Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network, has signed a deal with National Quarries, a leading supplier of aggregates and construction materials in the emirates.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding, which will unlock a wide range of benefits for National Quarries, which will use the 1,200-km Etihad Rail network to distribute its products within the UAE and across the GCC.

Under the partnership, Etihad Rail will help National Quarries to achieve faster and more consistent transit times, lower its overall logistics costs and increase its capacity, by providing a cost-efficient and reliable transport solution - especially across long haul distances.

Hamad Ali Saif Lootah, chairman of Al Jazeera Investment, owner of National Quarries, said: “This new agreement with Etihad Rail will transform how we do business.  As for any company in our sector, logistics is one of the biggest operational costs. Etihad Rail will provide us with a more economical and reliable transport system that will greatly benefit our operations as we continue our regional expansion.

“Its new logistics strategy for bulk transportation will enable us to have forward distribution centres closer to our customers and ensure better quality control for our products.”

Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, acting CEO of Etihad Rail, said: “This enhanced connectivity will bring businesses closer together, extending geographic markets, making a greater labour force available, and facilitating more efficient trade.  

“Partnerships with key local companies such as National Quarries is a cornerstone of this integration and a major factor in the positive impact that Etihad Rail will have on the local – and regional – economy. “ - TradeArabia News Service