City update: Amman, Jordan

Front elevation of the Development and projects investments' living wall project, which has been designed by foster + Partners.

The capital of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Amman lacks some of the glamour and big projects that many are familiar with seeing in the GCC, but nevertheless the city presents a great opportunity.

According to city mayor Omar Mani, Amman’s population is set to grow to 6 million by 2025, up from its present 2.2 million. As a result, considerable work needs to be done in order ensure there is enough housing for the increased number of residents, supported by transport and infrastructure.

Water is a particular concern, with the vital resource only being delivered once a week to Amman. As a result, big value projects involving the delivery of water to the city are growing in importance, with this summer seeing two major deals
being awarded.

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July saw the launch of the US $1 billion Disi Water Conveyance project, which will see Gama Energy build and operate a 325km pipeline that will drive water from Disi to Jordan.

Commenting on the Disi project, Prime Minister Nader Dahabi of Jordan said: “This project represents a milestone towards ensuring water security and addressing the country’s water shortage.”

A similar contract has also been awarded by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to Swedish firm Sweco, who will build 350km pipeline from Rum to Amman on a similar build-operate-transfer approach. Both operational contracts will last 25 years, when the projects will be transferred to the Ministry.

In addition to utility infrastructure growth, Amman’s growing importance as a Levantine financial and tourism centre has seen growing importance placed on transport infrastructure.

The new 85,000m² terminal being constructed at the Queen Alia International airport will see capacity increase to over 9 million passengers a year – essential given the rapid growth in visitor numbers.

According to the lead investor in the project, Airport International Group (AIG), 4.4 million passengers passed through QAIA in 2008, up 16% from 3.8m in the previous year and setting a new record for the airport.

“We expect growth in passenger numbers of around 2%-3% per year in 2009 and 2010, and growth in line with GDP growth after 2010,” says Curtis Grad, AIG CEO.