Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RSA Logistics (RSA), a leading Dubai-based third party logistics (3PL) provider. The MoU will pave the way for RSA to use the rail network for their transport needs in the UAE and cross-border services into neighbouring GCC countries. The MoU with Etihad Rail, which was signed by Mr. John Lesniewski, Acting Executive Director- Commercial, Etihad Rail and Mr. Abhishek Ajay Shah, Director of Operations and Business Development, RSA, will facilitate this growth, enhancing RSA's connectivity with its customers in the UAE and across the GCC.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, Mr. John Lesniewski, Acting Executive Director- Commercial, Etihad Rail, said: "Since its establishment, Etihad Rail has been strongly committed to fostering the growth of UAE businesses, and the MoU with RSA is testament to this. Etihad Rail's fully-integrated rail network will bolster RSA's expansion plans, particularly in light of the joint venture and its industry specific facilities and services in Dubai, and we are confident that rail will offer the transport solution necessary for long-term, sustainable growth."

Mr. Abhishek Ajay Shah, Director of Operations and Business Development at RSA, added: Our partnership with Etihad Rail is a strategic shift that further cements RSA's presence as a leading 3PL provider in the UAE and truly adds value as we seek to expand our existing operations and services. The use of rail will not only allow us to more efficiently meet customer requirements, but it is also aligned with our growth strategy, ensuring that we maintain competitiveness in the market.

RSA will utilise the rail network following the launch of Stage Two, which will link the railway to Mussafah, the Gulf ports of Khalifa and Jebel Ali and the Saudi and Omani borders. Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network will extend approximately 1,200 km across the Emirates, catering to both freight and passengers. It will connect urban and remote communities, facilitate trade, open up communication channels and foster economic development. The network will also form a vital part of the GCC Railway Network " linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.