The Good Neighbour

Our commitment to sustainable environmental and economic development

Etihad Rail understands the importance of being a good neighbour and is committed to the highest standards of sustainable and economic development across the entire National Railway Network.
About The Good Neighbour Commitment

Building the National Rail Network consciously

Built to the very highest international standards, Etihad Rail’s state-of-the-art network acts as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development. The railway will transform logistics and transport in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable network that connects the seven emirates of the UAE to its neighbouring GCC countries. The Good Neighbour is a series of initiatives designed to deliver our
commitment to sustainable and economic development of the National Rail Network. The cost-effective railway network incorporates energy efficiency and sustainability while providing unique solutions for freight movement, distribution, handling, logistics and clearances. The railway network will link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, and will form a vital part of the planned railway network across the GCC.

Driving Towards Net Zero emissions by 2050

At Etihad Rail, we are dedicated to supporting the UAE’s strategy of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Our rail network is set to play a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions from road transport by 21% annually by 2050, which is equivalent to removing 8.2 million tonnes of CO2. A single train trip will take up to 300 trucks from off the roads, resulting in reduced transportation expenses and decreased road maintenance costs. This not only bolsters road safety but also offers a seamless, secure, and fast methods for transporting goods across the country.
Rail transport is significantly more sustainable than other modes of transport.

Building the National Rail Network with safety at the core of everything we do

Fencing

All the Etihad Rail right-of-way corridors and facilities are segregated by different types of fencing, including boundary, sand mitigation, security, anti-dazzle and military fences. Fence installation ensures a secure environment for the rail network, keeping rail corridors safe and maintainable during operations while also providing a secure and well-maintained environment for people and wildlife in the surrounding areas.

The general public is invited to report any instances of fence incursions (animal, accidental, weather-related related etc.) on the Etihad Rail Emergency Number: 800 SIQA (800 – 7472).
Animal Crossings & Noise Control

We also built crossings and culverts for animals living in the UAE, including camels, gazelles, and reptiles.

As part of our efforts to be a ‘Good Neighbour’ to the environment and surrounding communities, we installed noise and visual barriers to avoid impacting the areas in close proximity to the network with any noise or vibrations.

Contractor Responsibilities

Etihad Rail has set out a comprehensive range of standards and guidelines to ensure that all contractors on site conform to a uniform, consistent, and acceptable level of environmental performance and to protect the bio-environmental conditions.

Environmental Protection

Etihad Rail works in close coordination with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, and the equivalent authorities throughout the Emirates, taking every precaution possible to preserve the UAE’s natural environment and heritage. Etihad Rail undertakes a range of measures, such as close monitoring of wildlife movement patterns and protecting their natural habitat, to ensure that any interference is minimised.

Etihad Rail has taken significant steps towards conservation, including relocating hundreds of trees and animals and is committed to preserving wildlife by implementing special crossings and no-horn zones, which minimize disturbances to local fauna, and ensure a balance between nature and progress. 
While trains are one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, Etihad Rail has taken further action to minimise its environmental impact, implementing the stringent standards employed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with regards to engine emission levels. Under these measures, Etihad Rail has ensured that its locomotives meet Tier 3 engine emission levels, which minimises environmental impact by monitoring and lowering exhaust emissions produced by locomotives, controlling nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter and carbon monoxide.

Environmental, Social, and Governance Strategy: Nurturing Sustainability at Etihad Rail

At Etihad Rail, our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is ingrained in our core values. We have developed a comprehensive ESG strategy that guides our initiatives, ensuring they align with international best practices and contribute significantly to sustainable development.
Our ESG Strategy serves as a blueprint to ensure Etihad Rail addresses Environmental, Social, and Governance factors.

Learn more about Etihad Rail

The UAE's National Railway Network.