Amman: Amra City is set to become the first Jordanian city developed through pre-planned urban design, as announced by Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri. This ambitious project aims to redefine urban growth by establishing a sustainable, environmentally conscious city that attracts both local and foreign investments, while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
According to Jordan News Agency, Amra City is envisioned as a model future city for young people and future generations, developed over 25 years. The project was launched by the prime minister and follows directives from His Majesty King Abdullah II, who emphasized its importance in alleviating population pressure on Amman and Zarqa through private sector partnerships. The initiative aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision’s focus on improving quality of life.
Masri highlighted the strategic location of the city along key logistical corridors, such as the Muwaqqar-Azraq-Omari and Zarqa-Free Zone-Azraq roads, which are conveniently accessible from major cities like Amman and Zarqa. The state-owned land designated for the project will benefit the Innovative Startups and SMEs Fund (ISSF), with the Jordanian Company for Developing Cities and Facilities executing the project in collaboration with domestic and international private investors.
Population projections indicate that Amman could reach 11 million residents in the next 25 years, with significant growth anticipated in Zarqa, Russeifa, and south Amman. As such, new, fully planned urban areas like Amra City have become essential to accommodate this expansion and maintain high living standards.
The project promises to stimulate the construction sector by linking it to over 60 economic activities, driving development beyond the capacities of existing cities. State land ownership reduces acquisition costs and encourages investment, while the city’s economic zones will be integrated with modern transport systems to bolster long-term competitiveness.
Over the past year, the government has conducted extensive legal, urban, and technical studies, along with over 20 workshops with experts in planning, economics, and engineering, to ensure optimal governance structures. The ISSF, with its executive arm, will lead the project, creating partnerships and subsidiary companies to manage its various components.
Masri emphasized that Amra City will be a green, climate-conscious development, utilizing clean energy, wastewater treatment, and advanced waste management systems to recycle about 90 percent of waste. The city will offer generous public spaces and green areas, balancing investor needs with residential, service, and health zones.
The first phase of the project, scheduled from 2026 to 2029, includes major investment and production projects such as an international exhibitions and convention center, King Abdullah II Sports City, an Olympic complex, and a leisure city. Additionally, it will feature an educational city, a technology hub, and cultural facilities, including an expansion of the Royal Automobile Museum.
Masri noted that the city’s flat terrain would facilitate walkability with a modern internal transport system, ensuring that distances within the city remain manageable. Planning for the second phase will commence after the first, in collaboration with real estate developers, with a focus on low-cost infrastructure to serve local residents and workers.
Amra City will also host dedicated zones for technology-focused education, tech-driven industrial activities, schools, and integrated services, creating employment opportunities in construction and services while supporting economic clusters around the city.