AMMAN — Chairman of the Jordanian Company for Cities and Facilities Development Musab Mheidat on Sunday said that Amra City is a crossgovernment project that has evolved through “multiple” visions, in line with Royal directives calling for the acceleration of its implementation under a clear action plan. 

 

During a panel discussion organised by the Jordan Economic Forum (JEF) to discuss the “Amra City” project, and attended by Forum President Mazen Homoud underscored that the city, in its final concept, is neither a new capital nor an administrative hub for relocating ministries or consolidating government departments.

 

He added that the city is an integrated developmental and investmentdriven city built on the logic of investment, improving quality of life and providing a modern environment capable of attracting domestic and foreign capital, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

 

Mheidat said that all components of the city including infrastructure, facilities and buildings, as well as educational, health, commercial and tourism sectors will be offered as investment opportunities.

 

An exception will be applied to a limited number of priority projects which the company will implement to enhance the land’s material and strategic value and create initial momentum for the city’s launch.

 

The JEF pointed out that any new city of this scale requires a clear definition of the target population for living and working there, as identifying the “intended” demography is the starting point for any successful urban and economic planning.

 

Mheidat said that Amra’s planned projects include an internationalstandard stadium, two sports halls, two training pitches, a Formula 3level racing track, an exhibition ground and conference centre, an environmental park and a range of integrated entertainment facilities.

 

Regarding financing, he stressed that the project carries no cost to the state budget and imposes no financial burdens on the government.

 

The Chairman also explained that the city’s land is stateowned and has been transferred to the Jordan Investment Fund, which holds assets fully owned by the state and operates under an investmentdriven model to enhance their value.

 

He added that through the Fund, the Jordanian Company for Cities and Facilities Development was established as the executive arm under a framework agreement governing the relationship between the two parties, with subsidiary agreements to be signed for each project based on feasibility studies.

 

Mheidat noted that the targeted phase covers nearly 500,000 square metres of land, in addition to other assets transferred to the Fund. The objective, he said, is to convert these lands from dormant assets into productive ones that increase the value of the Jordanian sovereign fund’s holdings, bringing it closer to regional sovereign fund models.

 

The Social Security Investment Fund (SSIF)joined the project as a partner by acquiring around 12 per cent of the land, based on administrative valuations ranging from JD3,000 to JD8,000 per dunum in some areas in first phase, with additional advantages and premium plots adjacent to priority projects, Mehidat said.

 

The Jordan Armed Forces also joined with a share of around 10 per cent in return for engineering and logistical services, forming a sovereign partnership that strengthens implementation, He added.

 

Mheidat stressed that the Social Security Fund’s participation followed “extensive” studies and “specialized” committees, noting that the Fund only entres projects that are economically viable and capable of generating stable returns.

 

He added that the land acquired by the Fund is strategically located near major facilities, giving it strong potential for value appreciation once infrastructure and surrounding projects are completed.

 

On partnership mechanisms with investors, Mheidat said the company will retain no less than 51 per cent ownership in joint projects to ensure access to the Fund’s privileges.

 

Regarding the governance structures, he noted agreements will clarify authorities, adding that the legal ownership share does not necessarily restrict investors’ role in daytoday management, which will be regulated through partnership contracts.

 

For the infrastructure, he revealed plans to develop it on a fully commercial basis through a “specialized” subsidiary company for smart utilities and services including electricity, gas, water, telecommunications, roads and digital services in partnership with an experienced strategic operator.

 

The investment opportunity will be offered once the business plan is completed.

 

On investor interest, Mheidat said he held meetings with local and international investors and has so far received seven formal expressions of interest, noting that the level of engagement reflects the project’s appeal. He stressed that the company prioritises investor seriousness and expertise before discussing incentives.

 

On the stadium project, estimated at around JD200 million, Mheidat said its purpose is not to generate direct financial returns but to create national marketing value capable of attracting major events, including matches within global tournaments, which would boost tourism, spending and supporting services.

 

He added that priority projects will form the launchpad for wider investments, noting that visitors to a conference centre or exhibition will benefit from nearby entertainment facilities, hotels and shopping centres, creating a fully integrated economic cycle.

 

Mheidat stressed that Amra City’s success depends on managing it with a “purely”commercial mindset, free from bureaucratic complexity.

 

He said the company will not offer investment incentives before verifying investor seriousness, emphasising that the foundation lies in strong concepts and sound execution.

 

He added that the coming phase will see the launch of the first implementation projects, with “gradual” expansion under a clear plan that balances financing, demand and longterm sustainability to establish a modern, investmentdriven city that adds real value to the national economy, Al Mamlaka TV reported.