Partnership to promote expansion of global supply chain networks
The Global Manufacturing and Industrialization Summit (GMIS) and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, will partner to highlight the vital role of rail transport in supporting the transformation of logistics, manufacturing and building a sustainable supply chain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and globally.
As a Strategic Partner to GMIS, Etihad Rail will showcase how rail networks will serve as an economic growth engine for manufacturers in the UAE as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
The company will share its expertise in delivering faster, greener, more effective, and technologically advanced transport solutions to support the development of a globally integrated business environment, in line with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 and UAE Centennial 2071, the rail operator said in a press note.
Etihad Rail will participate in the fourth edition of the Global Manufacturing and Industrialisation Summit (GMIS 2021), scheduled to be held at EXPO’s Dubai Exhibition Centre, where it will highlight the importance of rail networks in reducing supply chain costs, through reducing transport and storage costs, thereby increasing competitiveness and productivity in the industrial sector.
Accelerating industrialization
“Etihad Rail is committed to accelerating industrialisation, economic growth and social development in the UAE and across the GCC, while offering a safe and sustainable mode of transportation for both businesses and individuals in the region. As we build the next-generation of transport and logistics solutions, we constantly seek new partnerships and collaborations with organisations who are passionate about enhancing the UAE’s regional and global competitiveness,” asserted Omar Al Sebeyi, Acting Executive Director, Commercial Sector, Etihad Rail.
Established in 2009, Etihad Rail, one of the region’s largest infrastructure projects, will link the principal industries across the country and connect the UAE to its neighbouring nations. The Abu Dhabi-headquartered railway network is focused on improving energy efficiency and helping regional manufacturers adopt more sustainable practises.
Etihad Rail’s Stage One has a proven track record of delivering economic success for customers, having carried more than 39 million tonnes of granulated sulphur since operations commenced in 2016 until October 2021, making the UAE the world’s foremost exporter of granulated sulphur. Once complete, the UAE rail network will be able to transport 60mn tonnes of goods annually.
Energy efficient
Globally, rail is among the most energy efficient modes of transport for both freight and passengers, and represents just 2% of the total transport energy demand, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Carbon emissions from rail transport are 70 to 80% lower than conventional road freight, removing two million trucks from the road each year, complementing manufacturers’ environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) priorities.
“Etihad Rail is transforming the wider transport and logistics ecosystem in the UAE and GCC. They are also at the forefront of developing cutting-edge technology and sustainability solutions to help industrial organisations enhance supply chain resilience and reduce transport costs,” noted Badr Al-Olama, Head of the GMIS Organising Committee.
