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On 21 June 2018, Khalifeh & Partners hosted a working session with delegates from the Energy Charter Secretariat as part of the Secretariat’s official visit to Jordan. The meeting, held at the firm’s offices in Amman, focused on identifying and assessing the key legal, regulatory, and policy-related risks facing investors in the Jordanian energy sector. The Khalifeh & Partners team was represented by Ala’ Khalifeh (Managing Partner), Khaldoun Nazer (Partner), and Siwar Saket (Senior Associate). The discussion formed part of the preparatory work for the Secretariat’s flagship publication, the Energy Investment Risk Assessment (EIRA), which evaluates investment conditions in the energy sectors of participating countries. Khalifeh & Partners had previously been invited by the Secretariat to contribute legal analysis and insight on Jordan’s investment framework and regulatory landscape in the energy sector. Jordan, while not yet a signatory to the Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), holds observer status within the Energy Charter Conference. The Kingdom signed the International Energy Charter political declaration at a ministerial-level summit in The Hague in May 2015 and had earlier endorsed the European Energy Charter Declaration of 1991. Jordan has also completed the necessary technical steps for ECT accession. According to the Secretariat, Jordan’s ratification of the ECT is expected to enhance investor confidence, attract foreign capital to large-scale infrastructure projects, and strengthen Jordan’s strategic role as a secure and stable energy transit hub in the region—particularly in relation to oil and gas pipelines and regional electricity interconnection initiatives. The ECT is currently under review by the Jordanian Parliament, and ratification is anticipated in the near term.
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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.
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Jordan USD 700 Million Eurobond Issuance
Khalifeh & Partners, in its role as local counsel for the issuer, advised the Ministry of Finance in connection with the issuance of USD 700 million in Eurobonds, together with a tender offer of up to USD 1 billion to repurchase existing bonds ahead of maturity.
As announced, the Eurobonds were issued at a fixed rate of 5.75% for seven years. Investor interest was substantial, with bids more than triple the issuance amount. The proceeds will be directed toward repaying Eurobonds due on 29 January 2026, in line with the Government’s approach to replacing higher-cost debt with lower-cost obligations.
The transaction drew wide participation from global institutions across multiple markets, reflecting sustained confidence in Jordan’s economic stability and reform trajectory.
Our team was led by Managing Partner Ala’ Khalifeh, Senior Associate Dana Mubaidien, and Junior Associate Alia Farrayeh.
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Khalifeh & Partners Advising on USD 250 Million Syndicated Facility to Royal Jordanian Airlines
Khalifeh & Partners Lawyers advised a syndicate of lenders along with Covington & Burling LLP on the USD 250 million syndicated loan facility extended to Royal Jordanian Airlines.
This strategic transaction marks a significant milestone for Jordan’s national carrier and reflects confidence of the Jordanian financial sector in RJ’s transformation plan. The facility was provided by a number of Jordanian and regional banks.
Our team acted as Jordanian legal counsel to the lenders and Covington & Burling LLP acted as English legal counsel to the lenders.
We thank our clients and colleagues for their trust and cooperation throughout the process.
Further details here: https://www.petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage.jsp?ID=314327&lang=ar&name=news&cat=news
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Major Industrial Development Project in Iraq
K&P is pleased to have advised IVI Holding on the development of a 6,000 TPD cement plant in Al-Muthanna Province, Iraq. The estimated project cost is around $240 million and marks a significant step in Iraq’s industrial growth. The project is expected to address a key gap in domestic cement supply and supports broader economic development objectives.
Our team represented IVI Holding on all legal aspects of the project’s development and financing. The project’s EPC Contract was recently signed by Mr. Hussein Shamara, Chairman of IVI Holding, and Mr. Linhe Zhu, Chairman of Sinoma Overseas.
We congratulate IVI Holding on reaching this milestone and are proud to continue supporting IVI Holding’s initiatives that drive sustainable, long-term growth in Iraq.
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Khalifeh & Partners advises IFC (International Free Company For Import and Export LLC) on the landmark development of Mövenpick Al Zaytoon Baghdad
Khalifeh & Partners have supported IFC (International Free Company For Import and Export LLC) on the development of Baghdad’s first branded five-star Mövenpick hotel — a landmark achievement for Iraq’s evolving hospitality sector and a sign of growing investor confidence in the region.
Located on Al Zayton Street, Mövenpick Al Zaytoon Baghdad officially opened its doors on 26 April 2025, with a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani. The project delivers 220 hotel keys, 100 hotel-apartment keys, and a total built-up area of 51,890 m² — providing Baghdad with a world-class hospitality offering under the globally recognised Mövenpick brand, part of the Accor group.
Khalifeh & Partners advised IFC across all aspects of the project’s development and operation, including the hotel agreements and franchise arrangements for premium food and beverage outlets that will operate in the hotel.
We congratulate IFC on this significant achievement and are proud to have been part of delivering a project that brings lasting value to Baghdad’s future.
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Khalifeh & Partners Advises Al Eqbal Real Estate on Landmark Ritz-Carlton Development in Amman
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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. |