Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port to be connected to the national railway network

Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port will soon be connected to the UAE’s national railway network under a new agreement signed between Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Ports.

The rail terminal capacity at Khalifa Port is expected to be the largest of its kind within the UAE, accommodating 2.4 million containers yearly.

The agreement will help facilitate the transport of containers and various types of goods in a “safe, efficient environment-friendly way”, a statement said.

It is part of efforts to support the diversification of the UAE economy by strengthening the transport infrastructure, the statement added.

Etihad Rail chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan said: “The Etihad Rail facility at Khalifa Port will enhance the efficiency of its infrastructure as well as the ability to increase its capacity in a more economical and reliable way.

“One train will have the ability to carry the load of 300 trucks. That is why it will be capable of providing competitive services and will create opportunities for businesses to gain an edge in key markets.”

He added: “With more than half of the cargo going to and from the GCC entering and exiting through UAE ports, the link will significantly enhance the capacity of the port and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading global logistics and commercial hub.”

Etihad Rail recently revealed a new strategy as part of which it signed a series of land lease agreements throughout the UAE to secure the rail network’s transport corridors in all the emirates.

The rail operator also received financing approval for stage two of the UAE’s national rail network, with a five-year contract awarded to PMC & Engineering Contracts.

The 605km phase will stretch from Ghuweifat on the Saudi border in the west to the UAE’s Port of Fujairah on the east coast through Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan, to be followed by further route additions.

Stage one of the project, which extends 264 km, became operational in 2016, linking the Shah and Habshan gas fields in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi to the port of Ruwais on the Arabian Gulf, with the capacity of transferring 22,000 tons of sulfur granules daily.

Read: Etihad Rail unveils new strategy as it awards contract for stage two