The MOU was signed by Abdulla Hashim, Senior Vice President, Business Solutions at Etisalat and Richard Bowker, CEO at Etihad Rail, during the ongoing UITP conference and exhibition in Dubai.

The strategic agreement will allow Etihad Rail and Etisalat to share best practices in communications network engineering as well as jointly develop a unique business model that serves both companies and delivers key advantages to each.

The partnership will offer cost effective communications network coverage for Etihad Rail and its customers, provide the opportunity for Etisalat to offer ICT solutions that support Etihad Rail’s goal of providing safe, modern and efficient rail services to its passengers and freight customers, and will also enable Etisalat to benefit from the nationwide railway network infrastructure.

Commenting on the collaboration, Etihad Rail Executive Director – Commercial Shadi Malak said: ‘At Etihad Rail, we aim to offer customised solutions to ambitious companies seeking greater efficiency, reliability and competitive advantage as well as an integrated railway network that serves the needs of our core customers: freight and Passengers.

We understand the significant role that telecommunications play in delivering the highest quality transportation services, and are excited to work with Etisalat to explore new opportunities and solutions that will directly impact our end users in a positive way.’

For Etisalat, this endeavour will work to utilise the Etihad Rail national railway infrastructure to expand its fibre-optic technology to areas not yet covered by the network.

Abdullah Hashim, Senior Vice President, Business Solutions, at Etisalat, said: ‘We are delighted to enter into this strategic agreement with Etihad Rail, which marks the expansion of existing relationships between two leading UAE organisations. The signing of this MOU is a strategic step towards enhancing development of the country’s communications and transportation infrastructure, while ensuring that the best-in-class ICT solutions are utilised and implemented. Etisalat’s mission is to extend the reach of our customers – including corporate enterprises and passengers – and through partnerships like this, we are making great strides in achieving our goals.’

The MOU with Etisalat comes at an important time in the advancement of Etihad Rail and its 40billion dirham network, as the railway moves from the planning phases towards actual implementation. By the summer of 2011, Etihad Rail will begin construction on the first phase of the network – a route that will connect Shah, Habshan and Ruwais for the purpose of transporting granulated sulphur for export, in partnership with Abu Dhabi Oil Company (ADNOC).