Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has awarded a major contract to National Transport & Contracting Company (NTCC) for the design and construction of employee residences in the Mirfa area of the UAE capital.

NTCC, a building company operating in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, said the housing complex will be built to the highest standards to accommodate employees of Etihad Rail DB – the operating partner for Stage One of the network.

The construction work on the accommodation facility was expected to be completed in the second half of 2016.

Etihad Rail DB signed a contract with NTCC to build 170 high-quality, serviced beachfront residential units equipped with advanced technology and entertainment systems.

Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, the acting chief executive officer at Etihad Rail, said: "Since Etihad Rail was founded and began construction in the Western Region, the board of directors has had a long-term vision to help drive economic prosperity in the region – in line with the wise direction and guidance of the UAE government and leadership – via investment opportunities in residential, educational, healthcare, and other facilities."

"The presence of Etihad Rail’s operating arm in Mirfa has helped identify our first opportunity to begin fulfilling this vision, with the development of a permanent employee residences in the Western Region," stated Al Mazrouei.

"Etihad Rail is also currently collaborating with the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) to explore further long-term investment prospects, given WRDC’s numerous initiatives to develop residential real estate for the private sector," he added.

Etihad Rail DB employees and contractors have been working in the Western Region for more than one year now, facilitating an indirect investment in the region’s businesses and facilities.

The appointment of NTCC marks a milestone that sees Etihad Rail directly creating jobs and enabling local businesses to grow and develop.

“Our selection of NTCC as a contractor is part of our wider strategy to support businesses that play a significant role in driving economic development and growth in the Western Region,” stated Al Mazrouei.

Shadi Malak, the acting chief executive of Etihad Rail DB, said its top priority was the safety and well-being of its employees.

"We are committed to going beyond conventional methods to reinforce this, as the environment and nature of our work are unique. Our plan to build a dedicated residential building for our employees is a prime example of this commitment," he stated.

"It will not only mitigate the safety risk of a commute from Abu Dhabi, but by establishing a comfortable, strategically-located community for our personnel, we are creating an environment where productivity can be maximised," added Malak.

NTCC chief executive Yasser Al Khaja said lauded the UAE leadership for their continuous support for private sector investments, which ultimately contribute to the economic development of the Western Region.

"We would also like to thank Etihad Rail DB for selecting NTCC to build these 170 world-class residential units, equipped with the latest technology and entertainment systems, which will also serve Mirfa’s residents and visitors with wider lifestyle and recreational opportunities," he added.-TradeArabia News Service