MAKING OF
ETIHAD RAIL Sustainable Transportation Solutions Joining forces to revolutionise logistics and transport with the industry players, Etihad Rail is all ready to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the UAE Anam Khan
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n the ever-evolving landscape of transportation and infrastructure, Etihad Rail’s state-of-the-art network stands as a beacon of progress and innovation. Built to international standards, the Etihad Rail is set to revolutionise logistics and transport in the region, propelling economic growth and fostering sustained social development. Etihad Rail’s vision goes far beyond providing a means of transportation; it aims to redefine the way goods are moved, distributed, and handled. With a focus on modernity, safety, efficiency, and sustainability, the network promises to deliver a seamless and cost-effective solution for freight movement, logistics, and clearances. The primary objective of Etihad Rail’s network is to connect the seven Emirates of the UAE. This ambitious undertaking will link the principal centres of population and industry, creating an interconnected web of commerce and opportunity. By bridging the gaps between cities and regions, the railway network will enable the efficient flow of goods, stimulating trade and bolstering economic activity. But Etihad Rail’s ambitions don’t stop at the UAE’s borders. It envisions a future where the railway network forms an integral part of the planned transportation infrastructure across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This interconnectedness will facilitate seamless cross-border trade, promoting regional collaboration and unlocking new avenues for growth.
One of the key strengths of Etihad Rail’s network lies in its emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability. The railway has been designed with a holistic approach, incorporating green practices to minimise environmental impact. By optimising energy consumption and reducing carbon emissions, the network sets a new benchmark for sustainable transportation in the region. Moreover, the cost-effective solutions offered by Etihad Rail present a gamechanger for businesses and industries that rely on efficient logistics. It opens up
new possibilities for businesses to reach markets and customers, fostering economic diversification and job creation. The railway catalyses inclusivity and growth, bringing people closer and fostering a sense of unity among the Emirates. With each passing milestone, Etihad Rail’s network will reinforce the UAE’s standing as a leader in infrastructure development, setting new benchmarks for the future. It is evidence of the country’s persistent commitment to ensuring both its citizens and the region as a whole have an affluent and sustainable future.
With the strategic alliances, Etihad Rail is leading the charge towards a more sustainable and interconnected future where transportation solutions align with environmental preservation and economic progress. The shared vision sets a powerful precedent for other industries to follow, showcasing the immense potential for innovation and collaboration in driving positive change for the UAE and beyond. Stevin Rock and Etihad Rail have joined forces in a strategic partnership that aims to pioneer sustainable transportation solutions for a brighter future. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the UAE’s development journey, with Etihad Rail playing a vital role in strengthening the country’s preparations for the future. The partnership between Stevin Rock and Etihad Rail supports the growth of the UAE’s construction sector and optimise Stevin Rock’s logistics platform, leading to reduced operating costs and carbon emissions. Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies also played a pivotal role in executing the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works for the depots and constructing the central operation and maintenance facility at Etihad Rail. As subcontractors to the joint venture between Vinci Construction France and Archirodon Construction, the company seamlessly coordinated various works with other contractors. Moving towards a new era of efficient and sustainable transportation, SGS Rail Services is also offering a comprehensive and holistic range of services ranging from independent control of all supplies to the project, checking the quality and completeness of dispatched goods, factory acceptance tests, loading/unloading supervision, process and welding procedure qualification, laboratory and construction material testing services, quality control and site supervision services, conventional and specialised nondestructive testing, technical staffing services and various solutions for infrastructure, track, signalling, rolling stock, maintenance etc.
FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION Murli S., Managing Director of Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies highlights how the company has delivered MEP excellence in Etihad Rail’s landmark venture
We executed the MEP works for the Depots, which included the construction of the central O&M facility at Al Faya, Abu Dhabi. This facility stands as the largest and most important on the network, responsible for warehousing, installations, operations, and the maintenance of locomotives and wagons. It also includes an administrative building to control the network’s operations.”
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n the ambitious undertaking of the Etihad Rail project, Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies has played a pivotal role in executing the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) works for the depots and constructing the central operation and maintenance (O&M) facility at Al Faya, Abu Dhabi. With a commitment to excellence, the company has contributed significantly to the success of this monumental project. Murli S., Managing Director of Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies, highlights insights into the company’s role and accomplishments. When asked about the role of Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies in the project, Murali highlighted the key responsibilities, stating: “We executed the MEP works for the Depots, which included the construction of the central O&M facility at Al Faya, Abu Dhabi. This facility stands as the largest and most important on the network, responsible for warehousing, installations, operations, and the maintenance of locomotives and wagons. It also includes an administrative building to control the network’s operations.” Collaborating as subcontractors to 2F1JV, a joint venture between Vinci Construction France and Archirodon Construction, Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies seamlessly coordinated HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drainage, fire fighting, fire alarm, and central battery works with other package contractors and Etihad Rail’s contractors. Despite the rigorous demands of a longlife rail project, their commitment to engineering, material selection, quality assurance, and efficient installation, testing, and commissioning ensured successful project completion Reflecting on the challenges encountered during the project, Murli S.
Murli S.
