It was announced back in March that Etihad Rail’s UAE track is complete. A few days ago, Etihad Rail announced its cargo track is now fully operational to transport any cargo type across the United Arab Emirates.
Rail transportation offers significant benefits in terms of time, speed, and sustainability, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to transport goods across long distances efficiently and cost-effectively. The newly launched rail network across the UAE makes the most of those benefits. It is open for all cargo types, with a cutting-edge fleet of 38 locomotives, each with an expected capacity of 60 million tons of goods annually, and more than 1,000 multi-purpose vehicles. Whether it's consumer goods, perishable food, beverage items, hay, petrochemicals, raw steel, limestone, cement, building materials, industrial and domestic waste, aluminum, containers, ceramics, polymers, bulk shipments, sugar, metals, or any other general cargo, it delivers everything.
The fleet of the most modern freight trains in the region runs up to 120 km/h, making it one of the fastest and most powerful freight train engines in the Middle East. Each train’s locomotive operates with 4,500 horsepower, equivalent to 3,400 kilowatts. The standard width of the rail is 1,435 meters, and it operates under the European ETCS Level 2 signaling system. It is specially designed to withstand the geographical nature, climatic conditions, high temperatures, and humidity in the GCC region to ensure high levels of performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
With the aim of reducing road transport emissions per capita by 40% by 2050, contributing to an overall reduction in CO2 by 21% per year by 2050, Etihad Rail operates transparently on pre-defined timetables from origin to destination with minimal risk of disruption as per the nature of railways. This means significant benefits for businesses, allowing for more productive use of time and resources, reduced costs, and more efficient, sustainable asset management.
Rail Cargo Handling.
The rail network uses a variety of specialized wagons to transport different types of cargo. Standardized intermodal steel containers, flat-bed wagons, and rail gondolas with low-side walls are used for transporting loose bulk materials, while "kwik-drop" hopper wagons with opening doors on the underside are used to discharge cargo. Temperature-controlled carriages are also available for perishable, delicate, or temperature-sensitive products. These cutting-edge solutions ensure that businesses can transport their cargo safely and efficiently, reducing costs and improving asset management.
Extensive Train Network.
The Etihad Rail network spans the UAE, connecting the country's four major ports and seven logistics centers. It also includes charging stations in Ruwais, the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Khalifa Port, Dubai Industrial City, Jebel Ali Port, Al Ghail, and Fujairah Port, which provide local and regional distribution and logistics services.
Etihad Rail Stage One has been fully operational since January 2016, transporting up to 22,000 tonnes of granulated sulphur each day from Habshan and Shah to Ruwais on behalf of ADNOC.
Stage Two extends across the UAE from the border with Saudi Arabia at Ghuwaifat, connecting the emirates via Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, and thence to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast. Additionally, Etihad Rail will link with the planned GCC network, crossing borders with the UAE’s GCC neighbors and providing access to new markets and business opportunities. The network's efficient and reliable operation, combined with its extensive reach and flexible cargo transportation options, makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking to enhance their supply chain and logistics operations.
Why You Should Consider Rail Transportation:
In a world where transportation options abound, it can be challenging to determine which mode of transport is best for your goods. Rail shipping isn’t only a cost-effective option; it also offers several other advantages that are worth considering in terms of time, speed, and sustainability, as follows:
Time: Rail transportation is generally faster and more efficient than road transportation. Railways operate on a fixed schedule, which means that businesses can plan their deliveries and shipments more accurately. Rail transport also tends to be less affected by traffic congestion or other disruptions on the road, reducing the risk of delays.
Speed: Modern rail freight systems can achieve high speeds, with some trains capable of traveling up to 120 km/h or more. This means that goods can be transported over long distances quickly and efficiently, reducing transit times and enabling businesses to meet their customers’ needs more effectively.
Safety: Along with speed, a number of safety measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of its cargo network. Etihad Rail's trains are equipped with advanced safety features, including automatic train protection systems, which help prevent accidents and collisions. The company also employs highly trained and experienced operators who are responsible for ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. In addition, Etihad Rail conducts regular safety inspections and maintenance checks on its trains and infrastructure to ensure that they are in good working condition. This is in addition to a comprehensive emergency response plan in place, which guarantees that your cargo will reach its destination on time and in perfect condition.
Sustainability: Rail transportation is generally considered to be a more environmentally friendly mode of transport than road or air transport. Trains produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per tonne-kilometer than other modes of transport, which means that they can contribute to reducing carbon footprints. Rail transport also tends to be more energy-efficient, as trains can carry larger loads than trucks or planes, reducing the number of journeys required.
Get Your Free Rail Shipping Quote Today!
At Vervo Middle East, we are excited to utilize this innovative rail network! This development is a game-changer in the transportation industry, as it offers businesses comprehensive and efficient transport solutions for all types of cargo across the UAE. With a fleet of modern freight trains that can transport anything from perishable goods to industrial waste, the rail network allows for more productive use of time and resources, reduced costs, and more efficient asset management.
We invite you to experience the convenience and reliability of rail transportation by taking advantage of our free rail shipping quotes! Our team of experts will work with you every step of the way to ensure your cargo is transported safely and securely. With a powerful and specially designed fleet and our expertise in freight forwarding, we assist you to transport any type of cargo across the UAE and to the GCC countries with ease.
Get your free rail shipping quote here within 60 minutes! Or contact us today at +971508723352 or send an email to