Etihad Rail launches direct freight service linking Fujairah and Abu Dhabi

In a move to strengthen the UAE’s logistics infrastructure and improve cargo connectivity, Etihad Rail and AD Ports Group have partnered to launch a direct rail freight service connecting Fujairah Terminals with the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD).

The integrated logistics solution links one of the UAE’s key maritime gateways on the Gulf of Oman to Abu Dhabi’s industrial hub, combining dedicated rail freight transport with an inland cargo facility that offers customs clearance and inspection services.

Developed in partnership with AD Ports Group, the service enables cargo arriving at Fujairah Terminals to be transported approximately 200 km by rail to ICAD, where businesses can access customs clearance, inspection, and cargo release services closer to their operations.

A key development supporting the launch is the designation of ICAD with its own United Nations Location Code (UN LOCODE), AECAD, establishing it as a recognized international logistics location within global shipping and trade systems.

The designation allows shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners to book shipments directly to ICAD as their final destination and customs clearance point for the first time.

By integrating dedicated customs and inspection infrastructure, the service enables containers arriving at Fujairah Terminals to be transported directly to ICAD for clearance and release, reducing cargo handling requirements and simplifying customs procedures.

The solution is designed to support importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers operating across Abu Dhabi, allowing businesses to receive cargo closer to their warehouses, production facilities, and end markets.

Operating three times per week, the dedicated Etihad Rail service aims to improve cargo movement across the Fujairah-Abu Dhabi corridor while offering more reliable schedules, reducing road congestion, and supporting high-volume freight transportation.

The rail connection is also expected to lower carbon emissions compared with traditional long-haul trucking, supporting the UAE’s efforts to develop more sustainable transport and logistics infrastructure.

Omar Alsebeyi, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail Freight, described the launch as an important step toward maximizing the potential of the UAE National Rail Network by bringing essential port services closer to customers.

Through the partnership with AD Ports Group, he said, the companies have developed a logistics solution that extends beyond transportation by combining rail connectivity, customs-enabled inland cargo handling, and the ability to book shipments directly to ICAD.

Alsebeyi added that the integrated service would help businesses move goods more efficiently, simplify logistics operations, and reduce the time between vessel arrival and final delivery.

Saif Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of the Ports Cluster at AD Ports Group, emphasized the importance of connecting maritime gateways with the industrial and commercial ecosystems they serve.

He said the service integrates Fujairah Terminals, the UAE National Rail Network, and ICAD into a more connected logistics system, extending port infrastructure beyond the terminal while bringing essential cargo services closer to businesses.

Al Mazrouei added that the partnership would provide companies with greater flexibility in accessing markets and managing supply chains, while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional trade and industrial hub.

The launch reflects the shared commitment of Etihad Rail and AD Ports Group to enhancing the UAE’s trade infrastructure through improved connectivity, integrated logistics services, and more efficient supply chain solutions.

By combining the capabilities of Fujairah Terminals with the reach of the UAE National Rail Network and ICAD’s inland customs facilities, the partnership aims to create a more connected and resilient logistics ecosystem for businesses across the country.

As part of AD Ports Group’s wider network, Fujairah Terminals plays a key role in connecting ports, industrial and free zones, logistics platforms, and digital services.

Its strategic location and integrated service offering also support the UAE’s position as a global trade and logistics hub, strengthening connectivity with markets across the GCC, India, the Red Sea, and East Africa.