The Gulf Time Newspaper One of the finest business newspapers in the UAE brought to you by our professional writers and editors.
ABU DHABI / WAM
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, has toured the Etihad Rail Depot in Al Mirfa City, to inspect the progress of the railway network operations in Al Dhafra Region. Upon arriving at the station, HH Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, along with other senior company officials. Joined by his sons, Sheikh Hamdan commenced his visit touring the operation control centre, where he was briefed on the operational activities and progress of the Etihad Rail freight train, which has built a reputation for efficiently transporting substantial quantities of sulphur from Shah and Habshan to the port of Al Ruwais, since 2016.
While touring the Etihad Rail site, Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the operational and technical capabilities of the Al Mirfa Depot, which serves as a critical function of the
UAE National Railway Network, and is poised to support sustainable economic growth in the UAE, particularly in regions such as Al Dhafra where the train is operational. Furthermore, His Highness met national cadres holding various operational positions at Etihad Rail, praising their roles in propelling the country’s development and their commitment to realising the visions of the wise leadership.
The cadres included several graduates from the first railway diploma in the UAE, a programme launched by Etihad Rail in 2017 in partnership with Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ADVETI). The programme aims to train qualified national cadres for a career in the railway transport sector. As a result of this programme, graduates now hold full-time positions at Etihad Rail, serving in critical roles such as Emirati Train Captain and Train Controller amongst other roles.
During his tour of the prototype passenger train, His Highness was briefed on the freight trains’ operations. His Highness commended Etihad Rail’s dedication to establishing a sustainable transportation network that caters to both urban and remote areas.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “The network’s benefits and impact on the socio-economic and developmental aspects of the Al Dhafra Region are evident. Today, Al Dhafra is working closely with other emirates regions within the national blueprint for economic resource diversification. All these initiatives fall perfectly in line with our visionary leadership’s ambition to position the UAE on the global stage and achieve the milestones of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071.
“These efforts are crucial in elevating the UAE’s global standing, achieved through the deployment of safe, sustainable, and cost-effective rail solutions that connect the nation and adhere to international best practices.”
“This achievement showcases the wise leadership’s commitment to holistic and lasting growth. I also commend the federal entities for their pivotal role in reaching this notable milestone,” he stated.
During his visit, His Highness was accompanied Ahmed Matar Al Dhaheri, Director of the Ruler’s Representative Office in Al Dhafra Region, Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region, Muhammad Ali Al-Mansouri, Director-General of Al Dhafrah Region Municipality, General Hamdan Saif Al Mansouri, Director of the Al Dhafra Police, and Hamad Khamis Al Mansouri, Executive Director of the Administration of Al Dhafra Hospitals.
In line with the UAE leadership’s Next 50 vision, Etihad Rail remains committed to championing homegrown talent in the rail industry.