Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Ports sign Agreement to connect Khalifa Port with National Railway Network

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan attends the signing and visits Khalifa Port Maritime Traffic Control Center

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, 18 February, 2019: His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of Etihad Rail, attended today the signing of an agreement between Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway, with Abu Dhabi Ports, the operator of commercial and community ports within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as well as Fujairah Terminals and KIZAD (KIZAD). The agreement aims to

connect Khalifa Port with the national railway network.

The agreement was signed at Khalifa Port following a visit by His Highness to Khalifa Port where was briefed on the work progress at the Khalifa Port Maritime Traffic Control Center. This facility provides a number of services to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the ports of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including VTS and securing and facilitating their access and departure to and from territorial waters.

His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed affirmed: “The signing of the agreemnt will have a positive impact on many sectors of the national economy and society. Today, with more than half of the cargo going to and from the GCC entering and exiting through UAE ports, the link will significantly enhance the capacity of the port and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global logistics and commercial hub.” H.H pointed out that the rail terminal capacity at Khalifa Port is expected to be the largest of its kind within the UAE, accommodating 2.4 million containers yearly.

H.H. added, “The Etihad Rail facility at Khalifa Port will enhance the efficiency of its infrastructure as well as the ability to increase its capacity in a more economical and reliable way. One train will have the ability to carry the load of 300 trucks. That is why it will be capable of providing competitive services and will create opportunities for businesses to gain an edge in key markets.”

The agreement was signed by Engineer Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports at the presence of  His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Ports.