Managing Director Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies
acknowledged the rigorous demands of a rail project, including engineering, material selection, quality assurance, and installation testing and commissioning. However, he proudly stated, “Despite the challenges, Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies successfully worked on this monumental project, ensuring its successful completion.” Discussing the ethos and philosophy of the company, Murli S. emphasised the paramount importance of customer success. He said, “At Al-Futtaim Engineering
& Technologies, we firmly believe that the success of the end customer is of utmost significance. All contractors should strive to deliver assets on time and with the expected quality. For the Etihad Rail project, we achieved this goal.” Elaborating on the significance of the Etihad Rail project for the country’s development journey, Murli S. highlighted its economic impact. “Infrastructure spending by the government plays a vital role in growing the economy,” he stated. “The completion of the Etihad Rail proj-
ect will create a valuable rail network that will facilitate seamless movement of goods and services from the UAE’s borders to the Arabian Gulf, providing a substantial boost to the economy.” Technology played a crucial role in ensuring compliance and project safety throughout the Etihad Rail project. Murli S. discussed the utilisation of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for asset handover and future facilities management. He proudly stated, “We employed approximately 1.6 million
man-hours with just one minor accident. Our in-house developed app streamlined work issuance and productivity monitoring, providing clarity and alignment to the entire team.” Sustainability was also a key focus for Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies during the project. Murli S. highlighted the company’s commitment to effective waste reduction, segregation, and management. He stated: “Etihad Rail was an Estidama 2 Pearl project, and we worked diligently to ensure sustainability. Additionally, we encourage the use of batteryoperated and chargeable power tools to minimise our environmental impact. “ In conclusion, Murli S. expressed his confidence in Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies’ ability to take on future challenges in the transportation sector. He remarked, “With our expertise, capability, and qualified staff who have worked on prestigious projects, we are well-positioned to tackle upcoming transportation projects in the GCC and the Middle East. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering.” As Al Futtaim Engineering & Technologies continues to leave a lasting impact on major transport infrastructure projects, their dedication to delivering projects of exceptional quality and their ability to overcome challenges position them as a trusted partner in the industry.
MAKING OF ETIHAD RAIL Ushering In A Positive Future Moving towards a new era of efficient and sustainable transportation, Hakan Sebükcebe, Managing Director, SGS Middle East, emphasise how the company is connecting people, boosting economies, and paving the way for a brighter future while ensuring safety and quality in the Middle East
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he infrastructural development projects in the Middle East region are designed on connectivity derived from high-speed rail and city metro lines. In the rapid urbanisation and city planning process, rail transport is considered a very efficient transportation mode for passengers and cargo. Rail projects are changing the transportation landscape by providing efficient, safe and sustainable transport options. There are quite a few exciting projects planned / underway in the region. These will connect people and places like never before and shape ahead the future of rail travel. Emerging cross-country rail networks can have positive impacts across economies. It can facilitate cross-border trade, open new markets, operations and speed people from one hotspot of one country to the other. SGS Rail Services To ensure the reliability of railway operations, safety assurance is of utmost importance to be followed up and maintained by a framework of periodic inspections and testing programmes. To meet the railway industry’s needs, its various standards and legislation requirements — SGS offers a comprehensive and holistic range of services ranging
His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, joins Shadi Malak, CEO, Etihad Rail and Naser Bustami, GM, Stevin Rock for the signing of a significant agreement.
Partnership For Progress
Stevin Rock and Etihad Rail collaborate for a strategic partnership, pioneering sustainable transportation solutions for a brighter future
Hakan Sebükcebe Managing Director SGS Middle East
Rail projects are changing the transportation landscape by providing efficient, safe and sustainable transport options. There are quite a few exciting projects - planned / underway in the region. These will connect people and places like never before and shape ahead the future of rail travel. from independent control of all supplies to the project, checking the quality and completeness of dispatched goods, factory acceptance tests, loading/unloading supervision, process and welding procedure qualification, laboratory and construction material
testing services, quality control and site supervision services, conventional and specialised non-destructive testing, technical staffing services and various solutions for infrastructure, track, signalling, rolling stock, maintenance etc.
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tevin Rock is proud to witness this step and further drive the success of Etihad Rail in developing the strategic national project. Etihad Rail is an important milestone in the UAE’s development journey and an ambitious project that contributes to strengthening the country’s preparations for the future. The important collaboration between Stevin Rock and Etihad Rail contributes to the growth of UAE’s construction sector and will support Stevin Rock’s ongoing drive to optimise its logistics platform, lowering both its operating costs and carbon emissions. Stevin Rock is proud to sign an agreement for a strategic partnership for sustainable transportation between Etihad Rail and Stevin Rock. We are one of the largest quarrying companies that provide high-quality construction materials to transport 3.50 million tons of aggregates annually
from its Al Ghail mine in Ras Al Khaimah to the Abu Dhabi Port ICAD terminal to customers via rail. Stevin Rock is in extensive discussions with Etihad Rail to enhance the logistics rail network to its other mines and delivery locations. Stevin Rock was one of the key suppliers of Rail Track Ballast, which is an essential part of any rail construction project, from its mine in Karda to various contractors of Etihad Rail. The partnership reinforces Stevin Rock’s resilience and accelerates the distribution of its products using more sustainable modes of transport, this partnership will contribute to redirecting substantial value to the local economy in support of growth and economic diversification in the country. The company extends its sincere appreciation to the government entities in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah for their momentous support in making this partnership a success, particularly after the consecutive achievements that we have made, most recently connecting the railway freight station in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) with the Al Ghail Railway freight station in Ras Al Khaimah. Stevin Rock continues moving on the track towards perpetuating its success story with the support of the great visionary leaders who are contributing to the enhancement of the UAE’s infrastructure sector.
ONE OF THE LARGEST QUARRYING COMPANIES IN THE WORLD
www.stevinrock.ae
PO Box 559, Ras Al Khaimah +971 7 258 8666 info@stevinrock.com
