Mafraq & Irbid Are Booming: JD 886 Million in Investments and Thousands of Jobs Created

Private sector investments in Jordan’s northern development areas are gaining impressive momentum. King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq and Irbid Development Area have collectively attracted JD 886 million in local and international investments; fueling economic growth and generating over 4,200 quality, permanent jobs across diverse industrial and technological sectors.

During a meeting of the Social Security Investment Board that was held at King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq, Eng. Awwad Hijazi, Chairman of Daman for Development Areas Company (DDC) Board of Directors, showcased the company’s achievements in infrastructure enhancement and investor engagement. These initiatives have played a pivotal role in driving investment growth, diversifying targeted sectors, and strengthening the areas’ competitiveness on both national and regional levels.

Salem Khazaleh, Chairman of Mafraq Development Corporation Board of Directors, also presented a detailed overview of the area’s progress, highlighting the attraction of JD 641 million in local and foreign investments. These investments span multiple industrial sectors, including solar energy, and have led to the creation of approximately 1,840 job opportunities. 

He also unveiled plans for a major logistics services hub, currently being prepared as a prominent investment opportunity for local and international stakeholders. Khazaleh underscored the project’s strategic significance in positioning the area as a logistics gateway for Jordan and the region, while also drawing in complementary investments.

Liza Dughmi, CEO of DDC, highlighted recent successes in Irbid Development Area, where JD 45 million has been invested in innovative entrepreneurial, technological, and educational ventures. 

These efforts have generated 2,370 high-value jobs in advanced specializations. Dughmi emphasized ongoing collaborations with both public institutions and community-based organizations to enhance the investment climate and underscore the transformative impact on local communities and the broader business environment.

Dr. Umayya Toukan, Chairman of the Social Security Investment Board, affirmed that the achievements of the development areas reflect the visionary guidance of the Hashemite leadership in channeling investments toward governorates. He reiterated the Fund’s commitment to securing sustainable returns that extend beyond profitability, contributing to tangible economic and social development.

Dr. Ezzeddin Kanakrieh, CEO of the Social Security Investment Fund, stated that private sector investments in the development zones owned by the Social Security Fund embody a true partnership with the private sector—one built on a strategic vision aimed at directing capital toward viable projects with real developmental impact. These projects contribute to strengthening the local economy and expanding employment opportunities for Jordanians.

He added that the Fund regards such efforts as a key pillar of responsible and sustainable investment, aligned with the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision, and with the government’s efforts to establish an integrated development model that amplifies the impact of investment and contributes to building a resilient economic foundation that enhances the Kingdom’s long-term competitiveness.


Members of the Social Security Investment Board commended DDC and its investment arms for their active role in enhancing Jordan’s regional profile. They praised the company’s efforts in providing world-class infrastructure and support services to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as its leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation.

Established in 2009, Daman for Development Areas Company (DDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Social Security Corporation. It serves as the investment arm of the Social Security Investment Fund and is responsible for the development, infrastructure, service provision, and marketing of the King Hussein Bin Talal Development Area in Mafraq and Irbid Development Area. Both areas were designated as special economic development areas under Royal Initiatives aimed at advancing investment in Jordan’s governorates and fostering inclusive, sustainable development.