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On 25 April 2017, Al Eqbal Real Estate Development and Marriott International announced the signing of a landmark agreement to bring the Ritz-Carlton brand to Amman, Jordan, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s luxury hospitality sector. The project, located at Fifth Circle, comprises a five-star Ritz-Carlton hotel and branded residences. Slated for completion in 2020, the development will include high-end suites, fine dining venues, serviced apartments, and a grand ballroom, designed to deliver an elevated hospitality and lifestyle experience in the Jordanian capital. A formal groundbreaking ceremony was held on 18 May 2017, with Prime Minister Hani Mulki laying the foundation stone and inaugurating the project. Khalifeh & Partners acted as legal counsel to Al Eqbal Real Estate Development, advising on all hotel management and residential agreements. The team was led by Khaldoun Nazer (Partner), who praised the project’s significance for both the client and the market: “The fact that Jordan is considered to be an integral part of the growth of the Ritz-Carlton brand in the Middle East, and that they established a close partnership with a prominent Jordanian firm, has exciting implications for future development and growth within the country,” he noted. The Ritz-Carlton Amman project is part of Marriott International’s broader Middle East expansion strategy, which includes new openings in Tunisia, the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco. Marriott currently operates five hotels in Jordan and plans to double its regional portfolio over the next four years. Importantly, the Ritz-Carlton Amman is a fully Jordanian-funded investment, and is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction and operations, with a strong emphasis on employing Jordanian youth. The design process will integrate both local and international architects, aiming to reflect Jordanian cultural identity through a modern luxury lens. Khalifeh & Partners continues to advise on high-profile hospitality and real estate transactions, with a longstanding track record in hotel management, construction, and mixed-use developments across the region. |
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Khalifeh & Partners Advises Kawar Energy on USD 12.1 Million EBRD Financing
Khalifeh & Partners has advised Kawar Energy on a senior loan facility of up to USD 12.1 million (EUR 10.4 million) provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The financing will support the optimisation of Kawar Energy’s capital structure and enhance its financial flexibility, enabling the company to accelerate the development and expansion of its renewable energy portfolio in Jordan and the region.
The transaction reflects continued investment in the renewable energy sector and supports the broader energy transition objectives in Jordan and the region. In addition to the financing, the EBRD is providing a technical cooperation program focused on skills development, inclusive employment initiatives and the strengthening of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across Kawar Energy’s operations.
K&P advised Kawar Energy on all legal aspects of the transaction, including the structuring, negotiation and documentation of the financing arrangements.
Senior Associate Adele Shaban and Junior Associate Nizam Nazer, supported by Partner Khaldoun Nazer, led the K&P team.
This mandate further reinforces Khalifeh & Partners’ leading position in advising on complex financing, energy and infrastructure transactions in Jordan, including matters involving major international financial institutions and leading private-sector sponsors.
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Khalifeh & Partners Advises Jordan Capital & Investment Fund on Investment in JOD 50 million “Manara Ventures” Technology Fund
Khalifeh & Partners advised Jordan Capital & Investment Fund (JCIF) in connection with the launch of Manara Ventures GP Limited (“Fund”), a JOD 50 million technology fund established to support high-growth Jordanian startups and advance Jordan’s innovation.
K&P worked on all aspects of JCIF’s investment in the Fund, including the term sheet, shareholders' agreement, limited partnership agreement and subscription documentation. The Fund was launched as a Sharia-compliant investment platform within Abu Dhabi Global Market backed by regional institutional investors, including Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Lunate.
The fund is expected to invest in more than 20 Jordanian technology companies with high growth potential, with investment tickets ranging from USD 750,000 to USD 3 million, including follow-on financing rounds. The fund also includes dedicated capital to support up to 15 companies seeking to expand across regional markets.
Associate Raya Saket, supported by Partner Khaldoun Nazer, led K&P’s team on this transaction.
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Khalifeh & Partners Advises on Jordan’s First Green Ammonia Project
Khalifeh & Partners along with CMS Poland advised Hynfra P.S.A. and its Jordanian partner Fidelity Group in connection with the development of the Jordan Green Ammonia (JGA) project, a landmark clean energy initiative expected to play a significant role in advancing Jordan’s long-term green hydrogen and sustainable fuels strategy.
The firm advised on all aspects relating to the development of the project including the negotiation and execution of the investment agreement with the Government of Jordan, the signing of which took place at the Office of the Prime Ministry of Jordan in the presence of H.E. Jafar Hassan, Prime Minister of Jordan.
