Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Etihad Rail Freight, a subsidiary of Etihad Rail responsible for delivering freight services, and AD Ports Group have partnered to launch a direct rail service connecting Fujairah Terminals with the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD).
The integrated inland logistics solution combines the dedicated rail freight service with a customs-enabled inland cargo gateway designed to bring trade closer to customers.
Developed in partnership with AD Ports Group, Etihad Rail Freight extends the reach of Fujairah Terminals beyond the port gates by enabling cargo arriving in Fujairah to be transported directly by rail to ICAD, where customers can access customs clearance, inspection, and cargo release services closer to their operations in Abu Dhabi.
A key milestone underpinning the launch is the designation of ICAD with its own UN LOCODE “AECAD”, establishing it as a recognised international logistics location within global shipping and trade systems.
For the first time, shipping lines, freight forwarders and cargo owners can book cargo directly to ICAD as the destination and clearance point. Combined with dedicated customs and inspection infrastructure, this enables containers arriving at Fujairah Terminals to be transported directly by rail to ICAD for inspection, clearance and release, simplifying customs processes, reducing handling requirements, and accelerating the movement of goods across Abu Dhabi.
The solution is designed to serve importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors and logistics providers operating across Abu Dhabi, allowing them to receive cargo closer to warehouses, production facilities and end markets. It reduces the need for additional road transport, shortens the distance between cargo and its final destination, and supports more efficient end-to-end supply chains for businesses operating across Abu Dhabi.
The new service offers customers reliable schedules, reduced road congestion, enhanced scalability for high-volume cargo movements and lower carbon emissions compared with traditional long-haul trucking. The dedicated Etihad Rail Freight service connects Fujairah Terminals with ICAD, strengthening multimodal cargo flows between the UAE’s east coast and the capital's key industrial centres.
Omar Alsebeyi, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Rail Freight, said: "The launch of our new Fujairah-ICAD rail service represents another important step in unlocking the full potential of the UAE National Rail Network for our customers. Through our partnership with AD Ports Group, we have created an innovative logistics solution that goes beyond transportation by bringing key port services closer to where cargo is ultimately needed.
"By combining rail connectivity with customs-enabled inland cargo handling and the ability to book cargo directly to ICAD, we are supporting customers move goods more efficiently, simplify logistics processes and reduce the time between vessel arrival and final delivery. This aligns with our ongoing commitment to facilitating trade across the country and supporting the national economy.”
Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer, Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “Strong trade corridors are built by connecting gateways with the industrial and commercial ecosystems they serve. The integrated service brings together Fujairah Terminals, the UAE National Rail Network and ICAD (AECAD) as part of a more connected system, extending the reach of our port infrastructure beyond the terminal and bringing essential services closer to customers.
"Through our partnership with Etihad Rail Freight, we are enabling more seamless, reliable and resilient cargo flows, while providing businesses with greater flexibility in how they access markets and manage their supply chains. This seamless approach strengthens connectivity across the trade ecosystem, supports long-term growth and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway of choice for trade and industry.”
The launch of the service reinforces the shared commitment of Etihad Rail Freight and AD Ports Group to strengthening the UAE’s logistics and trade infrastructure through greater connectivity, innovation and customer-focused supply chain solutions. By combining the capabilities of Fujairah Terminals with the reach of the UAE National Rail Network and an inland gateway offering customs and cargo handling services, the partnership is helping create a more efficient and resilient logistics ecosystem for businesses operating across the country.
As part of the wider AD Ports Group ecosystem, Fujairah Terminals plays a vital role in delivering integrated, end-to-end supply chain solutions, connecting ports, industrial and free zones, logistics platforms, and digital services. Through its comprehensive service offering and strategic location, Fujairah Terminals supports the UAE's position as a global logistics and trade hub, strengthening connectivity across the GCC, India, the Red Sea, and East Africa.
