcare, education, energy, water, transport, and food security projects. These investments are structured to complement Jordanian government plans, help narrow infrastructure gaps, and build economic capacity, while also highlighting how joint Arab financing tools can be used to stabilise and support partner economies over many years.
Healthcare modernisation is a core element of ADFD’s work in Jordan. The Jordan Digital Health Centre, also known as the Virtual Hospital, was launched in 2024 as part of the Economic Modernisation Programme and financed through a UAE grant, with a total project value of US$100 million under the Ministry of Health’s digital agenda.
The Virtual Hospital initiative is being implemented with Presight and aims to unify health records through a central digital platform. In its first phase, five hospitals and three healthcare centres were linked, with the system designed to improve quality of care, cut waiting times, and speed up access to medical services for patients across the Kingdom.
ADFD Director-General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi told Emirates News Agency that "The UAE and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan share deep-rooted historical ties founded on fraternity, shared visions, and longstanding cooperation across multiple sectors." Al Suwaidi said ADFD has, over decades, supported Jordan’s development journey through a pipeline of strategic projects.
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development investments in energy, water, and food security
Renewable energy has become a major focus within the portfolio. In 2013, ADFD financed the Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Complex in Quweira, southern Jordan, at a cost of AED551 million. The photovoltaic plant generates 103 megawatts of electricity, helping to meet rising power demand using clean sources and supporting Jordan’s energy diversification goals.
The Sheikh Zayed Solar Power Complex supplies electricity to more than 50,000 homes and reduces reliance on imported fuels. This lowers petroleum import costs and supports the national balance of payments, while also cutting emissions, which aligns with regional climate commitments and energy transition strategies pursued by both the UAE and Jordan.
Water security is another priority, with ADFD helping finance the Kufranja Dam. The rock-fill dam reaches a height of 80 metres and has a storage capacity of 7 million cubic metres, of which 4 million cubic metres are dedicated to agriculture, enabling the cultivation of an extra 6,000 dunums and raising agricultural output.
The Kufranja Dam provides Ajloun Governorate with around 3 million cubic metres of drinking water each year. The project also helps manage flood risks and improves availability of water for irrigation, domestic use, and environmental needs, which supports rural communities and strengthens long-term management of scarce water resources in Jordan.
Food security support includes financing to expand grain silo storage in Al Juwaideh and Aqaba, valued at AED258.7 million, equivalent to US$70.5 million. Capacity at Al Juwaideh increased by 120,000 tonnes to reach 250,000 tonnes, while storage at Aqaba grew by 100,000 tonnes to reach 200,000 tonnes, reinforcing Jordan’s National Food Security Strategy 2025.
These combined investments in water infrastructure, renewable energy, and grain storage aim to reduce external vulnerabilities and stabilise supply chains. They also create a platform for private sector participation in agribusiness and clean energy, which is closely watched by regional investors assessing long-term prospects in Jordan’s resource-focused sectors.
In transport infrastructure, ADFD provided finance for the Amman Development Corridor, considered one of Jordan’s key road projects. The corridor enhances connectivity between the capital, other governorates, and regional border crossings, easing congestion, shortening travel times for freight movement, and improving access to industrial and logistics zones around Amman.
Trade and export support forms another strand of cooperation. Abu Dhabi Exports Office signed a financing agreement with Capital Bank to establish a credit facility of approximately AED73.4 million, equivalent to US$20 million. The facility aims to support trade flows and give UAE exporters structured access to the Jordanian market through tailored financing and guarantees.
ADFD’s wider development portfolio in Jordan illustrates how the UAE and Jordan use joint financing to support infrastructure, food and water security, renewable energy, healthcare, and education. As funding commitments rise towards and beyond AED9.4 billion by 2026, both countries continue to strengthen a model of Arab partnership that targets sustainable growth, community development, and long-term regional stability.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google