Etihad Rail and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) have signed a strategic partnership establishing a framework for the exchange of services, training, and knowledge transfer.
The collaboration agreement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail Shadi Malak and the Chief Executive Officer of SAR Bashar Al Malik during a virtual ceremony attended by officials from both entities.
The agreement focuses on four key areas of cooperation including locomotives and wagons lease arrangements, spare parts purchase, special volunteer groups and shared services initiatives.
“This strategic agreement is of strategic importance, due to the close ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the wise and visionary leadership within both countries. Further expanding the close relationship between Etihad Rail and Saudi Railway Company (SAR) through continuous cooperation, which will shape the future of the rail transport and logistics sector across the GCC region. Through this partnership, we look to enable our mutual development, further aligning to the requirements of this ambitious project,” the CEO of Etihad Rail said.
The strategic agreement will also support identifying future initiatives, such as those in the field of technology and procurement, ensuring training curricula are up-to-date, optimal maintenance times, and other programs that enhance information exchange within the logistics and mobility sector.
The strategic partnership “further indicates how we seek to provide safe and reliable transport solutions, as well launching shared procurement services. Leasing of trains and vehicles, and the provision of spare maintenance parts, contributes to further sectorial development opportunities. This partnership enhances the use of our national capabilities and expertise: characteristic of SAR’s wider ethos. Having rigorously implemented international standards, SAR has enabled new partnerships, providing training and services for local and regional transport companies,” CEO of the Saudi Railway Company said.
In addition, the agreement facilitates the leasing of locomotives, the exchange of spare parts, as well as the training of engineers and students in operational processes and the further development of competencies in various technical fields.
Etihad Rail started construction of Stage Two of the UAE’s national railway network in early 2020. The historic project extends from Al Ghuwaifat on the borders of Saudi Arabia to the emirate of Fujairah, on the eastern coast. Upon completion, Stage Two will link the nation’s ports, manufacturing hubs, and urban centres and integrate with the GCC’s railway network.
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