His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has toured the Etihad Rail Depot in Al Mirfa City to inspect the progress of network operations in Al Dhafra Region.
Upon arriving at the station, His Highness was welcomed by His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, along with other senior company officials.
Joined by his sons, His Highness commenced his visit touring the operation control centre, where he was briefed on the operational activities and progress of the Etihad Rail freight train, which has built a reputation for efficiently transporting substantial quantities of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to the port of Al Ruwais, since 2016.
While touring the Etihad Rail site, His Highness was also briefed on the operational and technical capabilities of the Al Mirfa Depot, which serves as a critical function of the UAE National Railway Network and is poised to support sustainable economic growth in the UAE, particularly in regions such as Al Dhafra where the train is operational.
Furthermore, His Highness met national cadres holding various operational positions at Etihad Rail, praising their roles in propelling the country’s development and their commitment to realising the visions of wise leadership.
The cadres included several graduates from the first railway diploma in the UAE, a programme launched by Etihad Rail in 2017 in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ADVETI). The programme aims to train qualified national cadres for a career in the railway transport sector. As a result of this programme, graduates now hold full-time positions at Etihad Rail, serving in critical roles such as Emirati Train Captain and Train Controller.
During his tour of the prototype passenger train, His Highness was briefed on the freight trains’ operations. His Highness commended Etihad Rail’s dedication to establishing a sustainable transportation network catering to urban and remote areas.
Recognising the remarkable progress of the network with its cutting-edge operations, His Highness applauded the federal entities in the Al Dhafra Region for their significant contributions to this landmark accomplishment.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, said: “The network’s benefits and impact on the socio-economic and developmental aspects of the Al Dhafra Region are evident. Today, Al Dhafra works closely with other emirates regions within the national blueprint for economic resource diversification. All these initiatives align perfectly with our visionary leadership’s ambition to position the UAE on the global stage and achieve the milestones of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.
“These efforts are crucial in elevating the UAE’s global standing, achieved by deploying safe, sustainable, cost-effective rail solutions that connect the nation and adhere to international best practices.
“This achievement showcases the wise leadership’s commitment to holistic and lasting growth. I also commend the federal entities for their pivotal role in reaching this notable milestone.'” His Highness stated.”
During his visit, His Highness was accompanied His Excellency Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Director of the Ruler’s Representative Office in Al Dhafra Region, His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, His Excellency Muhammad Ali Al-Mansouri, Director General of Al Dhafrah Region Municipality, General Hamdan Saif Al Mansouri, Director of the Al Dhafra Police, and His Excellency Hamad Khamis Al Mansouri, Executive Director of the Administration of Al Dhafra Hospitals.
In line with the UAE leadership’s Next 50 vision, Etihad Rail remains committed to championing homegrown talent in the rail industry.