Partnership with the UAE Armed Forces a major highlight for the five-day defence conference

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 February 2015: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE national railway network, is pleased to announce its participation at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX), taking place from 22 - 26 February 2015 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

This is the first time Etihad Rail takes part in the major defence event, highlighting its partnership with the UAE Armed Forces.

Etihad Rail and the UAE Armed Forces signed a major Memorandum of Understanding in September 2014, one which has seen them work together in close coordination and exchange of information to secure the vital protection of the national rail network. 

As part of the agreement, the UAE Armed Forces will provide protection for a number of Etihad Rail's facilities and installations including stations, terminals, yards and depots. Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will extend its relationship with the military as it will provide a link for five key military logistics centers operated by the UAE Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.

Etihad Rail will be represented at IDEX by a delegation of senior executives, as the organisation looks to strengthen its relationship with the UAE Armed Forces, in addition to industry experts and businesses whilst also educating conference visitors on the railway's developments.

"IDEX provides a valuable platform for us to highlight the ongoing work Etihad Rail is undertaking with the UAE's Armed Forces, and the significance that this agreement has in the continued development of our national rail network," said Faris Al Mazrouei, CEO of Etihad Rail. "Over the last five months, the support provided by the UAE Armed Forces in the protection of national facilities, has ensured the safety and security of the railway's infrastructure and of our nation. We are delighted to be able to showcase the success of the relationship at the world's leading defence conference."

IDEX is recognised as the most strategically important tri-service defence exhibition in the world, demonstrating the latest in state-of-the-art defence technology. Etihad Rail will be exhibiting at stand number 04-C10.

About Etihad Rail (www.etihadrail.ae)
Etihad Rail was established in June 2009 under Federal Law no. 2, with a mandate to manage the development, construction and operation of the UAE's national freight and passenger railway network. Being built in three stages, the railway network will link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, and will form a vital part of the planned GCC railway network across the six countries of the GCC.

Construction on Stage One has been completed, with services between Habshan and Ruwais already operational on a testing basis since September 2013. Stage Two will connect the railway to Mussafah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali port and will see the railway extend to the Saudi and Omani borders.

Etihad Rail has recently signed an Operational & Maintenance Agreement with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the transport of sulphur between Habshan and Shah to Ruwais. Etihad Rail is also in advanced commercial and technical negotiations with other prospective partners, including DP World, ESI, Arkan, and others.

To date, Etihad Rail has signed more than 54 Memorandums of Understanding with a number of customers throughout the Emirates - in industries ranging from petrochemicals and agriculture to aggregates and waste - all of whom recognise rail as the preferred mode of transport for their goods.

Built to international standards, Etihad Rail's state-of-the-art network will span approximately 1,200 km, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development. Upon completion, the railway will redefine logistics and transport in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable mode of transport that will connect all regions of the UAE to its neighbouring GCC countries.

Media Contact:
Etihad Rail Communications team
Tel: +971 2 4999 712
Email: communications@etihadrail.ae
Website: www.etihadrail.ae 

© Press Release 2015