10 January 2015

Etihad Rail contributes to the Western Region's economic growth

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 10 January 2015: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, has announced that the contract for the design and build of employee residences in Mirfa has been awarded to National Transport & Contracting Company (NTCC), a building company operating in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, as part of Etihad Rail's contribution to economic growth in the Western Region.

The housing complex will be built to the highest standards to accommodate employees of Etihad Rail DB - the operating partner for Stage One of the network.

Eng. Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, Acting CEO at Etihad Rail, said: "Since Etihad Rail was founded and began construction in the Western Region, the Board of Directors has had a long-term vision to help drive economic prosperity in the region - in line with the wise direction and guidance of the UAE government and leadership - via investment opportunities in residential, educational, healthcare, and other facilities. The presence of Etihad Rail's operating arm in Mirfa has helped identify our first opportunity to begin fulfilling this vision, with the development of a permanent employee residences in the Western Region. Etihad Rail is also currently collaborating with the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) to explore further long-term investment prospects, given WRDC's numerous initiatives to develop residential real estate for the private sector."

Al Mazrouei added: "Our selection of NTCC as a contractor is part of our wider strategy to support businesses that play a significant role in driving economic development and growth in the Western Region."

In the presence of representatives from the Western Region Development Council, Etihad Rail DB signed a contract with NTCC to build 170 high-quality, serviced beachfront residential units equipped with advanced technology and entertainment systems. To further enhance the community's living standards, recreational facilities have also been incorporated within the design. Construction work of the long-term accommodation facility is expected to be completed in the second half of 2016.

Etihad Rail DB employees and contractors have been working in the Western Region for more than one year now, facilitating an indirect investment in the region's businesses and facilities. The appointment of NTCC marks a milestone that sees Etihad Rail directly creating jobs and enabling local businesses to grow and develop.

"Etihad Rail DB's top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees," said Eng. Shadi Malak, Acting CEO of Etihad Rail DB. "We are committed to going beyond conventional methods to reinforce this, as the environment and nature of our work are unique. Our plan to build a dedicated residential building for our employees is a prime example of this commitment - it will not only mitigate the safety risk of a commute from Abu Dhabi, but by establishing a comfortable, strategically-located community for our personnel, we are creating an environment where productivity can be maximised."

Yasser Al Khaja, CEO of NTCC, added: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wise leadership for their continuous support for private sector investments, which ultimately contribute to the economic development of the Western Region. We would also like to thank Etihad Rail DB for selecting NTCC to build these 170 world-class residential units, equipped with the latest technology and entertainment systems, which will also serve Mirfa's residents and visitors with wider lifestyle and recreational opportunities."

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About Etihad Rail
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 is in its final stages, with services between Habshan and Ruwais already operational on a testing basis since September 2013. Tendering is in progress for Stage Two, which 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.

For more information, please visit the Etihad Rail website at: www.etihadrail.ae

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

© Press Release 2015