Abu Dhabi, UAE: In a significant development for the UAE’s transportation infrastructure, Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, has announced the establishment of railway services between Abu Dhabi city and Al Dhannah in Al Dhafra.

The groundbreaking agreement, signed on Wednesday, is a collaborative effort between Etihad Rail and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).

Al Dhannah, located approximately 250km west of Abu Dhabi, has a population of 29,000 residents. Initially a rural desert town, its transformation began in the 1970s when it was chosen as the site to house the industrial staff population of Adnoc.

Through this partnership, a railway link will be established, enabling Adnoc employees to commute conveniently between the capital city and Al Dhannah using the rail network in the future.

Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Office of Development and Martyrs Families Affairs at the Presidential Court, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that it reflects “the vision of Etihad Rail to provide world-class passenger experiences.”

Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director and Group CEO of Adnoc, expressed Adnoc’s commitment to supporting sustainable transportation solutions and infrastructure development projects in the UAE.

He also highlighted Adnoc’s dedication to exploring opportunities that strengthen partnerships and implement solutions and technologies, aligning with their goal to reduce emissions and achieve a Net Zero target by 2045.

This strategic collaboration not only facilitates enhanced connectivity between the capital and the Al Dhafra region but also signifies a broader commitment to advancing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions within the country.

Etihad Rail has been actively advancing its passenger services, signaling its commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure in the UAE. In February 2022, the company secured a Dh1.99-billion green loan agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).

Following this, in June 2022, Etihad Rail inked another significant deal, worth Dh1.2 billion, with Spain’s CAF company. This agreement encompasses the designing, manufacturing, supplying, and maintenance of passenger trains.

The Al Dhannah railway project not only contributes to the country’s transportation sector but also sets the stage for potential similar partnerships, showcasing opportunities for other companies to explore collaborations that drive innovation and efficiency in the realm of rail services.

As Etihad Rail continues to expand and enhance its network, this initiative aligns with the broader vision of the UAE to position itself as a hub for sustainable and advanced transportation solutions. The newly announced railway services between Abu Dhabi city and Al Dhannah mark a pivotal step toward a more connected and sustainable future for the nation.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members