UPDATE 1-UAE's Maabar signs deal for $5 bln Jordan project

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ABU DHABI, April 12 (Reuters) - Abu-Dhabi-based Al Maabar International Investments and Jordan's government have signed a deal for a development with investments of up to $5 billion, the United Arab Emirates news agency WAM reported on Saturday.

The project at the Red Sea city of Aqaba involves developing the town's port and building tourist, residential and commercial buildings in addition to a financial district, WAM reported, citing Managing Director Yousef Al Nowis.

Al Maabar, a joint venture of companies including Aldar Properties ALDR.AD and Sorouh Real Estate SOR.AD, will carry out the plan in two stages, to be completed in 2011 and 2015 respectively, Nowis said.

The project will create more than 15,000 job opportunities, he added.

Al Maabar is also developing a $10 billion tourism, office and housing complex north of Tunis. (Reporting by Ola Galal, editing by David Christian-Edwards)