Abu dhabi: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, and AD Ports Group have partnered to launch a direct rail service connecting Fujairah Terminals with the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD). The service is designed to streamline cargo transportation between the UAE's East Coast maritime gateways and the nation's industrial heartland.
According to Emirates News Agency, this integrated inland logistics rail depot solution features a new dedicated rail freight service and a customs-enabled inland cargo gateway. This system is set to enhance trade efficiency by facilitating the direct transportation of cargo arriving in Fujairah to ICAD, approximately 200 km away. Customers will benefit from customs clearance, inspection, and cargo release services at ICAD, which has been designated its own UN LOCODE 'AECAD', marking it as a recognized international logistics location.
For the first time, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners can book cargo directly to ICAD. The dedicated customs and inspection infrastructure allows containers arriving at Fujairah Terminals to be transported directly by rail to ICAD for streamlined customs processes, reducing handling requirements and speeding up goods movement across Abu Dhabi.
The service is tailored for importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers in Abu Dhabi, ensuring cargo is delivered closer to warehouses, production facilities, and end markets. This new offering promises reliable schedules, decreased road congestion, enhanced scalability for high-volume cargo, and lower carbon emissions compared to traditional trucking methods.
Operating three times a week, the Etihad Rail service strengthens multimodal cargo flows between Fujairah Terminals and ICAD. Omar Alsebeyi, CEO of Etihad Rail Freight, expressed that this service is a significant step in leveraging the UAE National Rail Network. It offers a comprehensive logistics solution by linking port services directly with inland destinations, thus optimizing cargo movement and simplifying logistics processes.
Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, highlighted the importance of connecting gateways with industrial ecosystems to build strong trade corridors. The integrated service enhances connectivity beyond terminals, offering seamless, reliable, and resilient cargo flows, while providing businesses with greater market access flexibility.
The launch of this service signals a commitment by Etihad Rail and AD Ports Group to bolster the UAE's logistics infrastructure through enhanced connectivity and innovative supply chain solutions. By integrating the capabilities of Fujairah Terminals with the UAE National Rail Network and providing inland gateway services, this partnership aims to create a more efficient logistics ecosystem for businesses across the UAE.
Fujairah Terminals, as part of the AD Ports Group ecosystem, plays a crucial role in delivering integrated supply chain solutions. Its strategic location and comprehensive services strengthen the UAE's position as a pivotal logistics and trade hub, enhancing connectivity across the GCC, India, the Red Sea, and East Africa.