Commentary for His Excellency Eng. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail:

As part of his opening keynote speech at Middle East Rail 2022, His Excellency Eng. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “We are in a privileged position that we can change the face of logistics and mobility in this country, helping to connect industries, businesses and people, supporting tourism, whilst establishing rail as a cornerstone of the UAE’s overarching government initiatives. The identification of this whitespace opportunity and the wider benefits it brings is a testament to the visionary leadership of the UAE and is personified in our chairman His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has been a steering force in the establishment of rail and garnered support from government entities across the country.”

On Etihad Rail’s services, His Excellency said: “We want to utilise the approach of being customer centric, to benefit all potential end users. By introducing a cheaper, faster, more reliable, and sustainable service, rail will change public perception, on how we move our goods and ourselves. This provides rail the platform to place itself as the frontrunner, logistic and mobility solution in the UAE. Etihad Rail will enable businesses to thrive and make different logistical decisions that uplift efficiencies and provides cheaper alternatives, for their business model.” 

Our carefully planned solution for passenger travel provides an opportunity, where you can live in one emirate and work in another, without the pressures of driving long distances, paying for fuel, or leaving your family home in another emirate,” His Excellency added.

“28 months after construction began, where the support of the government allowed us to work throughout the pandemic, we have completed over 75% of our network.  Having access to rail in every emirate is just the beginning of many new chapters where Etihad Rail is already working on various new products, rail services and integrated opportunities.

We are in a position to mould the industry, redefine business models and human behaviour. I truly believe the future of transport is in our hands, and at Etihad Rail we are committed to fostering the vision of our leadership, to play an integral role in sculpting the progression of the UAE for future generations,” His Excellency concluded.