Etihad Rail Unveils Groundbreaking Customs Corridor Connecting Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals
INDUSTRIAL NEWS
In a significant leap forward for the logistics and transport sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Etihad Rail has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with several key stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi Customs, Fujairah Customs, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Fujairah Terminals, and Noatum Logistics. The newly established “Bonded Rail Corridor” aims to create a vital connection between Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Fujairah Terminals, thereby revolutionizing the movement of goods across the nation.
This announcement was made during the second edition of Global Rail 2025, a gathering that underscores the growing importance of rail infrastructure in facilitating trade and investment globally. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a senior government official and Chairman of Etihad Rail, was present to witness the signing of this preliminary agreement, marking it as a pivotal moment for the enhancement of the UAE’s logistics framework.
During the event, Sheikh Theyab described the initiative as an essential milestone in augmenting the nation’s logistics and trade infrastructure. He highlighted the crucial role that rail transport plays in bolstering the economy of the UAE, particularly in light of the nation’s ambitious Net Zero 2050 targets. The Customs Corridor is expected not only to enhance operational efficiency but also to elevate safety standards in the transport of goods, securing the UAE’s status as a major hub for global commerce.
The newly established Customs Corridor promises to offer multiple advantages for Etihad Rail’s clientele. The initiative is designed to streamline the movement of goods between Khalifa Port and Fujairah Terminals, including the various adjacent free zones, significantly reducing the time required for customs clearance. This enhancement is set to be achieved through the implementation of coordinated pre-inquiry procedures, with final customs formalities carried out at the destination of the goods.
Moreover, through this collaboration, the corridor will facilitate safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics operations, ultimately contributing to a robust freight transport system across the UAE’s national railway network. The project’s ambition extends to establishing advanced end-to-end logistics services, ensuring smooth transitions from point of origin to destination.
Goods transported through the Etihad Rail system will enjoy the added advantage of priority clearance within customs frameworks, offering expedited processing for shipments. This will greatly benefit various sectors relying on swift logistical solutions, including those engaged in transit shipments, exports, and domestic movement of goods between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Fujairah.
The pilot phase for operations within the Customs Corridor is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, underscoring the initiative’s relatively swift timeline. As the launch date approaches, Etihad Rail is actively engaging with relevant authorities and stakeholders—working to formalize cooperation frameworks, activate the range of services and benefits, and establish performance monitoring systems intended to uphold rigorous standards of efficiency and quality.
Looking toward the future, project partners envision an expansion of the Customs Corridor network, integrating additional train stations and rolling out innovative services powered by cutting-edge technology. This ambitious undertaking is aligned with the UAE’s overarching vision to implement advanced customs procedures, enhance safety in transportation, and contribute to ongoing sustainability efforts at a national level. As this corridor evolves, it seeks to meet international standards and bolster critical trade routes, thereby further positioning the UAE as a preeminent hub for both regional and global trade and logistics.
The inception of the Customs Corridor marks a promising chapter in the UAE’s journey towards becoming a logistics powerhouse, facilitating not only domestic trade but also enhancing its role as a strategic player in international markets. With ongoing innovations and improvements, the initiative will play a critical role in shaping the future of rail transport in the Middle East.
-TradeArabia News Service
Tags: #BusinessNews, #TransportNews, #UAE