Abu Dhabi: Etihad Rail, developer, and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, and ADNOC have signed a strategic partnership agreement. It aims to establish railway services between Abu Dhabi City and Al Dhannah region.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Etihad Rail Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, and Chairman of Etihad Rail, has witnessed the signing of the agreement.
Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated that, “The UAE’s railway network is a key contributor to the UAE’s strategic visions across various sectors. An integrated rail network is an essential aspect of infrastructure within major cities and countries across the globe, and Etihad Rail is playing a similarly significant role in the UAE’s sustainable development.”
The agreement was signed at ADNOC Headquarters by Mr. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Mr. Saif Al Falahi, Executive Vice President of Group Business Support & Special Tasks at ADNOC, in the presence of Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNOC.
The agreement will also enable the two companies to share knowledge and expertise, and explore opportunities to launch dedicated railway services between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah in the Al Dhafra region.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber remarked that, “In line with our leadership’s directives to enable a sustainable and lower carbon future, this partnership with Etihad Rail underscores ADNOC’s commitment to supporting sustainable transportation solutions and infrastructure development projects in the UAE. It also highlights ADNOC’s drive to explore opportunities to strengthen partnerships and implement solutions and technologies that accelerate efforts to reduce emissions, as we work towards our Net Zero by 2045 target.”
Through this partnership, ADNOC will give employees the chance to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dhannah through the railway network in the future. It is anticipated that the collaboration will pave the way for new areas of cooperation with other companies to support Etihad Rail’s national operations.