Etihad Rail Inks Seven Agreements at Middle East Rail 2023

Etihad Rail concludes Middle East Rail with seven agreements to significantly drive freight and passenger rail services development

The exhibition and conference attracted an impressive gathering of over 10,000 attendees, creating an electrifying atmosphere of knowledge sharing and collaboration. Distinguished guests included eight esteemed ministers hailing from Europe, the UK, North Africa, and the GCC region. The event boasted an impressive showcase of 300 exhibitors, each presenting cutting-edge solutions and innovations. Additionally, 600 VIPs added to the prestige of the occasion, fostering invaluable networking opportunities. With participants from 30 different countries, this global convergence truly exemplified the power of international cooperation and industry advancement.

Etihad Rail, the driving force behind the development and operation of the UAE National Rail Network, wrapped up their participation at the illustrious 17th edition of Middle East Rail, the most prominent transportation event in the region. As proud hosts of the event for the second consecutive year, Etihad Rail ensured a truly remarkable experience.

Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of the Presidential Court, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Department of Culture and Tourism, and the GCC Railways Authority, the event proved to be a resounding success. Welcoming an impressive gathering of over 10,000 attendees, including eight esteemed ministers from Europe, the UK, North Africa, and the GCC, along with 300 exhibitors and 600 VIPs, the exhibition, and conference epitomized the spirit of international collaboration. With representatives from 30 countries gracing the event, it truly stood as a testament to the remarkable diversity and global reach of the rail industry.

During the event, Etihad Rail made significant strides in advancing its freight and passenger services through the signing of seven crucial agreements. These agreements include the establishment of a joint venture company with DHL Global Forwarding, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Arsenale S.p.A., an Italian luxury hospitality company, and a partnership with MICCO, an integrated logistics provider under AD Ports Group. Additionally, Etihad Rail forged MoUs with ONCF, Morocco’s national railway operator, global technology giant Uber, and drone cargo specialist SkyGo. Furthermore, an agreement was reached with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation (FNRC), an independent government entity overseeing mining facilities specializing in natural resource extraction in Fujairah.

Etihad Rail also made a prominent presence within the conference agenda, as Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, delivered a keynote address during the event’s opening ceremony.

Reflecting on the successful conclusion of the event, Shadi Malak expressed pride in being the host for Middle East Rail once again, aligning with the UAE leadership’s visionary outlook and their recognition of the pivotal role of rail transportation for both freight and passengers. Notably, this year’s event was the largest on record, highlighting Etihad Rail’s commitment to forging partnerships and collaborating with leading entities within the global railway sector.

The joint venture formed with DHL Global Forwarding serves as a testament to the reputation of Middle East Rail, sponsored by Etihad Rail, as a platform for forging commercial partnerships with global companies for the UAE’s benefit. This collaboration will bolster our sustainable freight solutions within the UAE, contributing to the country’s economic growth.

Our partnership with ONCF, operators of one of the continent’s oldest railways, will enable us to engage in knowledge sharing and glean best practices as we expand and develop our rail network.

With MICCO’s proven track record in the UAE, our agreement will pave the way for the establishment of an efficient intermodal freight solution. By doing so, our customers will enjoy enhanced time and resource management, allowing them to focus on their core business objectives.

Our collaboration with Arsenale underscores Etihad Rail’s unwavering commitment to driving economic and social growth in the UAE through the National Rail Network. By introducing a luxury train experience, we are offering a distinctive world-class service to the region while bolstering the tourism sector. Furthermore, this initiative will showcase the country’s diverse heritage and natural beauty to visitors from around the globe.

The agreement with Uber aligns with our objective of enhancing the quality of life for people throughout the UAE by ensuring accessible transportation, even in areas with limited accessibility. We eagerly anticipate working closely with Uber, leveraging their expertise in the global transportation arena to further our shared mission.

Our collaboration with SkyGo opens doors to freight train drone inspection, leveraging their advanced technology to harness data services. This agreement exemplifies our relentless pursuit of innovation, establishing novel processes, and building upon our existing digitalization endeavors.

Furthermore, the partnership with FNRC solidifies our commitment to delivering a comprehensive end-to-end solution that encompasses reliability, sustainability, and swift market access—all while maintaining a competitive edge. By providing an integrated transportation service, we ensure that our partners, including FNRC, can maintain agile and adaptable supply chains. At Etihad Rail, our primary goal is to serve our customers by streamlining logistics, allowing them to focus on their core business while we take care of the rest.

Etihad Rail’s active participation in Middle East Rail comes on the heels of the inauguration of the National Rail Network and the successful launch of freight operations across the UAE. These recent milestones empower us to offer customers within the country a cutting-edge, comprehensive solution that guarantees reliability, sustainability, and efficient market reach.