ASIA: UAE’s Etihad Rail and Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Railway Co have signed an agreement establishing a framework for the exchange of services, training and knowledge.
The two railways will initially focus on locomotive and wagon leasing arrangements, the purchase of spare parts, special volunteer groups and shared services initiatives.
The agreement is also intended to support future initiatives in technology and procurement, ensuring training curricula are up-to-date, optimising maintenance and exchanging information. It also facilitates the leasing of locomotives, exchange of spare parts, and training engineers and students in operational processes and technical subjects.
Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak said expanding the close relationship between Etihad Rail and Saudi Railway Co would shape the future of rail transport and the logistics sector across the GCC region.
‘Our agreement with Saudi Railway Co is aligned to Etihad Rail’s strategic role in the development of the UAE’s logistics and mobility sector’, he said on March 17. ‘Our expertise in rail operations, coupled with the strong presence of UAE talent across our company, will foster and enhance the transfer of knowledge with our colleagues in Saudi Arabia. Through this partnership, we look to enable our mutual development, further aligning to the requirements of this ambitious project.’
The partnership with Etihad Rail demonstrates Saudi Railway Co’s ‘integral role’ in the development of Saudi Arabia, ‘working to achieve the targets of Vision 2030 and provide a global logistic service for the kingdom’, said SAR CEO Bashar Al Malik. ‘It further indicates how we seek to provide safe and reliable transport, as well launching shared procurement services. Leasing of trains and vehicles, and the provision of spare parts, contributes to further development opportunities.’