The project is expected to exceed USD 1 billion in value and to contribute significantly to Jordan’s emerging green energy ecosystem. Once operational, the project is expected to produce approximately 100,000 tons of green ammonia annually using renewable solar energy and desalinated seawater.
The development will include a large-scale solar power facility in Wadi Araba, supporting transmission infrastructure, and dedicated hydrogen and ammonia production facilities located in Aqaba to facilitate export-oriented operations.
The K&P team was led by Partner Khaldoun Nazer, Senior Associates Dana Mubaidien and Noor Abu Al Samid, supported by Junior Associates Serine ElMasri and Amro ElHudhud.
Related press releases: Hynfra Press Release
Photo source: Petra News Agency
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Iyad Hamarneh Attends Royal Meeting on Judicial Reform
Our Partner and Head of Litigation, Iyad Hamarneh, was honored to be received by His Majesty King Abdullah II, in the presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, at Al Husseiniya Palace, as a member of the Judicial Reform Committee, alongside fellow members.
The meeting followed the submission of the committee’s recommendations, developed pursuant to Royal directives and building on existing institutional frameworks and reform plans.
The committee’s report set out recommendations encompassing legislative review, the development of judicial infrastructure and technology, and amendments to more than 200 legal provisions aimed at unifying procedures and expediting litigation. It also addressed the expansion of the specialized Economic Chamber, the increase in specialized judicial chambers, and the strengthening of judicial capacity to support a more investment-attractive environment.
His Majesty commended the committee’s efforts and emphasized the importance of commencing implementation through a clear execution plan, defined timelines, and effective coordination across relevant stakeholders. His Majesty further underscored the need to assess the impact of these reforms following implementation to ensure their intended objectives are achieved.
We are honored to have our Partner, Iyad Hamarneh, contribute to this important initiative and to support ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial system in Jordan.
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Khalifeh & Partners Advising United Financial Investments Company on Strategic Acquisitions in Jordan’s Financial Brokerage Sector
Khalifeh & Partners has advised United Financial Investments Company (UFICO) on its strategic expansion in the Jordanian market through the acquisition of two financial brokerage firms.
The transaction involved the acquisition of International Financial Center Company, a subsidiary of Housing Bank, and Al-Hikma Financial Brokerage Company. This milestone represents a key step in UFICO’s broader growth strategy, reinforcing its position as a leading player in Jordan’s financial services sector and supporting the continued development of the local capital market.
The International Financial Center Company, largely owned by Housing Bank, is considered among the prominent listed companies on the Amman Stock Exchange, with trading volumes reaching approximately JOD 75 million. As part of the transaction, Housing Bank will retain an equity stake in UFICO. Similarly, Al-Hikma Financial Brokerage Company has recorded annual trading volumes of around JOD 75 million, further reinforcing UFICO’s operational presence following completion of the acquisition.
In advising on this transaction, we delivered end-to-end legal support spanning transaction structuring, drafting and negotiation of transaction documentation, and regulatory advisory. Our integrated and commercially focused approach ensured a seamless execution process and effective navigation of the applicable legal and regulatory landscape. This engagement further underscores our firm’s established expertise in complex M&A transactions within the financial services sector and our continued commitment to supporting clients in delivering strategic, high-impact growth initiatives across Jordan and the wider region.
The K&P team was led by Senior Associate Moawyeh Tarawneh and Junior Associate Alia Farrayeh.
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Khalifeh & Partners Advises AD Ports Group on Aqaba Multipurpose Port Development
Khalifeh & Partners acted as legal advisors to Abu Dhabi Ports Group in connection with the signing of a 30-year agreement with Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) for the development, modernization, management and operation of a multipurpose and general cargo terminal in Aqaba. The signing ceremony took place in February 2026 at the headquarters of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) in Aqaba.
The project forms part of a broader development vision for the city of Aqaba and is intended to enhance cargo volumes, operational efficiency and long-term performance and is expected to further strengthen Aqaba’s position as a strategically important regional logistics hub.
Khalifeh & Partners also advised AD Ports Group on the structuring of the transaction, including the shareholders’ agreements, the establishment of the joint venture company and the negotiation of various project-related agreements in connection with the project.
The K&P team was led by Managing Partner Ala’ Khalifeh, with support from Senior Associates Adele Shaban and Siwar Saket, and Junior Associate Alia Farrayeh.