The development of the JV network will boost land transport system
The Board of Directors of Oman Rail-Etihad Rail JV Company, a joint venture between Oman Rail, the developer and operator of the Oman National Rail Network, and Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network, held its inaugural meeting in Dubai, two days after signing an agreement to form the company.
The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the recent visit of the UAE President, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Oman.
The Board of Directors includes HE Suhail Bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; HE Eng. Saeed Bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in the Sultanate of Oman;; Sheikh Nasser Sulaiman Al Harthy, Acting Vice President of Operations Affairs, Oman Investment Authority and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asyad Group; HE Saeed Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail Mobility; Eng. Abdulrahman Salim Al Hatmi, Group CEO, Asyad Group and Eng. Shadi Malak, CEO, Etihad Rail.
During the meeting, the Board of Directors discussed the implementation plans, including technical studies and architectural design, as well as environmental studies for routes, the business model and the commercial affairs of the joint venture.
The Board of Directors also appointed Eng. Ahmed Al Hashemi as CEO of the company, and Eng. Mohammed bin Zahran Al Mahruqi as Deputy CEO.
“The joint railway network will advance the land transport system between the two countries in line with the best-in-class criteria and standards, providing safe, dependable, and sustainable transportation,” HE Minister Al Mazrouie stated.
“Through this partnership we will provide high-quality transport solutions that will contribute to establishing a connection between Sohar and the Omani free zone, with vital economic and industrial zones in the UAE,” HE Minister Al Maawali explained.
The US$ 3bn railway network will contribute to the growth of the two countries’ national economies and improve the efficiency of supply chains whilst facilitating cross-border trade by linking commercial ports to the railway network.
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