UAE Armed Forces signs up to protect national rail network

The military will protect Etihad Rail's facilities and vital installations, including stations, terminals, yards and depots while Etihad Rail will provide a link for five key military logistics centres.

ABU DHABI // The UAE Armed Forces is teaming up with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the country’s national railway, to secure and protect the rail network.

The two signed a deal that promotes coordination and will ensure the UAE Armed Forces will protect Etihad Rail’s facilities and vital installations, including stations, terminals, yards and depots. Etihad Rail will provide a link for five key military logistics centres operated by the UAE Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence.

“This [deal] is a major milestone for the UAE’s national rail project and will ensure the safety and security of our infrastructure,” said Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, acting chief executive of Etihad Rail.

Etihad Rail is also finalising another deal with the Ministry of Interior to protect the rail tracks of Etihad Rail’s national network. This reflects the company’s commitment to working closely with key stakeholders towards the completion of the UAE’s rail network.

Once fully operational, Etihad Rail will stretch 1,200km across the UAE, offering passenger and freight services. The network will connect urban and outlying communities, assist in the movement of trade, and develop links between the seven emirates. The network will also form part of the GCC railway network, linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and to Oman via Al Ain in the east.

“It is fantastic to see the progress of the Etihad Rail project and we recognise the benefits that this network will bring to our nation,” said Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Al Blooshi. “It is our duty to protect and serve the nation’s rail system and today we have pledged our commitment to this.”