Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s National Rail network, and Dubai Industrial City (DIC), one of the region’s largest manufacturing and logistics hubs, and a part of TECOM Group, has announced an advanced freight terminal spread across 5.5 million square feet.
The terminal, which comes as a result of the collaboration between Etihad Rail and DIC over the past years, 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. It will also deliver a major boost to UAE’s industrial strategy, increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to the economy This 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.
The announcement was attended by Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail; Malek Al Malek, Director-General of the Dubai Development Authority and Group CEO of TECOM Group; Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Commercial Officer of TECOM Group; Saud Abu Al Shawareb, Managing Director of Dubai Industrial City; and other officials and key representatives.
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 commented, “The vision of our leadership has focused on enhancing our robust infrastructure and world-class transport system as they are essential drivers of economic development. 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.”
Abdulla Belhoul added, “Our Group has always been a key contributor to achieving the leadership’s vision of economic diversification. 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 builds on DIC’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. It will provide a range of benefits to the 780 business partners in DIC and the surrounding areas, centred around improving efficiencies and reducing costs.
