Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the U.A.E.'s national railway network, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GIBCA Crushing and Quarry Operations Limited (GIBCA Crusher).
The agreement will ensure the efficient delivery of raw materials to distribution and export terminals throughout the country.
Under the scope of the MoU, Etihad Rail will transport aggregates for GIBCA Crusher from its quarry in Ras Al-Khaimah to distribution terminals in Jebel Ali, ICAD Cities I and IV, Ruwais, Saqr Port, and Fujairah Port.
Commenting on the MoU, Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, Acting CEO of Etihad Rail, said, "Agreements with aggregates producers such as GIBCA Crusher are essential for the evolution of the U.A.E.'s rail transport infrastructure, as it will form a vital part of the construction industry's supply chain. This will facilitate a more efficient delivery of aggregates from the Northern Emirates to construction markets not only within the U.A.E., but also within the region and abroad. The MoU with GIBCA Crusher reflects the support of business leaders across the U.A.E. for the remaining stages of the Etihad Rail network, which will in turn contribute to economic integration across the country." Sheikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Qasimi, GIBCA Group Corporate Development Director, added, "GIBCA Crushers was established soon after the U.A.E.'s formation. We are proud to say that the company has thrived in a competitive business environment where committed efforts are made to grow and diversify the U.A.E. economy. The MoU with Etihad Rail will allow GIBCA Crushers to enhance our existing supply chain to meet evolving business needs, ultimately helping us to cater more efficiently to our key markets in the U.A.E. and beyond." In addition to aggregates, the Etihad Rail network will be used to transport bulk and non-bulk materials, offering tailor-made solutions to differing customer needs. Network routes have been designed to accommodate all key customer sectors, with stations positioned to connect production hubs with points of import and export.
Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network will span approximately 1,200 kilometres across the Emirates. It will connect urban and peripheral communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development across all emirates in the U.A.E. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network, linking the U.A.E. to Saudi Arabia through Ghweifat in the west and Oman through Al Ain in the east.
Source: WAM