DHL becomes the first logistics company to partner with Etihad Rail

The understanding with Etihad Rail highlights DHL's continued commitment towards meeting its environmental responsibilities, as when operational, one Etihad Rail train alone is expected to remove up to 300 trucks from the UAE's roads. The signing will also see DHL utilise and support the state-of-the-art transportation developments that the UAE has to offer.

The MoU announcement was made following a special signing ceremony at Etihad Rail's offices in Abu Dhabi, which was attended by Frank-Uwe Ungerer, Country Manager for DHL Express in the UAE, and Dr. Hazem Mobarak, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Rail.

The partnership will see DHL use the rail network as soon as Etihad Rail's second stage is operational, helping DHL first and foremost with connections between Jebel Ali in Dubai and Ghweifat at the Saudi Arabian border. The network will subsequently assist with transportation across the rest of the Emirates.

Commenting on the new agreement, Frank-Uwe Ungerer, Country Manager for DHL Express in the UAE, said: "We are delighted to be the first logistics company to collaborate with Etihad Rail. This is a new and innovative milestone for DHL in the UAE, which will enable us to further enhance our competitive logistical performance and develop our cross-border services, in order meet our customers growing logistical needs. The fact that this move will also help make a real difference to the local environment is another great bonus, and reflects Go Green, our global programme for environmental protection. This is part of our wider organisational strategy to operate responsibly in our local communities."

Dr. Hazem Mobarak, Acting CEO of Etihad Rail added: "The Etihad Rail project will provide a safe, cost-effective and more environmentally friendly mode of transport, bringing considerable benefits to businesses in their operations. We are very proud to be partnering with DHL, one of the world's leading logistics companies, to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly business solution for them in the UAE."

DHL has been a pioneer in the Middle East logistics industry over the last 30 years through its innovation, service excellence and commitment to providing customers with superior logistics solutions.