Etihad Rail successfully conducted its inaugural rail journey between Abu Dhabi and Al Dhannah on Thursday. Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Managing Director and Group CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), alongside Adnoc’s Executive Leadership, partook in this historic trip, marking a pivotal moment in the development of the nation’s rail services.
Post-journey, Dr. Al Jaber inspected Adnoc’s downstream and petrochemicals hub in Al Ruwais Industrial City, focusing on key growth projects such as Borouge 4, Adnoc Refining, and the Ruwais LNG project. He emphasized the alignment of Adnoc’s collaboration with Etihad Rail with the UAE’s strategic goals, stating that this partnership fosters transportation solutions conducive to the nation’s development and prosperity. Under the leadership of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, the initiative aims to connect major centers of trade, industry, and logistics across the UAE, reinforcing its economic growth and infrastructure development.
The rail service, symbolizing more than a mere transport network, is seen as a vital artery for the nation’s economic development and decarbonization efforts. Dr. Al Jaber praised the world-class facilities and the dedication of the staff at Al Ruwais Industrial City, underlining their pivotal role in bolstering the UAE’s stature as a global energy leader.
This inaugural journey signifies the continuation of the robust strategic partnership between Adnoc and Etihad Rail. Adnoc Sour Gas, already utilizing rail for transporting sulphur products, stands as a testament to this alliance, cementing its position as a leading global sulphur producer.
Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, highlighted the significance of this partnership and the collective efforts to establish an integrated transportation system in the UAE. He emphasized the role of Etihad Rail in fortifying the UAE’s stature as a global hub in logistics, transportation, and infrastructure sectors, ushering in an era of enhanced, reliable, and sustainable rail transport solutions in the region.