Ma'an Development Company, silver sponsor at 1st International Transport Conference & Exhibition for the Middle East, JOTRANS

The Ma'an Development Company (MDC) was a silver sponsor at the exhibition which gathered around 500 participants that included local and regional ministers, CEOs, transportation operators and providers, as well as consultants, urban and government planners, civic leaders, municipal and regional government authorities, and industry operators.

The conference revolved around various issues and challenges related to the transport sector, and featured discussions on future trends and investment projects in the industry, taking into consideration other critical topics that focus on transport strategies in the Middle East, investment opportunities, road safety and traffic congestion. Discussions also featured a comparative overview of the performance of the transport sector in the Arab world in comparison to international best practices.

During the luncheon sponsored by MDC, Dr. Mamoun F. Fanek, Business Development Director for South Company for Construction and Development (SCCD), welcomed the participants in the conference presenting an overview of the Ma'an Development Area (MDA), which is currently developed by MDC, and its four clusters: the Industrial Park, the Residential Community, Skill Development Center, and Hajj Oasis.

Dr. Fanek emphasized the importance and significance of the transport sector on MDA, which will comprise distinct projects that will stimulate economic and social development in the area. He underlined that infrastructure and the transport sector are the backbones of economic and social development in any area especially Ma'an Development Area which will meet the needs of visitors, investors and residents.

Dr. Fanek, explained that different manufacturing industries and production plants that will be located in The Industrial Park will all require means of transport to reach surrounding cities in Jordan, Aqaba Port, and airports. Moreover, MDC's aim is to create a logistics hub within the Industrial Park, for its proximity to Aqaba Port which will cater for the Jordanian market, North of Saudi Arabia, and have access to Iraq

Meanwhile, Dr. Fanek pointed out that MDC recently signed an agreement with The Vocational Training Corporation to prepare vehicle drivers in Ma'an to be proficient in driving automobiles such as trucks, vans and buses in Ma'an. He also summarized that the influx of pilgrims travelling by land for Hajj or Umrah, that will be arriving from Eastern Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, and passing through Hajj Oasis are expected to reach 1.5 million in the upcoming years which will create major traffic on the route to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria.

The Ma'an Development Area (MDA) is the first project of the South Company for Construction and Development (SCCD) to be developed with the objective of capitalizing on the regional economic growth and elevating standards of living not only in Ma'an, but around the governorate and the Kingdom as well. Consisting of four complementary clusters including a Residential Community, an Industrial Park, a Hajj Oasis, and a Skill Development Center, the Ma'an Development Area (MDA) is set to become a regional hub for industrial activity and a centre of excellence for vocational training, as well as a religious landmark for pilgrims on their way to the Holy cities, offering them the ideal environment for their rest, relaxation and prayer.

MDA will also be home to a thriving and self-sustained city providing its residents and visitors with a quality living and working environment to fulfill their ambitions.