Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national network, and Dubai Industrial City (DIC) have announced plans for an advanced freight terminal spread across 5.5 million square feet.
The terminal will contribute to cementing the UAE’s position as an international trade hub and boost Dubai’s global competitiveness in manufacturing, logistics, transport, trade, and investment, a statement said.
The announcement comes in line with the UAE’s Railways Programme, which aims to facilitate trade by connecting the country’s industrial and manufacturing centres and opening new trade routes.
It also follows Etihad Rail’s achievement in March of completing the connection of Abu Dhabi and Dubai with a direct railway.
The rail freight terminal will deliver a major boost to the UAE’s Industrial Strategy, also known as Operation 300bn.
Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “The terminal will contribute to strengthening the supply chain and freight logistics services, in line with the UAE’s efforts to develop the country’s transport and logistics sector.
“With a capacity of 5 million tonnes, the terminal will connect the industrial and manufacturing centres in the UAE, open new trade routes, and support the country’s sustainable development.”
Malek Al Malek, director-general of the Dubai Development Authority and CEO of TECOM Group, which runs DIC, said: “Dubai has transformed into a global logistics and industrial hub in recent years, attracting leading regional and international players and enabling them to grow and expand from the emirate.
“The addition of rail into the UAE’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and transportation network will strengthen the nation’s leading position as a global trade and logistics hub.”
The new terminal builds on Dubai Industrial City’s proximity to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, which allows hundreds of companies to reach two-thirds of the world’s population in eight hours.
Abdulla Belhoul, chief commercial officer of TECOM Group, added: “The addition of the station will support the growth of business partners, expand the emirate’s logistical capabilities, and attract more investments in the industrial sector, thus consolidating its position globally.”
The new terminal is located within Etihad Rail’s network which runs from Seih Shuaib to Dubai and Sharjah and forms a critical part of stage two of the UAE National Railway.
Etihad Rail has successfully completed stage one of the network which is fully operational and was delivered on schedule and within budget. The route spans 264km, transporting granulated sulphur from sources at Shah and Habshan to the export point at Ruwais.
Stage two links the UAE and Saudi Arabia from Fujairah Port to Ghuweifat through Mussafah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port and on completion, the network will span approximately 1,200km.
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