Etihad Rail entered a partnership with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) by signing a strategic agreement establishing a framework for the exchange of services, training, and knowledge transfer.
The agreement focuses on four key areas of cooperation including locomotives and wagons lease arrangements, spare parts purchase, special volunteer groups and shared services initiatives.
Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “This strategic agreement is of strategic importance, due to the close ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, under the wise and visionary leadership within both countries. Further expanding the close relationship between Etihad Rail and SAR through continuous cooperation, which will shape the future of the rail transport and logistics sector across the GCC region.”
The strategic agreement will also support identifying future initiatives, such as those in the field of technology and procurement, ensuring training curricula are up-to-date, optimal maintenance times, and other programs that enhance information exchange within the logistics and mobility sector.
In addition, the agreement facilitates the leasing of locomotives, the exchange of spare parts, as well as the training of engineers and students in operational processes and the further development of competencies in various technical fields.
Etihad Rail started construction of Stage Two of the UAE’s national railway network in early 2020. The historic project extends from Al Ghuwaifat on the borders of Saudi Arabia to the emirate of Fujairah, on the eastern coast. Upon completion, Stage Two will link the nation’s ports, manufacturing hubs, and urban centres and integrate with the GCC’s railway network.