(Amman- 17 April 2025)- In a strategic move to enhance water security in Jordan, the Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan, signed a grant agreement with the Dutch government to finance the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project with a total of €31 million on Thursday, 17 April. Harry Verweij, the Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, signed the agreement on behalf of the Dutch state-owned development financier Invest International in the presence of Raed Abu Saud, the Minister of Water and Irrigation, and Souad Farsi, Representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Jordan, which will manage the agreement.

"Making additional, non-groundwater available through desalination is crucial for water security in Jordan," said Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan. "The Netherlands is a global leader in water management and technology, and a reliable partner to Jordan, demonstrated through projects such as the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyor Project. This transformative initiative will ensure a sustainable water supply for the future, including for vulnerable communities, while also supporting Jordan’s economic growth. The Netherlands remains fully committed to this partnership."

“This significant contribution from the Netherlands underscores our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “The Water Sector Fund plays a crucial role in mobilizing finance for essential projects, and this new funding will allow us to expand our impact in Jordan.”

“We are proud to partner with the EIB to support the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance project through the Water Sector Fund. This investment is vital for enhancing water security in Jordan and addressing water challenges, which have been exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change. The investment demonstrates our commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration,” said Ms. Petra Vernooij, Director Public Infrastructure of Invest International.

The Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Saud, affirmed that the project is progressing according to established plans, demonstrating the government's commitment to implementing the royal directives and achieving the Economic Modernization Vision, along with the strategic plan for the water sector. He noted that it will provide sustainable solutions to address part of the water shortage by desalinating 300 million cubic meters while addressing the impacts of climate change and meeting the needs of approximately 4 million citizens. Furthermore, he stated that this project is one of the most extensive desalination and infrastructure projects in Jordan, as it will limit groundwater and surface water degradation by natural replenishment and increase water supplies.

The Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan commended the Dutch government and Invest International’s support for this critical project, which is part of the Team Europe initiative on Green Economy. “This project will provide an important source of water, and contribute to enhancing economic development in Jordan,” she concluded. 

The project will desalinate water from the Red Sea starting from the Gulf of Aqaba, ensuring drinking water supply to Amman and Aqaba while serving other governorates along the pipeline route, including Ma'an, Tafileh, Karak, and Madaba.