Etihad Rail signs MoU with Saudi Railway Company
Work on Etihad Rail, the UAE's national railway network, is progressing on schedule with the completion of first phase, representing the completion of the first stage of the main GCC line, a senior official of Etihad Rail said.
"Work on the UAE's national railway is progressing on schedule," said Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, Acting CEO of Etihad Rail, in a media statement to announce the signing of an MoU with Saudi Railway Company to enhance collaboration and coordination for the rail industry among GCC members.
"We are pleased that the completion of stage one of Etihad Rail also represents the completion of the first stage of the main GCC line," Al Mazrouei said. "Etihad Rail believes that forming strong relationships with stakeholders of all railway projects in the GCC will further contribute to the success of the operation of the rail, as well as provide a secure link between the UAE and its neighbours," he added.
Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network, which will cater to both freight and passengers, will span approximately 1,200 kilometres across the Emirates. It will connect urban and peripheral communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development across all emirates in the UAE. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network, linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.
The agreement between Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, with Saudi Railway Company (SAR) seeks to introduce common solutions, leverage best practice and allow for the free exchange of ideas and knowledge to improve the safety, efficiency, and economy of both countries' railways networks.
Al Mazrouei said Etihad Rail already works closely with its GCC neighbours to ensure that technical standards and technology for the railway network in the GCC are consistent. "We can greatly benefit from Saudi Arabia's pioneering experience, particularly given that both Etihad Rail and SAR share common goals and aim to leverage the latest technology and the highest standards of safety, and to provide the most sustainable services in the transportation field."
Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammad Al Rumaih, CEO of SAR, signed the MoU on behalf of the Saudi firm. He said that the scale of the whole Saudi railway networks, between cities, is more than 7,200 kilometres. "SAR is taking a big portion of that by projects of more than 4,500 kilometres," he said.
© Emirates 24|7 2014
