Etihad Rail launches direct cargo service between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi under port partnership

Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Ports have collaborated to establish a new direct cargo route between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi, aiming to alleviate road congestion and streamline cargo transportation. The partnership involves Etihad Rail Freight and the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (Icad), enhancing the efficiency of goods movement and supporting sustainable logistics across the UAE.

The dedicated railway service allows cargo arriving in Fujairah to be transported directly to Icad, where customs clearance, inspection, and cargo release services are available closer to the customers' operations. Abu Dhabi Ports Group has been granted its own UN Locode, enabling shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners to book cargo directly to Icad.

This initiative is designed to serve various stakeholders, including importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers in Abu Dhabi, reducing the need for additional road transport and supporting more efficient end-to-end supply chains. Omar Alsebeyi, Etihad Rail Freight's CEO, emphasized that the launch of the Fujairah-Icad rail service is a significant step in unlocking the full potential of the UAE National Rail Network, providing an innovative logistics solution that brings key port services closer to where cargo is ultimately needed.

Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, highlighted that the rail service offers customers greater flexibility and strengthens connectivity across the trade ecosystem, supporting long-term growth and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a gateway for trade and industry. The new rail network has been a recent achievement for Etihad Rail, with the UAE's first commercial transportation of cars by rail between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi in April.

Additionally, two new Etihad Rail passenger stations are set to open in September, followed by two more in November, with plans for further expansion.