The MoU offers Etihad Rail the benefit of ET’s integrated vehicle and maintenance services, in addition to security services along Etihad Rail sites.

Signed by Dr. Nasser Al Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Mohammed Abdullah Al Jarman, General Manager of ET, the MoU will support Etihad Rail’s commitment to provide customers with a seamless experience when transporting their goods on the railway.

With both entities being part of the UAE’s burgeoning transportation industry, the combination of Etihad Rail’s extensive network with ET’s established presence in the UAE signifies a natural alignment, where two different modes of transport will be enabled to complement one another. As part of the agreement, ET may provide container leasing; cleaning and courier services; security services; and, the leasing, maintenance and recovery of vehicles.

Commenting on the MoU, Dr. Nasser Al Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: ‘As the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, Etihad Rail is collaborating with different companies across a range of industries to ensure that we provide our customers with the best transport solutions, which in turn will facilitate growth opportunities within these sectors. ET has a strong track record in providing numerous governments and private entities with flexible road transport options, and this agreement is in line with Etihad Rail’s commitment to offer customers a modern and integrated rail network. We look forward to working together as the railway continues to develop.’

Mohammed Abdullah Al Jarman, General Manager of ET, further added: ‘As a provider of transport solutions in the UAE, ET’s partnership with Etihad Rail – who will soon introduce a new transport culture to the UAE – marks the synchronisation of efforts to diversify our nation’s economy and contribute to social development. We are delighted to play a role in such a strategic project, and to explore future collaboration opportunities as the project progresses, including on the network’s passenger services and at the GCC level.’

Al Jarman further discussed the fruitful collaboration between the two entities, which will see ET providing the Etihad Rail with integrated vehicle and maintenance services. Discussing ET’s three decades of experience in the industry, Al Jarman highlighted the distinguished skills of the technical staff and the quality services offered in line with international best practices, all of which have led to ET’s success with many public and private entities in the UAE.

Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network – which will cater to both freight and passengers – will span approximately 1,200 kilometres across the Emirates. It will connect urban and peripheral communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development.

The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network – linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east. The tendering process is already in progress for Stage Two, which will connect the railway to Mussafah, the Gulf ports of Khalifa and Jebel Ali, and the Saudi and Omani borders. Preliminary engineering for Stage Three, which will connect the rest of the Northern Emirates, is also well underway.