Latest news with #ShadiMalak
Arabian Business
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Etihad Rail to launch passenger service in 2026
Etihad Rail will launch its UAE passenger train service next year, according to a statement from the transport operator. When complete, the high-speed train is expected to contribute AED145bn ($39.5bn) to the UAE's GDP over the next five decades. It will also slash travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 30 minutes. Etihad Rail to launch passenger journeys in 2026 In a post on X, Etihad Rail said: 'We're honoured to have been hosted by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, where H.H. Sheikh Hamdan received a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace, led by H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO. 'During the meeting, we briefed His Highness on the latest developments of the UAE National Railway Network and the passenger train service, which is set to launch in 2026. 'The project stands as one of the country's largest strategic transportation projects, reflecting His Highness's ongoing commitment to monitoring national projects and his continued support for infrastructure development initiatives across the UAE'.
Gulf Business
15-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
UAE's Etihad Rail eyes passenger service launch for 2026
Image credit: Etihad Rail/X account Etihad Rail has announced that its high-speed passenger train service is scheduled to launch in 2026. The announcement was made via the company's official X (formerly Twitter) account. We're honoured to have been hosted by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, where H.H. Sheikh Hamdan received a delegation from Etihad Rail at Al Dhanna Palace, led by H.E. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail. During the meeting, we… — Etihad Rail (@Etihad_Rail) First Operating at speeds of up to 350km/h, the train will stop at six key stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, as well as Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf in Dubai. Once completed, the Etihad Rail network will As part of a joint venture formed after a 2022 agreement between the governments of the UAE and Oman, The expansion of the network has enabled the launch of Etihad Rail's freight operations, with the carrier expected to transport up to 60 million tonnes annually by 2030. In 2022, Etihad Rail also announced that the first passenger station would be located in Fujairah and will eventually connect 11 regions across the UAE.
Time Out Dubai
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
Etihad Rail passenger service to launch in 2026
It's one of the most highly anticipated projects in the history of the UAE – and it looks like it's coming soon. Etihad Rail is a much-needed project which will eventually connect all seven emirates and significantly reduce travel times between the UAE's largest cities. Railway tracks are already in place across the country, but are currently only being used by freight and cargo services. However, it has been revealed that Etihad Rail's passenger service will finally be up and running in 2026. News of when Etihad Rail will be available for passengers comes following a meeting between Etihad Rail CEO Shadi Malak and Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region on Friday May 9. The pair discussed the completed phases, particularly those within Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi, and future expansion plans to link the service with other GCC countries. Hafeet Rail, a project linking the UAE and Oman, was announced last year. Once open for travel, the number of passengers is expected to reach 36.5 million annually. While the passenger service is expected to launch in 2026, it is unclear whether or not all planned locations will be available on day one. Every train will seat over 400 passengers and will run up to 200km per hour. There will be a variety of seating segments to choose from including first class, business class and economy. Map of the Etihad Rail's route. (Credit: Etihad Rail) The 900km-long Etihad Rail passenger train network will connect 11 cities across the seven emirates in the UAE. The first passenger train station will be built in Sakamkam, Fujairah, at the heart of Fujairah city. In March 2024, it was also announced that the second passenger station will be constructed near the University City of Sharjah. The other two emirates to initially be included in the Etihad Rail passenger service will be Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It will stretch from Al Sila to Fujairah including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. As part of plans related to expanding Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, it was revealed that an Etihad Rail passenger station will be located nearby. Travelling from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and from Dubai to Fujairah will only take 50 minutes each in the future on the national service. Earlier in 2025, it was revealed that a high-speed rail project between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is also in the pipeline, which will reduce travel times to just 30 minutes. Looking for things to do in Dubai? 112 amazing things to do in Dubai in 2025 Everything to tick off your Dubai bucket list The best Saturday brunches in Dubai to try this weekend (whatever your budget) You need to try these brunches at least once Here's how to eat at 12 expensive Dubai restaurants for less Yes, even at the Burj Al Arab
Mid East Info
09-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Abdullah bin Zayed Witnesses Signing of MoUs to Develop Railway Infrastructure in Uganda and Kenya - Middle East Business News and Information
Shadi Malak: The cooperation reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with African nations and advancing sustainable transport systems. Etihad Rail signs MoUs to exchange knowledge, transfer expertise and strengthen transport systems in Uganda and Kenya Partnerships Reflect UAE's Efforts to Strengthen Relations with African Nations and Achieve Sustainable Economic Prosperity Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, and the governments of Uganda and Kenya. The Government of Uganda was represented by the Ministry of Works and Transport, while Kenya was represented by Kenya Railways Company. The MoUs were signed as part of His Highness's official visit to several African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, which aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation and establish partnerships across various development sectors, particularly economic, trade, investment, energy, and transport. In Uganda, the signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, where His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, signed the MoU with His Excellency General Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport of Uganda. In Kenya, the MoU was signed by His Excellency Shadi Malak and Philip J. Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways in the presence of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya. The signing of these MoUs aims to strengthen frameworks for cooperation, transfer expertise, and exchange knowledge to enhance transport systems. These agreements are part of a series of MoUs the UAE has signed with several African countries, in line with its efforts to deepen relations, foster growth, and achieve greater sustainable economic prosperity. This comes just days after the signing of MoUs between Etihad Rail and both the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Chad during a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by Etihad Rail in Abu Dhabi earlier this month in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. This series of agreements highlights the UAE's commitment to advancing sustainable transport systems and enhancing regional connectivity across Africa. Strengthening Regional Connectivity Through Bilateral Partnerships: His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, commented: 'These MoUs reflect the UAE's dedication to fostering long-term partnerships with African nations to advance sustainable transport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic transformation and regional integration across East Africa. We are honoured to partner with the governments of Uganda and Kenya to support their bold vision for railway development. Together, we will explore opportunities that deliver lasting value, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen trade corridors, contributing to a more prosperous future for the region.' The MoU with Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Works and Transport, focuses on enhancing the logistics capabilities of Uganda's railway network and supporting cross-border trade. By leveraging the UAE's expertise in creating new opportunities for economic growth and regional connectivity, this partnership aims to modernize Uganda's national railway network and promote regional trade. Similarly, the MoU with Kenya emphasizes technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and conducting feasibility studies to renew Kenya's national railway network. This partnership seeks to develop transport systems that strengthen regional integration and highlights the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable infrastructure solutions. Kenya and Uganda: Key Players in Regional Development As leading economies in East Africa, Kenya and Uganda play pivotal roles in regional trade and connectivity. The partnerships with Etihad Rail underscore the UAE's belief in the transformative power of integrated transport systems to drive economic growth, facilitate trade, and strengthen regional ties, in line with the status of both countries in the regional development landscape. Sharing Expertise for Sustainable Growth: Through the exchange of knowledge and expertise and the enhancement of cooperation, Etihad Rail reaffirms its commitment to contributing to the development of sustainable railway infrastructure that drives economic growth in the region and across Africa by sharing its pioneering experience in developing transport systems and infrastructure in the UAE.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Abdullah bin Zayed witnesses signing of MoUs to develop railway infrastructure in Uganda and Kenya
Shadi Malak: The cooperation reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with African nations and advancing sustainable transport systems. Partnerships Reflect UAE's Efforts to Strengthen Relations with African Nations and Achieve Sustainable Economic Prosperity Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, witnessed the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, and the governments of Uganda and Kenya. The Government of Uganda was represented by the Ministry of Works and Transport, while Kenya was represented by Kenya Railways Company. The MoUs were signed as part of His Highness's official visit to several African countries, including Uganda and Kenya, which aimed to explore opportunities for cooperation and establish partnerships across various development sectors, particularly economic, trade, investment, energy, and transport. In Uganda, the signing ceremony took place in the presence of His Excellency Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, where His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, signed the MoU with His Excellency General Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport of Uganda. In Kenya, the MoU was signed by His Excellency Shadi Malak and Philip J. Mainga, Managing Director of Kenya Railways in the presence of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya. The signing of these MoUs aims to strengthen frameworks for cooperation, transfer expertise, and exchange knowledge to enhance transport systems. These agreements are part of a series of MoUs the UAE has signed with several African countries, in line with its efforts to deepen relations, foster growth, and achieve greater sustainable economic prosperity. This comes just days after the signing of MoUs between Etihad Rail and both the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Chad during a high-level ministerial meeting hosted by Etihad Rail in Abu Dhabi earlier this month in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. This series of agreements highlights the UAE's commitment to advancing sustainable transport systems and enhancing regional connectivity across Africa. Strengthening Regional Connectivity Through Bilateral Partnerships His Excellency Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, commented: "These MoUs reflect the UAE's dedication to fostering long-term partnerships with African nations to advance sustainable transport infrastructure as a catalyst for economic transformation and regional integration across East Africa. We are honoured to partner with the governments of Uganda and Kenya to support their bold vision for railway development. Together, we will explore opportunities that deliver lasting value, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen trade corridors, contributing to a more prosperous future for the region.' The MoU with Uganda, represented by the Ministry of Works and Transport, focuses on enhancing the logistics capabilities of Uganda's railway network and supporting cross-border trade. By leveraging the UAE's expertise in creating new opportunities for economic growth and regional connectivity, this partnership aims to modernize Uganda's national railway network and promote regional trade. Similarly, the MoU with Kenya emphasizes technical cooperation, knowledge exchange, and conducting feasibility studies to renew Kenya's national railway network. This partnership seeks to develop transport systems that strengthen regional integration and highlights the importance of international collaboration in achieving sustainable infrastructure solutions. Kenya and Uganda: Key Players in Regional Development As leading economies in East Africa, Kenya and Uganda play pivotal roles in regional trade and connectivity. The partnerships with Etihad Rail underscore the UAE's belief in the transformative power of integrated transport systems to drive economic growth, facilitate trade, and strengthen regional ties, in line with the status of both countries in the regional development landscape. Sharing Expertise for Sustainable Growth Through the exchange of knowledge and expertise and the enhancement of cooperation, Etihad Rail reaffirms its commitment to contributing to the development of sustainable railway infrastructure that drives economic growth in the region and across Africa by sharing its pioneering experience in developing transport systems and infrastructure in the UAE.
