Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Etihad Rail providing the framework to plan an integrated bulk and container railway terminal facility at Khalifa Port as part of the UAE’s national railway network.

The MoU was signed by Nasser Al-Mansoori, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Capt. Mohamed Juma Al-Shamisi, CEO of ADPC, at Khalifa Port’s visitor center. The agreement is a significant step for the UAE’s rapidly-progressing rail network and the country’s growing ports and industrial sector.

The 1,200-km Etihad Rail network will complement ADPC’s world-class transportation and industrial infrastructure linking ADPC facilities, including Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad) and the adjacent Khalifa Port.

When integrated with ADPC’s infrastructure, the railway network will offer logistics companies an enhanced transportation system combining sea, road and rail.

The Etihad Rail network will also form a vital part of a wider GCC railway network, connecting the UAE with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar.

Al-Mansoori said: “Etihad Rail’s connectivity to Khalifa Port and Kizad will also enable our customers to realize further growth and expand their reach in the UAE and GCC.”

The state-of-the-art Etihad Rail network is being developed in three stages. Construction on stage one, which will extend 264 km from Shah and Habshan to Ruwais in the western region of Abu Dhabi, is well under way. Testing and commissioning on the Habshan-Ruwais route commenced in 2013.

In addition to connecting to key ADPC hubs and spanning 628 km, stage two will extend the network to Dubai, to Saudi Arabia through Ghweifat and to Oman through Al Ain. Stage three will add another 279 km of rail and connect to the northern emirates, including Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah.