Etihad Rail and Abu Dhabi Ports Launch Direct Freight Service Between Fujairah and Abu Dhabi

Etihad Rail has partnered with Abu Dhabi's port operator to introduce a new direct cargo route linking Fujairah to the UAE capital, aimed at easing road congestion and enhancing freight efficiency. Spearheaded by Etihad Rail Freight and Abu Dhabi Ports, the rail connection runs from Fujairah Terminals to the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (Icad), marking a major milestone in expanding the UAE National Rail Network.

The dedicated service allows goods arriving in Fujairah to travel straight to Icad by train. At this destination, customers can utilize customs clearance, inspection, and cargo release services located conveniently near their operations in Abu Dhabi. To facilitate the initiative, Icad has received its own UN Locode—a geographic coding system managed by the United Nations European Commission for Europe used to identify global ports, airports, and terminals. This designation enables shipping lines, freight forwarders, and cargo owners to book shipments directly to Icad as the final destination and clearance hub.

The system caters to importers, exporters, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers across Abu Dhabi, positioning cargo closer to warehouses, production sites, and end markets. By minimizing reliance on secondary road transport, the route shortens transit distances and fosters more streamlined end-to-end supply chains.

“The launch of our new Fujairah-Icad rail service represents another important step in unlocking the potential of the UAE National Rail Network for our customers,” stated Omar Alsebeyi, chief executive of Etihad Rail Freight. He added that the collaboration with AD Ports Group establishes an innovative logistics framework that extends beyond mere transportation by placing essential port services closer to end users.

Saif Al Mazrouei, chief executive for the Ports Cluster at Abu Dhabi Ports Group, emphasized the flexibility the new corridor provides. “Through our partnership with Etihad Rail Freight, we are enabling more seamless, reliable and resilient cargo flows, while providing businesses with greater flexibility in how they access markets and manage their supply chains,” he noted.

This freight milestone follows other recent achievements for Etihad Rail, including the transport of a consignment of Nissan vehicles from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi in partnership with Al Masaood Automobiles. Meanwhile, the network's passenger services continue to expand, with additional stations slated to open across the UAE in the coming months, including locations in Dubai, Sharjah, and the Al Dhafra region.